A Simplified Mathematical Model for Calculating the Thermal Efficiency of a Wood Pellets-Fired Industrial Boiler on the Basis of Error Analysis Method

The traditional calculation method of industrial boiler thermal efficiency needs to input many parameters, which leads to a lot of complicated calculations. It is not suitable to make an accurate judgement on the operating condition of an industrial boiler, especially a wood pellets-fired one. In order to solve this problem, the paper presents a simplified mathematical model to calculate the thermal efficiency of a wood pellets-fired industrial boiler on-line by using an error analysis method. More concretely speaking, first, based on the results of the error analysis of an industrial boiler thermal efficiency, main factors that affect the thermal efficiency of a wood pellets-fired industrial boiler are obtained. Then, a simplified mathematical model to calculate the thermal efficiency of the wood pellets-fired industrial boiler is developed in terms of the major factors. Finally, the calculating results of the industrial boiler thermal efficiency based on the model are compared with the test values given by Guangdong Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute and the maximum deviation limits within 3%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the simplified mathematical model proposed in this paper for calculating the thermal efficiency of the wood pellets-fired industrial boiler is proved to be practical, applicable and worth popularizing.