Efficiency of Peat Combustion in a Low Capacity Boiler: Analysis of Peat Reserves in the Arkhangelsk Region and Efficiency of Its Energy Use

Abstract

An effective way of the complex solution of energy and ecological problems while providing heating loads for consumers is the use of modern devices operating on solid biofuel and peat. The objectives of the work are: an analysis of peat reserves in the fields of Arkhangelsk region and a study of thermotechnical characteristics for some of them; a determination of factors determining the prospects for the use of peat in the regional economy; an experimental and estimated study of energy and environmental performance of the Firematic 60 boiler operating on granulated or sod peat. The components of the boiler’s heat balance have been determined. Emissions of particulate matter and the content of soot particles have been studied. Numerical simulation of thermochemical processes and aerodynamics of the boiler’s combustion chamber with the use of the Ansys Fluent software has been carried out. The performed studies have shown that the boiler provides high energy and environmental performance while operating on biofuel or granulated peat, and it is necessary to use it in the heat supply systems in the conditions of the Arctic region especially. Effective combustion of sod peat with high heterogeneity of the size distribution cannot be implemented in the boiler without installing an ash collector and introducing significant amendments in the system of collection and removal of combustion residues providing protection from their ignition.