A foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of high-temperature heat storage, and particularly relates to a foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank. The present application comprises, from bottom to top, a sand cushion layer and a fine sand layer which are coaxial and have the same diameter, a ring beam wrapped around the outer periphery of the sand cushion layer, and a plurality of steel plate assemblies wrapped around the outer periphery of the fine sand layer; the plurality of steel plate assemblies are arranged in a circumferential direction of the axis of the fine sand layer at equal intervals, and the steel plate assemblies are fixedly inserted into the top of the ring beam; the bottom of the molten salt storage tank is provided with a bottom plate, the bottom of the bottom plate is provided with a plurality of steel strips, and the plurality of steel strips are arranged in a circumferential direction of the axis of the bottom plate at equal intervals; the molten salt storage tank is seated on the fine sand layer and the top of the plurality of steel plate assemblies through the bottom plate, and each steel strip is located between two adjacent steel plate assemblies. By arranging the plurality of steel plate assemblies, the circumferential thermal displacement of the steel strips can be constrained and limited by the steel plate assemblies, and the thermal displacement between the molten salt storage tank and the foundation structure is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-temperature thermal storage technology, and in particular to a foundation structure for supporting molten salt storage tanks. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous optimization of my country's energy structure and the sustained growth in demand for renewable energy, concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, as one of the important forms of efficient solar energy utilization, has achieved rapid development. The successive implementation and operation of CSP molten salt energy storage projects in multiple regions signifies a new stage in my country's technological level and engineering capabilities in this field.

[0003] In concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, molten salt storage tanks, as one of the core components, are responsible for storing and circulating high-temperature molten salt, and are a crucial link in achieving stable energy output. Since the operating temperature of molten salt typically ranges from 290°C to 565°C, the tanks operate in a high-temperature, large-temperature-difference, and frequent thermal cycling environment for extended periods, posing significant challenges to their structural design and material selection. Especially with the trend towards larger scale, the volume and height of storage tanks are continuously increasing, leading to increasingly prominent issues related to thermal stress, thermal deformation, and thermal displacement during operation.

[0004] Specifically, during the operation of molten salt storage tanks, the tank body expands due to the high-temperature molten salt inside, while the foundation remains at a relatively lower temperature. This temperature difference significantly increases the difference in thermal displacement between the tank body and the foundation. Irregular thermal displacement may not only lead to localized stress concentration in the tank structure, but also cause safety hazards such as seal failure and support instability, seriously affecting the overall stability, safety, and long-term operational reliability of the storage tank.

[0005] Currently, the industry commonly uses traditional ring-wall or ring-beam foundation structures to support molten salt storage tanks, with a refractory brick layer at the bottom for insulation and buffering. Existing ring-wall and ring-beam designs mostly involve laying refractory bricks from bottom to top; however, this approach has several significant drawbacks: refractory bricks typically have high porosity, making them prone to loosening, cracking, or gap formation under external loads. Manual construction not only increases the complexity of the work, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming, but also makes it difficult to guarantee construction quality.

[0006] In addition, in large-scale molten salt storage tank projects, the thermal displacement is very large, and the load-bearing capacity of refractory bricks as the main body of the ring beam is insufficient, making it difficult to ensure the stability of the contact surface between the tank bottom and the foundation. Although refractory bricks are used in several domestic solar thermal energy storage projects and have some cost performance advantages, their shortcomings are gradually becoming more prominent.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a foundation structure that is simple to construct and saves time, especially a foundation structure that can improve the load-bearing capacity of molten salt storage tanks when thermal displacement occurs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a foundation structure for supporting molten salt storage tanks, which solves the technical problems of cumbersome construction of refractory bricks, insufficient bearing capacity, and reduced stability of the contact surface between the molten salt storage tank and the foundation structure in the prior art.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted by the present invention include: This invention provides a foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank, comprising a coaxial and equal-diameter sand cushion layer and a fine sand layer stacked from bottom to top, a ring beam surrounding the outer periphery of the sand cushion layer, and multiple steel plate assemblies surrounding the outer periphery of the fine sand layer; the multiple steel plate assemblies are arranged at equal intervals circumferentially with the axis of the fine sand layer as the center, and the steel plate assemblies are fixedly inserted into the top of the ring beam; a base plate is installed at the bottom of the molten salt storage tank, and multiple steel strips are installed at the bottom of the base plate, the multiple steel strips being arranged at equal intervals circumferentially with the axis of the base plate as the center; the molten salt storage tank rests on top of the fine sand layer and the multiple steel plate assemblies via the base plate, and each steel strip is located between two adjacent steel plate assemblies to limit the thermal displacement of the steel strips caused by the thermal expansion of the molten salt storage tank.

