The energy sector is grappling with significant challenges as it transitions towards low-carbon technologies and sustainable practices. In this context, the integration of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants with thermal energy storage stands out as a compelling opportunity, yet it is fraught with complexity.
The recent study articulated in the Journal of Energy Storage underscores the perplexities and potential of such integration through the lens of a 600 MW coal-fired unit utilizing molten salt as a storage medium.
A key metric in this investigation is the economic surplus—an impressive RMB 1274.45 million, emphasizing the viability of CHP plants equipped with advanced thermal energy storage systems. At the heart of this innovation is the use of molten salt, a seemingly unassuming medium, yet one that unlocks a new paradigm in energy management through its ability to store and discharge heat efficiently.
Amidst the backdrop of China’s ambitious energy targets, there emerges a tension: meet escalating energy demands while simultaneously ensuring peak load stability amid variable renewable energy generation. CHP plants encounter this challenge head-on, using energy storage as a moderator in the interplay between surplus and scarcity. The deployment of molten salt allows for energy redistribution, effectively shifting the load profile of power generation and presenting a tangible method to enhance energy efficiency and reliability.
The research points to a specific combination—Charging A and Discharging B—as the optimal strategy among nine evaluated. This choice isn’t arbitrary but based on stringent thermodynamic analysis and performance metrics that emphasize power output and reduced standard coal consumption. The reported increase in power generation by 2.519 MW with Discharging B, paired with a coal consumption reduction of 0.2 t/h, speaks volumes about operational enhancements achievable through precise energy management.
However, the study does not shy away from the inherent trade-offs. For instance, while Charging C with Discharging B offers lower overall efficiency, its flexibility could accommodate variable demand more adeptly—an insight crucial for operators seeking to balance operational efficiency with grid requirements.
A critical insight derived from the analysis is the perceptible shift in coal-fired plants’ roles within the energy sector. Historically anchored as dispatchable power sources to ensure supply stability, these units are now tasked with flexible operations, integrating output with renewable flows. The financial arithmetic of the project—spiking revenues by RMB 0.792 million daily—further adds to the pragmatic narrative that such integration not only aligns with environmental mandates but also presents compelling economic incentives.
On a technical frontier, the research delineates the superiority of molten salt storage systems over other methodologies such as electrochemical or pumped storage, highlighting their scalability and lower initial investment thresholds. This positions molten salt as an ideal candidate for large-scale applications within thermal power plants necessitating peak shaving capabilities.
While the analysis encompasses various charging and discharging schemes, the focal point remains on enhancing thermal efficiency and fuel economy. The strategic insertion of steam into the high-pressure heater exemplifies a microcosm of targeted enhancements that ripple positively across the system’s operational portfolio.
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