Molten salt heat energy storage regulation and control method and device, electronic equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a fused salt thermal energy storage regulation and control method and device, electronic equipment and a storage medium. According to the method and device, multiple key data of fused salt in a fused salt storage tank module are collected in real time, and the operation state of a fused salt circulation module is dynamically adjusted based on a power grid peak regulation and frequency modulation request; and when the temperature of the molten salt is too low, the anti-freezing and anti-blocking module is started in time to maintain the flowability of the molten salt, so that the problems that the service life of equipment is shortened and the maintenance frequency is increased due to lack of systematic prediction and control on related problems of molten salt characteristics and thermal stress in an existing molten salt thermal energy storage system can be solved, and the purposes of prolonging the service life of the equipment, reducing the maintenance frequency and reducing the maintenance cost are achieved. And the operation stability of the fused salt heat energy storage system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage, electronic equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal energy storage technology, as an important support in the field of energy storage, is widely used in scenarios such as renewable energy consumption, power grid peak shaving and frequency regulation, and industrial waste heat recovery.

[0003] In existing molten salt thermal energy storage systems, traditional high-melting-point, low-heat-density molten salt materials are directly used. However, there is no systematic prediction and control method for the strong corrosiveness of molten salt to metal materials and the thermal deformation and thermal fatigue caused by thermal stress, which leads to shortened equipment life and increased maintenance frequency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage. Its main purpose is to address the problems of strong corrosiveness of molten salt to metallic materials and thermal deformation and fatigue caused by thermal stress, for which a systematic prediction and control method has not yet been developed, leading to shortened equipment lifespan and increased maintenance frequency.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage is provided, comprising:

[0006] Collect temperature, pressure, level, and flow rate data of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module;

[0007] In response to the power grid's peak shaving and frequency regulation requests, the operating status of the molten salt circulation module is dynamically adjusted through the control system module based on the collected data;

[0008] When the molten salt temperature is lower than the set critical value, the anti-freeze blockage module is activated, and the molten salt pipeline is heated through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt.

[0009] Optionally, the collected data includes: the start-up and shutdown of the molten salt pump and flow control, as well as the switching or coordinated operation of the high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule and the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule in the heat exchange module.

[0010] Optionally, the step of activating the anti-freeze module when the molten salt temperature is below a set critical value, and heating the molten salt pipeline through a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt, further includes:

[0011] The thermal stress analysis module predicts the thermal stress distribution of system components based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate, and adjusts component structure or operating parameters according to the prediction results.

[0012] Optionally, when the molten salt temperature falls below a set critical value, the anti-freeze module is activated to heat the molten salt pipeline via a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt. The method then further includes:

[0013] A dynamic simulation model of molten salt flow heat transfer is established based on heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics theories;

[0014] The temperature distribution changes of molten salt during the flow heat transfer process are simulated by a dynamic simulation module, and the selection of molten salt materials and system operation strategies are optimized based on the simulation results.

[0015] Optionally, when the molten salt temperature is below a set critical value, the anti-freeze blockage module is activated to heat the molten salt pipeline via a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt, including:

[0016] The thermal stress analysis module establishes a thermal stress analysis model based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate.

[0017] The thermal stress distribution of system components during operation is predicted based on the thermal stress analysis model, and the material selection or structural design of the components is adjusted based on the prediction results.

[0018] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a control device for molten salt thermal energy storage is provided, comprising:

[0019] The data acquisition unit is used to collect data on the temperature, pressure, level, and flow rate of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module.

[0020] The regulating unit is used to respond to the power grid's peak shaving and frequency regulation requests, and dynamically adjust the operating status of the molten salt circulation module based on the collected data through the control system module;

[0021] The heating unit is used to activate the anti-freeze module when the molten salt temperature is lower than the set critical value, and heat the molten salt pipeline through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt.

[0022] Optionally, the collected data includes: the start-up and shutdown of the molten salt pump and flow control, as well as the switching or coordinated operation of the high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule and the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule in the heat exchange module.

[0023] Optionally, the heating unit is further used for:

[0024] The thermal stress analysis module predicts the thermal stress distribution of system components based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate, and adjusts component structure or operating parameters according to the prediction results.

[0025] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0026] A unit is established to activate the anti-freezing module when the molten salt temperature in the heating unit is lower than the set critical value. The molten salt pipeline is then heated by a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt. Based on heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics theories, a dynamic simulation model of molten salt flow heat transfer is established.

