Thermal Power Research Articles

Clean energy development and low-carbon transition in China’s power industry

IntroductionChina is the largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the world, with its power industry being the primary source of these emissions. The high emission levels are primarily attributed to the extensive consumption of fossil resources during thermal power generation. Developing clean energy power generation to replace thermal power generation is one of the main strategies to mitigate the high level of carbon emissions in the power industry and thus promoting its low-carbon transition.MethodTo explore the relationship between China’s development level of clean electricity and carbon emissions from thermal power, this paper conducts an empirical study using provincial data from 2008 to 2021, while employing fixed-effects models, mediation effect tests, and heterogeneity tests.Results and discussionThe results indicate that an increase in the level of clean electricity development reduces CO2 emissions from thermal power, and this effect exhibits a trend of diminishing from the eastern economic zone to the western economic zone in China. In the eastern regions with higher levels of urbanization, the development of clean electricity has a more significant effect on mitigating CO2 emissions from thermal power, whereas upgrading industrial structure in central and western regions contributes more in decreasing CO2 emissions from thermal power. Research and development (R&D) investment plays a significant mediating role and thus helps to improve the level of clean electricity development and reduce carbon emissions. Finally, the policy implications are proposed to intensify R&D investment, promote crossregional cooperation in sharing of clean energy, implement differentiated clean energy development policies, and establish a sustainable monitoring and evaluation system.

Power system optimization dispatch for energy conservation and emission reduction

This paper examines the optimization of power system dispatching with a focus on energy conservation and emission reduction. Through analyzing current situations and challenges, it aims to propose effective strategies and methods to achieve efficient power system operation while protecting the environment. The article commences by detailing China's advancements and obstacles in energy conservation and emission reduction within its power system. It addresses issues such as the variability of renewable energy sources, efficiency constraints in thermal power generation units, the intricate nature of the power grid infrastructure, and the novel challenges introduced by reforms in the electricity market. Subsequently, the paper presents four major strategies: priority dispatching of clean energy, flexible dispatching of thermal power units, power grid structure optimization, and market mechanism introduction. Research findings, when integrated with practical case studies, demonstrate that the utilization of virtual power plants and advanced dispatching systems can markedly enhance the capacity for clean energy consumption, decrease the operational duration of thermal power units and the intensity of carbon emissions, while simultaneously improving the overall efficiency of power systems. This research holds significant importance for promoting green and sustainable development in the power industry

Performance Analysis of a Parabolic Trough Collector with Photovoltaic—Thermal Generation: Case Study and Parametric Study

This study presents a mathematical model of a parabolic trough solar collector with photovoltaic cells integrated into its solar receiver. A case study is presented, utilizing meteorological data obtained from the localities of Cuernavaca and Mexicali in Mexico. The results demonstrate moderately variable electrical and thermal energy production for Cuernavaca (387.93 kWh to 239.38 kWh and 1036.11 kWh to 641.26 kWh, respectively). In contrast, the production of electrical and thermal energy in Mexicali exhibited considerably greater fluctuations (515.16 kWh to 177.69 kWh and 1424.39 kWh to 448.88 kWh, respectively). Furthermore, a parametric study is presented, which analyzes the impact of solar receiver geometry and mass flow on the model’s behavior. The results demonstrate that the pipe length exerts the most significant influence on the electrical and thermal power output (1.21 kW to 2.22 kW and 3.7 kW to 6.9 kW, respectively). Additionally, the diameter has an impact on the thermal power output (5.23 kW to 7.1 kW) and the electrical and thermal efficiency (0.18 to 0.15 and 0.54 to 0.74, respectively). Modifying the mass flow facilitates the enhancement of electrical power and efficiency (1.54 kW to 1.72 kW and 0.16 to 0.18, respectively) while concurrently preventing a significant reduction in thermal power and efficiency (5.4 kW to 5.3 kW and 0.56 to 0.55, respectively). A script with the developed model is provided.

Efficient pressure regulation in nonlinear shell-and-tube steam condensers via a Novel TDn(1 + PIDn) controller and DCSA algorithm

Steam condensers are vital components of thermal power plants, responsible for converting turbine exhaust steam back into water for reuse in the power generation cycle. Effective pressure regulation is crucial to ensure operational efficiency and equipment safety. However, conventional control strategies, such as PI, PI-PDn and FOPID controllers, often struggle to manage the nonlinearities and disturbances inherent in steam condenser systems. This paper introduces a novel multistage controller, TDn(1 + PIDn), optimized using the diligent crow search algorithm (DCSA). The proposed controller is specifically designed to address system nonlinearities, external disturbances, and the complexities of dynamic responses in steam condensers. Key contributions include the development of a flexible multi-stage control framework and its optimization via DCSA to achieve enhanced stability, faster response times, and reduced steady-state errors. Simulation results demonstrate that the TDn(1 + PIDn) controller outperforms conventional control strategies, including those tuned with advanced metaheuristic algorithms, in terms of settling time, overshoot, and integral of time weighted absolute error (ITAE). This study marks a significant advancement in pressure regulation strategies, providing a robust and adaptive solution for nonlinear industrial systems.

