Work

Optimizing Ammonia Co-Firing with Coal, Biomass and Ammonia Using Response Surface Methodology for Emission reduction

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: This study employs Design of Experiments (DoE), specifically Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a mixture design, to systematically investigate and optimize the co-firing of ammonia with coal and biomass in existing power generation infrastructure. The primary objective is to identify optimal fuel blending ratios that minimize carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions while controlling nitrogen oxide (NO) formation and ammonia (NH₃) slip. Ten runs were considered, varying the proportions of coal (30-70%), biomass (20-50%), and ammonia (0-40%). Statistical analysis using RSM revealed significant relationships between fuel composition and emission characteristics. CO₂ emissions were effectively modeled linearly, demonstrating strong positive correlations with coal and biomass content, confirming fuel displacement as the primary reduction mechanism. NO emissions decreased with increasing ammonia (till low levels of 10%) share under selected conditions, suggesting complex NOx reduction pathways. NH₃ slip increased predictably with ammonia input but remained within acceptable limits at moderate blending ratios (10-20%). Multi-objective optimization identified an optimal fuel blend of approximately 45% coal, 35% biomass, and 20% ammonia. This composition achieves a substantial 26.2% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to baseline coal combustion, alongside manageable NO levels and NH₃ slip. The application of DoE facilitated efficient exploration of the complexparameter space, enabling the identification of synergistic effects and optimal operating windows. These findings underscore the potential of ammonia-coal-biomass co-firing, optimized through systematic experimental design, as a viable transitional strategy for decarbonizing existing coal-fired power plants.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22127224

Authors: Chavando, José Antonio Mayoral, Silva, Valter Bruno, Cardoso, João Sousa, Eusebio, Daniela

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Universidade Politécnica de Portalegre, University of Aveiro

Language: English

Topic: Renewable energy and sustainable power systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission