Numerical Modeling of Pollution Formation in Waste-to-Energy Systems Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

This investigation has been undertaken to better understand pollutant formation in Waste-to-Energy (WTE) systems by using Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD). An above-grate gas phase only model was built and calculated in FLUENT™ with the intent of specifically studying the factors that influence the formation of NO_x. Results are shown for a typical reciprocating-grate WTE boiler operating on municipal solid waste (MSW). Contours of velocity, temperature, CO₂, CO, H₂O, and O₂ agree well with previous modeling and data resulting in a high fidelity model that can be implemented in the next phase of this research. Preliminary data is shown for thermal NO_x and the results are promising. The next phase of this research will include the development and implementation of detailed kinetic mechanisms (DKM) to model NO_x formation with the current boiler presented as well as others with varying fuels.