First Direct Search for Light Dark Matter Using the NEON Experiment at a Nuclear Reactor

We report new results from the neutrino elastic scattering observation with NaI (NEON) experiment in the search for light dark matter (LDM) using 2636 kg·days of NaI(Tl) exposure. The experiment employs an array of NaI(Tl) crystals with a total mass of 16.7 kg, located 23.7 m away from a 2.8 GW thermal power nuclear reactor. We investigated LDM produced by the of dark photons, a well-motivated mechanism generated by high-flux photons during reactor operation. The energy spectra collected during reactor-on and reactor-off periods were compared within the LDM signal region of 1–10 keV. No signal consistent with LDM interaction with electrons was observed, allowing us to set 90% confidence level exclusion limits on the dark matter-electron scattering cross section (σe) across dark matter masses ranging from 1 to 1000 keV/c2. Our results set a 90% confidence level upper limit of σe=3.17×10−35 cm2 for a dark matter mass of 100 keV/c2, marking the best laboratory result in this mass range. Additionally, our search extends the coverage of LDM below 100 keV/c2 for the first time, assuming the specific of dark photons. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Mitigation strategies can alleviate power system vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather: a case study on the Italian grid

Abstract This study explores compounding impacts of climate change on power system’s load and generation, emphasising the need to integrate adaptation and mitigation strategies into investment planning. We combine existing and novel empirical evidence to model impacts on: (i) air-conditioning demand; (ii) thermal power outages; (iii) hydro-power generation shortages. Using a power dispatch and capacity expansion model, we analyse the Italian power system’s response to these climate impacts in 2030, integrating mitigation targets and optimising for cost-efficiency at an hourly resolution. We outline different meteorological scenarios to explore the impacts of both average climatic changes and the intensification of extreme weather events. We find that addressing extreme weather in power system planning will require an extra 5–8 GW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity, on top of the 50 GW of the additional solar PV capacity required by the mitigation target alone. Despite the higher initial investments, we find that the adoption of renewable technologies, especially PV, alleviates the power system’s vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events. In fact, renewable energy sources are generally less vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, compared to thermal power and hydropower generation. Furthermore, enhancing short-term storage with lithium-ion batteries is crucial to counterbalance the reduced availability of dispatchable hydro generation.

Operational properties of cement-free concrete with porous aggregate

The article presents the results of technology development and research on the operational properties of porous aggregate and cement-free concretes based on it. The purpose of the work is to study lightweight concretes containing a liquid–glass porous aggregate for resistance to various aggressive influences. The porous granular aggregate was obtained by firing a mixture of liquid glass with the ash of thermal power plants and an ash aluminosilicate microsphere. Binders based on caustic magnesite and liquid glass with the addition of thermal energy waste were used to produce coarse-pored concretes. The choice of cement-free binders is due to the high adhesion to the filler. The behavior of the developed concretes in various aggressive environments, under the influence of low and elevated temperatures, has been studied. The resistance of magnesia concrete to the effects of water and salt solutions has been revealed. The technological and operational advantages of liquid-glazed concrete are shown, featuring increased thermal insulation ability, satisfactory resistance to aggressive media and resistance to low and high-temperature fluctuations. The developed concretes can be used in the enclosing structures of objects for various purposes.

Simulation Results of a Thermal Power Dispatch System from a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor in Normal and Abnormal Operating Conditions

Simulation Results of a Thermal Power Dispatch System from a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor in Normal and Abnormal Operating Conditions

Impacts of Thermal Power Industry Emissions on Air Quality in China

Impacts of Thermal Power Industry Emissions on Air Quality in China

The dynamic risk spillover of higher-order moments in the China’s energy market: A time-frequency perspective

