A system and method for coupling energy storage in underground salt caverns with nuclear power based on dynamic heat pipes

Abstract

This invention discloses a system for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe, belonging to the field of physical energy storage technology, and mainly used for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy. The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a system for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe, including a salt cavern, a compressor, an expander, a nuclear power plant, and a dynamic heat pipe system. The compressor and expander are electrically connected to the nuclear power plant. The dynamic heat pipe system includes an interconnected evaporation section, a condensation section, and a storage tank. The evaporation section is connected to the nuclear power plant, and the condensation section is located between the salt cavern and the expander. A storage tank is located between the evaporation section and the condensation section, containing a heat exchange medium. A mechanical pump is located between the storage tank and the evaporation section. This invention utilizes a dynamic heat pipe system to achieve coupling between a nuclear energy system and an underground salt cavern energy storage system, fully utilizing the energy generated by the underground salt cavern and the nuclear power plant, and improving the energy utilization rate of the entire coupled system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of physical energy storage technology, and in particular to a system and method for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe. Background Technology

[0002] Underground salt cavern compressed air energy storage systems refer to physical energy storage technologies that use high-pressure air as the energy storage medium and underground salt caverns as the energy storage location, utilizing mechanical equipment such as compressors and expanders to store and utilize energy. Their advantages include large energy storage capacity, long service life, and clean, pollution-free operation. Currently, underground salt cavern energy storage technologies often employ the recovery and reuse of compressed air heat energy to provide heat for the expansion process, thereby improving system efficiency. However, due to irreversible losses such as flow resistance or heat exchange temperature differences in conventional thermal storage systems, the improvement in system cycle efficiency is limited, which undoubtedly has a negative impact on the rapid development of underground salt cavern energy storage technology.

[0003] For example, the invention with application number 202122299867.X provides an energy system. This invention, while ensuring the stable operation of the nuclear island, supplements the system with a compressed air energy storage system, utilizing the heat absorbed and generated during the operation of the nuclear power plant to achieve energy storage and release of the nuclear power unit. Although this invention conceives of a coupled system of nuclear energy and compressed air energy storage, its focus is on improving the efficiency of the nuclear energy system rather than the compressed air energy storage system, and it uses traditional water and air as heat transfer media, resulting in additional energy loss.

[0004] In the research of compressed air energy storage systems based on salt caverns, the invention with application number 202211318343.3 provides a high-efficiency salt cavern compressed air energy storage system. This invention absorbs heat by injecting water mist into the compressor to make the compression process as close to isothermal compression as possible, and adds a gas-liquid separator and dryer in the subsequent pipeline to ensure the cleanliness of the compressed air, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire compressed air energy storage system. However, this invention lacks proper consideration for the waste heat recovery system, which may cause unnecessary heat loss. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a system and method for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe. It is mainly used for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy to realize the coupling of nuclear energy system and underground salt cavern energy storage system, make full use of the energy generated by underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear power plant, reduce energy loss, and improve the energy utilization rate of the entire coupling system.

[0006] This invention discloses a system for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe, comprising a salt cavern, an inlet of which is connected to a compressor for communicating with external gas, and an outlet of which is connected to an expander for powering an electric motor; it also includes a nuclear power plant and a dynamic heat pipe system, wherein the compressor and the expander are electrically connected to the nuclear power plant; the dynamic heat pipe system includes an evaporation section, a condensation section, and a storage tank interconnected by pipes; the evaporation section is connected to the nuclear power plant, and the condensation section is located between the salt cavern and the expander; a storage tank is provided between the evaporation section and the condensation section, the storage tank storing the heat pipe medium flowing within the dynamic heat pipe system, and a mechanical pump for driving the flow of the heat pipe medium is provided between the storage tank and the evaporation section.

[0007] Furthermore, the power-type heat pipe system also includes a pressure regulating valve, which is disposed between the liquid storage tank and the condensation section.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a compression heat cycle system, which includes a first heat exchanger, a heat accumulator, a second heat exchanger, and a cold accumulator connected in sequence by pipelines; the first heat exchanger is located between the compressor and the salt cavern, the second heat exchanger is located between the salt cavern and the condensation section, and a heat-absorbing medium flows between the first heat exchanger, the heat accumulator, the second heat exchanger, and the cold accumulator.