[0027] The optimization unit is used to simulate the temperature distribution changes of molten salt during the flow heat transfer process through the dynamic simulation module, and optimize the selection of molten salt materials and system operation strategies based on the simulation results.

[0028] Optionally, the heating unit is also used for:

[0029] The thermal stress analysis module establishes a thermal stress analysis model based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate.

[0030] The thermal stress distribution of system components during operation is predicted based on the thermal stress analysis model, and the material selection or structural design of the components is adjusted based on the prediction results.

[0031] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising:

[0032] At least one processor; and

[0033] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0034] The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided storing computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions are configured to cause the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0036] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect above.

[0037] The molten salt thermal energy storage control method, apparatus, electronic equipment, and storage medium disclosed herein mainly include the following technical solutions: collecting temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate data of molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module; responding to grid peak shaving and frequency regulation requests, dynamically adjusting the operating state of the molten salt circulation module based on the collected data through a control system module; and activating an anti-freezing module when the molten salt temperature is below a set critical value, heating the molten salt pipeline through a heat tracing device to maintain molten salt fluidity. Through this application, by real-time collection of multiple key data of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module, dynamically adjusting the operating state of the molten salt circulation module based on grid peak shaving and frequency regulation requests, and promptly activating the anti-freezing module to maintain molten salt fluidity when the molten salt temperature is too low, this invention can solve the problem of shortened equipment life and increased maintenance frequency caused by the lack of systematic prediction and control of molten salt characteristics and thermal stress-related issues in existing molten salt thermal energy storage systems. This achieves the technical effects of extending equipment life, reducing maintenance frequency, and improving the operational stability of the molten salt thermal energy storage system.

[0038] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this application. Other features of this application will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand this solution and do not constitute a limitation of this disclosure. Wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for molten salt thermal energy storage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for molten salt thermal energy storage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of an example electronic device provided for embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, including various details of the embodiments to aid understanding, and should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0045] The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0048] Step 101: Collect temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate data of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module;

[0049] Temperature data acquisition aims to monitor the thermal energy status of molten salt in real time. As a heat storage medium, the temperature of molten salt directly reflects the amount of stored thermal energy; higher temperatures indicate more abundant stored thermal energy, and vice versa. To accurately acquire temperature data, a distributed temperature sensor array, such as the PT100 sensor, can be used. This sensor features high measurement accuracy and stability, and can operate reliably over a wide temperature range (typically 200-550℃) within the molten salt. The sensors are strategically placed at different locations and depths within the molten salt tank to comprehensively capture the temperature distribution of the molten salt within the tank, avoiding misjudgments of the overall thermal energy status due to localized temperature differences.

[0050] Pressure data acquisition is primarily for monitoring the pressure conditions inside the molten salt storage tank and in related connecting pipelines. Appropriate pressure is crucial for ensuring the normal circulation of molten salt within the system. Excessive pressure may damage the structure of the tank and pipelines, posing safety hazards; insufficient pressure may hinder molten salt circulation, affecting the system's heat exchange efficiency and peak-shaving / frequency regulation response speed. Pressure transmitters, such as the Rosemount 3051 model, are commonly used for pressure data acquisition. They convert the sensed pressure signal into a standard electrical signal for output, facilitating subsequent processing and analysis.

[0051] Liquid level data reflects the amount of molten salt stored in the molten salt tank. Real-time monitoring of the liquid level reveals the current remaining amount of molten salt, providing a basis for replenishment or adjustment. When the liquid level is too low, timely replenishment of molten salt may be necessary to ensure the system's continuous and stable operation; conversely, when the liquid level is too high, care must be taken to prevent molten salt overflow, which could lead to waste and safety issues. Liquid level gauges, such as the E+H FMR61 model, utilize advanced measurement principles to accurately measure the liquid level in the special medium of molten salt, unaffected by the temperature, density, or other characteristics of the molten salt.

[0052] The acquisition of flow data focuses on the rate and volume of molten salt circulating between the storage tank and other modules. Changes in flow rate directly affect the circulation efficiency of the molten salt in the system, thus influencing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange modules and the system's response speed to grid peak-shaving and frequency regulation requests. Flow meters such as the Krohne OPTIFLUX 6300 can accurately measure the instantaneous and cumulative flow of molten salt. By analyzing the flow data, it is possible to determine whether the molten salt circulation is normal and whether there are any issues such as pipeline blockages or abnormal operation of the molten salt pump.

