Hybrid technology of reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in exhaust gases; Part 2 – Numerical model of pilot scale regenerative rotary air heater (RAH) retrofited with selective catalyst reduction (SCR) modules

¹ SBB ENERGY SA, ul. Łowicka 1, 45-324 Opole, Poland
² Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery, ul. Konarskiego 20B, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

^* Corresponding author: a.kwiczala@sbbenergy.com

Abstract

This article exhibits the results of the analysis performed to verify the effectiveness of the hybrid flue gas denitrification system (herein referred to as HDS) which involved the retrofitting for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) material into a regenerative rotary air heater (RAH). A numerical model corresponding to the actual pilot scale RAH operating conditions was developed. The ultimate intent of the numerical model is to provide a platform where the technology can be implemented on full scale air preheaters. The numerical analysis performed on the pilot scale HDS installation showed a 3% decrease in heat exchange efficiency in the exchanger. This decrease was significantly minimized by the use of blades adjusting the distribution of flue gases entering the RAH. This means that the exhaust gas temperature at the exchanger outlet increased by 4°C, which corresponds to an average of 0.3% increase in the boiler outlet loss. It was also recognized that the air temperature was reduced by 8°C, which does not translate into significant changes in boiler performance parameters. other boiler operating parameters in a noticeable way during operation.