Characterizing and modeling of an 88Â MW grate-fired boiler burning wheat straw: Experience and lessons

► Straw combustion in a grate boiler is studied numerically and experimentally, which show an acceptable agreement. ► The in-flame gas temperature and main species are measured by using FTIR. ► Modeling issues and their expected impacts on CFD analysis of grate-fired boilers are discussed and concluded. ► The discrepancies between the CFD and measurements are addressed from different aspects in detail. ► Lessons and experience that can facilitate modeling validation effort and improve grate-firing are summarized.