Fuzzy logic and bed-to-wall heat transfer in a large-scale CFBC

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to first present the key features of the fuzzy logic (FL) approach as a cost-effective technique in simulations of complex systems and then demonstrate the formulation and application of the method. Design/methodology/approach - The FL approach is used as an alternative method of data handling, considering the complexity of analytical and numerical procedures and high costs of empirical experiments. The distance from gas distributor, the temperature and the voidage of the bed, flue gas velocity and the load of the boiler are the input parameters, whereas the overall heat transfer coefficient for the membrane walls constitutes the output. Five overlapping sigmoid and constant linguistic terms are used to describe the input and the output data, respectively. The Takagi-Sugeno inference engine and the weighted average defuzzification methods are applied to determine the fuzzy and crisp output value, respectively. Findings - The performed FL model allows predicting the bed-to-wall heat transfer coefficient in a largescale 670 t/h circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler. The local heat transfer coefficients evaluated using the developed model are in very good agreement with the data obtained in complementary investigations. Originality/value -The performed model constitutes an easy-to-use and functional tool. The new approach can be helpful for further research on the bed-to-wall heat transfer coefficient in the CFB units.