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Carbon emission accounting method for coal-fired power units of different coal types under peak shaving conditions

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  • Chen, Haoyu
  • Chen, Xi
  • Zhou, Guanwen
  • Zheng, Linghong
  • Xu, Ming
  • Yu, Li
  • Zhang, Hong

Abstract

In the context of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, the increasing share of renewable energy in the power system has resulted in coal-fired power units operating at low loads, rendering traditional carbon emission factor models inapplicable. To achieve more suitable carbon emission accounting methods, this paper models the entire coal-fired power generation process. In this study, we first employ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to conduct numerical simulations of the boiler combustion. Then, a mathematical model is constructed to obtain the boiler thermal efficiency. Additionally, the turbine heat rate and auxiliary load rate model are derived from historical data. Finally, after verifying the accuracy of the above models, a study on the emission factor characteristics of different coal types was carried out. The results indicate that the emission factor is primarily influenced by factors including coal hydrogen/carbon content, heating value, boiler load rate, boiler thermal efficiency and carbon oxidation rate. Based on the simulation data, empirical equations were fitted to describe the relationship between carbon emission factor and load for different coal types. These equations can be used for low loads, enriching the existing emission factor system and providing a valuable reference for carbon emission accounting under peak shaving conditions.

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  • Chen, Haoyu & Chen, Xi & Zhou, Guanwen & Zheng, Linghong & Xu, Ming & Yu, Li & Zhang, Hong, 2025. "Carbon emission accounting method for coal-fired power units of different coal types under peak shaving conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:320:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225009569
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135314
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    1. Wu, Chunlei & Wang, Chao & Hou, Zongyu & Wang, Zhe, 2025. "Flexible peak shaving in coal-fired power plants: A comprehensive review of current challenges, recent advances, and future perspectives," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 327(C).

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