Device, system and method for high level of energetic efficiency for the storage and use of thermal energy of solar origin

Abstract

A device (1; 10; 11; 12) for storage and transfer of thermal energy associated with an incident solar radiation, which used in a solar plant for the production of energy, based on an optical plant configuration which makes solar radiation converge from above, and comprises: —a containment casing (2); and—a dual bed (31, 32) of fluidizable particles received inside the casing (2) and arranged the one circumscribed to the other one, wherein the casing (2) has at least one receiving cylindrical cavity (20) which extends through the bed (3) of particles and has a open top inlet (21) for receiving the solar radiation concentrated by a field of heliostats and an open or closed bottom (22) at the level of the base of the bed of particles, the overall arrangement being such that one of the beds of particles (31) is arranged in contact with the side skirt (23) of the cylindrical cavity (20) for storing thermal energy received from the solar radiation and the other one bed of particles (32) is arranged in contact with pipe bundles (41) crossed by the working fluid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to a plant for the production of energy based on the use and the storage of solar energy, to a related method and to a device for storage and transfer of thermal energy of solar origin suitable for use in such plant.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of solar energy concentrated by heliostats is known in the art. It is also known the possibility of storing heat not immediately used, by devices based on fluidized particle beds exposed to solar radiation concentrated by heliostats.

[0003] Typically, the devices for storage of thermal energy of solar origin and / or the devices for corresponding heat exchange are located in a position elevated with respect to the installation plane of the field of heliostats, so as to receive from below the concentrated solar radiation. Therefore, the typical configuration provides a storage or exchange device placed on a tower structure, in which so-called “service” components can find accommo...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0063]Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 1A, a solar plant for the production of energy, based on a “beam down” configuration, is generally denoted by 100. The plant 100 of the present embodiment is suitable for producing steam and steam for industrial uses.

[0064]The plant 100 comprises a device for storage and transfer of thermal energy associated with an incident solar radiation according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, device which is generally denoted by 1. The plant 100 may comprise more than one device of the above-mentioned type.

[0065]The plant 100 also comprises solar radiation captation means which defines, jointly to the device 1, the above-mentioned “beam down” irradiation configuration. In particular, the plant 100 comprises primary captation means, in the present example a field 200 of heliostats, directly concerned by the solar radiation and apt to convey the latter on secondary captation means 300, preferably a reflector or mirror, apt to receive the solar...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to a plant for the production of energy based on the use and the storage of solar energy, to a related method and to a device for storage and transfer of thermal energy of solar origin suitable for use in such plant.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of solar energy concentrated by heliostats is known in the art. It is also known the possibility of storing heat not immediately used, by devices based on fluidized particle beds exposed to solar radiation concentrated by heliostats.

[0003] Typically, the devices for storage of thermal energy of solar origin and / or the devices for corresponding heat exchange are located in a position elevated with respect to the installation plane of the field of heliostats, so as to receive from below the concentrated solar radiation. Therefore, the typical configuration provides a storage or exchange device placed on a tower structure, in which so-called “service” components can find accommo...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0063]Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 1A, a solar plant for the production of energy, based on a “beam down” configuration, is generally denoted by 100. The plant 100 of the present embodiment is suitable for producing steam and steam for industrial uses.

[0064]The plant 100 comprises a device for storage and transfer of thermal energy associated with an incident solar radiation according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, device which is generally denoted by 1. The plant 100 may comprise more than one device of the above-mentioned type.

[0065]The plant 100 also comprises solar radiation captation means which defines, jointly to the device 1, the above-mentioned “beam down” irradiation configuration. In particular, the plant 100 comprises primary captation means, in the present example a field 200 of heliostats, directly concerned by the solar radiation and apt to convey the latter on secondary captation means 300, preferably a reflector or mirror, apt to receive the solar...

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