Thermal power plant flexibilization with integrated thermal energy storage systems

Abstract

Despite the environmental concern leading to low-carbon environmental policies, coal is expected to remain the global primary energy resource for the years to come. It is therefore necessary to increase the efficiency and environmental friendliness of these power systems. Profitability of thermal power plants is nowadays more than ever dependable on flexibility, and as more renewables are added to the net, the greater the challenge for thermal power plants to remain competitive in the energy market. Aspects such as the achievable minimum load, the maximum load, the controlling power range as well as the energetic efficiency are some of the key points addressed for future management and control of the thermal power plant fleet. Within the scope of this work, a process flow diagram model capable of part load simulation of the Dürnrohr Power Station is developed with EBSILON Professional, and a flexibilisation concept is approached by integrating thermal energy storage systems to the initial model.