Criteria for the Selection of Microprocessor Combustion Controllers for Dual-Fuel Package Boilers

Abstract

In a typical package boiler, flue gas losses can account for 15 to 20 percent of the total heat released, and 20 to 25 percent of the fuel entering the boiler is lost. Boiler efficiency can be improved by minimizing excess air requirements within the level of safe and reliable boiler operation. However, until recently, combustion control equipment was too costly for installation and use with small package boilers. This study surveyed manufacturers to identify combustion controllers appropriate for application to small package boilers. The survey revealed that 'oxygen trimming' is the most common control method. Six manufacturers were selected for the final evaluation of three types of systems: (1) an in situ O2 analyzer (2) an ex situ O2 and combustibles analyzer, and (3) an air and fuel flow-metering device. The systems were reviewed and compared on the basis of case of installation and maintenance, effectiveness, and cost. Three commercially available combustion control packages were identified, one from each category, for a later field test demonstration. Three sites were selected for that demonstration. The results of such a demonstration could quantify the effects of state-of-the-art combustion control systems on the efficiencies of small package boilers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA267519

Entities

People

  • Christopher Blazek
  • Martin J. Savoie
  • Noel L. Potts
  • Walter Kunc

Organizations

  • Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analyzers
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Control Systems
  • Detectors
  • Efficiency
  • Energy
  • Energy Conservation
  • Engineering
  • Field Tests
  • Flue Gases
  • Gases
  • Heat Energy
  • Latent Heat
  • Maintenance
  • Measurement
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.