[0009] Furthermore, the compressor is equipped with a water sprayer, which is electrically connected to a controller for controlling the start and stop of the water sprayer.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, a first steam-water separator is provided between the first heat exchanger and the salt cavern, and a second steam-water separator and a dryer are sequentially connected between the salt cavern and the second heat exchanger. The first steam separator and the second steam-water separator are respectively connected to a water sprayer.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, a filter is also provided between the second steam-water separator and the water sprayer.

[0012] Furthermore, the nuclear power plant is a modularly assembled nuclear power plant with a single unit capacity of less than 300,000 kilowatts.

[0013] The present invention also discloses a method for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe, including an energy storage stage and an energy release stage;

[0014] Energy storage stage: The nuclear power plant drives the compressor to start working, the compressor compresses the air to form compressed air, and the compressed air is transported to the salt cavern for storage through the first pipeline;

[0015] Energy release phase: The nuclear power plant drives the expander and mechanical pump to start working. The salt cavern releases compressed air, which flows through the condenser section of the power heat pipe system and then enters the expander to generate electricity.

[0016] A mechanical pump drives the heat pipe medium stored in the storage tank to flow toward the evaporation section. As the heat pipe medium passes through the evaporation section connected to the nuclear power plant, it absorbs the heat energy generated by the nuclear power plant's reactor. Driven by the mechanical pump, the heat pipe medium continues to flow to the condensation section to heat the compressed air. After condensation, the heat pipe medium returns to the storage tank for storage under the action of the mechanical pump.

[0017] Furthermore, a first heat exchanger is provided between the compressor and the salt cavern, and a second heat exchanger is provided between the salt cavern and the condensing section. A heat-absorbing medium flows between the first heat exchanger, the heat accumulator, the second heat exchanger, and the cold accumulator. During the energy storage stage, when the air compressed by the compressor flows through the first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger absorbs the heat generated by the compressor during air compression into the heat-absorbing medium, which is then stored in the heat accumulator. During the energy release stage, the compressed air in the salt cavern flows sequentially through the second heat exchanger, the condensing section, and the expander. At this time, the heat-absorbing medium in the heat accumulator flows into the second heat exchanger to heat the compressed air. After releasing its heat energy, the heat-absorbing medium flows into the cold accumulator for storage. When the energy storage stage begins, it absorbs the heat energy generated by the compressor.

[0018] Furthermore, the compressor is equipped with a water sprayer, and a first vapor-water separator is provided between the first heat exchanger and the salt cavern. A second vapor-water separator and a dryer are sequentially connected between the salt cavern and the second heat exchanger. The first vapor separator and the second vapor-water separator are respectively connected to the water sprayer, and a filter is also provided between the second vapor-water separator and the water sprayer. During the energy storage stage, when the compressor compresses air, the water sprayer sprays water into the compressor to cool it down. The compressed air flows sequentially through the first heat exchanger and the first vapor-water separator before entering the salt cavern for storage. The water separated in the first vapor-water separator is input into the water sprayer through a pipeline. During the energy release stage, the compressed air output from the salt cavern flows sequentially through the second vapor-water separator, the dryer, the second heat exchanger, and the condenser section before entering the expander. The expander performs work to generate electricity, and the water separated in the second vapor-water separator is input into the water sprayer through a pipeline.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention achieves the construction of a coupled system through heat transfer between the nuclear power system and the underground salt cavern energy storage system, thereby improving the overall energy utilization rate of the system; and by using a dynamic heat pipe as the heat exchange element between the nuclear power plant and the underground salt cavern energy storage system, on the one hand, it ensures long-distance, multi-structure heat exchange, reducing the negative impact of complex geographical environments and plant structures in actual conditions, and on the other hand, it ensures low energy loss in the heat exchange process. The addition of the liquid storage tank and mechanical pump enables flexible control of the heat exchange in a single cycle, allowing one nuclear power plant to couple several underground salt cavern energy storage systems. Furthermore, the waste heat of one nuclear power plant can be utilized by the expander modules of several compressed air energy storage systems, thereby increasing the total power generation and improving the overall efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a system structure diagram of the underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling based on a dynamic heat pipe according to the present invention.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1-Controller; 2-Water sprayer; 3-Filter; 4-Compressor; 5-Salt cavern; 6-Second steam-water separator; 7-Dryer; 8-First heat exchanger; 9-First steam-water separator; 10-Second heat exchanger; 11-Expander; 12-Electric motor; 13-Heat accumulator; 14-Cold accumulator; 15-Nuclear power plant; 16-Powered heat pipe system; 161-Evaporation section; 162-Mechanical pump; 163-Liquid storage tank; 164-Pressure regulating valve; 165-Condensation section. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below.

