Determination of applicable input range for approximating a nonlinear FGR furnace around the design point

In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of a FGR furnace have been analysed around the furnace design point. Based on the steady-state results of full-scale nonlinear CFD simulations, the maximal allowable range on the variations of the furnace inputs can be determined, once for the maximal error bound between nonlinear system and its linear counterpart is specified. It is interesting to note that for a reheating furnace, the nonlinearities associated with the heat load are less severe than that associated with NO emission. With due consideration of the established input signal linear ranges, the linearized dynamic models of the furnace are derived by applying system identification technologies using the data generated from the CFD simulations. Analysis and validation of the models are also carried out. It is concluded that this technique is applicable to weak nonlinear systems around the design point. The results of the analysis provide additional insights on the nature of the nonlinearities as well as guidelines for selecting the input amplitude if system identification techniques are used. So long as the amplitudes of the probing signals satisfy the respective input constraints, the obtained linearized models will be applicable around the design point. Subsequently, these models can be used to design feedback controllers to maintain the furnace operated around the design point.