As the penetration rate of new energy continues to rise in the new-type power system

its inherent intermittency and uncer-tainty have significantly increased the load volatility of the power system.Thermal power units are accelerating their transformation into flexible power sources.Under the three flexible operation modes of deep peak shaving

rapid ramping

and rapid startup-shutdown

the units face multiple technical challenges.Starting from the various problems encountered in different operation modes

this article studies the key components

key positions

and main risk points of the units under flexible operation modes

and proposes matching control systems and monitoring countermeasures.Conduct unified planning and collaborative design for monitoring and control from the design stage to achieve the goal of improving the safety and reliability of the units during flexible operation.It is expected to provide useful references for ensuring the stable and safe operation of the units and the power system

and contribute to the sustainable and efficient operation of the power industry under the trend of large-scale development of new energy.