Derivation and validation of a coal mill model for control

This paper presents a coal mill model to be used for improved mill control, which may lead to a more optimal load following capability of power plants fired by pulverized coal. The model is relatively simple, yet it captures all significant dynamics of mills from different manufactures. The model is validated using data from four mills of a similar type from two different producers. Model parameters are estimated using an efficient evolutionary algorithm called Differential Evolution. The model parameters are similar for all four mills, indicating that the model structure is reliable.