To address the issue of coarse fly ash particles resulting from co-firing inferior coal in utility boilers—which impairs resource utilization and economic performance of power plants—this study conducts laboratory-scale investigations on coal combustion characteristics and fly ash particle size distribution, alongside field tests on coal blending and combustion optimization for a 330 MW unit. The research is approached from the perspective of reducing technical costs while avoiding large-scale equipment modifications. The formation mechanism of large fly ash particles is systematically analyzed, and optimization strategies are proposed. Laboratory results demonstrate that the proportion of coarse fly ash particles exhibits significant correlations with sulfur and pyrite content in coal, fuel ignition temperature, combustion burnout difficulty, and slagging propensity. Higher sulfur content, elevated ignition temperatures (> 680 °C), and lower burnout rates correspond to increased proportions of particles larger than 45 μm (reaching up to 38.5%). The fundamental mechanism involves the adhesion of molten (Fe–O–S) eutectics—formed through the oxidation of iron and sulfur—to other particles, thereby generating larger agglomerates. Field tests indicate that by increasing the as-fired coal calorific value to 4191 kcal/kg, reducing sulfur content to 1.04%, decreasing the proportion of low-reactivity coal, and optimizing combustion parameters (oxygen concentration at 3.8%, reduced primary air flow, and appropriately increased over-fire air opening), the proportion of fly ash particles exceeding 45 μm decreased from 52.2% to 36.0%, meeting the utilization standard for Grade III fly ash. This research achieves the technical objective of reducing coarse fly ash proportions through optimization measures without equipment modification, providing an economically viable solution for the resource utilization of fly ash from utility boilers.

This paper presents the design, development, and experimental evaluation of a low-frequency energy harvesting device based on a counterweighted pendulum system. Targeting maritime applications, particularly as an emergency power source for lighting or homing beacons, the device converts mechanical oscillations into electrical energy using a stepper motor, a mechanical motion rectifier, and a flywheel. A key focus is tuning the system for resonance at low excitation frequencies typical of marine environments. Through a series of controlled tests, the system achieved a peak average power output of 1.553 W at 0.3 Hz using a 3.049 kg pendulum at a 25 cm length. Comparative analysis highlights the efficiency gains from tuning pendulum length, mass, and counterweight placement. The device architecture emphasizes low-maintenance operation, passive actuation, and the use of manufacturable, modular components suitable for scalable production and integration into maritime or industrial platforms. These attributes position the system as a sustainable energy-harvesting solution that can complement hybrid power architectures and contribute to circular manufacturing approaches by reducing reliance on disposable batteries in remote systems. The results demonstrate significant improvements over similar harvesting technologies operating at higher frequencies and lay the groundwork for broader deployment in resilient, sustainable marine systems.