[0023] This invention provides a system for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe, mainly used for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy. It includes a salt cavern 5, with an air inlet connected to a compressor 4 communicating with external gas, and an air outlet connected to an expander 11 for powering an electric motor 12. It also includes a nuclear power plant 15 and a dynamic heat pipe system 16, with the compressor 4 and expander 11 electrically connected to the nuclear power plant 15. The dynamic heat pipe system 16 includes... An evaporation section 161, a condensation section 165, and a storage tank 163 are interconnected by pipes. The evaporation section 161 is connected to the nuclear power plant 15. The condensation section 165 is located between the salt cavern 5 and the expander 11. A storage tank 163 is provided between the evaporation section 161 and the condensation section 165. The storage tank 163 stores the heat pipe medium that flows in the dynamic heat pipe system 16. A mechanical pump 162 for driving the flow of the heat pipe medium is provided between the storage tank 163 and the evaporation section 161.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, the exhaust port of compressor 4 is connected to the inlet of salt cavern 5 via a first pipe, and the exhaust port of salt cavern 5 is connected to the inlet of expander 11 via a second pipe. During operation, compressor 4 and expander 11 are driven by the redundant electrical energy of nuclear power plant 15, and the power-type heat pipe system 16 is used for heat transfer between nuclear power plant 15 and underground salt cavern energy storage system. Specifically, during the energy storage phase, compressor 4 starts operating under the power supply of nuclear power plant 15, compressing outside air into compressed air, which is then transported to salt cavern 5 for storage via the first pipe. During the energy release phase, salt cavern 5 releases the compressed air stored inside, which is then transported to expander 11 via the second pipe for expansion. 11 generates electricity to power motor 12; the power-type heat pipe system 16 includes an evaporation section 161, a condensation section 165, and a storage tank 163 interconnected by pipes; driven by mechanical pump 162, the heat pipe medium flows out of the storage tank 163, sequentially through mechanical pump 162, evaporation section 161, and condensation section 165, and finally returns to the storage tank 163; the evaporation section 161 is connected to the nuclear power plant 15 so that the heat pipe medium absorbs the reaction heat generated by the nuclear power plant 15 when flowing through the evaporation section 161; the condensation section 165 is connected to a second pipe, and the condensation section 165 is located between the salt cavern 5 and the expander 11 to heat the compressed air in the second pipe; during operation, the power-type... In the heat pipe system 16, the medium inside the evaporation section 161 undergoes a phase change, absorbing heat from the reactor of the nuclear power plant 15 and vaporizing. Under pressure difference, the gas moves towards the condensation section 165, where it liquefies and releases the heat it carries, thus heating the compressed air. The heat pipe medium in the power-type heat pipe system 16 is reliquefied and flows into the storage tank 163. The mechanical pump 162 can adjust the flow rate of the heat pipe medium in the power-type heat pipe system 16 to regulate the heat energy transferred in a single cycle, achieving flexible peak shaving. The aforementioned heat pipe medium, i.e., the heat exchange medium, can be common water. The heat exchange area and structure of the evaporation section 161 and the condensation section 165 can be adjusted according to actual conditions, thus enabling the heating of multiple expanders 11 and nuclear power plants 165. The heat exchange between the nuclear power plant 15 and the underground salt cavern energy storage system improves the overall energy utilization rate of the system. Furthermore, the use of dynamic heat pipes as heat exchange elements between the nuclear power plant 15 and the underground salt cavern energy storage system ensures long-distance and multi-structure heat exchange, reducing the negative impact of complex geographical environment and plant structure in actual conditions. On the other hand, it also ensures low energy loss in the heat exchange process. The addition of the liquid storage tank 163 and mechanical pump 162 enables flexible control of the heat exchange in a single cycle, allowing one nuclear power plant 15 to couple with several underground salt cavern energy storage systems. Moreover, the waste heat of one nuclear power plant 15 can be utilized by the expander 11 modules of several compressed air energy storage systems, which increases the total power generation and improves the overall efficiency.

