The operation effect of the "zero liquid discharge" wastewater treatment system in the thermal power plant is affected by many factors. The system operation cost is relatively high, which limits the system's operation stability and economy. Based on the study of several cases of thermal power plant wastewater "zero liquid discharge" system operation, the entire process treatment system was optimized. The design and operation of the pretreatment system, the concentration reduction system, and the "zero liquid discharge" system were considered and optimized. It has broad application prospects to improve the operational stability of wastewater treatment systems and reduce the cost and energy consumption of wastewater treatment chemicals.