In the heart of China’s energy landscape, a groundbreaking study led by Fanling Lang, a researcher at the School of Energy and Environment, Shenyang Aerospace University, is challenging the status quo of coal-fired power generation. The study, published in ‘Meitan xuebao’ (Coal Technology), delves into the potential of biomass pellet co-firing in large-scale coal-fired boilers, offering a promising pathway to reduce carbon emissions without compromising power output.
The research focuses on a 600 MW lignite-fired boiler, where Lang and his team conducted experiments using corn straw biomass pellets at varying proportions—3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%. The goal? To understand how biomass co-firing affects the boiler’s pulverizing, combustion, and emission characteristics, especially under medium and low load conditions.
One of the key findings is that under medium and low load (320 MW), a single coal mill can handle up to 7% biomass pellets without significantly affecting the milling performance or safety. “The maximum blending amount of 7% had little effect on the milling performance and safety,” Lang noted. This is a significant revelation for the energy sector, as it demonstrates the feasibility of integrating biomass into existing coal-fired infrastructure without major overhauls.
The study also revealed that co-firing biomass pellets improved the combustion performance of lignite. The ignition and burnout temperatures decreased, indicating more efficient combustion. Moreover, under lower load (240 MW), blending 7% biomass pellets did not reduce the boiler’s combustion performance. This is a game-changer for power plants operating at reduced capacity, as it shows that biomass co-firing can be a viable option even during off-peak hours.
The environmental benefits are equally compelling. The study found that NOx and SO2 emissions were little affected by the biomass blend, and the power plant’s environmental protection facilities could still ensure ultra-low emission standards. Furthermore, theoretical calculations showed that blending 7% biomass under a load of 320 MW could reduce CO2 emissions by 17.1 t/h. This is a substantial reduction, highlighting the carbon emission reduction effect of biomass co-firing.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, this research offers a practical solution for coal-fired power plants to transition towards more sustainable operations. By integrating biomass co-firing, power plants can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations.
This study is a beacon of hope for the energy sector, demonstrating that the future of power generation can be both clean and efficient. As Lang and his team continue to push the boundaries of biomass co-firing technology, the energy sector stands on the cusp of a transformative shift towards a more sustainable future.
