The Laboratory of Steam Boilers and Thermal Plants has been working for the last 30 years on:

• The examination of phenomena which affect and determine the process of combustion in furnaces of conventional and non-conventional steam boilers
• The formation of pollutants and the technologies for their reduction.
• The examination of heat transfer phenomena on the exchange surfaces of steam boilers.
• The testing and checking of heating systems as for their efficiency and their exhaust gas quality.
• The energy saving from Thermal Power Plants.
• The development of new technologies and combustion systems such as the burning in a Fluidised Bed
• The prediction and coping with problems through the computational simulation of flow fields, of transfer and combustion phenomena.
• The energetic use of biomass (combustion, gasification)
• Fuel cell technology
• Novel technologies for CO₂ capture in power production sector
• Hydrogen use in energy production

Short overview of the research activities can be found here

Building O

The Laboratory is also active in the areas of process simulation and the development of advanced cycles for power generation. The utilisation of fossil fuels for power generation and especially of Greek lignite in combination with energy efficiency increase possibilities is always a priority of NTUA.LSB. NTUA.LSB, has a close collaboration with Greek power generators such as the Public Power Corporation of Greece in topics related to brown coal combustion.

Recent news: Fully automated WHR ORC ΜΑRΙΝΕ Prototype

The marine ORC prototype unit is based on a conventional low-temperature subcritical Organic Rankine Cycle using R134a as working medium. This experimental unit has been designed as a waste heat recovery system for the jacket water of marine diesel auxiliary internal combustion engines (ICEs). In order to operate, it requires a heat input in the order of 90kWth at a low-temperature (appr. 90oC), and is supplied via an intermediate plate heat exchanger (evaporator).
Its modular design allows the access through narrow openings and its installation time on site requires from 18 to 36 hours, depending on the onsite characteristics.
Its’ automation & control allows the stand alone or the manual mode operation. An independent PLC ensures the forced shutdown in case of emergency.
With the use of a Touch Screen and the Labview Software, a Human Machine Interface (HMI) was accomplished, allowing the operator to monitor all the operation parameters, access trip and alarm log files and download data logs.
The remote control and access is also an option.
It has been found to be compliant with DNVGL Rules for Ship PT. 4 Ch. 6 (January 2017).

Future developments: The scale up of the unit is one of the priorities of the Laboratory. A modular prototype unit of a 20kWel (200kWth) will be developed. Collaboration with third parties is envisaged.