This Atmospheric Fluidized-Bed Combustion (AFBC) Technology Overview describes the accomplishments of the DOE AFBC program during fiscal year 1980. The report addresses the methodology by which DOE-funded projects achieved the goals and objectives of this program. It reviews the status of the technology, identifies areas where further development or research is required, and identifies projects where this work is currently being addressed or will be addressed. The primary goal of the DOE AFBC program is to develop a comprehensive data base in fluidized-bed combustion that will provide industry, both manufacturers and users, with information to enable them to decrease their use of oil by the substitution of fuels readily available within the US. The objectives of the program include demonstrating process reliability with numerous fuels, developing an operating/maintenance cost data base, and developing the technology in those areas where demonstrations show further work is required. In addition, tests are sponsored in areas where further data is required to verify or expand the existing technology data base. Concepts offering significant improvements to the FBC technology are explored as part of this program. Current program issues include feed systems, heat transfer, recycle, air-distributor grid design, ignition characteristics, output control, particulate emissions, reliability, and fuel flexibility.