[0010] Preferably, the steel plate assembly includes a horizontally arranged support steel plate and an insert plate vertically connected to the support steel plate; the support steel plate is fixedly inserted into the top of the ring beam through the insert plate, and the top wall of the insert plate is flush with the top wall of the ring beam; the steel strip is located between two adjacent support steel plates, and the two side walls and the bottom wall of the steel strip are spaced apart from the opposite side walls of the two adjacent support steel plates and the top wall of the ring beam, respectively, to provide redundant expansion for the steel strip.

[0011] Preferably, both the supporting steel plate and the insert plate are arc-shaped plates, and the lines connecting the orientations of the multiple supporting steel plates and their distance from the outer wall of the fine sand layer, as well as the lines connecting the orientations of the multiple insert plates and their distance from the outer wall of the sand cushion layer, can all form a circle; the arc of the supporting steel plate is in the range of 9°-12°; and the arc of the insert plate is in the range of 3°-4°.

[0012] Preferably, the cross-sectional height of the fine sand layer gradually decreases from the middle to both sides.

[0013] Preferably, the ring beam is a steel fiber reinforced concrete layer; the cross-sectional width of the steel fiber reinforced concrete layer is in the range of 500mm-700mm, and the cross-sectional height of the steel fiber reinforced concrete layer is in the range of 230mm-330mm.

[0014] Preferably, the system further includes a layer of expanded clay; the expanded clay layer is coaxially stacked below the ring beam and the sand cushion layer, and a stainless steel mesh or ceramic fiber cloth is laid between the expanded clay layer and the sand cushion layer; the outer edge of the expanded clay layer is flush with the outer edge of the ring beam; the cross-sectional width of the expanded clay layer ranges from 6500mm to 7000mm, and the cross-sectional height of the expanded clay layer ranges from 1100mm to 1500mm.

[0015] Preferably, multiple stainless steel meshes or ceramic fiber cloths are laid vertically at intervals inside the ceramsite soil layer.

[0016] Preferably, the foundation structure further includes a foundation layer, which is coaxially stacked below the expanded clay layer; the foundation layer includes a fine gravel layer and a concrete foundation layer, the concrete foundation layer wrapping around the outer periphery of the fine gravel layer, and the fine gravel layer having multiple horizontally spaced ventilation pipes; the cross-sectional width of the fine gravel layer ranges from 6000mm to 7000mm, and the cross-sectional height ranges from 350mm to 450mm; the cross-sectional width of the concrete foundation layer ranges from 700mm to 900mm, and the cross-sectional height ranges from 350mm to 450mm.

[0017] Preferably, the basic structure further includes a thermal insulation layer; the thermal insulation layer wraps around the outer periphery of the ceramsite layer, the ring beam and the steel plate assembly, and the top and bottom of the thermal insulation layer are flush with the top of the steel plate assembly and the bottom of the ceramsite layer, respectively; the cross-sectional width of the thermal insulation layer is in the range of 150mm-250mm.

[0018] Preferably, the basic structure further includes a load-bearing layer; the load-bearing layer is wrapped around the outer periphery of the insulation layer, and the top and bottom of the load-bearing layer are flush with the top and bottom of the insulation layer, respectively; the cross-sectional width of the load-bearing layer is in the range of 250mm-350mm.