[0025] The heat transfer mechanism of the aforementioned dynamic heat pipe system is the same as that of a traditional heat pipe, which fully utilizes the principle of heat conduction and the rapid heat transfer properties of the refrigerant to quickly transfer heat from the heat-generating object to the outside of the heat source through the heat pipe inside the vacuum tube. By adding a mechanical pump 162 to the dynamic heat pipe system 16, the heat pipe medium is driven to circulate within the pipes of the dynamic heat pipe system 16, thus overcoming the traditional gravity-based operation of heat pipes and making it suitable for long-distance heat transfer. This allows for increasing the distance between the evaporation section 161 and the condensation section 165, which can be adjusted according to the layout between the nuclear power plant 15 and the salt cavern 5. By adding a liquid storage tank 163, the liquid storage tank 161... 3. The water generated in the dynamic heat pipe system 16 is stored, and the flow rate and volume of the heat pipe medium can be adjusted by the driving force of the mechanical pump 162 to meet the different heating requirements of compressed air. The structure and heat exchange area of ​​the evaporation section 161 and the condensation section 165 can be flexibly changed according to the actual application scenario. Compared with traditional heat pipes, it has a wider range of applications and higher sensible heat exchange efficiency. Using the dynamic heat pipe as the heat exchange element of the nuclear power plant 15 and the underground salt cavern energy storage system can not only ensure the heat exchange efficiency of the underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling system based on the dynamic heat pipe system in this invention, but also is not limited by geographical environment, plant layout and other factors, and has a wider range of applications.

[0026] The aforementioned nuclear power plant 15 can be a small, modularly assembled nuclear power plant with a single unit capacity of less than 300,000 kilowatts. It features lower design complexity, lower investment costs, flexible site selection, and a wide power range. Compared to large nuclear power plants, small nuclear power plants have significantly lower power outputs, thus greatly reducing the demand for coolant. They can operate normally even in areas without large water flows, meaning they can be located closer to remote areas and harsh environments with energy needs. This also means that building a small nuclear power plant based on an underground salt cavern energy storage system, which has high site selection requirements, is feasible. The small nuclear power plant not only provides the necessary electrical energy to the underground salt cavern energy storage system, but the heat generated during its operation can also be transferred to the expansion stage of the underground salt cavern energy storage system through efficient heat exchange elements. Therefore, using a small nuclear power plant not only better complements the underground salt cavern energy storage system, enabling the coupling of the underground salt cavern energy storage system and the small nuclear power plant system, but also improves the overall energy utilization rate of the system. It is also convenient to build near underground salt caverns to achieve coupling between the nuclear energy system and the underground salt cavern energy storage system, and effectively reduces costs.

[0027] To prevent excessive pressure within the heat pipe system 16 due to heat, which could hinder the normal flow of the heat pipe medium, such as... Figure 1As shown, the dynamic heat pipe system 16 also includes a pressure regulating valve 164, which is located between the storage tank 163 and the condensation section 165. The pressure regulating valve 164 regulates the pipe pressure in the dynamic heat pipe system 16 so that the heat pipe medium can flow and be stored in the storage tank.

[0028] To further improve the energy utilization rate of the entire underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling system based on a power-type heat pipe, the heat energy generated when compressor 4 compresses air will be utilized; for example... Figure 1 As shown, the coupling system of underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy for a power-type heat pipe provided by this invention also includes a compression heat cycle system. The compression heat cycle system includes a first heat exchanger 8, a heat storage unit 13, a second heat exchanger 10, and a cold storage unit 14 connected sequentially by pipes. The first heat exchanger 8 is located between the compressor 4 and the salt cavern 5, and the second heat exchanger 10 is located between the salt cavern 5 and the condensing section 165. By adding the first heat exchanger 8 to the first pipe and placing it between the compressor 4 and the salt cavern 5, the compression heat generated by the compressor 4 is converted into the heat-absorbing medium flowing within the compression heat cycle system, and the heat-absorbing medium that has absorbed the compression heat is stored in the heat storage unit 13. Similarly, by adding the second heat exchanger 10 to the second pipe and placing it between the salt cavern 5 and the condensing section 165, when the salt cavern 5 releases compressed air to generate electricity, the heat-absorbing medium stored in the heat storage unit 13 that has absorbed the compression heat flows to… At the second heat exchanger 10, the heat energy on the heat-absorbing medium is transferred to the compressed air in the second pipeline to heat the compressed air. After releasing the heat energy, the heat-absorbing medium flows into the cold storage accumulator 14 for storage, waiting for the next energy storage stage to begin, when it will absorb the heat energy generated by the compressor 4. The heat-absorbing medium can be common water. To facilitate the flow of the heat-absorbing medium in the pipeline of the compression heat circulation system, a drive pump can be added to the compression heat circulation system to drive the flow of the heat-absorbing medium in the pipeline of the compression heat circulation system. By adding the compression heat circulation system, the heat energy generated by the compressor 4 is stored and reused to improve the energy utilization efficiency of the entire underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling system based on the power heat pipe. At the same time, it can heat the compressed air released from the salt cavern 5, forming a two-stage heating system for the compressed air in the second pipeline together with the power heat pipe system 16.

