Optimization of Thermal Power Plant Performance Using Biofuels to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Given the increasing environmental necessities and the need to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, this study provides a comprehensive investigation into the effects of biofuel (biodiesel) co-firing on the thermodynamic performance and emission profiles of thermal power plants. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the challenges and opportunities arising from the replacement of fossil fuels with biodiesel blends (B۲۰ and B۵۰) and to identify the optimal operational point to minimize adverse climatic impacts. To this end, a validated numerical model was developed to simulate the combustion process and was verified against experimental data. The research findings indicate that although the reduction in the Lower Heating Value (LHV) of biofuels leads to a slight decrease in the overall thermal efficiency of the system, this phenomenon—coupled with the increased bound oxygen content in the fuel is accompanied by improved combustion quality and a significant reduction in particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide emissions. Exergy and sensitivity analyses demonstrated that flame temperature and the air equivalence ratio (λ) play crucial roles in controlling the energy degradation rate and pollutant levels, with λ=۱.۱۵ being identified as the optimal operational point. Furthermore, results from multi-objective optimization showed that through strategic fuel blend management, a stable balance can be maintained between reducing carbon dioxide emissions and preserving the economic sustainability of the power plant.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biofuel co-firing ، Combustion ، Exergy analysis ، multi-objective optimization ، Strategic energy management