[0053] The acquisition of temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate data is not conducted in isolation but needs to be continuous at a certain frequency. Setting an appropriate data acquisition frequency, such as 10Hz, ensures that the acquired data is timely enough to reflect changes in the molten salt state without increasing the system's data processing burden due to excessively frequent acquisition. The acquired data is transmitted in real time to the control system module via a reliable transmission method, such as a CAN bus, providing the original basis for subsequent dynamic adjustment, anti-freezing control, and thermal stress analysis, ensuring that the entire peak-shaving and frequency regulation system based on molten salt thermal energy storage can respond accurately and quickly according to actual conditions.

[0054] Step 102: In response to the power grid peak shaving and frequency regulation request, based on the collected data, the operating status of the molten salt circulation module is dynamically adjusted through the control system module;

[0055] Grid peak shaving and frequency regulation requests typically originate from real-time fluctuations in grid load. When the load is high, the system needs to release more heat energy to supplement the power supply, i.e., peak shaving; while when the grid frequency deviates, the system needs to quickly adjust power output to maintain frequency stability, i.e., frequency regulation. These requests are transmitted to the control system module in a specific signal form, such as via the Modbus protocol. The control system module, as the "brain" of the entire system, immediately initiates the regulation process upon receiving the request.

[0056] The operating status of the molten salt circulation module directly determines the flow of molten salt in the system, thus affecting the efficiency of heat transfer and release. Its operating status is mainly regulated by starting and stopping the molten salt pumps and controlling the flow rate. The molten salt pumps are the power devices that drive the molten salt to circulate within the system. When the power grid requires more energy output, the control system module determines whether the current quantity and status of the molten salt meet the demand based on collected molten salt data. If so, it starts the corresponding molten salt pumps or increases the number of operating pumps. Simultaneously, it increases the molten salt flow rate by adjusting the pump speed, allowing more high-temperature molten salt to quickly enter the heat exchange module for heat exchange, thereby increasing the system's power output. Conversely, when the power grid load decreases or the frequency stabilizes, it appropriately reduces the number of operating molten salt pumps or decreases their speed to reduce the molten salt flow rate, decrease heat release, and avoid energy waste.

[0057] During the regulation process, the collected molten salt temperature data is particularly important. Higher-temperature molten salt contains more heat energy and can release more energy at the same flow rate. Therefore, when a high molten salt temperature is detected, the control system module may appropriately reduce the flow rate to extend the usage time of the high-temperature molten salt, while ensuring that the grid demand is met. Conversely, when the temperature is low, the flow rate may need to be increased to compensate for the insufficient heat energy. Pressure data reflects the resistance of the molten salt during circulation. If the pressure is too high, it may indicate problems such as pipeline blockage. The control system module will combine this with the flow rate data to make a judgment, adjusting the operating parameters of the molten salt pump or issuing a warning signal if necessary to ensure smooth molten salt circulation. Liquid level data is used to determine the remaining amount of molten salt in the storage tank. If the liquid level is too low, the control system module will prepare for molten salt replenishment in advance or adjust the regulation strategy to avoid affecting the response to grid requests due to insufficient molten salt.

[0058] Through this dynamic adjustment method based on real-time data acquisition, the molten salt circulation module can flexibly adapt to changes in the power grid's peak shaving and frequency regulation needs, ensuring that the system can operate efficiently and stably under different operating conditions, and providing strong support for the safe and reliable operation of the power grid.

[0059] Step 103: When the molten salt temperature is lower than the set critical value, the anti-freeze blockage module is activated to heat the molten salt pipeline through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt.

[0060] Molten salt, a medium that exists in a liquid state within a specific temperature range and possesses excellent heat storage properties, exhibits fluidity closely related to temperature. When the temperature drops below a critical value, the viscosity of the molten salt increases significantly, and it may even solidify. If freezing occurs in the pipeline, it will not only hinder the normal circulation of the molten salt, affecting the system's heat transfer and release, and preventing it from responding to the grid's peak-shaving and frequency regulation requests, but the solidification expansion may also exert enormous pressure on the pipeline structure, leading to serious failures such as pipeline rupture and leakage, greatly threatening the system's safety and service life. Therefore, setting a reasonable critical temperature value is crucial. This critical value is usually based on the melting point of the molten salt, with a certain safety margin considered, to ensure that antifreeze measures can be initiated before the molten salt approaches its freezing point.

