Modelling Supported Development of Oxy-CFB Combustion

Oxygen-fired combustion in circulating fluidized bed has been extensively studied during the last decade in different experimental scales from small laboratory devices to large pilot units. The development and scaling up of a new combustion technology require both experimental and modelling work. This paper summarizes the tests carried out at CIUDEN's 30 MWth oxy-CFB facility. The test data has been applied to validate a semi-empirical three-dimensional process model of the furnace. The 3D-model has been applied for predicting the performance of full scale oxy-CFB units: first a 300 MWe Flexi-Burn® CFB operated in air-fired and oxygen-fired modes and then a 600 MWe oxy-CFB with 40%-vol inlet oxygen concentration. Based on the experience of oxy-CFB tests at CIUDEN and model results of commercial scale units, there are no technological barriers which would prevent application of oxy-CFB based carbon capture and storage.