Improvement of load-following capacity of grate boilers based on the combustion power soft-sensor

For improving the load-following capacity of existing grate boiler units, a model predictive control concept based on the combustion power soft-sensor is developed. Because the combustion power estimation has a very quick response to the primary air flow input, the load-following speed of the boiler control system will be improved considerably. The proposed model predictive control strategy is tested with the BioPower 5 combined heat and power plant data and the results are presented, analyzed, and discussed.