Computational fluid dynamics and interactive multiobjective optimization in the development of low-emission industrial boilers

A CFD-based model is applied to study emission formation in a bubbling fluidized bed boiler burning biomass. After the model is validated to a certain extent, it is used for optimization. There are nine design variables (nine distinct NH₃ injections in the selective non-catalytic reduction process) and two objective functions (which minimize NO and NH₃ emissions in flue gas). The multiobjective optimization problem is solved using the reference-point method involving an achievement scalarizing function. The interactive reference-point method is applied to generate Pareto optimal solutions. Two inherently different optimization algorithms, viz. a genetic algorithm and Powell's conjugate-direction method, are applied in the solution of the resulting optimization problem. It is shown that optimization connected with CFD is a promising design tool for combustion optimization. The strengths and weaknesses of the proposed approach and of the methods applied are discussed from the point of view of a complex real-world optimization problem.