Particulate matter emissions from combustion of wood in district heating applications

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 15; no. 6; pp. 3019 - 3028
• Main Authors: Ghafghazi, S., Sowlati, T., Sokhansanj, S., Bi, X., Melin, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2011; Elsevier
• Series: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
• Subjects: 09 BIOMASS FUELS; AIR QUALITY; Applied sciences; BIOMASS; Biomass combustion systems; BOILERS; BURNERS; CLEANING; COMBUSTION; COMMUNITIES; Dioxin and furan; District energy systems; DISTRICT HEATING; ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS; Energy; ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION; ENERGY SOURCES; Exact sciences and technology; FLUE GAS; Flue gas cleaning systems; Flues; Fuels; fuelwood; heat; heating systems; particulate emissions; Particulate matter emissions; PARTICULATES; PELLETS; RECOMMENDATIONS; stemwood; surveys; WOOD; Wood biomass; Wood biomass Particulate matter emissions Dioxin and furan District energy systems Biomass combustion systems Flue gas cleaning systems; WOOD FUELS; wood quality; wood utilization; Canada; Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver; Wood biomass; Particulate matter emissions; Dioxin and furan; District energy systems; Flue gas cleaning systems; Biomass combustion systems
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.04.001

The utilization of wood biomass to generate district heat and power in communities that have access to this energy source is increasing. In this paper the effect of wood fuel properties, combustion condition, and flue gas cleaning system on variation in the amount and formation of particles in the flue gas of typical district heating wood boilers are discussed based on the literature survey. Direct measurements of particulate matter (PM) emissions from wood boilers with district heating applications are reviewed and presented. Finally, recommendations are given regarding the selection of wood fuel, combustion system condition, and flue gas cleaning system in district heating systems in order to meet stringent air quality standards. It is concluded that utilization of high quality wood fuel, such as wood pellets produced from natural, uncontaminated stem wood, would generate the least PM emissions compared to other wood fuel types. Particulate matter emissions from grate burners equipped with electrostatic precipitators when using wood pellets can be well below stringent regulatory emission limit such as particulate emission limit of Metro Vancouver, Canada.