[0029] To ensure that compressor 4 maintains isothermal compression during the gas compression process, such as Figure 1As shown, the compressor 4 is equipped with a water sprayer 2, which is electrically connected to a controller 1 for controlling its start and stop. The water sprayer 2 is used to spray water into the compressor 4 for cooling. When cooling of the compressor 4 is required, the controller 1, which is electrically connected to the water sprayer 2, controls the water sprayer 2 to spray water into the compressor, so that the compressor 4 maintains isothermal compression during gas compression. Furthermore, to reduce the water content of the gas compressed by the compressor 4 and the water content of the compressed air released through the salt cavern 5, to ensure the quality of the compressed air stored in the salt cavern 5, to improve power generation efficiency, and to reuse the water in the gas, thereby improving the utilization rate of water resources; Figure 1 As shown, a first steam-water separator 9 is provided between the first heat exchanger 8 and the salt cavern 5. A second steam-water separator 6 and a dryer 7 are sequentially connected between the salt cavern 5 and the second heat exchanger 10. The first steam separator and the second steam-water separator 6 are respectively connected to the water sprayer 2. By adding a first steam-water separator 9 on the first pipeline and a second steam-water separator 6 on the second pipeline, water and gas are separated from the compressed air output from the compressor 4 and the compressed air output from the salt cavern 5, respectively, to ensure the dryness of the gas. At the same time, the first steam-water separator 9 is used to separate water and gas from the compressed air output from the compressor 4 and the compressed air output from the salt cavern 5. The first steam-water separator 9 and the second steam-water separator 6 are respectively connected to the water sprayer 2. That is, a third pipeline connects the first steam-water separator 9 to the water sprayer 2, and a fourth pipeline connects the second steam-water separator 6 to the water sprayer 2, so that the separated water can be transported back to the water sprayer 2 for reuse, achieving water resource recycling, saving costs, and ensuring the dryness of the compressed air. Furthermore, the compressed air output from the salt cavern 5 contains not only water vapor but also a small amount of impurities. To facilitate the conversion of water containing impurities into clean water, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a filter 3 is also provided between the second steam-water separator 6 and the water sprayer 2, that is, a filter 3 is provided on the fourth pipeline, and the filter 3 is used to convert water containing impurities into clean water.

[0030] This invention discloses a method for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe, comprising an energy storage stage and an energy release stage. In the energy storage stage, the nuclear power plant 15 drives the compressor 4 to start operating, compressing air to form compressed air, which is then transported to the salt cavern 5 for storage via a first pipeline. In the energy release stage, the nuclear power plant 15 drives the expander 11 and the mechanical pump 162 to start operating, releasing the compressed air from the salt cavern 5. The compressed air flows sequentially through the condensation section 165 of the dynamic heat pipe system and then enters the expander 11, where it performs work to generate electricity. The mechanical pump 162 drives the heat pipe medium stored in the storage tank 163 to flow towards the evaporation section 161. As the heat pipe medium passes through the evaporation section 161 connected to the nuclear power plant 15, it absorbs the heat energy generated by the reactor of the nuclear power plant 15. Driven by the mechanical pump 162, the heat pipe medium continues to flow to the condensation section 165, heating the compressed air. The condensed heat pipe medium returns to the storage tank 163 for storage under the action of the mechanical pump 162.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the exhaust port of compressor 4 is connected to the inlet of salt cavern 5 via a first pipe, and the exhaust port of salt cavern 5 is connected to the inlet of expander 11 via a second pipe. During operation, compressor 4 and expander 11 are driven by the redundant electrical energy of nuclear power plant 15, and the power-type heat pipe system 16 is used for heat transfer between nuclear power plant 15 and underground salt cavern energy storage system. During the energy storage phase, compressor 4 starts to operate under the power supply of nuclear power plant 15, compresses the outside air, and then transports the compressed air through the first pipe to salt cavern 5 for storage. During the energy release phase, salt cavern 5 releases the compressed air stored inside it, and the compressed air is transported to expander 11 along the second pipe so that the expander can... 11 generates electricity to power motor 12; the power-type heat pipe system 16 includes an evaporation section 161, a condensation section 165, and a storage tank 163 interconnected by pipes; driven by mechanical pump 162, the heat pipe medium flows out of the storage tank 163, sequentially through mechanical pump 162, evaporation section 161, and condensation section 165, and finally returns to the storage tank 163; the evaporation section 161 is connected to the nuclear power plant 15 so that the heat pipe medium absorbs the reaction heat generated by the nuclear power plant 15 when flowing through the evaporation section 161; the condensation section 165 is connected to a second pipe and is located between the salt cavern 5 and the expander 11 to heat the compressed air in the second pipe; during operation... In the evaporation section 161 of the heat pipe, the internal medium undergoes a phase change, absorbing heat from the reactor of the nuclear power plant 15 and vaporizing. Under pressure difference, the gas moves towards the condensation section 165, where it liquefies and releases the heat it carries, thus heating the compressed air. The heat pipe medium in the power-type heat pipe system 16 is reliquefied and flows into the storage tank 163. The mechanical pump 162 can adjust the flow rate of the heat pipe medium in the power-type heat pipe system 16 to regulate the heat energy transferred in a single cycle, achieving flexible peak shaving. The aforementioned heat pipe medium can be common water. The heat exchange area and structure of the evaporation section 161 and the condensation section 165 can be adjusted according to actual conditions to achieve heat exchange between multiple expanders 11 and the nuclear power plant 15. Heat exchange is improved, thus enhancing the overall energy utilization of the system. Furthermore, the use of dynamic heat pipes as heat exchange elements between the nuclear power plant 15 and the underground salt cavern energy storage system ensures long-distance, multi-structure heat exchange, reducing the negative impacts of complex geographical environments and plant structures in actual conditions. It also ensures low energy loss during the heat exchange process. The addition of the liquid storage tank 163 and the mechanical pump 162 enables flexible control of the heat exchange in a single cycle, allowing one nuclear power plant 15 to couple with several underground salt cavern energy storage systems. Moreover, the waste heat of one nuclear power plant 15 can be utilized by the expander 11 modules of several compressed air energy storage systems, increasing the total power generation and improving overall efficiency.

