System and method for optimizing combustion in a boiler

The system optimizes boiler combustion by using real-time sensor data and a guided search algorithm to adjust air flows and stoichiometry at individual burners, addressing inaccuracies and improving emissions and stability across varying conditions.

US20260117968A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-30GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
US19/146406
Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-01-13
Filing Date
2023-11-13
Publication Date
2026-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing combustion optimization methods for boilers face inaccuracies due to changes in boiler equipment condition, fuel, and environmental conditions, and fail to manipulate individual air dampers for consistent stoichiometry, leading to increased NOx and CO emissions and instability at low loads.

Method used

A system and method using real-time measurements from fuel flow, air flow, flame, and flue gas sensors, combined with a guided search optimization algorithm, to adjust air flows and stoichiometry at individual burners for improved combustion efficiency and stability, reducing NOx and CO emissions.

Benefits of technology

Simultaneously lowers CO and NOx emissions, enhances flame stability, especially at low loads, and improves boiler efficiency by reducing excess air, while adapting to operational changes without retuning boiler models.

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Abstract

A system and method for optimizing combustion in boiler. The optimization of the combustion in the boiler involves obtaining various data relating to the flow of fuel and air to burners of the boiler and the flame in the burner zone of the boiler that is generated from the introduction of the fuel and air into the burner zone. The data is used to determine air flows to the burners. The data and air flows are used to balance air and fuel at individual burners by manipulating air to match the fuel flow. The balancing of air and fuel at individual burners by manipulating air to match the fuel flow uses a guided search optimization algorithm that mixes stoichiometry determinations with a custom search algorithm that accounts for measurement inaccuracies and unexpected interactions between burners.
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