Design and Experimental Study of a Novel Microwave-Assisted Burner Based on Plasma Combustion for Pulverized Coal Applications
An alternative combustion technology to replace conventional start-up and flame stabilization using fuel oil or natural gas in pulverized coal-fired boilers has been investigated. In this study, a novel plasma burner design is proposed as a replacement for traditional auxiliary burners, operating by...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/9/5190 |
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| Summary: | An alternative combustion technology to replace conventional start-up and flame stabilization using fuel oil or natural gas in pulverized coal-fired boilers has been investigated. In this study, a novel plasma burner design is proposed as a replacement for traditional auxiliary burners, operating by generating plasma through the ionization of air using microwave energy. The burner features an internal combustion system and a multi-stage ignition process to enhance flame stability, improve combustion efficiency, and enable more controlled pulverized coal burning within the plasma. Supported by a magnetron generating microwave energy at 915 MHz with a 75 kW output, the burner directly ignites approximately 22% of the coal–air mixture in the plasma zone, forming a stable flame that ensures complete combustion of the remaining coal. An experimental system was established, and tests were conducted by burning up to 3000 kg/h of pulverized coal in an industrial-scale setup at Unit-1 of the 22 MW<sub>e</sub> Soma A Power Plant to optimize burner parameters. The specific microwave energy consumption was calculated as 0.055 kWh/kg of coal, demonstrating high energy efficiency and low operational cost. These results confirm that the microwave-assisted plasma burner is a technically viable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional auxiliary burners. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-3417 |