A novel solar tower assisted pulverized coal power system considering solar energy cascade utilization: Performance analysis and multi-objective optimization

Solar-assisted pulverized coal power systems offer higher solar energy utilization efficiency, enabling pulverized coal power plants to rapidly achieve energy-saving and emission-reduction targets. This study proposes the incorporation of two solar heaters to create a new solar tower assisted pulverized coal power (STPCP) system for the cascade utilization of solar energy. A comprehensive performance analysis, considering both power-boosting (PB) and fuel-saving (FS) operation modes, has been conducted. The multi-objective particle swarm optimization method is then applied to optimize the system from both thermal and economic perspectives. The findings demonstrate that in FS mode, annual coal consumption decreases by 24.35 × 103 tons, while in PB mode, annual power generation increases by 94.12 GWh. The optimization analysis demonstrates that the optimal cost of electricity (COE) and annual standard coal consumption rate in PB mode are 1.4 × 10−4 USD/kWh and 4.3 g/kWh lower than those in FS mode. Additionally, as the solar field cost declines, the optimal COE and annual standard coal consumption rate gradually decrease. While, increasing coal prices result in higher optimal COE, but lower optimal annual standard coal consumption rate. Based on this study, it can be inferred that the STPCP system shows promising prospects in the future.