FLUENT simulations of the Westinghouse Multi-Annular Swirl Burner for design optimization

摘要

The FLUENT computational fluid dynamics code is being used to aid the design of the Westinghouse Multi-Annular Swirl Burner (MASB). The MASB is being designed by Westinghouse for use as a topping combustor in a Pressurized Fluidized-Bed Combustion System as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Coal Technology Program. The MASB will primarily burn low-energy, coal-derived gaseous fuel (syngas) with vitiated air, at elevated pressure, to supply a gas turbine for power generation. MASB operation will require dual fuel capability, i.e., the ability to burn a high heating value fuel as well as the lower energy syngas. Firing a high heating value gas, such as methane or propane, is required during plant start-up and other off-design conditions. The goal of the current study was to devise a method for introducing dilution air into the MASB to produce an optimum pattern factor without significantly changing the existing design. This design modification must not adversely affect MASB performance when firing syngas.