Article
Thermodynamics
Hariana, Hanafi Prida Putra, Prabowo, Edi Hilmawan, Arif Darmawan, Keiichi Mochida, Muhammad Aziz
Summary: This study investigated the potential slagging and fouling when co-firing coal with different biomasses and found that co-firing coal with palm oil empty fruit bunch-frond, wood chip, or rice husk at a 25% blend offered similar combustion characteristics, gas emissions, ash deposits, and mineralogy. Co-firing with less than 25% solid recovered fuel requires further investigation to mitigate the slagging and fouling tendency. These findings are important for identifying suitable biomass fuels for co-firing with coal in power plants.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuan Lv, Liang Xu, Yanqing Niu, Guangyao Wang, Yu Lei, Haiyu Huang, Shi'en Hui
Summary: Co-firing with coal can reduce the severe slagging during biomass combustion, but it results in higher deposition efficiency than in unblended coal/biomass combustion. The deposition efficiency showed a nonmonotonic downward trend as biomass fractions increased, with intensified sintering degree. Formation of Ca sulfates and Fe-AAEMs aluminosilicates during co-firing enriched Ca, S, Al, and Fe in deposits, promoting melt-induced agglomeration.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chong He, Yujia Du, Xingrui Cai, Jirui Wang, Yuhong Qin, Zibing Zhao, Huaizhu Li, Stanislav V. Vassilev, Christina G. Vassileva
Summary: The high contents of certain ash-forming elements in biomass ash can cause ash-related problems during co-gasification of coal and biomass, affecting gasifier operation. In this study, the sintering behavior of different ash mixtures was investigated and the sintering mechanism was revealed through phase studies. The results showed that the sintering temperature reached its minimum at a specific blending ratio of Jatropha seed cake ash in the coal-biomass ash mixture. The presence of specific crystalline phases and the transition of phosphorus from fluxing effect to refractory effect played important roles in the sintering process. These findings can be used for predicting the ash sintering temperature in coal-biomass gasifiers.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sebastian Zapata, Maider Gomez, Carmen Bartolome, Paula Canalis, Javier Royo
Summary: Agropellets, produced from a blend of forestry wood, wheat straw, and maize stalk, have been studied for their combustion behavior and the occurrence of sintering and deposition. The results showed that the degree of ash sintering was related to the composition and dependent on the Si content. An increase in wood content didn't necessarily improve the quality of the final blend. Despite the complexity of deposition, the combustion behavior was satisfactory. It has also been demonstrated that agro-industries can act as Integrated Biomass Logistic Centres (IBLCs) for producing blended pellets that meet industry standards.
Article
Thermodynamics
Lang Liu, Shan Ren, Jian Yang, Donghai Jiang, Junjiang Guo, Yubao Pu, Xianpiao Meng
Summary: The co-combustion of biomass and coal gangue can reduce SO2 emissions and decrease ash fouling/slagging tendency. Research findings suggest that at a CG blending ratio <40%, K mainly forms K2SO4 and KAlSi3O8, while at a CG blending ratio >40%, it mainly forms KAlSi3O8.
Article
Thermodynamics
Seyedhassan Fakourian, Matt Roberts, Jinze Dai
Summary: This study applies an original ash deposition model to simulate the combustion of pure coal and its blends with woody biomasses in a 1.5 MWTH combustor. The model has been validated with different solid fuels in a smaller scale combustor and this is the first study under industrially relevant conditions. The model considers four essential deposition mechanisms and employs a novel approach to determine sticking efficiency.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hairui Wang, Tuo Zhou, Xuemei Tan, Nan Hu, Yu Wang, Hairui Yang, Man Zhang
Summary: The high alkaline metal content in biomass leads to low initial sintering temperature, causing ash deposition and slagging during biomass combustion for power generation. A novel device for measuring the sintering temperature of biomass ash using the pressure drop method is proposed in this article. The device consists of a two-chamber system that captures the released alkali element to improve the accuracy of the measurement. The results show that the sintering mechanisms of different biomass types are different, and the double chamber measurement method provides more accurate results than the traditional single chamber method.
