Application of different k-epsilon turbulence models on combustion process modelling in small-scale pellet stoves for household heating

Abstract

Constant demand for development and construction improvement of small scale pellet stoves and boilers (nominal power up to 50 kW(th)) for household heating leads to conclusion that appropriate upgrading should be done on that field. Optimisation of stove construction should be performed based on results of experimental tests, as well as results of numerical analysis and mathematical modelling of combustion process. This is compulsory, because stove construction shall comply with demands for energy and environmental characteristics defined in appropriate quality standards Besides, stove should operate with pellets of different quality, produced from various biomass raw materials. Considering that numerical analysis is less time consuming process than experimental tests, nowadays it is more often used for development and improvement of combustion appliance construction. As the turbulence modelling is one of the key parts in the eligible numerical analysis, the aim of the research presented in this paper is to define the influence of different k-epsilon turbulence models and their application on defined CFD mathematical model of combustion process in small-scale pellet stove for household heating.