Simulation Modelling and Performance Evaluation of a Laboratory Scale Gas-Fired Vertical Fire-Tube Boiler
Author : Macaventa, Carlo M.
Major Adviser : Acda, Reynaldo I.
Committee Members : Sebastian, Eranio L.; Valencia, Sixto A.
Year : 1995
Month : April
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
Related Articles:
Keywords:
This manuscript can be accessed:
Abstract
A mathematical model that can be used to describe, predict, and evaluate the performance of a boiler was developed. The algorithm was encoded then compiled into the BOILER program using the TURBOPascal (Version 7.0) language. Desktop testing of the program using literature and actual laboratory operating data was conducted to validate the model.
Actual laboratory boiler data and previous test data for the production of saturated steam at varying pressure and temperatures were gathered. These data were used as inputs for the computer program BOILER. The simulation data were compared to that of actual conditions. Results show that there was a decline in the performance of the actual boiler system as indicated by lower efficiency values compared to that obtained from the simulation model. The efficiency predicted by the model was 61.49% while actual efficiencies at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 psi were 52.62, 46.95, 45.06, 41.51, and 37.08 respectively. The computer model predicted well the behavior of the actual system at 10 psi but failed at higher pressures. The differences at 20 psi and higher steam pressures were traced to changes in thermodynamic properties at higher pressures, a defective safety valve and a leaking level gauge both of which causing steam leak. Further refinements of the model which include effects of thermophysical properties are recommended.
Go back to Research Abstracts