Operation of waste-to-energy-plant optimisations by using design exploration

Abstract

Nowadays, a part of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) of higher calorific value is usually used as a fuel in Waste-To-Energy-Plant (WTEP) which uses bed combustion process in a grate furnace. The properties and structure of MSW are very variable, so the complete combustion and emissions on the reasonable level are often very hard to achieve. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with different CFD codes is often used to analyse the situation in the WTEP. In this paper, the CFD simulation within ANSYS 13.0 software package and in WORKBENCH 2.0 environment is used and supplementary optimisation’s methods are employed by using design explorer approach to achieve the target - optimised values of the input and output parameters which have been defined in order to indicate the complete combustion in the furnace. Furthermore, input and output parameters interaction can be found and presented and measured. On this basis, the optimal operating conditions and optimal combustion chamber dimensions are established through decision support systems in order to assure the complete combustion process with minimal emissions on the environment. Moreover, these requirements should be taken into account to enhance the operation conditions in the existing furnace or in research, development or project phase. In this way, the costs and time in these activities can be reduced. This approach has benefits because it can be used in other furnaces which use other fuels such as biomass, waste-oils or coal.