Effects of oxidant distribution mode and burner configuration on oxy-fuel combustion characteristics in a 600 MWe utility boiler

•A CFD model was developed for oxy-fuel combustion in a 600MW boiler.•Effects of oxidant distribution mode on oxy-fuel combustion were investigated.•A burner configuration was proposed for the large-scale oxy-fuel utility boilers.•High burnouts and low NOx emissions were achieved under oxy-fuel condition.