The invention provides a method for detecting a 
hearth radiation energy 
signal and a method for controlling boiler 
combustion by using the same, and belongs to the field of 
combustion monitoring and controlling. The method for detecting the 
hearth radiation energy 
signal comprises steps of analog-to-
digital conversion, color value extraction and 
hearth radiation energy 
signal calculation. In the method for controlling air quantity of hearth 
combustion, the optimum 
oxygen quantity calculated by using the hearth radiation energy signal, set 
oxygen quantity and set offset are added, and the sum is sent to an 
oxygen quantity 
regulator to control the air quantity of the hearth combustion. The method for controlling 
superheater attemperating water comprises the steps of combining the hearth radiation energy signal with a heat signal to form a heat value signal; and introducing the heat value signal to a heat 
regulator to control the 
superheater attemperating water. The radiation energy signal detected by the method has the advantages of stability, reliability, capability of accurately reflecting the combustion situation in the hearth space in real time, and strong correlation with 
unit operation parameters; and when the new heat value signal constructed by the radiation energy signal is introduced to air supply and attemperating water control loops of the unit, the 
control effect of the unit can be optimized, and the efficiency of the unit can be improved. Therefore, the method for controlling the boiler combustion is suitable for combustion optimization control of a 
pulverized coal fired boiler of a thermal power 
generating unit.