Journal: Journal of Energy Storage, Vol. 89 (June 1, 2024), Article 111738
Authors: Jing Xu; Wenhao Liu; Zhenpu Wang; Suxia Ma; Guanjia Zhao; Yujiong Gu
DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2024.111738
Source citation: Journal of Energy Storage (2024), “Comparative investigation on the thermodynamic performance of coal‑fired power plant integrating with the molten salt thermal storage system,” Vol. 89, 111738; DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2024.111738.
Summary
Five charging schemes are modeled, spanning TES‑only, P2H‑only (electric heater/boiler variants), and combined TES+P2H, to quantify peak‑shaving and efficiency tradeoffs in a CFPP. All configurations enhance peak shaving; P2H‑only can theoretically achieve zero electrical output during charge, posting the highest equivalent round‑trip efficiency at about 36.23% and the lowest heat consumption rate (~8289 kJ/kWh) but lower exergy efficiency (~36.51%) due to high electric‑heater exergy loss (~132.6 MW). TES‑integrated systems deliver the highest overall exergy efficiency (~39.58%), balancing performance metrics across operating conditions and investment profiles. Investment and payback differ: P2H‑only has the largest capital (~$33.35M) and longest repayment but earns the most peak‑shaving compensation, while TES‑coupled options provide stronger exergy performance.
Mission relevance
Comparative evidence helps select retrofit pathways—TES, P2H, or hybrids—that reduce technical minimums and improve flexibility while reusing boilers, turbines, and grid connections as stepping‑stones toward deeper clean repowering.