Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Biomass Moisture Content Impact on Particle Matter Emissions Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Biomass Moisture Content Impact on Particle Matter Emissions

• Published in: Environmental modeling & assessment Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 193 - 218
• Main Authors: Milijašević, Miloš, Stojiljković, Dragoslava, Manić, Nebojša
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.02.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Air pollution; Applications of Mathematics; Beech; Biomass; Carbon dioxide; Combustion; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer applications; Earth and Environmental Science; Emissions; Emissions control; Energy efficiency; Energy sources; Environment; Fagus; Flue gas; Fluid dynamics; fluid mechanics; Fuels; Gas temperature; Hydrodynamics; Math. Appl. in Environmental Science; Mathematical Modeling and Industrial Mathematics; Mathematical models; model validation; Moisture content; Operations Research/Decision Theory; Parameters; Parametric analysis; prediction; Soot; species; temperature; Temperature profiles; Water content; Wood; CFD simulation; Moisture content in fuel; Gaseous and particle emissions; Experimental validation; Wood stove
• ISSN: 1420-2026; 1573-2967
• DOI: 10.1007/s10666-024-09991-9

Wood combustion is a significant energy source, but it also contributes to air pollution due to the emission of gaseous and particle matter. Understanding the formation and behaviour of gaseous and particle emissions is crucial for environmental and health concerns. To simulate and analyse beech wood combustion, a mathematical model for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was developed. This model considered various parameters such as fuel properties, combustion kinetics, and fluid dynamics. The model enables the prediction of temperature profiles, species concentrations, and soot particle emissions. To validate the accuracy of the CFD model, experimental measurements were conducted on an actual beech wood combustion setup. The experimental data, including flue gas temperature, CO 2 and CO concentrations, and soot particle measurements, were compared with the simulation results. The validation process was aimed to ensure the reliability and fidelity of the CFD model for predicting beech wood combustion behaviour. Furthermore, a parametric analysis was performed using the validated model to investigate the influence of different moisture content levels in the fuel on the combustion process and emission characteristics. The moisture content varied from 10 to 40%, representing a range of realistic conditions. The results of the parametric analysis provided insights into the relationship between moisture content and combustion performance. The findings contributed to optimizing beech wood combustion processes, improving energy efficiency, and reducing emissions. The study emphasized the importance of considering moisture content as a critical parameter in designing and operating wood combustion systems to achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.