This paper was produced for the 2019 NAFEMS World Congress in Quebec Canada

Resource Abstract

Over the last four years, AP Dynamics has been involved in a comprehensive program to model several aspects of one of its client’s Once-Through-Steam Generator (OTSG). The OTSG consists of a combustion air blower, Fire box, Fuel and Air Staged Ultra-Low NOx burner, radiant section, convective section and a stack. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models of a 106 MW unit were created, validated (using field measurements) and results were analysed to determine the best courses of action to address integrity and performance challenges. Results obtained from the simulations were used to recommend the operational modifications to optimize production parameters, mitigate the effects of vibrations, and reduce NOx emissions. In our view this is a remarkable example of how Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) simulations can be effectively used to guide operating companies to maximize the availability and reliability of equipment, extend the range of operation and comply with more stringent environmental standards than those for which the equipment was originally designed.



For the present case simulations of cold flow, combustion, steam generation, coupled combustion and steam generation, structural dynamics and NOx emission were successfully completed.



This paper briefly describes aspects that have been modelled, methodologies used and results.