[0032] To further improve the energy utilization rate of the entire underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling system of the power-type heat pipe, the heat energy generated when the compressor 4 compresses air is utilized. A first heat exchanger 8 is provided between the compressor 4 and the salt cavern 5, and a second heat exchanger 10 is provided between the salt cavern 5 and the condensing section 165. A heat-absorbing medium flows between the first heat exchanger 8, the heat storage tank 13, the second heat exchanger 10, and the cold storage tank 14. During the energy storage stage, when the air compressed by the compressor 4 flows through the first heat exchanger 8, the first heat exchanger 8 absorbs the heat of compression generated by the compressor 4 into the heat-absorbing medium, and then stores the heat-absorbing medium. Inside the heat accumulator 13; during the energy release phase, the compressed air in the salt cavern 5 flows sequentially through the second heat exchanger 10, the condenser section 165, and the expander 11. At this time, the heat-absorbing medium in the heat accumulator 13 flows to the second heat exchanger 10 to heat the compressed air. After releasing its heat energy, the heat-absorbing medium flows to the cold accumulator 14 for storage. When the energy storage phase begins, it absorbs the heat energy generated by the compressor 4. Specifically, a first heat exchanger 8 is added to the first pipeline and positioned between the compressor 4 and the salt cavern 5 to transfer the compression heat generated by the compressor 4 to the heat-absorbing medium flowing within the compression heat circulation system. The heat-absorbing medium that has absorbed the heat of compression is stored in the heat accumulator 13. A second heat exchanger 10 is added to the second pipeline and is located between the salt cavern 5 and the condensation section 165. When the salt cavern 5 releases compressed air to generate electricity, the heat-absorbing medium stored in the heat accumulator 13 that has absorbed the heat of compression flows to the second heat exchanger 10. The heat energy on the heat-absorbing medium is transferred to the compressed air in the second pipeline through the second heat exchanger 10 to heat the compressed air. After releasing the heat energy, the heat-absorbing medium flows to the cold storage accumulator 14 for storage, waiting for the next energy storage stage to begin, when it will absorb the heat energy generated by the compressor 4. The heat-absorbing medium can be common water. To facilitate the flow of the heat-absorbing medium in the pipes of the compression heat circulation system, a drive pump can be added to the compression heat circulation system to drive the flow of the heat-absorbing medium in the pipes of the compression heat circulation system. By adding the compression heat circulation system, the heat energy generated by the compressor 4 can be stored and reused to improve the energy utilization efficiency of the entire underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling system based on the power heat pipe. At the same time, it can heat the compressed air released from the salt cavern 5, forming a two-stage heating system for the compressed air in the second pipe together with the power heat pipe system 16.

