With deep peak-load regulations, utility boilers are frequently operated under variable/low load conditions. However, their hydrodynamics, combustion and NOx emission characteristics are uncertain and relevant theoretical guidance are lacking. For this purpose, a comprehensive CFD model including flow, coal combustion and NOx formation is established for a 630 MW tangentially fired pulverized-coal boiler, aiming at solving the problem of decreasing combustion stability and increasing NOx emission in lowload operation. Based on the grid independence and model validation, the flow field, temperature profile, species concentration profile and NOx emission are predicted, and the influences of angle/arrangement of burners are further evaluated. Simulation results indicate that under low-load conditions, residual airflow rotation still persists at the top of boiler regardless of how to adjust the angle/arrangement of burners. With tilting the burner angle upward, flame is more concentrated, combustion becomes more stable, and heat flux rises in the upper zone; the burner arrangement of ABDE gives more uniform temperature distribution in the combustion zone. CO species shows higher content in the combustion zone; the 0 degrees tilt angle gives maximum CO content, followed by the 15 degrees angle, and finally the-15 degrees angle; compared to the ACDE and ABCE arrangement, the ABDE arrangement mode gives much lower CO contents. Burner tilt angle of-15 degrees benefits for lower NOx emission (183 mg/m(3)) but goes against stable combustion; the bur ner arrangement mode of ABDE is optimal for the present boiler, which ensures both stable combustion and lower NOx emission (209 mg/m(3)). (c) 2020 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.