Chemistry and radiation in oxy-fuel combustion: A computational fluid dynamics modeling study

In order to investigate the role of combustion chemistry and radiation heat transfer in oxy-fuel combustion modeling, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling study has been performed for two different oxy-fuel furnaces. One is a lab-scale 0.8 MW oxy-natural gas flame furnace whose detailed in-flame measurement data are available; the other is a conventional 609 MW utility boiler which is assumed to be operating under oxy-fuel combustion condition with dry flue gas recycle. A new model for gaseous radiative properties is developed, validated, and then implemented in the CFD simulations. The CFD results are compared to those based on the widely used model in literature, as well as the in-flame measurement data. The importance and advantage of the new model for gaseous radiative properties have been well demonstrated. Different combustion mechanisms are also implemented and compared in the CFD simulations, from which significant difference in the predicted flame temperature and species is observed. This difference is consistent with those expected from the equilibrium calculation results. As a conclusion, the appropriate combustion mechanisms applicable to oxy-fuel combustion modeling are identified. Among the key issues in combustion modeling, e.g., mixing, radiation and chemistry, this paper derives useful guidelines on radiation and chemistry implementation for reliable CFD analyses of oxy-fuel combustion, particularly for industrial applications.

► We develop a new model for gas radiative properties, and implement it in CFD.
► The new model has great impact on large-scale oxy-fuel modeling and must be used.
► We carry out equilibrium calculation for O2-natural gas & air-natural gas.
► We implement different chemistry mechanisms in CFD of oxy-fuel combustion.
► A refined WD 2-step or JL 4-step mechanisms has to be used in oxy-fuel modeling.