Simulation modelling of sampling and replacement of coal suppliers for thermal power plants

Abstract

This paper embarks to the persistent suboptimal coal quality issues experienced in thermal power plants that hinder operational efficiency and sustainability. The research is divided into three main segments: formulation of a transport problem, creation of a coal supplier selection model, and construction of a MATLAB Simulink® simulation for detecting and refusing low-grade coal. The proposed supplier selection model, important for thermal power plants, considers factors such as potential transport delays and the necessity of reserve refueling to prevent fuel shortages. This model is expected to decrease fuel shortages and enhance the reliability and efficiency of thermal power plants. Additionally, a coal quality detection model has been developed using a sampling approach based on the Cochran formula, aiming to increase defect detection accuracy, thus reducing the likelihood of utilizing poor-quality coal. The model's unique feature is its dynamic adjustment of coal sample selection based on combustion results, enabling real-time response to coal quality inconsistencies. Upon detecting poor-quality coal, the power plants promptly switch to an alternate supplier, minimizing operational disruptions. The validity of the models was confirmed via simulation on various examples.