THREE-DIMENSIONAL FLUID FLOW AND HEAT TRANSFER ANALYSIS OF GRATE BLOCKS IN A WASTE-TO-ENERGY POWER PLANT

Abstract

The cause of high operating temperatures experienced by grate blocks in a waste-to-energy power plant is investigated. A three-dimensional numerical analysis is performed to assess convection from the grate to the underfire air supply and conduction within the grate. A number of geometric complexities, including variable solid thickness, extended surfaces, sharp curvatures, and narrow passages, are accounted for via a finite element approach. The grate temperature is found to be very sensitive to the flow characteristics beneath the grates. Analysis of a modified grate structure was performed, showing a 14% reduction in maximum grate temperature.

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Notes on contributors

C. Saltiel

Address correspondence to Dr. Craig J. Saltiel, SCRAM Technology, Inc., 18 Dunwoodie Road, Glenmont, NY 12077, USA. E-mail: [email protected]