Power plant peak load steam storage

Can thermal energy storage be integrated into coal-fired steam power plants?

In the FLEXI- TES joint project, the flexibilization of coal-fired steam power plants by integrating thermal energy storage (TES) into the power plant process is being investigated. In the concept phase at the beginning of the research project, various storage integration concepts were developed and evaluated.

Can a large-scale energy storage system improve power plant flexibility?

Comparative assessments demonstrate superior performance in terms of efficiency and economic viability compared to other advanced large-scale energy storage systems. This work provides a robust solution for enhancing coal-fired power plant flexibility, supporting the transition to renewable-dominated grids.

Should thermal energy storage be integrated into power plants?

For conventional power plants, the integration of thermal energy storage (TES) into the power plant process opens up a promising option for meeting future technical requirements in terms of flexibility while at the same time improving economic efficiency.

How to improve thermal efficiency in coal-fired power plants?

Flexibility and efficiency are co-improved by adopting the revised control schemes. Regulating the thermal system configuration can improve the ramp-up rate of the coal-fired power plants during peak shaving transient processes, while it may bring penalties in the performance of the steam temperature control and thermal efficiency.

Can molten salt energy storage and a steam accumulator decouple coal-fired power plants?

To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel system coupling molten salt energy storage and a steam accumulator based on cascade thermal energy utilization. The integrated system decouples boiler and turbine operations by extracting live steam, enabling stable operation of coal-fired power plants under extreme load reductions.

What type of storage system is used in a power plant?

The storage system is based on a Ruths-type steam accumulator with or without integrated PCM. Since the working medium of the power plant process is stored or retrieved, it is a direct storage system. The pressure vessel was designed both for the classic case without integrated PCM and for the innovative approach of integrating PCM capsules.