[0061] The core function of the anti-freeze module is to provide additional heat to the molten salt pipeline through a heat tracing device, compensating for heat loss during pipeline operation and maintaining the molten salt temperature above the critical value to ensure its fluidity. The selection of the heat tracing device must consider factors such as the actual operating environment of the system, energy supply conditions, and the structural characteristics of the pipeline. Common heat tracing devices include electric heating tapes and infrared heaters. Electric heating tapes can be directly wrapped around the outer wall of the pipeline, converting electrical energy into heat energy to heat the pipeline. Their power density can be selected according to requirements; for example, the EHT-500 electric heating tape has a power density of 0.8 kW / m and is suitable for scenarios requiring high heating uniformity. Infrared heaters heat the pipeline through radiation heat transfer; for example, the IR-3000 infrared heater has a power density of 1.2 kW / m and high heating efficiency, suitable for situations requiring rapid temperature increases. Some systems also employ a dual redundancy design, that is, simultaneously equipped with multiple heat tracing devices. When one device fails, another device can start in time to ensure uninterrupted heating.

[0062] In actual operation, the anti-freeze blockage module and the molten salt temperature monitoring system work in close coordination. When the distributed temperature sensor array detects that the molten salt temperature is lower than the set critical value, it immediately transmits a signal to the control system module. The control system module then sends a start command to the anti-freeze blockage module, and the heat tracing device begins to work. Simultaneously, the control system module dynamically adjusts the output power of the heat tracing device based on the difference between the molten salt temperature and the critical value, the length of the pipeline, and heat dissipation. For example, when the temperature is slightly below the critical value, the heating power can be reduced to avoid energy waste; while when the temperature is significantly below the critical value and shows a continuing downward trend, the heating power is increased to quickly raise the pipeline temperature and prevent the molten salt from solidifying. Furthermore, some systems will activate emergency steam injection measures in special failure scenarios such as insufficient heat tracing power. By introducing steam at a certain pressure (e.g., 0.4 MPa) and temperature (e.g., 180°C), further heat is added to ensure the fluidity of the molten salt.

[0063] Through this series of operations, the anti-freezing module can effectively cope with the risk of freezing and blockage caused by the low temperature of molten salt, and provide a guarantee for the smooth circulation of molten salt in the pipeline, thereby ensuring that the entire peak-shaving and frequency regulation system based on molten salt thermal energy storage can continuously and stably respond to various requests from the power grid.

[0064] In some embodiments, the collected data includes: the start-up and shutdown of the molten salt pump and flow control, as well as the switching or coordinated operation of the high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule and the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule in the heat exchange module.

[0065] As the power source for molten salt circulation, the molten salt pump's start-up and shutdown status directly determine whether molten salt circulates within the system. When the system requires heat charging or releasing operations, the molten salt pump starts to drive the molten salt flow; when the system is in standby or maintenance mode, the molten salt pump stops operating. Flow control is achieved by adjusting the molten salt pump's speed, etc. The flow rate directly affects the amount of molten salt participating in heat exchange per unit time, thus impacting the system's heat transfer efficiency and power output. For example, when the power grid needs to rapidly increase power output to respond to peak-shaving requests, the control system increases the molten salt pump's flow rate according to real-time demand, allowing more high-temperature molten salt to enter the heat exchange module and participate in heat exchange, thereby rapidly releasing more heat energy; when power output needs to be reduced, the flow rate is decreased, reducing the amount of heat exchange.

[0066] The switching or coordinated operation of the high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule and the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule in the heat exchange module is based on the system's charging and discharging heat requirements. The high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule is primarily responsible for transferring external steam heat energy to the molten salt during the charging phase, raising the molten salt temperature and storing it. At this time, this submodule is in operation, while the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule may be in a stopped or standby state. When the system needs to release heat in response to the grid's peak-shaving and frequency regulation requests, it switches to the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule. This submodule releases the heat energy stored in the molten salt to water or water vapor, and the resulting high-temperature, high-pressure steam drives a turbine to generate electricity, thus achieving power output. Under certain complex operating conditions, the two submodules may also operate collaboratively. For example, when the system needs to maintain a certain base power output while performing a small amount of supplementary charging, both will adjust their respective operating parameters according to actual needs to achieve energy balance and stable output.

