“THERMSOLV” --a Tool to Assess the Solar Aided Power Generation Concept for Coal Fired Power Stations

抄録

In last APCSEET (in Hong Kong) solar aided power generation concept has been proposed. Although the thermodynamic advantages of using solar energy to replace the bled off steam in the regeneration system of Rankine cycle coal fired power stations has been proven theoretically, the practical techno/economic feasibility of the concept has yet to be confirmed relative to real power station applications. To investigate the concept further, computer modelling software “THERMSOLV” has developed to simulate the steam cycle to assess the techno/economic merit of the concept for various power station structures, locations and local electricity market conditions. Two case studies, one in Victoria Australia and one in Yunnan Province, China, have been carried out with the software. This paper reports the structure and functions of the software, and the results of the two case studies. Although technically the concept is sound in both case studies, it was found from the case studies that under different scenarios ie. emphasis on fuel/coal saving or additional electricity generated (from solar), that payback times of adapting to this concept by modifying existing power stations are quite different. This to some degree may effect the specific application of this concept/technology.