Centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude photo-thermal power station
By adopting skid-mounted integrated VPSA oxygen generators and diffused oxygen supply terminals in high-altitude solar thermal power plants, the problems of high energy consumption, high noise, and inconvenient management of oxygen supply systems in high-altitude solar thermal power plants have been solved. This has enabled centralized oxygen supply and stable regulation, and improved the health and work efficiency of operation and maintenance personnel.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO HONGRUI ELECTRIC POWER ENG CONSULTING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
Smart Images

Figure CN224450317U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of oxygen supply system technology, specifically, it relates to a centralized oxygen supply system for solar thermal power plants in high-altitude areas. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, oxygen production and supply technologies in China primarily serve the industrial and medical sectors, with low adoption rates in the civilian market. Traditional oxygen production methods have significant limitations: cryogenic methods are energy-intensive, while membrane separation methods are costly and noisy. Civilian oxygen supply largely relies on decentralized equipment, lacking centralized systems, leading to inconvenient operation and management and low energy efficiency. Furthermore, the commonly used nasal inhalation oxygen terminals offer a poor user experience when sleeping or focused on work, causing significant inconvenience and discomfort.
[0003] In high-altitude concentrated solar power (CSP) plants (e.g., at altitudes of several thousand meters), the main building, laboratory building, and control room are the core work and living areas for maintenance personnel. In such environments, atmospheric pressure is significantly reduced, and oxygen levels are far lower than at sea level. For example, at an altitude of 4500 meters, the atmospheric pressure is approximately 60 kPa, and the oxygen content is only about 58% of that at sea level. Maintenance personnel exposed to this hypoxic environment for extended periods are prone to acute and chronic altitude sickness, seriously threatening their health and significantly reducing work efficiency. However, existing oxygen supply technologies and system designs are primarily geared towards plains or specific medical settings, lacking a dedicated oxygen supply solution for the unique architectural environment of high-altitude CSP plants that also caters to the long-term work and living needs of maintenance personnel.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an oxygen supply system suitable for high-altitude solar thermal power plants. This system must effectively overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies (such as high energy consumption, high cost, noise, drawbacks of decentralized management, and unsuitability for end-user applications), and be optimized for high-altitude, low-pressure, and hypoxic environments to genuinely improve the working and living environment of maintenance personnel, protect their health, and enhance the reliability of power plant operation. Utility Model Content
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a centralized oxygen supply system for solar thermal power plants in high-altitude areas.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A centralized oxygen supply system for a solar thermal power plant in a high-altitude area includes an oxygen supply device. The oxygen outlet of the oxygen supply device is connected to an internal oxygen supply pipeline in one or more oxygen-using rooms via an external oxygen supply pipeline. The oxygen supply device is a skid-mounted VPSA oxygen generator. The internal oxygen supply pipeline includes an electrically controlled valve, and the outlet of the internal oxygen supply pipeline is connected to a diffused oxygen supply terminal.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen supply system further includes a control display installed in the oxygen-using room, the control display being connected to an electric control valve.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen supply system further includes an oxygen concentration detection device installed in the oxygen-using room, the oxygen concentration detection device being connected to a control display.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the external oxygen supply pipeline is a degreased stainless steel pipe.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the internal oxygen supply pipe is a medical-grade transparent and odorless silicone tube.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the outer casing of the VPSA oxygen generator is a fully enclosed box.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the outer casing of the VPSA oxygen generator is lined with sound-absorbing / sound-insulating material.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the VPSA oxygen generator uses an air-cooled device inside.
[0015] After adopting the above technical solution, the centralized oxygen supply system for solar thermal power plants in high-altitude areas provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
[0016] (1) This utility model provides a feasible oxygen supply system for solar thermal power plants in high-altitude areas. The combination of a centralized oxygen supply system and a diffused oxygen supply terminal enables continuous regulation of oxygen concentration in working and living areas. The diffused oxygen supply method can stably raise the indoor oxygen content to near the plains level. Maintenance personnel do not need to wear nasal inhalers when working, inspecting, or sleeping, and can obtain sufficient oxygen through natural breathing, which significantly reduces the incidence of acute and chronic altitude sickness, while relieving fatigue and improving concentration, thus providing health protection for the safe and efficient operation of the power plant.
[0017] (2) This utility model adopts a skid-mounted integrated oxygen generator, with modular equipment design. Installation does not require complex civil engineering, making it particularly suitable for rapid deployment in remote power stations at high altitudes. It adopts pressure swing adsorption oxygen generation, which has low power consumption and low noise. It adopts a full air-cooled heat dissipation system, eliminating the need for a circulating water cooling device, thus reducing the consumption of scarce water resources in plateau areas. It is a safe, efficient, comfortable, and low-cost oxygen supply system.
[0018] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The accompanying drawings, as part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a centralized oxygen supply system for a solar thermal power plant in a high-altitude area, according to this utility model.
[0021] In the picture:
[0022] 1-VPSA oxygen concentrator;
[0023] 2-Adsorption tower;
[0024] 3-Process tank;
[0025] 4-Roots booster fan;
[0026] 5-Oxygen pressure regulator;
[0027] 6-Nitrogen evacuator;
[0028] 7-Outdoor air;
[0029] 8-Filter;
[0030] 9-Low-pressure Roots blower;
[0031] 10-Buffer tank;
[0032] 11-External oxygen supply pipeline;
[0033] 12-Indoor control display;
[0034] 13-Electric control valve;
[0035] 14-Diffuse oxygen supply terminal;
[0036] 15-Oxygen supply buildings;
[0037] 16-Oxygen Room 1;
[0038] 17-Oxygen Room 2.