Article
Thermodynamics
Siqi Liu, Yanqing Niu, Liping Wen, Yaqian Kang, Yufeng Wang, Denghui Wang, Shi'en Hui
Summary: The study focuses on the impact of ash minerals and the mechanisms of ash film and ash dilution on char reactivity during the burnout stage. The research aims to provide detailed data on the variation of ash film fraction with carbon conversion ratio, and integrate it into the kinetic model to predict the behavior of ash minerals during combustion.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongli Fan, Fenghai Li, Qianqian Guo, Mingxi Guo
Summary: The study found that peanut hull ash has effects on the initial sintering and fusion temperatures of high melting coal ashes, causing a continuous decrease in initial sintering temperatures and the formations of various mineral phases in coal ash mixtures.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Wenju Shi, Jin Bai, Lingxue Kong, Huaizhu Li, Zongqing Bai, Stanislav V. Vassilev, Wen Li
Summary: The issues related to coal ash have hindered the industrialization of entrained flow gasification, but through exploration and research on the fusion process of coal ash, certain indices for evaluating sintering and slagging severity can be identified. Additionally, research on mineral transformation, molecular dynamics simulations, and kinetic analysis play crucial roles in studying the ash fusion mechanism.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siim Link, Patrik Yrjas, Daniel Lindberg, Andres Trikkel, Valdek Mikli
Summary: This study investigated the melting behavior of fuel ash blends of reed, pine wood pellets and Douglas fir wood chips. Various methods were used to examine the morphology and composition of the ash samples at different temperatures. The results revealed different reactions and gas releases during the melting process.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xuesen Kou, Jing Jin, Yongzhen Wang, Yanhui Li, Fengxiao Hou, Angjian Wu
Summary: The interaction characteristics of calcium and iron during the combustion of Zhundong high-iron coal were investigated experimentally and via molecular dynamics simulation. The results revealed the different forms of iron in the coal and the characteristics of the formed ash deposition. The interaction between iron and calcium resulted in the melting of the slag and changes in viscosity, aggravating ash deposition issues.
Article
Thermodynamics
Dorota Nowak-Wozny, Wieslaw Ferens, Janusz Wach
Summary: This paper presents the results of alternating current electrical tests conducted on ashes of selected solid fuels (biomass and coal from Polish mines). It aims to supplement the current knowledge on the sintering state of biomass and coal ash by using an alternating current method and comparing the results with thermogravimetric and calorimetric tests, statistical analysis, and thermodynamic equilibria. The study also includes ultimate and proximate analysis of the fuels, as well as dissipation factor measurements and calculation of activation energy for the sintering process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maofei Niu, Lin Xin, Weimin Cheng, Shuqin Liu, Bowei Wang, Weihao Xu
Summary: This paper investigated the pressurized pyrolysis characteristics during deep underground coal gasification. The results showed that pressurized pyrolysis changed the gas composition and promoted surface deformation and pore structure formation of semicoke.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jingkun Han, Dunxi Yu, Jianqun Wu, Xin Yu, Fangqi Liu, Minghou Xu
Summary: Torrefaction has different effects on the ash slagging behavior during biomass and coal co-combustion. Co-firing biomass with high-Ca coal reduces the ash slagging rate, while co-firing biomass with high-Si/Al coal exacerbates the slagging tendency. Torrefaction can reduce the ash slagging rate of sawdust but increase it for other fuels. Measures such as optimizing operation conditions, co-firing with high-Ca coals, and using additives are suggested to alleviate the ash slagging during torrefied herbaceous biomass combustion.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiankang Wang, Pengnan Ma, Hanxiao Meng, Fangzheng Cheng, Hao Zhou
Summary: X-ray computed tomography scanning was used to analyze the pore parameters in different areas of iron ore sintering bed. A pore skeleton structure model was established to study the characteristics of airflow channels. The results showed that porosity gradually increased from the raw material zone to the sintered zone, and the flow streamline in the sintered zone was thicker and denser, resulting in lower airflow resistance and pressure drop.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fangzheng Cheng, Yang Zou, Yifan Zhu, Xinyi Wang, Bida Xie, Yan Rong, Xinfeng Yu, Hao Zhou
Summary: This paper examines the feasibility of using a liquid working medium in a solid heat storage body. A pilot-scale thermal energy storage unit with a channel-embedded solid body was studied. The results show that the unit has a thermal energy storage capacity of approximately 1.054 x 10(6) kJ, and its performance is better than that of a unit using air as the working medium.
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuguo Ni, Yan Rong, Xinfeng Yu, Shengyao Huang, Xue Xue, Hao Zhou
Summary: The study investigated the decomposition characteristics of Ammonium bisulfate (ABS; NH4HSO4) and ash blend deposition after heating. The results showed that extending the heating time could alleviate the agglomeration of ash particles. The main minerals in the deposition were identified, and the content of ABS and ammonium sulfate (AS) was analyzed after heating.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laiquan Lv, Shengyao Huang, Kefa Cen, Hao Zhou
Summary: This article investigates the advantages and limitations of polyols as long-term thermal energy storage materials. It is found that xylitol and its binary eutectic mixtures can remain uncrystallized for up to 300 days at room temperature. Additionally, three additives are identified to effectively trigger the crystallization process of xylitol and its mixtures. The experimental results demonstrate their high crystallization heat, maximum crystallization temperature, short time to reach maximum crystallization temperature, and satisfactory energy efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laiquan Lv, Yang Zou, Shengyao Huang, Xinyi Wang, Rongyu Shao, Xue Xue, Yan Rong, Hao Zhou
Summary: In this article, a pilot-scale latent heat storage system with different fin structures and phase change material (PCM) was designed and tested. The results showed that the tubes with spiral fins had the best heat transfer performance, while the smooth tubes had the worst. The vertical temperature difference in the thermal energy storage unit was more significant than the horizontal difference. The charging efficiency of the system was calculated to be 66.48%.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiang Liu, Lei Zhang, Kelang Jin, Xue Xue, Hao Zhou