[0067] The collection of this data can reflect the real-time operating status of the molten salt circulation module and the heat exchange module. Based on this data, combined with the grid's peak shaving and frequency regulation requests, as well as other data such as the temperature, pressure, and liquid level of the molten salt, the control system module can make accurate control decisions to ensure that the system is always in an efficient and stable operating state and can respond quickly and accurately to various grid demands.

[0068] In some embodiments, the step of activating the anti-freeze blockage module and heating the molten salt pipeline via a heat tracing device when the molten salt temperature is below a set critical value to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt further includes:

[0069] The thermal stress analysis module predicts the thermal stress distribution of system components based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate, and adjusts component structure or operating parameters according to the prediction results.

[0070] The core function of the thermal stress analysis module is to accurately predict the thermal stress distribution of system components based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, level, and flow rate. When molten salt circulates in the system, its temperature fluctuates due to changes in the external environment and heating or releasing processes. The pressure also changes periodically depending on factors such as the operating status of the molten salt pump and pipeline resistance. Similarly, the level and flow rate increase or decrease periodically due to heat charging and discharging operations. These periodic changes in parameters subject system components, such as the molten salt storage tank, pipelines, molten salt pump, and the connection points of the heat exchange submodule, to continuous thermal expansion and contraction, thereby generating thermal stress.

[0071] To predict thermal stress distribution, the thermal stress analysis module establishes a dedicated thermal stress analysis model. This model comprehensively considers the periodic variations of molten salt parameters and the physical properties of the materials used in the system components, such as the coefficient of thermal expansion and the modulus of elasticity. Through model calculations, it becomes clear which parts of the system components are prone to generating significant thermal stress at different operating stages, as well as the magnitude and distribution of these thermal stresses.

[0072] Based on the prediction results, the structure of components or operating parameters can be adjusted in a targeted manner. Regarding component structure, if it is predicted that a section of pipeline is prone to damage due to concentrated thermal stress at bends, the structure of that area can be optimized. For example, a bending angle more in line with mechanical principles can be used, or materials with higher strength and better resistance to thermal fatigue can be selected to manufacture that section of the pipeline. Regarding operating parameters, when it is predicted that the thermal stress of system components may exceed the safety threshold under a certain operating condition, the flow rate of the molten salt pump and the heating power of the heat tracing device can be appropriately adjusted through the control system module to change the amplitude or frequency of changes in parameters such as molten salt temperature and pressure, thereby reducing the impact of thermal stress.

[0073] This method of combining antifreeze heating with thermal stress analysis can not only maintain the fluidity of molten salt, but also prevent problems such as component thermal deformation, thermal fatigue or even leakage caused by excessive thermal stress in advance, further improving the reliability and safety of peak shaving and frequency regulation systems based on molten salt thermal energy storage under complex operating conditions.

[0074] In some embodiments, after activating the anti-freeze module and heating the molten salt pipeline via a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt when the molten salt temperature is below a set critical value, the method further includes:

[0075] A dynamic simulation model of molten salt flow heat transfer is established based on heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics theories;

[0076] The temperature distribution changes of molten salt during the flow heat transfer process are simulated by a dynamic simulation module, and the selection of molten salt materials and system operation strategies are optimized based on the simulation results.

[0077] When the molten salt temperature is below the set critical value, the anti-freeze blockage module is activated to heat the molten salt pipeline through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt. Based on the theories of heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, a dynamic simulation model of molten salt flow heat exchange is established. The temperature distribution change of molten salt during the flow heat exchange process is simulated through the dynamic simulation module. Based on the simulation results, the selection of molten salt materials and system operation strategies are optimized. This is a further deepening and improvement of the molten salt thermal energy storage control method, which can significantly improve the safety and operating efficiency of the system.

[0078] Heat transfer mechanics provides the theoretical foundation for dynamic simulation models of heat transfer. Its core lies in studying the heat exchange between molten salt and pipes, as well as other media, during flow. This includes heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation. The model incorporates parameters such as thermal diffusivity and heat flux density to quantify these heat transfer processes. Fluid mechanics focuses on the flow characteristics of molten salt as a fluid in pipes, including velocity distribution, pressure loss, and turbulence. Dimensionless parameters such as Reynolds number and Prandtl number describe the flow state of molten salt, providing theoretical support for analyzing its flow under different pipe structures. Thermodynamics, from the perspective of energy conservation, considers the changes in internal energy of molten salt during flow and heat transfer. Combining the specific heat capacity and density of molten salt, it constructs energy balance equations to ensure that the model accurately reflects the energy conversion relationships of molten salt under changes in parameters such as temperature and pressure.