[0039] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a centralized oxygen supply system for a solar thermal power plant in a high-altitude area, including an oxygen supply device. The oxygen outlet of the oxygen supply device is connected to an internal oxygen supply pipe in one or more oxygen-using rooms through an external oxygen supply pipe 11. The oxygen supply device is a skid-mounted VPSA oxygen generator. The internal oxygen supply pipe includes an electric control valve 13, and the outlet of the internal oxygen supply pipe is connected to a diffused oxygen supply terminal 14.
[0045] The VPSA oxygen generator features a skid-mounted integrated structure, integrating core components such as the air compressor (preferably a Roots blower), adsorption tower 2 (with built-in molecular sieve), control valve assembly, and control system onto a robust base frame. This design significantly improves the equipment's integration, compactness, and ease of on-site installation, making it particularly suitable for rapid deployment in remote, high-altitude power plants, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and large civil engineering foundations.
[0046] Specifically, outdoor air 7 first passes through filter 8 to remove dust, oil mist, and other impurities, ensuring the air entering the system is clean. The clean air is then pressurized to a low, slightly positive pressure (0.3-0.5 bar) by a Roots blower 4, providing power for subsequent adsorption and separation. This low-pressure boosting design significantly differs from the high-pressure requirements of cryogenic methods and is key to energy reduction. The pressurized air enters adsorption tower 2, which contains a dedicated zeolite molecular sieve. The molecular sieve selectively adsorbs components such as nitrogen from the air, allowing oxygen to pass through as the product gas. Subsequently, a low-pressure Roots blower 9 evacuates adsorption tower 2 and saturated adsorption towers, causing the molecular sieve to release adsorbed nitrogen. This nitrogen is then discharged from the system via a nitrogen venting machine 6, achieving molecular sieve regeneration and desorption of adsorbed nitrogen and other impurities. A buffer tank 10 is connected before the low-pressure Roots blower 9 to smooth the airflow. The separated oxygen enters an oxygen pressure stabilizing tank 5 to eliminate pressure fluctuations and store buffered oxygen, ensuring stable oxygen supply pressure. The outlet of the oxygen pressure stabilizing pipe 5 is connected to an external oxygen supply pipe 11. Preferably, the external oxygen supply pipe 11 is a stainless steel pipe that has undergone degreasing treatment.
[0047] As a preferred embodiment, this embodiment adopts a dual adsorption tower 2 design, with multiple adsorption towers 2 alternating between adsorption and desorption steps, thereby achieving continuous and stable oxygen production, improving oxygen production efficiency, and providing redundancy to avoid downtime.
[0048] Preferably, the VPSA oxygen concentrator features a fully enclosed enclosure structure. High-efficiency sound-absorbing / sound-insulating materials (such as mineral wool, polyester fiber sound-absorbing cotton, or composite sound-insulating felt) are laid on the inner walls of the enclosure and around key noise sources (such as the Roots blower). This dual approach effectively controls the equipment's operating noise to a low level, meeting the environmental requirements of the indoor or adjacent areas.
[0049] As a preferred option, the entire VPSA oxygen generator unit adopts forced air cooling. Through built-in high-efficiency cooling fans and optimized air duct design, the equipment ensures stable operation in high-altitude environments, completely eliminating the need for cooling towers or circulating water cooling systems. This significantly reduces the consumption of precious cooling water, making it particularly suitable for high-altitude areas with scarce water resources.
[0050] Preferably, the oxygen supply system also includes a control display 12 installed in the oxygen-using room, which is connected to an electric control valve 13. After entering the room, the external oxygen supply pipe 11 sequentially connects to the indoor control display 12, the electric control valve 13, and the diffused oxygen supply terminal 14 to achieve diffused oxygen supply. The indoor control display 12 can display parameters such as oxygen content, equivalent altitude, and oxygen partial pressure. Preferably, the oxygen supply system also includes an oxygen concentration detection device installed in the oxygen-using room, which is connected to the control display 12. The opening degree of the electric control valve 13 is adjusted according to the indoor oxygen concentration detected by the oxygen concentration detection device to achieve automatic oxygen concentration control.
[0051] As a preferred option, the internal oxygen supply pipe is made of medical-grade transparent and odorless silicone tubing.
[0052] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A centralized oxygen supply system for a solar thermal power plant at high altitude, comprising an oxygen supply device, the oxygen outlet of which is connected to one or more internal oxygen supply lines in oxygen-consuming rooms via an external oxygen supply line, characterized in that: The oxygen supply equipment is a skid-mounted VPSA oxygen generator. The internal oxygen supply pipeline includes an electrically controlled valve, and the outlet of the internal oxygen supply pipeline is connected to a diffused oxygen supply terminal.
2. The centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude photo-thermal power stations according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control display installed in the oxygen supply room, which is connected to an electric control valve.
3. The centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude solar thermal power plants as described in claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes an oxygen concentration detection device installed in the oxygen-using room, which is connected to a control display.
4. The centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude photo-thermal power stations of claim 1, characterized in that: The external oxygen supply pipeline is a stainless steel pipe that has undergone degreasing treatment.
5. The centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude solar thermal power plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal oxygen supply pipe is a medical-grade transparent and odorless silicone tube.
6. The centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude solar thermal power plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The VPSA oxygen generator has a fully enclosed casing.
7. The centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude solar thermal power plants according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer casing of the VPSA oxygen generator is lined with sound-absorbing / sound-insulating material.
8. The centralized oxygen supply system for high-altitude solar thermal power plants as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The VPSA oxygen generator uses an air-cooled internal system.