ABSTRACT This study employs a risk spillover measurement method based on CEEMDAN-SE, GARCHSK, and TVP-VAR-DY models to assess risk spillover among 11 sub-sectors in China’s energy market, such as coal, oil, thermal power, and new energy vehicles. The energy sector index return is decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and reconstructed into high, medium, and low-frequency sequences. The GARCHSK model calculates conditional mean, variances, skewness, and kurtosis sequences for these sequences, which are then integrated into the TVP-VAR-DY model to evaluate return, volatility, and higher-order moment risk spillovers. Empirical findings highlight significant time-varying spillover effects, with return and volatility spillovers surpassing average total skewness and kurtosis spillovers. The New Energy Vehicle (NEV) and Electric Power Grid (EPG) sectors act as major risk transmitters, while primary risk receivers vary by frequency and order. Regulatory authorities should develop a real-time surveillance mechanism to monitor the transfer of risks between the NEV sector and the EPG sector. It is essential to foster inter-industry cooperation to facilitate better resource allocation and swift response to emerging challenges. Furthermore, policymakers should focus on bolstering the resilience of pivotal sectors by employing dynamic risk management strategies and providing appropriate incentives.

Optimal Dispatching of Integrated Energy System with Hydrogen-to-Ammonia and Ammonia-mixed/Oxygen-enriched Thermal Power

Optimal Dispatching of Integrated Energy System with Hydrogen-to-Ammonia and Ammonia-mixed/Oxygen-enriched Thermal Power

Thermal enhancement using variable characteristics and tripartite diffusion features of solar aircraft wings in context of Reiner-Philippoff hybrid nanofluid passing through a parabolic trough solar collector

The application of solar energy to manufacturing processes and thermal power has changed dramatically. This time, the analysis of solar radiation and the possible combination of solar radiation and nanotechnology to increase the efficiency of solar-powered aircraft becomes a significant area of research. Solar-thermal applications often use parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs) to achieve high temperatures. This is a theoretical study that discuss the effects of hybrid nano-solid particles on the parabolic trough’s surface collector which is located inside the solar aircraft wings. For this investigation, the non-Newtonian Reiner-Philippoff model; a renowned and cutting-edge type of thermally efficient fluid as well as the stability triple diffusive boundary layer natural convective flow contained in a Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium have been taken into consideration. To verify the thermophysical behavior of the suggested model, unique hybrid nanoparticles copper along with zirconium dioxide with engine oil as base fluid (Cu+ZrO2/EO) has been added to the solar aircraft wings to improve the heat transfer performance. Scientists are currently investigating how to use solar radiation and nanotechnology to increase aircraft manufacturing. To investigate the phenomenon of heat transfer rate, a hybrid nanofluid stream is traveling in the direction of a parabolic-shaped trough found inside solar airplane wings. Solar thermal radiation was the term used to describe the heat transfer process. Heat source/sink phenomena, various slip boundary conditions, thermal radiative, chemical reaction, variable thermal conductivity, and variable molecular diffusivity are some of the special characteristics that are taken into account while assessing the heat transfer efficiency of airplane wings. With the utilization of the appropriate similarity transformations, partial diferential equations that represent the mathematical model can be decreased to ordinary diferential equations. To address the obtained dimensionless ordinary diferential equations, MATLAB’s Lobatto IIIA numerical technique was employed. By comparing the obtained results with the current literature, the credibility of the numerical results is ascertained. It’s vital to remember that velocity reduces as the Bingham number parameter increases. Elevation of thermal radiation enhances the functionality of aircraft wings that are exposed to heat transfer. Moreover, the rate of heat transfer is enhanced by positive variations in heat source and thermal conductivity effects.

Performance evaluation of SCO2 Brayton cycles for thermal protection and power generation in hypersonic vehicles

Performance evaluation of SCO2 Brayton cycles for thermal protection and power generation in hypersonic vehicles

Multi-segment cooling design of a reflection mirror based on the finite-element method.

High-repetition-rate free-electron lasers impose stringent requirements on thermal deformations of optics in the beamline. The Shanghai HIgh-repetition-rate XFEL aNd Extreme light facility (SHINE) experiences high average thermal power and demands wavefront preservation. To effectively manage thermal deformation in the first reflection mirrors M1, we optimized the cooling length and position of the cooling groove with numerical calculations. For example, the root mean square of the height error of the thermal deformation of the mirror at a photon energy of 900 eV was optimized, resulting in a 12.7× reduction, from 13.76 nm to 1.08 nm. This optimized design also eliminated stray light in the focus spot at the sample and resulted in a 177% increase in the peak intensity of the beam's focus spot at the sample, from 3.08 × 105 to 8.53 × 105. The multi-segment cooling design of the mirror advanced the quality of the beam's focus spot at the sample and ensured the stable operation of SHINE under high repetition rates.

