Exploration of Operation Modes of a Thermal Power Unit across Two Power Grids

Abstract

A power plant explores its thermal power unit operation mode across two power grids to overcome the low load rate, low efficiency, and poor thermal power stability at the end of the power grids. After theoretical analysis of the terminal power grid’s general characteristics and existing problems, combined with the load characteristics of large thermal power units in efficiency and control, this paper performs experimental research, including unit operation in several typical power grids with 50% rated load shedding. The concreted protection strategies are then employed to transform the unit from one power grid to another. The concrete recovery strategies of auxiliary power are also optimized and put into practice to reduce the system blackout time and improve the unit’s security according to the unit’s typical blackout accident. Finally, the unit performs primary frequency and peak regulation tests under different control modes. Moreover, detailed optimized strategies are presented to improve the power grid and absorb new energy generators. All optimized protection and operation strategies improve the profit of generated electrical energy and the regional power grid’s stability and safety.