[0079] The dynamic simulation model built upon these theories can accurately simulate the temperature distribution changes of molten salt during the flow heat transfer process. By inputting parameters such as the initial temperature of the molten salt, flow rate, pipe size, and heating power of the heat tracing device, the model can simulate the temperature of the molten salt at different times and locations, clearly showing the temperature gradient distribution in the pipe and its trend over time. This not only helps identify areas and conditions where temperatures may remain low even after anti-freeze heating, and where the risk of re-freeze blockage is high—such as bends in the pipes and valve connections—areas with high fluid resistance and rapid heat loss, but also provides a comprehensive understanding of the thermal behavior of the molten salt throughout the entire system circulation.

[0080] When optimizing the selection of molten salt materials based on simulation results, the model can simulate the temperature changes and flow properties of different types of molten salts under the same operating conditions. For example, for molten salt materials with low melting points and high specific heat capacities, simulations can show that they maintain good flowability at lower temperatures and can more efficiently absorb or release heat during heat exchange. This provides data support for selecting molten salt materials that are more suitable for system operation requirements, especially those with better performance under low-temperature conditions. Regarding system operation strategy optimization, based on the temperature distribution patterns obtained from simulations, the layout of the heat tracing device and the distribution of heating power can be adjusted to make heating more targeted and avoid energy waste. Furthermore, the circulation path and flow control strategy of the molten salt can be optimized to maintain a more reasonable temperature state during flow, reducing the impact of excessive temperature fluctuations on system components and further improving the stability and economy of system operation.

[0081] Through this series of operations based on dynamic simulation models, the molten salt materials and system operation strategies can be pre-evaluated and optimized before actual operation. This effectively compensates for the lag of relying solely on actual operating data for adjustments, making the control method of molten salt thermal energy storage more scientific and precise, and providing strong support for the long-term, efficient and safe operation of the system.

[0082] In some embodiments, when the molten salt temperature is below a set critical value, the anti-freeze blockage module is activated, and the molten salt pipeline is heated by a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt, including:

[0083] The thermal stress analysis module establishes a thermal stress analysis model based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate.

[0084] The thermal stress distribution of system components during operation is predicted based on the thermal stress analysis model, and the material selection or structural design of the components is adjusted based on the prediction results.

[0085] The circulation of molten salt within the system is not constant. Its temperature fluctuates periodically due to heating by the heat tracing device, heat dissipation from the environment, and participation in heat exchange. Pressure changes periodically with the start and stop of the molten salt pump, flow rate variations, and dynamic changes in pipeline resistance. The liquid level rises and falls periodically due to the filling and discharging of molten salt. Flow rate is also adjusted periodically according to the power grid's peak-shaving and frequency regulation requirements and the system's operating status. These periodic changes in parameters subject system components, such as pipelines, molten salt pumps, and heat exchanger interfaces, to continuous thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, as well as mechanical stress generated by pressure fluctuations, resulting in complex thermal stresses.

[0086] The thermal stress analysis module establishes a thermal stress analysis model based on these periodically changing parameters, combined with the geometric dimensions and material properties (such as coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, etc.) of the system components. This model uses methods such as finite element analysis to divide the system components into fine mesh elements, calculating the thermal stress of each element under different time and parameter conditions. This allows for a comprehensive and accurate prediction of the thermal stress distribution of the system components during operation, including key information such as stress concentration locations and maximum stress values.

[0087] When adjusting the material selection of components based on prediction results, if the model predicts that a certain component will be subjected to significant thermal stress during operation, exceeding the yield strength or thermal fatigue limit of the currently used material, it needs to be replaced with a material that has higher strength and better thermal fatigue resistance. For example, if a pipeline originally using ordinary carbon steel is predicted to experience excessive thermal stress, it can be replaced with a material such as stainless steel, which has better corrosion resistance and heat resistance, to improve the component's ability to resist thermal stress damage.

[0088] Regarding structural design adjustments, if the model shows significant stress concentration in a certain area (such as a pipe bend or equipment connection flange), the structure of that area can be optimized. For example, the bending radius of the pipe bend can be increased to reduce stress concentration caused by abrupt shape changes; the sealing structure and connection method of the flange can be optimized to make the stress distribution more uniform; or auxiliary structures such as reinforcing ribs can be added to the stress concentration area to disperse stress and improve the structural strength and stability of the component.

