Advanced modeling of nonspherical biomass particle motion in suspension combustion.

This article focuses on the development and validation of a novel computational model for simulating the motion and combustion of nonspherical cylindrical straw biomass particles in coal-fired boilers during co-firing. The model integrates generalized aerodynamic correlations derived from particle-resolved direct numerical simulations to account for drag, lift, pressure gradient force, virtual mass force, and torque-induced rotational motion, coupled with an optimized combustion framework that incorporates particle shape effects. Numerical simulations in a 10-meter biomass co-firing burner demonstrate that this model increases average particle residence time by 20.21% and particle temperature by 28.31%, leading to earlier volatile release, enhanced char oxidation, and improved burnout rates compared to conventional spherical particle models. The study highlights the importance of accurately representing biomass particle geometry and aerodynamics for realistic prediction of combustion behavior and suggests potential applications in boiler operation optimization, while noting the need for further research on particle collisions at higher biomass concentrations.