Coursecode: wb4405

Coursename: Fuel Conversion

ECTS creditpoints: 3

Faculty of  Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology

Lecturer(s): Hein, Prof. Dr.-Ing. K.R.G., Andries, drs. J., Jong, dr. W. de

Tel.:  015-27 82186 (or 86751)

Catalog data: 

Combustion, gasification, coal, oil, gases, alternative

Solid fuels, reserves, combustion calculations, flame-stability, ignition aspects, flame front, large scale boilers,

Emission control, advanced gas-solid separation techniques, measurement techniques, modeling

aspects of basic thermochemical reactors

Course year:

MSc 1st year

Period:

1A / 1B

Hours per week:

2

Other hours:

0

Assessment:

Written

Assessm.period:

1B, 2A

(see academic calendar)

Prerequisites: wb1220, wb1321

Follow up: wb4422, (wb4406)

Detailed description of topics:

Fossil fuels are still the most important energy sources for heat and power generation and this situation will remain so for the next decades. The fundamentals of large flames applied in energy conversion systems are dealt with in this lecture series. Mixing in free and enclosed turbulent jet flames due to eddy diffusivity and molecular diffusion together form the basis for industrial flames. The combustion rate of different fuels and ignition mechanisms are dealt with. Here, the flame stabilisation mechanism plays an important role, being bluff body or flame rotation stabilisation or a combination. Also, the fuel preparation mode is important. Coals have to be milled and liquid fuels must be atomised. Preheating of fuel and air are significant aspects of thermochemical fuel conversion processes. Some fuel characteristics, such as the volatile content in coals determine the reaction characteristics. The environmentally harmful emission of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) depends on process temperatures, pressure, fuel composition and the mixing characteristics of air and fuel. This topic is dealt with in the important subject “emission control”. Several different boiler types are applied in industry and power production. These are presented and analysed throughout the lecture series. Alternative fuels and processes for a sustainable future power and heat generation are dealt with in the topic “biomass for energy production”. The emission constraints with these special fuels are treated here. Basic and advanced measurement techniques applied in e.g. furnaces, boilers and stacks are addressed as a separate topic as well. Finally modelling of basic reactors, which are applied in heat and power producing systems, is discussed.

Course material:

* Handouts

References from literature:

* Williams, A., Pourkashanian, M., Jones, J.M. and Skorupska, N.

“Combustion and gasification of Coal”, Taylor & Francis, 2000, New York.   (not obligatory)

Remarks assesment, entry requirements, etc.): sign up at the secretary of Thermal Power Engineering (sectie Energievoorziening), block 8D (the former block IV)

Learning goals: gaining knowledge regarding thermochemical conversion processes, like combustion and gasification in the framework of energy conversion systems

Computer use: -

Laboratory project(s): -

Design content: construction aspects of burners for different fuels and their application in furnaces and boilers.

Percentage of design: 25%