Simulation Of Thermal Power Plant Research Articles

Effect of different operation strategies on transient solar thermal power plant simulation models with molten salt as heat transfer fluid – Considering 5 cities under different climate zones – Dubai and Iran

Effect of different operation strategies on transient solar thermal power plant simulation models with molten salt as heat transfer fluid – Considering 5 cities under different climate zones – Dubai and Iran

Influence of Different Operation Strategies on Transient Solar Thermal Power Plant Simulation Models with Molten Salt as Heat Transfer Fluid

One of the advantages of solar thermal power plants (STPPs) with molten salt as heat transfer fluid is the direct storage system. This means that the thermal energy collected by the solar field and the electric power generation can be fully decoupled. The plant operator must therefore make the daily decision when to start-up or to shut-down the power block (PB). Normally, the solar field of these STPPs is overdesigned which leads to dumping of solar energy during days with high solar radiation, due to the inability of the hot tank and the PB to consume all the collected thermal energy. The PB must therefore start as soon as possible to prevent excessive dumping of solar energy. Contrarily, on days with low solar radiation, the PB should not start too early to prevent a second start-up on this day, because of a low hot tank level. In order to operate within these counter bounds, a fixed and a dynamic operation strategy are proposed. The so-called solar-driven strategy serves as a reference. Using this strategy, the PB operates whenever the solar field is online. The two proposed operation strategies are compared to the reference strategy by means of a transient STPP simulation model. Using the dynamic operation strategy, the annual unnecessary PB start-ups and the auxiliary heater thermal energy for anti-freeze protection are decreased, whereas the annual net electricity is increased.

Thermoeconomic Methodology for Analysis and Optimization of a Hybrid Solar Thermal Power Plant

Energy and exergy studies together with cost analysis for power plants design and multi-process chemical industries received much attention recently. In the present study, with second law analysis (based on the exergy concept), thermoeconomic analysis of a 500 kW hybrid solar thermal power plant (STPP) with parabolic collectors has been simulated. Its applications include the evaluation of utility costs such as products or supplies of production plants. These costs are applicable for feasibility studies, investment decisions, on comparing alternative techniques and operating conditions, for a cost-effective section of equipments during an installation, and an exchange or expansion of the energy system. In addition to simulation of thermal power plant operating condition, the study is aimed to minimizing objective function including investment cost of equipments and cost of exergy destruction. Optimization process is done by using thermoeconomic principles and genetic algorithm. The analysis shows that objective function for the optimum operating condition reduced by 28.4%. Also the cost of electricity produced by hybrid solar power plant in the optimum design is 2.5 cent(kWh)−1 lower than the base case. Finally, sensitivity analysis is carried out to study the effect of changes in the unit cost of electricity to the system important parameters such as solar plant size, interest rate, fuel cost, solar operation period, and system construction period.

An overview of modelling and simulation of thermal power plant

Thermal power plants constitute the largest proportion of installed capability in global power generation system and consume large quantities of coal. Achieving optimal operation of thermal power units, improving the efficiency and reducing the coal consumption is of great significance for the reduction of greenhouse gas and pollutants emissions. Modelling and simulation is the base of optimal operation and control in thermal power unit. In this paper, research results of modelling and simulation of thermal power units are reviewed. Firstly, several common models which are used for researches of thermal power control systems are analysed, including simplified turbine and furnace models for unit coordinated control system (CCS) as well as local equipment models. Then the system structure, function and application of thermal power stimulated simulator are described. Finally, the structure and function of digital power plant is introduced. The challenges of modelling and simulation of thermal power plant researches in the future are discussed.

Development of a thermal power plant simulation tool based on object orientation

This study presents a new dynamic simulation tool that facilitates plant and control system design of thermal power plants. In order to provide flexibility in building plant and control systems, object-oriented modelling techniques are used to model individual plant components, and each component object model is based on the verified first principles model. Further, simulation models can be easily built by connecting individual component object models, similar to the procedure adopted in an actual plant, by using a user-friendly graphical user interface. This tool enables the design engineer to build a simulation model, execute the simulation during the design process, test an actual plant control system, and adjust the control parameters. It is a useful design tool that accelerates and enhances the plant and control system design process.