STUDY ON USE OF VERTICALLY ARRANGED PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR COLLECTORS FOR ASSISTING COAL-FIRED POWER GENERATION

Zhang Zhaonan; Zhang Lidong

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-1936

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (3) : 8-16. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-1936

STUDY ON USE OF VERTICALLY ARRANGED PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR COLLECTORS FOR ASSISTING COAL-FIRED POWER GENERATION

Zhang Zhaonan, Zhang Lidong

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Abstract

To meet the needs of integrating renewable energy into coal-fired power plants, this study proposes a vertical arrangement of parabolic trough solar collectors by utilizing the vertical space of structures such as coal yard windbreak walls and perimeter walls. This approach significantly reduces land occupation while enhancing the utilization of renewable energy in coal-fired power plants. First, an optimization of the vertical arrangement, including the number of layers and spacing, was conducted to determine the optimal configuration. Given the unique solar input conditions associated with vertical PTSC placement, the performance of solar-aided power generation （SAPG） schemes was evaluated for 125 MW, 350 MW, and 600 MW units under different collector areas. The power generation performance of each scheme was simulated and compared using Ebsilon software, followed by an economic analysis. The results indicate that the optimal configuration consists of four vertical layers with a longitudinal spacing of 3.25 m. Under these conditions, the economic benefits of the vertical arrangement are comparable to those of the conventional horizontal layout, while the land cost savings compensate for the power loss caused by shading. The annual renewable energy contribution of the SAPG system in coal-fired power plants can reach up to 4%.

Key words

solar power generation / coal fired power plant / solar collectors / solar auxiliary power generation / coal consumption saving / economic analysis of power plant systems

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Zhang Zhaonan, Zhang Lidong. STUDY ON USE OF VERTICALLY ARRANGED PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR COLLECTORS FOR ASSISTING COAL-FIRED POWER GENERATION[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(3): 8-16 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-1936

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