Lean Modeling and Simulation Approach for Improving CFB Boiler Start‐Up Capability

ABSTRACT Process modeling has proven useful in steam boiler process and operation design. The engineering design working process sets requirements for a modeling workflow, part of an internal supply chain that delivers services to internal customers, who are process and operation designers. The simulation results produced by the modeling workflow must be sufficiently reliable, clearly presented and delivered promptly to the customer. This work examines how to meet these requirements by applying the lean approach in modeling work. Although the term “lean” was originally associated with manufacturing and production processes, it can be applied in a wide range of fields. The purposes of this study are (1) to increase knowledge at the intersection of dynamic process modeling and the lean strategy and (2) to apply this knowledge in practice to a specific case, using the findings to improve the quality and efficiency of the modeling workflow. As an example, this paper presents a real modeling task with the goal of improving the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler start‐up performance.