Utilisation of coal bottom ash in zero carbon footprint pavement-quality geopolymer concrete

Worldwide demand for natural fine aggregate (NFA) in the construction sector has skyrocketed in recent decades, and supplies of NFA are becoming more scarce. At the same time, thermal power plants produce massive quantities of coal bottom ash (CBA), which has adverse environmental impacts. However, studies have shown that CBA can be used as a replacement for NFA in concrete preparation. In this study, the fresh and mechanical properties, durability characteristics and fatigue life of pavement-quality geopolymer concrete (PQGPC) mixes prepared with the partial addition of CBA as partial NFA replacement were investigated. After 28 days of curing, the compressive and flexural strengths of a PQGPC mix with the use of 30% CBA (GPC-30) were in accordance with the requirements for rigid pavements. Furthermore, compared with the regular PQGPC mix, GPC-30 had a 2% lower endurance limit against fatigue at two million cycles at different stress levels (0.55, 0.60, 0.65 and 0.70). Even though GPC-30 was found to have 19% lower flexural strength than the regular PQGPC, the fatigue life was comparable. The use of CBA to prepare ‘green’ PQGPC pavements not only lessens the reliance on NFA but also reduced the need for landfill.

Utilization of refuse-derived fuel in industrial applications: Insights from Uttar Pradesh, India.

Urbanization and population growth in India have quickened, leading to an annual generation of around 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW). Improper management of organic waste presents a major environmental problem due to air and water pollution, soil contamination and greenhouse gas production. This research aims to develop refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as a viable option, converting waste into a high-calorific energy carrier for industrial use. The RDF samples were collected from five strategic locations in Uttar Pradesh: Morta Site, Pipeline Site, and Sector 146 Noida, covering various waste compositions found at these landfill sites. Proximate and ultimate analyses of the RDF prepared from these sources were conducted, followed by in-depth Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to validate its suitability as a potential feedstock. Careful waste segregation and treatment for better fuel quality can help minimize the difference in calorific values between different sites. Based on RDF tests, the waste-to-energy technology can divert over 30% of solid waste from landfills and cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 25% compared to traditional disposal methods. Unlike RDF, which is part of the replacement line for coal in industrial furnaces such as thermal power plants, it eliminates over 15% and 20% of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Ensuring that RDFs support sustainable energy technologies and align with circular economy principles, the study's results could enhance energy efficiency in waste management and complement environmental policy goals across all states in India and worldwide.

Evaluating the environmental performances of thermal power plants: a study on EMAS registered Italian sites.

Evaluating the environmental performances of thermal power plants: a study on EMAS registered Italian sites.

ADVANCED ULTRA-SUPERCRITICAL BOILER TECHNOLOGY IN THERMAL POWER PLANTS: INNOVATIONS IN MATERIALS, DESIGN, AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

Advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) boiler technology represents a major breakthrough in power generation since it offers lower emissions and better thermal efficiency than traditional subcritical and supercritical systems. The most recent advancements in materials, designs, and operating techniques that are propelling the development of AUSC boilers are closely examined in this review article. Because they can tolerate the high temperatures and pressures involved in AUSC operation, advanced materials like thermal barrier coatings and nickel-based superalloys are highlighted as having the potential to increase durability and lower maintenance costs. Studies of global AUSC boiler implementations underscore the practical applications of these advancements and offer insights into best practices and lessons learned. The development of next-generation materials and the use of carbon capture technologies are just two examples of the trends and directions that the article examines for future research. By identifying upcoming challenges and synthesizing current knowledge, this review aims to provide a comprehensive resource to optimize AUSC boiler technology for a more efficient and sustainable energy future.

AI-based carbon peak prediction and energy transition optimization for thermal power industry in energy-intensive regions of China

AI-based carbon peak prediction and energy transition optimization for thermal power industry in energy-intensive regions of China

Physical and chemical properties of soils collected from surrounding areas of Payra thermal power plant

The study was conducted to observe the physical and chemical properties of the soils of the Payra thermal power plant's surrounding areas. The textural class of 55 collected soil samples was mostly Silt loam, with few Silty clay loam soils. Soil pH ranges from 3.72 to 7.82, with more than 80 % being acidic and only 4% slightly alkaline. The 23 % of samples were highly acidic (pH<4.5). The electrical conductivity ranged from 0.91 to 23.95 dS/m, with 47% of the samples having EC values greater than 8 dS/m; those sample sites were unsuitable for crop cultivation. There was a significant difference between Olsen P and Bray P in soil, having 0.73 to 13.87 and 9.29 to 42.60 ppm, respectively. All the samples had very high sulfur contents (34.3 to 601.4 ppm). Most soil samples (78%) contained very high sodium content. J. Bangladesh Acad. Sci. 48(2); 273-276: December 2024