ENERGY LOSS ESTIMATION IN COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND HEAT TRANSFER ZONES OF A COAL FIRED BOILER

Abstract

Boiler efficiency is an important in all industries. Using boiler higher efficiency results in reduced cost per
unit production and reduced emission. Direct method can be used for calculation of boiler efficiency. In present
work, experimental work was carried out on combined fire and water tube boiler. The boiler is designed to use
coal/wood as fuel. Readings were taken for a-12 hour day. Compressed bio-mass waste was used as fuel. Boiler
efficiency was calculated using direct method of efficiency calculation. As direct method does not focus on reasons of
energy loss, important losses are calculated using standard methods. Flue gas loss, loss due to connection
andradiation from an insulated surfaces, loss due to moisture in coal, blow down loss and loss due to incomplete
combustion were calculated using methods and formulas recommended by bureau of energy efficiency. The major
losses are loss due to connection and radiation from uninsulated surface (6.9%), heat loss due to moisture present in
fuel (4.37%), and heat loss to time gas (4.28%). Energy recovery oppertiunities are indentified.