Condensation of exhaust flue gas from a biomass boiler with a integrated fine dust separation

01.03.2008 - 31.08.2011
Research funding project
The present research project concerns on the one hand flue gas condensation and on the other hand separation of respirable dust (PM 10 and PM 2,5) from the flue gas of biomass combustors. Especially the following targets should be addressed: Cost effectivity, energy efficiency, increased market share of biomass, reduction of emissions and neutrality in matters of climate gases. The following two arguments can be applied to the current situation: - Flue gas condensation has not captured the market of biomass combustors, - Systems of low or medium thermal power class are operated actually without fine dust separation systems. At large plants complex and expensive systems are available. According to these facts the project can be identified as mission oriented. At biomass furnaces flue gas condensation could increase energy efficiency considerable; values of about 100 % (relating to the net calorific value) and more are possible if the recovered low-temperature heat can be utilized. For the use of that heat a new concept will be investigated using thermodynamic simulation and the following steps of optimization. A further frequent problem in connection to flue gas condensation is the caking of dust at heat exchanger surfaces. This problem as well as the requested separation of respirable dust should be solved within one multifunctional device. Following that strategy an electric precipitator will be necessary no longer, instead of that effects from nature concerning formation of dew (nucleation) are utilised. Before utilization, these effects have to be analysed, amplified, optimized, tested and verified. CFD is a very useful tool for that task, but some adjustments in the field of modelling will be necessary, to be able to describe the phenomena of heat transfer and nucleation-induced condensation. For verification the test devices (allocated by the industrial partner) will be investigated using biomass furnaces with a thermal output of about 100 kW. The question of corrosion-resistance will be taken into consideration from the outset. Steps of improvement and redesign are taken into account. Compared to currently available technology the new device will be cost- efficient, multifunctional, space-saving and easy to operate.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Grant funds

  • FFG - Österr. Forschungsförderungs- gesellschaft mbH (National) Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

Research focus

  • Climate Neutral, Renewable and Conventional Energy Supply Systems: 100%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
Rauchgaskondensationexhaust flue gas condensation
Feinstaubparticulate matter
Biomassebiomass

Publications