[0089] In this way, the thermal stress analysis module and the anti-freeze blockage module work together to not only maintain the fluidity of the molten salt, but also enhance the system components' ability to withstand thermal stress from the material and structural levels. This effectively prevents problems such as component thermal deformation, thermal fatigue cracking, or even leakage caused by excessive thermal stress, and further ensures the safety and reliability of the molten salt thermal energy storage control system during low-temperature heating and long-term operation.

[0090] Corresponding to the above-described method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage, this invention also proposes a device for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage. Since the device embodiments of this invention correspond to the method embodiments described above, details not disclosed in the device embodiments can be referred to in the method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0091] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for molten salt thermal energy storage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0092] The data acquisition unit 21 is used to acquire data on the temperature, pressure, level and flow rate of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module;

[0093] The regulating unit 22 is used to respond to the power grid peak shaving and frequency regulation request and, based on the collected data, dynamically adjust the operating status of the molten salt circulation module through the control system module.

[0094] Heating unit 23 is used to activate the anti-freeze blockage module when the molten salt temperature is lower than the set critical value, and heat the molten salt pipeline through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt.

[0095] Furthermore, in one possible implementation of the present disclosure, the collected data includes: the start-up and shutdown of the molten salt pump and flow control, as well as the switching or coordinated operation of the high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule and the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule in the heat exchange module.

[0096] Furthermore, in one possible implementation of this disclosure embodiment, the heating unit 23 is further configured to:

[0097] The thermal stress analysis module predicts the thermal stress distribution of system components based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate, and adjusts component structure or operating parameters according to the prediction results.

[0098] Furthermore, in one possible implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 As shown, the device further includes:

[0099] Unit 24 is established to activate the anti-freezing module when the molten salt temperature in heating unit 23 is lower than the set critical value. The module heats the molten salt pipeline through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt. Then, a dynamic simulation model of molten salt flow heat transfer is established based on heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics theories.

[0100] The optimization unit 25 is used to simulate the temperature distribution changes of molten salt during the flow heat transfer process through the dynamic simulation module, and optimize the selection of molten salt materials and system operation strategies based on the simulation results.

[0101] Furthermore, in one possible implementation of this embodiment, the heating unit 23 is also used for:

[0102] The thermal stress analysis module establishes a thermal stress analysis model based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate.

[0103] The thermal stress distribution of system components during operation is predicted based on the thermal stress analysis model, and the material selection or structural design of the components is adjusted based on the prediction results.

[0104] It should be noted that the foregoing explanation of the method embodiments also applies to the apparatus of the embodiments of this disclosure, and the principle is the same. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0105] According to embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure also provides an electronic device, a readable storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0106] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of an example electronic device 300 that can be used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The electronic device is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframe computers, and other suitable computers. The electronic device may also represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present disclosure described and / or claimed herein.

[0107] like Figure 4 As shown, device 300 includes a computing unit 301, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on a computer program stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory) 302 or a computer program loaded from storage unit 308 into RAM (Random Access Memory) 303. RAM 303 can also store various programs and data required for the operation of device 300. The computing unit 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are interconnected via bus 304. I / O (Input / Output) interface 305 is also connected to bus 304.

[0108] Multiple components in device 300 are connected to I / O interface 305, including: input unit 306, such as keyboard, mouse, etc.; output unit 307, such as various types of monitors, speakers, etc.; storage unit 308, such as disk, optical disk, etc.; and communication unit 309, such as network card, modem, wireless transceiver, etc. Communication unit 309 allows device 300 to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0109] The computing unit 301 can be various general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of the computing unit 301 include, but are not limited to, CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), various special-purpose AI (Artificial Intelligence) computing chips, various computing units running machine learning model algorithms, DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), and any suitable processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. The computing unit 301 performs the various methods and processes described above, such as the regulation method for molten salt thermal energy storage. For example, in some embodiments, the regulation method for molten salt thermal energy storage can be implemented as a computer software program, which is tangibly contained in a machine-readable medium, such as storage unit 308. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program can be loaded and / or installed on device 300 via ROM 302 and / or communication unit 309. When the computer program is loaded into RAM 303 and executed by the computing unit 301, one or more steps of the methods described above can be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the computing unit 301 may be configured to perform the aforementioned molten salt thermal energy storage control method by any other suitable means (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0110] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described above herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), ASSPs (Application-Specific Standard Products), SOCs (System-on-Chips), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be a dedicated or general-purpose programmable processor, capable of receiving data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and transmitting data and instructions to the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

[0111] The program code used to implement the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a standalone software package partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0112] In the context of this disclosure, a machine-readable medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A machine-readable medium can be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable medium can be, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, RAM, ROM, EPROM (Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash memory, optical fiber, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0113] To provide interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented on a computer having: a display device for displaying information to the user (e.g., a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor); and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form (including sound input, voice input, or tactile input).

