The performance analysis and evaluation of C‐PV/T aided power generation system

In this paper, a novel solar aided power generation (SAPG) hybrid system based on the structural characteristics of coal‐fired power generation is established. In this system, the extraction steam of No.8 low pressure heater is replaced by the hot water coming from a concentration‐photovoltaic/thermal (C‐PV/T) module. The extraction steam returns into the steam turbine to do work, which increases the output power. And the electricity from the parallel C‐PV/T module goes directly into the power grid, which increases the generated power. The C‐PV/T module coupled with coal‐fired power generation improves the solar energy efficiency and provides hot water. As a case study, the economic calculation is performed with actual operation data extracted from a 600‐MW coal‐fired unit. The results show that the total efficiency increased by 1.3%, the coal fuel consumption is lowered by 11 g/kW·h, and the investment recovery period is approximately 7 years. This study offers a theoretical support to the engineering demonstration.