Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic Boiler

The present study analyzes the combustion process of mixed biomass pellets in a domestic boiler. For the purposes of the research, experimental measurements of flue gases are combined with numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Special attention is given to the impact of...

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Main Authors: Penka Zlateva, Angel Terziev, Kalin Krumov, Mariana Murzova, Nevena Mileva
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Fuels
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3994/6/2/40
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author Penka Zlateva
Angel Terziev
Kalin Krumov
Mariana Murzova
Nevena Mileva
author_facet Penka Zlateva
Angel Terziev
Kalin Krumov
Mariana Murzova
Nevena Mileva
author_sort Penka Zlateva
collection DOAJ
description The present study analyzes the combustion process of mixed biomass pellets in a domestic boiler. For the purposes of the research, experimental measurements of flue gases are combined with numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Special attention is given to the impact of the ratio between primary and secondary air on the combustion process, emission characteristics, and thermal balance. The results show that an air distribution ratio of 60/40 (primary/secondary) leads to more complete combustion, reducing emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), while also improving the efficiency of the boiler. The analysis of the numerical modeling results shows that CO emissions decrease by 12% and NOx emissions by 27%. The calculated model is validated using experimental data on flue gas temperature, oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) concentrations, and combustion efficiency, and a high degree of correspondence between theoretical and actual measurements is established. The simulations reveal the dynamics of the temperature field, the movement of flue gases, and the role of turbulence in the combustion chamber. Optimization of the air distribution is proven to improve the combustion process and reduce the harmful emissions generated. The obtained results highlight the potential of mixed biomass pellets as a sustainable alternative to conventional fuels, provided that combustion parameters are precisely regulated. They can serve as a foundation for the enhancement of biomass-based heating systems in order to achieve higher efficiency and environmental sustainability. A market research study is also conducted, revealing that mixed pellets are preferred due to their high calorific value, low cost, and low ash content.
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spelling doaj-art-59b3b6c7756c4246bbadd37d4271c65b2025-08-20T03:27:18ZengMDPI AGFuels2673-39942025-05-01624010.3390/fuels6020040Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic BoilerPenka Zlateva0Angel Terziev1Kalin Krumov2Mariana Murzova3Nevena Mileva4Department of Thermal Engineering, Technical University of Varna, 9010 Varna, BulgariaFaculty of Power Engineering and Power Machines, Technical University of Sofia, 1756 Sofia, BulgariaFaculty of Metallurgy and Material Science, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 1756 Sofia, BulgariaDepartment of Industrial Design, Technical University of Varna, 9010 Varna, BulgariaDepartment of Thermal Engineering, Technical University of Varna, 9010 Varna, BulgariaThe present study analyzes the combustion process of mixed biomass pellets in a domestic boiler. For the purposes of the research, experimental measurements of flue gases are combined with numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Special attention is given to the impact of the ratio between primary and secondary air on the combustion process, emission characteristics, and thermal balance. The results show that an air distribution ratio of 60/40 (primary/secondary) leads to more complete combustion, reducing emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), while also improving the efficiency of the boiler. The analysis of the numerical modeling results shows that CO emissions decrease by 12% and NOx emissions by 27%. The calculated model is validated using experimental data on flue gas temperature, oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) concentrations, and combustion efficiency, and a high degree of correspondence between theoretical and actual measurements is established. The simulations reveal the dynamics of the temperature field, the movement of flue gases, and the role of turbulence in the combustion chamber. Optimization of the air distribution is proven to improve the combustion process and reduce the harmful emissions generated. The obtained results highlight the potential of mixed biomass pellets as a sustainable alternative to conventional fuels, provided that combustion parameters are precisely regulated. They can serve as a foundation for the enhancement of biomass-based heating systems in order to achieve higher efficiency and environmental sustainability. A market research study is also conducted, revealing that mixed pellets are preferred due to their high calorific value, low cost, and low ash content.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3994/6/2/40marketing researchmixed pelletsCFD modelingboiler efficiencyemission reduction
spellingShingle Penka Zlateva
Angel Terziev
Kalin Krumov
Mariana Murzova
Nevena Mileva
Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic Boiler
Fuels
marketing research
mixed pellets
CFD modeling
boiler efficiency
emission reduction
title Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic Boiler
title_full Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic Boiler
title_fullStr Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic Boiler
title_full_unstemmed Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic Boiler
title_short Research on the Combustion of Mixed Biomass Pellets in a Domestic Boiler
title_sort research on the combustion of mixed biomass pellets in a domestic boiler
topic marketing research
mixed pellets
CFD modeling
boiler efficiency
emission reduction
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-3994/6/2/40
work_keys_str_mv AT penkazlateva researchonthecombustionofmixedbiomasspelletsinadomesticboiler
AT angelterziev researchonthecombustionofmixedbiomasspelletsinadomesticboiler
AT kalinkrumov researchonthecombustionofmixedbiomasspelletsinadomesticboiler
AT marianamurzova researchonthecombustionofmixedbiomasspelletsinadomesticboiler
AT nevenamileva researchonthecombustionofmixedbiomasspelletsinadomesticboiler