[0033] To ensure that the compressor 4 maintains isothermal compression during gas compression, a water sprayer 2 is installed inside the compressor 4. A first steam-water separator 9 is installed between the first heat exchanger 8 and the salt cavern 5. A second steam-water separator 6 and a dryer 7 are sequentially connected between the salt cavern 5 and the second heat exchanger 10. The first steam-water separator 9 and the second steam-water separator 6 are respectively connected to the water sprayer 2. During the energy storage stage, when the compressor 4 compresses air, the water sprayer 2 sprays water into the compressor 4 to cool it down, thus ensuring the compressed gas remains isothermal. The compressed air is kept at an isothermal temperature. After compression, the compressed air flows through the first heat exchanger 8 and the first steam-water separator 9 in sequence and then enters the salt cavern 5 for storage. The water separated in the first steam-water separator 9 is input into the water sprayer 2 through a pipeline. During the energy release stage, the compressed air output from the salt cavern 5 flows through the second steam-water separator 6, the dryer 7, the second heat exchanger 10 and the condenser section 165 in sequence and then enters the expander 11. The expander 11 performs work to generate electricity. The water separated in the second steam-water separator 6 is input into the water sprayer 2 through a pipeline.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a water sprayer 2 is installed inside the compressor 4. The water sprayer 2 is used to spray water into the compressor 4 to cool it down. When it is necessary to cool the compressor 4, the controller 1, which is electrically connected to the water sprayer 2, will control the water sprayer 2 to spray water into the compressor, so that the compressor 4 maintains isothermal compression during the gas compression process. A first steam-water separator 9 is added to the first pipeline and a second steam-water separator 6 is added to the second pipeline to separate water and gas from the compressed air output from the compressor 4 and the compressed air output from the salt cavern 5, respectively, to ensure the dryness of the gas. At the same time, the first steam-water separator 9 and the second steam-water separator 6 are connected to the water sprayer 2, that is, a third pipeline is connected between the first steam-water separator 9 and the water sprayer 2, and a fourth pipeline is connected between the second steam-water separator 6 and the water sprayer 2, so that the separated water can be transported back to the water sprayer 2 for reuse, realizing the recycling of water resources, saving costs, and ensuring the dryness of the compressed air.

[0035] Because the compressed air output from salt cavern 5 contains not only water vapor but also a small amount of impurities, in order to facilitate the conversion of water containing impurities into clean water, such as... Figure 1 As shown, a filter 3 is also provided between the second steam-water separator 6 and the water sprayer 2. The filter 3 is used to filter impurities from the water separated in the second steam-water separator 6 so that clean water can be input into the water sprayer 2 for reuse.

Claims

1. A system for underground salt cavern energy storage coupled with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe, comprising a salt cavern (5), wherein the air inlet of the salt cavern (5) is connected to a compressor (4) for communicating with external gas, and the air outlet of the salt cavern (5) is connected to an expander (11) for supplying power to an electric motor (12); characterized in that: It also includes a nuclear power plant (15) and a power-type heat pipe system (16), wherein the compressor (4) and the expander (11) are electrically connected to the nuclear power plant (15); the power-type heat pipe system (16) includes an evaporation section (161), a condensation section (165), and a storage tank (163) that are interconnected by pipes; the evaporation section (161) is connected to the nuclear power plant (15), and the condensation section (165) is located between the salt cavern (5) and the expander (11); a storage tank (163) is provided between the evaporation section (161) and the condensation section (165), and the storage tank (163) stores the heat pipe medium that flows in the power-type heat pipe system (16); a mechanical pump (162) for driving the flow of the heat pipe medium is provided between the storage tank (163) and the evaporation section (161).

2. The system for underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling based on a dynamic heat pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power-type heat pipe system (16) also includes a pressure regulating valve (164), which is located between the liquid storage tank (163) and the condensation section (165).

3. The system for energy storage and nuclear energy coupling in an underground salt cavern (5) based on a dynamic heat pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a compression heat cycle system, which includes a first heat exchanger (8), a heat accumulator (13), a second heat exchanger (10), and a cold accumulator (14) connected in sequence by pipes; the first heat exchanger (8) is located between the compressor (4) and the salt cavern (5), and the second heat exchanger (10) is located between the salt cavern (5) and the condensing section (165); a heat-absorbing medium flows between the first heat exchanger (8), the heat accumulator (13), the second heat exchanger (10), and the cold accumulator (14).

