Boiler Performance Optimization using Fuzzy Logic Controller

This paper considers an approach to design a controller used for the air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) optimization in the combustion process of a power plant boiler. The optimization of the AFR will reduce the excess air level and improve the combustion efficiency in a boiler system. The combustion improvement indicates a boiler operating cost savings. The fuzzy logic controller, which is a method of a rule-base decision making based on human knowledge, was developed for the combustion process and its variables were compared with the classical PI controller to verify the performance and effectiveness of fuzzy logic controller. Simulation results demonstrate how the designed fuzzy logic controller performs well to the optimization of the AFR in the combustion process and applying the controller to the combustion process will result in significant operating annual cost savings in boiler operation.