The conventional heating method in thermal power plants has low energy utilization efficiency. To deeply explore the energy-saving potential of cogeneration units

a source load coordination load optimization allocation model for cogeneration units is proposed

which comprehensively considers the heat load side and heat source side. A modified outdoor temperature-heat load prediction model is established considering meteorological disturbances on the load side

and an energy efficiency variation model for cogeneration units is established on the heat source side. An optimal scheduling model considering source-load coordination is constructed with the goal of minimizing the coal consumption rate of all heating units. Finally

simulation experiment is carried out based on the heat network composed of six units and two heaters. The results show that

the load optimization distribution method considering source-load coordination based on the predicted value of heat load can effectively reduce the total coal consumption of the units during the heating period. Compared with the conventional distribution method

the coal consumption of the thermal power plant can be reduced by 214.56 tons in one day during the typical peak heating period

which is helpful to improve the operation economy of the thermal power plant. This load optimization distribution method has certain practical application value.