A novel tower solar aided coal-fired power generation (TSACPG) system with thermal energy storage is proposed in this paper. Based on the principle of energy grade matching and cascade utilization, the high-temperature solar energy is used to heat the first and second reheat steam extracted from the boiler and the low-temperature solar energy is used to heat the boiler feed water. The maximum steam extraction mass flow rates of the boiler un. A novel tower solar aided coal-fired power generation (TSACPG) system with thermal energy storage is proposed in this paper. Based on the principle of energy grade matching and cascade utilization, the high-temperature solar energy is used to heat the first and second reheat steam extracted from the boiler and the low-temperature solar energy is used to heat the boiler feed water. The maximum steam extraction mass flow rates of the boiler under different load rates are obtained and the thermal performances are also analyzed. The results show that the maximum steam extraction mass flow rates from the first and second reheat part of boiler are 69.7 kg/s and 37 kg/s in 100 %THA (Turbine Heat Acceptance), 78.7 kg/s and 37 kg/s in 90 %THA, 81 kg/s and 31.4 kg/s in 75 %THA, 76.3 kg/s and 31 kg/s in 60 %THA, 68.2 kg/s and 31.2 kg/s in 50 %THA load, respectively. And the standard coal consumption rates can be reduced by 39.85 g/kWh, 39.47 g/kWh, 38.08 g/kWh, 35.50 g/kWh and 35.25 g/kWh, respectively. Both the boiler thermal efficiency and overall thermal efficiency of the TSACPG system descend sightly and the boiler exergy efficiency ascends. With the decline of the load, the solar-to-electricity efficiency, the power output and the proportion of solar power generation descend gradually. And they can reach up to 28.62%, 120.90 MW and 18.32% in 100 %THA load, respectively. The economic performance analysis of the TSACPG system is carried out. The system configuration and investment corr. ••An innovative TSACPG system with thermal energy storage is proposed.••Solar energy is used to heat reheat steam and boiler feed water simultaneously.••Thermal performances of the system under different loads are explored.••Solar contribution and CO2 reduction in the system are discussed.••Economic evaluation of the system with different configurations are studied.Solar towerThermal energy storageDouble reheat ultra-supercritical unitEconomic analysisAbbreviationsDEA the deaeratorDNI the direct normal irradiance, W/m2E the annual output of power station, kWhHP the high-pressure cylinderHT the height of central tower, mI the initial investment of TSACPG system, $IP the intermediate-pressure cylinderLCOE the levelized cost of electricity, ¢/kWhLHV the lower heating value of the standard coal, kJ/kgLP low-pressure cylinderMSEMF the maximum steam extraction mass flowMSHE molten salt heat exchangerN the payback time, yearOSC the out-steam coolerQ the MSHE heat exchange power, MWRH1-HE1 the first stage heat exchanger in the first reheat partRH1-HE2 the second stage heat exchanger in the first reheat partRH1-HE3 the third stage heat exchanger in the first reheat partRH2-HE1 the first stage heat exchanger in the second reheat partRH2-HE2 the second stage heat exchanger in the second reheat partRH2-HE3 the third stage heat exchanger in the second reheat partSACPG solar aided coal-fired power generationSH-HE1 the first superheated heat exchangerSH-HE2 the second superheated heat exchangerSHP the super-high-pressure cylinderTES thermal energy storageTHA Turbine Heat AcceptanceTSACPG tower solar aided coal-fired power generationWW the water wall in the boilerMathematical symbolsWith the rapid development of the global economy, electric power as the cornerstone of industry is indispensable. And in developing countries, coal-fired power generation is still the main source of electricity. However, with the aggravation of global climate change, the reduction of fossil fuel utilization has been paid more attention all over the world. In order to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality, it is imperative to expand the renewable energy utilization, such as solar energy and wind energy,. Nevertheless, the inherent disadvantages, like instability and lower efficiency, hinder the large-scale utilization of solar energy. Integrating solar energy into coal-fired power plant could not only reduce the coal consumption rate of coal-fired power plant and greenhouse gas emissions, but also overcome drawbacks mentioned above,. Ultra-supercritical double reheat coal-fired power generation system has higher efficiency depending on high initial parameters such as temperature and pressure. Moreover, with the gradual maturity of the tower solar technology, the working fluid with relatively high parameters could be also generated from the solar energy. Therefore, tower solar aided double reheat coal-fired power generation (TSACPG) system has been paid more attentions.As early as 1975, the concept of solar aided coal-fired power generation (SACPG) was proposed. Zoschak R J studied the integration of solar ener.
