Combustion and heat rate efficiency improvement through systematic optimisation of burner parameters and operating conditions.
NOx emission reduction achieved through DOE-optimised air-fuel ratios, staging, and post-combustion treatment parameters.
Carbon emission reduction through fuel flexibility studies, hydrogen co-firing optimisation, and combustion efficiency gains.
Energy Production
Design of Experiments
Energy production processes involve high-value equipment where DOE-driven optimisation delivers significant CO₂ reductions. Our engineers systematically investigate combustion efficiency factors, turbine cooling parameters, and emissions reduction strategies through structured experimentation.
DOE Challenges
in Energy Production
Emission targets, combustion efficiency, and equipment longevity drive energy production DOE needs.
Combustion Efficiency Factors
Air-fuel ratio, burner geometry, swirl intensity, and staging all interact to determine combustion efficiency. DOE identifies the optimal settings that maximise thermal efficiency while minimising emissions.
Turbine Blade Cooling
Cooling hole geometry, flow rate, and configuration affect blade temperature and turbine efficiency. DOE optimises cooling designs to extend component life while maintaining performance.
Emissions Reduction Studies
NOx, CO, and particulate emissions depend on multiple combustion and post-treatment parameters. DOE determines the factor combinations that achieve emission compliance at minimum cost.
Operational Flexibility
Modern energy systems must operate efficiently across varying loads and fuel compositions. DOE establishes operating maps that maintain performance across the full operating envelope.
Our 8-Step
DOE Framework
An emissions-focused 8-step DOE methodology for energy production process optimisation.
Planning
Define clear objectives, success criteria, and measurable KPIs that align the experiment with your broader engineering and business goals.
Identify all relevant factors and their operational levels, establish measurement system reliability through Gauge R&R studies, and define statistical control boundaries. A robust plan ensures resources are allocated efficiently and that every test run produces actionable data.
Screening
Run targeted preliminary experiments to separate the critical few factors from the trivial many, drastically reducing experimental scope.
Leverage Fractional Factorial, Plackett-Burman, or Definitive Screening Designs to evaluate dozens of potential variables in a fraction of the runs a full factorial would require. The deliverable is a ranked Pareto chart of factor significance, enabling your team to focus on the variables that truly drive performance.
Modelling
Construct a rigorous mathematical model that quantifies how significant factors and their interactions drive your response variable.
Apply Full Factorial or Response Surface designs to capture main effects, two-way interactions, and curvature. The resulting model is validated with ANOVA, residual diagnostics, and R-squared metrics to ensure it reliably predicts system behaviour across the design space.
Optimisation
Fine-tune factor settings using response surface methodology to pinpoint the operating conditions that maximise yield, quality, or efficiency.
Deploy Central Composite or Box-Behnken Designs to map the response surface and locate global optima, even in the presence of complex factor interactions. Multi-objective optimisation techniques such as desirability functions are applied when balancing competing performance targets.
Verification
Execute confirmation runs under the predicted optimal conditions to validate that the model accurately reflects real-world process behaviour.
Compare observed responses against model predictions using confidence and prediction intervals to assess agreement. If deviations exceed acceptable thresholds, the model and optimisation parameters are iteratively refined until robust, repeatable performance is confirmed.
Execution
Carry out each experimental run according to the randomised design matrix, maintaining strict control over environmental conditions and procedural consistency.
All relevant process parameters, environmental readings, and response measurements are recorded in structured data logs with full traceability. Randomisation and blocking strategies are enforced to guard against systematic bias, ensuring the collected dataset is statistically sound.
Analysis
Apply statistical analysis — including ANOVA, effect plots, and contour maps — to extract meaningful patterns, interactions, and correlations from the experimental data.
Beyond classical statistics, advanced predictive models are built using neural networks (SANN), machine learning algorithms, and AI-driven pattern recognition. These complementary techniques uncover non-linear relationships that traditional regression may miss, delivering deeper process understanding.
Utilisation
Translate experimental insights into concrete process improvements, updated specifications, and operational best practices that drive measurable business value.
A comprehensive report documenting the experimental design, statistical findings, and recommended operating windows is delivered to all stakeholders. Knowledge is embedded into SOPs, control plans, and continuous improvement frameworks to ensure long-term retention and replication across projects.
What You
Receive
Energy-sector-grade DOE deliverables for combustion and process optimisation.
Combustion Efficiency Model
Response surface model relating burner parameters to thermal efficiency with optimal operating conditions.
Emissions Factor Analysis
Statistical analysis of NOx, CO, and particulate formation factors with main effects and interaction quantification.
Operating Map Development
Multi-condition optimisation defining optimal parameter settings across the full load range.
Heat Rate Improvement Report
Factor identification and optimisation for heat rate reduction with quantified improvement potential.
Fuel Flexibility Assessment
DOE-based evaluation of process sensitivity to fuel composition changes with recommended operating adjustments.
Monitoring & Control Strategy
Critical parameter identification with recommended control variable ranges and real-time monitoring approach.
Proven Results in
Energy Production
Based on DOE projects across gas turbines, boilers, and combined cycle power plants.
Energy Production
DOE FAQ
Common questions about Design of Experiments in energy production.
Ready to
Optimise?
Our energy DOE specialists deliver systematic combustion and process optimisation for emission reduction and efficiency gains.
- Systematic multi-variable optimisation
- Energy Production-specific DOE methodology
- AI & ML-powered predictive modelling