[0114] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include backend components (e.g., as data servers), or middleware components (e.g., application servers), or frontend components (e.g., user computers with graphical user interfaces or web browsers through which users can interact with implementations of the systems and technologies described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication (e.g., communication networks) of any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), the Internet, and blockchain networks.

[0115] Computer systems can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally geographically separated and typically interact via communication networks. The client-server relationship is created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other. A server can be a cloud server, also known as a cloud computing server or cloud host, a hosting product within the cloud computing service ecosystem, addressing the shortcomings of traditional physical hosts and VPS (Virtual Private Server, or simply "VPS") services, such as high management difficulty and weak business scalability. Servers can also be servers for distributed systems or servers incorporating blockchain technology.

[0116] It's important to note that artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of enabling computers to simulate certain human thought processes and intelligent behaviors (such as learning, reasoning, thinking, and planning). It encompasses both hardware and software technologies. AI hardware technologies generally include sensors, dedicated AI chips, cloud computing, distributed storage, and big data processing. AI software technologies primarily include computer vision, speech recognition, natural language processing, machine learning / deep learning, big data processing, and knowledge graph technologies.

[0117] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this disclosure can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0118] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage, characterized in that, include: Collect temperature, pressure, level, and flow rate data of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module; In response to the power grid's peak shaving and frequency regulation requests, the operating status of the molten salt circulation module is dynamically adjusted through the control system module based on the collected data; When the molten salt temperature is lower than the set critical value, the anti-freeze blockage module is activated, and the molten salt pipeline is heated through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt.

2. The method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collected data includes: the start-up and shutdown of the molten salt pump and its flow control, as well as the switching or coordinated operation of the high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule and the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule in the heat exchange module.

3. The method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of activating the anti-freeze module when the molten salt temperature is below a set critical value, and heating the molten salt pipeline through a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt, also includes: The thermal stress analysis module predicts the thermal stress distribution of system components based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate, and adjusts component structure or operating parameters according to the prediction results.

4. The method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the molten salt temperature falls below a set critical value, the anti-freeze module is activated, and the molten salt pipeline is heated via a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt. The method then further includes: A dynamic simulation model of molten salt flow heat transfer is established based on heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics theories; The temperature distribution changes of molten salt during the flow heat transfer process are simulated by a dynamic simulation module, and the selection of molten salt materials and system operation strategies are optimized based on the simulation results.

5. The method for regulating molten salt thermal energy storage according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the molten salt temperature falls below a set critical value, the anti-freeze module is activated, and the molten salt pipeline is heated via a heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt, including: The thermal stress analysis module establishes a thermal stress analysis model based on the periodic changes in molten salt temperature, pressure, liquid level, and flow rate. The thermal stress distribution of system components during operation is predicted based on the thermal stress analysis model, and the material selection or structural design of the components is adjusted based on the prediction results.

6. A regulating device for molten salt thermal energy storage, characterized in that, include: The data acquisition unit is used to collect data on the temperature, pressure, level, and flow rate of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank module. The regulating unit is used to respond to the power grid's peak shaving and frequency regulation requests, and dynamically adjust the operating status of the molten salt circulation module based on the collected data through the control system module; The heating unit is used to activate the anti-freeze module when the molten salt temperature is lower than the set critical value, and heat the molten salt pipeline through the heat tracing device to maintain the fluidity of the molten salt.

7. The regulating device for molten salt thermal energy storage according to claim 6, characterized in that, The collected data includes: the start-up and shutdown of the molten salt pump and its flow control, as well as the switching or coordinated operation of the high-pressure steam-molten salt heat exchange submodule and the molten salt-water / water vapor heat release submodule in the heat exchange module.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; as well as A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, characterized in that, The computer instructions are used to cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

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