luftöverskottsfaktor

Luftöverskottsfaktorn, often abbreviated as A, is a dimensionless quantity used in combustion processes and environmental engineering. It represents the ratio of the actual amount of air supplied for combustion to the theoretically required amount of air for complete combustion of a given fuel.

Mathematically, it is expressed as A = (Actual Air) / (Theoretical Air). A value of A = 1 signifies that exactly the stoichiometric amount of air is supplied for complete combustion, meaning all the fuel and oxygen are consumed, producing only carbon dioxide and water.

In practice, combustion processes almost always operate with an air excess, meaning A > 1. This is done to ensure that all the fuel is burned, especially in industrial furnaces and engines, and to account for incomplete mixing of fuel and air. An air excess helps to minimize the formation of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. However, too large an air excess (A >> 1) leads to inefficient use of energy, as a significant amount of heat is lost with the excess air that passes through the combustion chamber and exhaust.

The optimal luftöverskottsfaktor depends on the specific fuel, the type of combustion equipment, and the desired emissions profile. Monitoring and controlling this factor are crucial for efficient operation, reduced fuel consumption, and minimized environmental impact. For example, in boilers, a higher luftöverskottsfaktor might be used to ensure complete combustion of solid fuels, while in gas turbines, a tighter control is preferred for better efficiency.