Solid Fuels Combustion and Gasification: Modeling, Simulation, and Equipment Operations Second Edition (Mechanical Engineering)

As an increasing number of professionals and graduate students enter the field of solid-based power generation, they all require an command of process and equipment, as well as the theory behind it all. However, their informational needs and understanding differ based on their experience and the task at hand.

Solid Fuels Combustion and Gasification: Modeling, Simulation, and Equipment Operations, Second Edition explores evolving solid fuel combustion and gasification techniques that are leading to much lower sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions. It also shows how to increase the efficiency of processes dealing with materials such as coal, biomass, solid residues, etc. Many of the successes of these methods are the result of process optimization resulting from mathematical modeling and simulation. This book introduces and explores these techniques, taking a moderate approach that is neither too narrow nor too basic, making it useful to graduate students, engineers, and professionals.

It illustrates the modeling and constructive and operational aspects of equipment used in combustion and gasification of solid fuels. It was written based on the idea that developing models and computer simulators is the optimal method to acquire real and testable understanding of a subject in the area of processing.

Model complexity is extended only as far as needed to achieve a reasonable representation of the equipment described in the book, and the author provides specific and carefully selected case studies that:

• Cover many industrial processes involving combustion or gasification of solid fuels
• Provide easy-to-follow examples on how to set simplifying assumptions regarding the operation of real industrial equipment
• Enable relatively quick introduction of fundamental equations without the need for unnecessarily complex treatments

The main strategy of the book is to teach by example, and the basic methods illustrated here can be used for modeling a wide range of processes and equipment commonly found in industry. It is a carefully constructed volume which presents essential concepts that minimize the need for other texts, and it can also be used as an introduction to more complex models.

Marcio L. de Souza-Santos