Research and Application of Operation Flexibility Improvement Technology for Coal-Fired Power Unit

ObjectivesUnder the background of the “dual carbon” strategic goal, the demand for flexible regulation resources in the power system has significantly increased after the large-scale integration of new energy generation into the grid. At present, the coal-fired power is the main flexible resource on the power side with the ability to scale up peak shaving. Since 2016, the major domestic power generation companies have implemented a certain scale of flexibility transformation of coal-fired power units. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize and analyze the problems existing in the actual operation and maintenance of the unit after flexibility transformation.MethodsThe technical route, investment cost and actual operation of several coal-fired power units with flexible transformation in a company were statistically analyzed.ResultsAfter the flexibility improvement and transformation of the active coal-fired power generation unit, the minimum power generation output of the advanced unit can be reduced to 18%Pe (Pe is rated load) level, the load change rate with 20%Pe~30%Pe can reach 1.8%Pe/min, and an average unit capacity investment is 101 yuan/kW. In addition, under flexible operating conditions, the coal consumption of coal-fired power units after the transformation has significantly increased.ConclusionsSuggestions are put forward for the operation, maintenance and further work of coal-fired power units under flexible operating conditions. The research results provide reference and inspiration for the flexibility improvement and transformation of existing coal-fired power units.