International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 07 | Jul 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Optimization of Biomass-Coal Co-Firing in Pulverized Fuel Boilers for Enhanced Thermal Efficiency and Emission Reduction Shubham Singh1, Anurag Shrivastava2 1M.Tech. (PE) Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.R. Institute of Management & Technology
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.R. Institute of Management & Technology
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India ----------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------However, coal combustion is inherently carbon-intensive Abstract- The increasing demand for cleaner energy and is also a major source of harmful air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter. Consequently, governments and industries worldwide are under increasing pressure to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Amid this transformation, biomass—organic material derived from plants and waste—has emerged as a promising renewable alternative. Unlike fossil fuels, biomass is considered carbon-neutral in lifecycle assessments, as the CO₂ it releases upon combustion is approximately equal to the CO₂ absorbed during the plant's growth.
production necessitates the integration of renewable resources such as biomass into existing fossil fuel systems. This study investigates the optimization of biomass-coal fuel mixtures to enhance electricity generation efficiency in pulverized fuel (PF) boilers. By analyzing combustion characteristics, thermal efficiency, and emission profiles, the research identifies optimal cofiring ratios that maintain system stability while reducing carbon emissions. Experimental data and thermodynamic modeling were employed to evaluate performance at varying biomass proportions (10–40% by weight). Results indicate that a 30% biomass blend yields a favorable balance between efficiency (up to 89.2%) and emission reduction (CO₂ reduction by 26%). The study also addresses challenges such as slagging, fouling, and flame stability. This work contributes to the development of sustainable hybrid energy systems and informs policy on renewable energy integration in thermal power generation.
Biomass can be integrated into existing coal-fired power plants through a process known as co-firing, which involves burning biomass alongside coal in the same boiler. This approach offers an immediate and costeffective strategy for reducing emissions without requiring a complete overhaul of existing power infrastructure. Among the various types of coal-fired boilers, pulverized fuel (PF) boilers are the most widely used due to their high thermal efficiency and rapid combustion capability. These systems finely pulverize coal into dust before injecting it into a combustion chamber where it is burned in suspension, allowing for efficient and complete combustion. Co-firing biomass in PF boilers presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While it enables a reduction in fossil fuel usage and emissions, it also introduces complex operational variables due to the physical and chemical differences between biomass and coal.
Keywords- Biomass-coal fuel mixtures, Pulverized fuel boilers, Co-firing optimization, Thermal efficiency, Carbon emission reduction.
1. Introduction 1.1 Background and Context The 21st century has seen a dramatic transformation in global energy systems driven by the dual imperatives of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. The global dependence on fossil fuels—particularly coal—has led to significant environmental challenges, most notably the escalation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the degradation of air quality. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), coal-fired power plants remain one of the largest single sources of global CO₂ emissions, accounting for approximately 30% of energy-related CO₂ emissions worldwide. This reliance on coal persists largely due to its abundance, energy density, and the extensive infrastructure developed around its use in electricity generation.
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1.2 Rationale for Co-Firing in PF Boilers The motivation for co-firing stems from the need to balance three critical concerns: environmental sustainability, energy security, and economic viability. Biomass is a widely available resource, and its use reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly in agricultural economies where biomass residues are plentiful. Moreover, co-firing can significantly reduce lifecycle GHG emissions, particularly
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