A Review on the Development of Energy Efficiency Optimization Technologies for Regenerative and Reheating Systems in Coal-Fired Power Plants

( Vol-12,Issue-3,May - June 2026 )

Author(s): Jia-Dian Chen, Yan-Zuo Chang, Yan-Qi Chen, Jing-Yi Guan, Jing-Yu Feng, Yu-Han Huang, Si-Han Zhang, Bin-Rong Ma, Jian-Le Zhou

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Page No: 418-433
DOI: 10.22161/ijaems.123.40

Keywords:

coal-fired power; plant;exergy loss; energy efficiency optimization; regenerative and reheat system; intelligent algorithm

Abstract:

Coal-fired power plants in China remain an important pillar for the safe operation of the power grid. Improving the energy efficiency of the regenerative system is key to reducing carbon emissions and lowering the net coal consumption rate for power supply. This paper reviews the thermodynamic essence and equipment composition of the regenerative system in coal-fired units, analyzing the causes of energy losses such as high parameterization, irreversible heat transfer losses, and improper extraction steam flow allocation. It evaluates the research status, advantages, and limitations of three mainstream energy efficiency optimization technologies: traditional equipment modification, operational mode optimization, and intelligent algorithms/data-driven approaches. The paper identifies core shortcomings of current technologies, including rigid design concepts, lack of full lifecycle equipment maintenance, lagging drain control, and weak intelligent monitoring and diagnosis. Finally, it envisions that future regenerative systems will evolve toward wide-load high-efficiency design, multi-technology integrated optimization, and coupling with thermal storage/renewable energy sources, forming comprehensive energy systems, providing a reference for energy-saving retrofits and technology development in coal-fired power plants.

Received: 23 May 2026; Received in revised form: 17 Jun 2026; Accepted: 21 Jun 2026; Available online: 25 Jun 2026

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