4. The underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear power coupling system based on a dynamic heat pipe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The compressor (4) is equipped with a water sprayer (2), and the water sprayer (2) is electrically connected to a controller (1) for controlling the start and stop of the water sprayer (2).

5. The underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear power coupling system based on a dynamic heat pipe according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first steam-water separator (9) is provided between the first heat exchanger (8) and the salt cave (5). A second steam-water separator (6) and a dryer (7) are connected in sequence between the salt cave (5) and the second heat exchanger (10). The first steam-water separator (9) and the second steam-water separator (6) are respectively connected to the water sprayer (2).

6. The system for underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling based on a dynamic heat pipe as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A filter (3) is also provided between the second steam-water separator (6) and the water sprayer (2).

7. The system for underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling based on a dynamic heat pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The nuclear power plant (15) is a modularly assembled nuclear power plant with a single unit capacity of less than 300,000 kilowatts.

8. A method for coupling energy storage in underground salt caverns with nuclear power based on dynamic heat pipes, characterized by: The system employing the underground salt cavern energy storage and nuclear energy coupling based on any one of claims 1-7 includes an energy storage stage and an energy release stage; Energy storage stage: The nuclear power plant (15) drives the compressor (4) to start working. The compressor (4) compresses the air to form compressed air, which is then transported to the salt cavern (5) through the first pipeline for storage. Energy release stage: The nuclear power plant (15) drives the expander (11) and mechanical pump (162) to start working. The salt cavern (5) releases compressed air. The compressed air flows through the condenser section (165) of the power heat pipe system and then enters the expander (11) to generate electricity. A mechanical pump (162) drives the heat pipe medium stored in the storage tank (163) to flow toward the evaporation section (161). When the heat pipe medium passes through the evaporation section (161) connected to the nuclear power plant (15), it absorbs the heat energy generated by the reactor of the nuclear power plant (15). The heat pipe medium that absorbs the heat energy generated by the reactor of the nuclear power plant (15) continues to flow to the condensation section (165) under the drive of the mechanical pump (162) to heat the compressed air. After condensation, the heat pipe medium returns to the storage tank (163) for storage under the action of the mechanical pump (162).

9. The method for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe as described in claim 8, characterized in that: A first heat exchanger (8) is provided between the compressor (4) and the salt cavern (5), and a second heat exchanger (10) is provided between the salt cavern (5) and the condensing section (165). A heat-absorbing medium flows between the first heat exchanger (8), the heat accumulator (13), the second heat exchanger (10), and the cold accumulator (14). During the energy storage stage, when the air compressed by the compressor (4) flows through the first heat exchanger (8), the first heat exchanger (8) will absorb the heat of compression generated by the compressor (4) compressing the air. The compressed air in the salt cavern (5) flows through the second heat exchanger (10), the condenser section (165), and the expander (11) in sequence. The heat-absorbing medium in the heat accumulator (13) flows into the second heat exchanger (10) to heat the compressed air. The heat-absorbing medium that has released all its heat energy flows into the cold storage accumulator (14) for storage. When the energy storage stage begins, it absorbs the heat energy generated by the compressor (4).

10. The method for coupling underground salt cavern energy storage with nuclear energy based on a dynamic heat pipe as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The compressor (4) is equipped with a water sprayer (2), which is electrically connected to a controller (1) for controlling the start and stop of the water sprayer (2). A first steam-water separator (9) is provided between the first heat exchanger (8) and the salt cavern (5). A second steam-water separator (6) and a dryer (7) are connected in sequence between the salt cavern (5) and the second heat exchanger (10). The first steam-water separator (9) and the second steam-water separator (6) are respectively connected to the water sprayer (2). A filter (3) is provided between the second steam-water separator (6) and the water sprayer (2). During the energy storage stage, the compressor (4) compresses air. During the gas release phase, the water sprayer (2) sprays water into the compressor (4) to cool it down. The compressed air flows through the first heat exchanger (8) and the first steam-water separator (9) in sequence and then enters the salt cavern (5) for storage. The water separated in the first steam-water separator (9) is input into the water sprayer (2) through the pipeline. During the energy release phase, the compressed air output from the salt cavern (5) flows through the second steam-water separator (6), the dryer (7), the second heat exchanger (10), and the condenser section (165) in sequence and then enters the expander (11). The expander (11) generates electricity. The water separated in the second steam-water separator (6) is input into the water sprayer (2) through the pipeline.

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