Actuator based combustion optimization for fine dust reduction

Status

ongoing

Actual Situation

Up to now wood combustion systems (pellet boilers) have been designed only in small extent according to the requirements of fine dust reduction. The most important international standards (EN 303-5) do not at all treat the minimization of fine. Fine dust became a central topic not only because of seriously health-endangering effects of the small dust particle PM10, and not only for wood combustion systems. So far, however, no secured investigations and/or results of comparison exist which attribute definitive theoretical and practical proposals, regarding software/control related fine dust reduction. The ideas of intelligent control engineering in combination with sensors and actuators form the basis for the scientific investigation in the context of this project.

Content and Goals

By the additive use of actuators during a combustion process for different wood heating systems and with support of intelligent, adaptive combustion algorithms a general combustion logic (and simulation methodology) is to be developed. Efficiency increases and fine dust will be reduced. A further goal of this scientific work is the development of intelligent self-monitoring and/or problem-recovery-algorithms for the increase of operation reliability under extreme conditions. A better operating point is to be found by constantly adapting parameters so that the fuel can be burnt optimally controlled.

Methodical Approach

• literature study sensor technology, idea research, new solutions evaluation
• planning of measurement technique, additional instrumentation on the boiler
• admission present situation at existing boiler technology
• evaluation of the measurement data recording, measuring studies
• determining control based synergies and transverse influences
• deriving various combustion simulation models
• optimization processes for fine dust reduction
• accelerated life span test/aging/reliability
• integration of the research results in series production, documentation

Expected Results

By recording of all sensor-signals from the beginning to the end the possibility exists that the combustion procedure can be reproduced within a certain tolerance-range. Thus a generally valid simulation model can be provided. Conclusions about the current fuel quality and the available heat value are also to be drawn by the special logic. Thus, a permanent optimization process is activated. New physical or not directly detectable data and/or data of sufficient accuracy are to be derived. In further consequence these data will be used as parameters in intelligent algorithms for standard settings.

Project manager

Dipl.-Ing. BEng. Harald Berger (SHT)
AProf. DDI Dr. techn. Bernd Eichberger (TU-Graz)

Project and cooperation partners

• TU Graz, Institut für Elektronik
• Hartl Energy-Tech GmbH

SHT Heiztechnik aus Salzburg GmbH
Rechtes Salzachufer 40, 5101 Salzburg-Bergheim
Dipl.-Ing. BEng. Harald Berger
Tel.: +43 (662) 450444-0
Fax: +43 (662) 450444-9
E-Mail: berger@sht.at