2025

Alobaid Falah; Kuhn Alexander; Vakkilainen Esa; Epple Bernd

This study examines the performance of a 90 MWth Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) power plant utilising a range of fuels, specifically coal, Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), and biomass. To this end, a detailed process simulation model was developed using EBSILON Professional software, based on a commercial CFB power plant originally designed for coal combustion. The model was then modified to assess its operational capabilities when using RDF and biomass fuels. The simulation includes key components of the fluidized bed combustion system, such as the riser, cyclone, flue gas path with heat exchangers, steam turbine, feedwater preheaters, and a district heating system supplying thermal energy to nearby facilities. To ensure the model’s accuracy and reliability, it underwent a thorough validation process, comparing simulated pressure and temperature profiles along the riser with measured data, as well as assessing the performance of the water-steam side. Following this validation, the model was used to explore fuel composition variations, transitioning from 100% coal to 100% RDF and biomass, under both air and oxy-fuel combustion conditions. The study also considers two operational scenarios: maximising electricity generation during peak summer months and optimising district heating during the winter months when thermal demand is at its highest.