Investigation on the dynamic characteristics under load regulation in CFB boiler with whole loop model.

[Display omitted] • A one-dimensional whole-loop CFB dynamic model was established with the flow properties. • The model explicitly depicts the solids throughput behavior at the cyclone and standpipe. • Factors affecting the dynamic characteristics of CFB boiler under load regulation were discussed. • An optimization on a 135 MW CFB boiler demonstrated a maximum load ramp rate of about 4 %/min. CFB boilers face an increasing significance for load change rate in China. However, there is currently a lack of mechanistic understanding on limitation on fast peak shaving. Based on the mass and energy balance in the full loop, this paper conducts a dynamic model to describe the coupling effect of gas–solid two-phase flow, heat transfer, and combustion processes under load regulation conditions. In particular, the material throughput pattern of cyclone and standpipe are systemically described. Finally, the model was validated by field test data in a 135 MW commercial CFB boiler. On this basis, the impact of factors such as the draining ash strategy and adding/discharging circulating ash on the load regulation characteristics of the boiler were deeply explored, and a comprehensive optimization solution was proposed. The results showed that the boiler's ramp could be maximized to about 4 %/min after adopting this solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]