Summary: A flexible retrofitting method for thermal-energy-storage-coupled thermal power units is proposed, and detailed analysis and comparative data are provided to determine the optimal solution. The study also reveals that slight temperature variations in the molten salt do not affect system efficiency. A mathematical model is used to effectively characterize the relationship between key parameters, providing a basis for controlling unit operation. Finally, the benefits and payback period of the retrofit system are analyzed, demonstrating its economic feasibility.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laiquan Lv, Shengyao Huang, Hao Zhou
Summary: In this study, a pilot-scale large-capacity medium-high temperature latent heat storage system was developed and investigated, featuring a rectangular aperture and a quartz window for observation. The charging and discharging processes showed different heat transfer mechanisms and thermal resistances. The study provides valuable insights into the performance of latent heat storage systems.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laiquan Lv, Shengyao Huang, Yang Zou, Xinyi Wang, Hao Zhou
Summary: This study designed and constructed a novel cylindrical medium-temperature LHS system for waste heat recovery. The research found that increasing the charging temperature effectively shortened the charging duration and analyzed the heat conduction and natural convection mechanisms during the charging and discharging processes.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mengting Ji, Laiquan Lv, Jingwen Liu, Yan Rong, Hao Zhou
Summary: The coefficient of thermal expansion of inorganic salts increases with temperature. The sintering temperature affects the properties of shape-stable phase change materials (SSPCMs). We studied the effects of different sintering temperatures on the content, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength of SSPCMs with NaNO3-KNO3 as the phase change material and Al2O3 and expanded graphite (EG) as the skeletal support materials (SSMs). Results showed that higher sintering temperatures required more SSMs to support the SSPCMs. The thermal conductivity of the SSPCMs was not significantly affected by the sintering temperature, while the compressive strength decreased with increasing sintering temperature.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Liubin Hu, Hao Zhou
Summary: This study examines the influence of renewable energy biogas addition on methane self-excited thermoacoustic oscillation and pollutant NOx emission. It also explores the effects of swirl intensity and methane enrichment on biogas combustion. The results show that biogas addition effectively suppresses methane premixed self-excited oscillation swirling flames and promotes high-frequency self-excited oscillation and swirl stable combustion. Overall flame temperature and NOx emissions are reduced, indicating that biogas introduction effectively restrains thermoacoustic oscillation and limits NOx emissions. However, enriching biogas with more methane leads to better biogas/methane flame dynamics but higher NOx generation.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Liubin Hu, Hao Zhou
Summary: This study examines the feasibility of using an adjustable swirl jet for controlling combustion instability and NOx emissions. The impact of three control variables, namely swirl jet media, swirl jet angles, and jet flow rates, is analyzed. The results demonstrate that the adjustable swirl jet can effectively control thermoacoustic oscillation and NOx emissions simultaneously. The choice of media, co-swirl jet, and high swirl jet intensity yield better suppression effects compared to using counter-swirl jet, low swirl jet intensity, and helium as the media, respectively. The use of Ar co-swirl jet at a 60-degree angle achieves the maximum pressure drop of 39.7 Pa. The reduction in NOx emissions is higher under Ar co-swirl jet than under He swirl jet, reaching a maximum decrease of 9.2 ppm under Ar counter-swirl jet. These findings highlight the potential of the adjustable swirl jet strategy in mitigating combustion instability and reducing NOx emissions.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Laiquan Lv, Shengyao Huang, Hao Zhou
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of structural characteristics and surface functional groups of chemically activated biochar on the thermal properties of phase change materials (PCMs). The biochar activated by KOH showed the highest specific surface area and loading capacity, while ZnCl2 and H3PO4-activated biochar were not suitable as support materials for PCMs. Additionally, ZnCl2-activated biochar had the most significant impact on the thermal conductivity of PCMs.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yuhang Zuo, Hao Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the safety issues and thermal performance of evacuated molten salt tower receivers during preheating. Experimental and numerical modeling methods were used to analyze the influence of operating and environmental factors on the thermal stress and performance of the receiver. The results show that the thermal stress is determined by the circumferential temperature gradient and is significantly reduced under strong wind conditions.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hao Fang, Rongyu Shao, Dongliang Wei, Zihua Liu, Hao Zhou
Summary: This study experimentally investigates the combustion characteristics and thermoacoustic instability of ethanol and RP-3 fuels at different blending ratios. The results show that high-pressure pulsation and airflow disturbance can enhance droplets' evaporation and combustion, resulting in a reduction in flame length. Ethanol flame has a root temperature of over 1400K. Fuel characteristics and burner structure affect combustion instability.
THERMAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRESS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yize Zhang, Ao Zhang, Lei Zhang, Kelang Jin, Hao Zhou
Summary: A new bypass flue heating technology based on multi-pipe and multipoint was proposed in this study. The effects of different baffle openings and positions on the mixing characteristics of multiple jets were investigated through experiments and simulations. The results show that the changes of baffle can affect the mixing temperature and the thermal mixing temperature inhomogeneity.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
