Emission limited model predictive control of a small-scale biomass furnace

This paper presents the application of an emission limiting model-based predictive controller for a small-scale biomass grate furnace. The furnace has nominal power 100 kW with wood pellets as fuel, but it can be operated different fuels well. model approach extends existing static feedforward investigated dynamic feedback that is able to improve combustion performance. Simultaneously, formation carbon monoxide emissions minimized within prediction horizon based on available estimation pellets. results obtained from closed-loop measurements show control concept reduce in partial load operation up four times while error supply water temperature heating nearly halved during transient operation. achieved by incorporating into constrained optimization controller. Additional experiments fuel types varying contents demonstrate advantages proposed and its robustness respect typical uncertainties process.