[0019] (III) Beneficial Effects The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention employs multiple steel plate assemblies, with a base plate and multiple steel strips at the bottom of the molten salt storage tank. The steel strips are positioned between adjacent steel plate assemblies. When the molten salt storage tank experiences circumferential thermal displacement due to temperature changes, the steel plate assemblies constrain and limit this displacement, thereby reducing the thermal displacement between the molten salt storage tank and the foundation structure. This significantly reduces safety hazards such as localized stress concentration, sealing failure, and support instability caused by temperature differences, ensuring the molten salt storage tank maintains its stability even under significant temperature variations, thus improving the overall heat exchange efficiency and safety. Furthermore, by incorporating a ring beam and fixing the multiple steel plate assemblies to it, the steel plate assemblies can directly bear the high stress concentration areas of the tank wall load, evenly distributing the enormous weight of the molten salt storage tank and various loads generated during operation, improving the stability of the foundation structure. The inclusion of a sand cushion layer and a fine sand layer provides a buffering effect for the molten salt storage tank. Compared to refractory bricks in existing technologies, the steel plate assembly and ring beam structure in this invention are simpler, improving construction efficiency and the stability and durability of the foundation structure, ensuring that the molten salt storage tank can operate safely and stably for a long time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of a foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank according to the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank according to the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point B; Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram of a fine sand layer used to support a molten salt storage tank according to the present invention. Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a steel plate assembly for supporting a molten salt storage tank, according to the present invention.

[0021] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image] 1: Sand cushion layer; 2: Fine sand layer; 3: Steel plate assembly; 31: Supporting steel plate; 32: Insert plate; 4: Molten salt storage tank; 5: Bottom plate; 6: Steel strip; 7: Ring beam; 8: Ceramsite layer; 9: Foundation layer; 91: Fine gravel layer; 92: Concrete foundation layer; 10: Insulation layer; 11: Bearing layer. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention can be understood more clearly and thoroughly, and that the scope of the present invention can be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0023] Example like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment of a foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank includes a coaxial and equal-diameter sand cushion layer 1 and a fine sand layer 2 stacked from bottom to top, a ring beam 7 surrounding the sand cushion layer 1, and multiple steel plate assemblies 3 surrounding the fine sand layer 2. By setting the sand cushion layer 1 and the fine sand layer 2, a buffering effect is provided for the molten salt storage tank 4. Furthermore, the sand cushion layer 1 and the fine sand layer 2 maintain good physical properties in high-temperature environments, are not prone to chemical decomposition or material degradation, and maintain relatively stable mechanical properties at high temperatures, preventing failure due to long-term high-temperature exposure. In addition, the bottom temperature of the molten salt storage tank 4 is high during operation, and the foundation structure is easily affected by temperature fluctuations. The low coefficient of thermal expansion of sand and fine sand effectively copes with temperature changes in the foundation structure. Compared to refractory bricks in the prior art, the structure of the steel plate assembly 3 and the ring beam 7 in this invention is simpler, improving construction efficiency and the stability and durability of the foundation structure, ensuring the long-term safe and stable operation of the molten salt storage tank 4.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple steel plate assemblies 3 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the fine sand layer 2, and are fixedly inserted into the top of the ring beam 7. A bottom plate 5 is installed at the bottom of the molten salt storage tank 4, and multiple steel strips 6 are installed at the bottom of the bottom plate 5, arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the bottom plate 5. The molten salt storage tank 4 rests on top of the fine sand layer 2 and the multiple steel plate assemblies 3 via the bottom plate 5. Figure 2As shown, each steel strip 6 is located between two adjacent steel plate assemblies 3 to limit the thermal displacement of the steel strip 6 caused by the thermal expansion of the molten salt storage tank 4. By setting multiple steel plate assemblies 3 and a base plate 5 and multiple steel strips 6 at the bottom of the molten salt storage tank 4, and placing the steel strips 6 between two adjacent steel plate assemblies 3, the steel plate assemblies 3 can constrain and limit the circumferential thermal displacement of the steel strips 6 when the molten salt storage tank 4 undergoes circumferential thermal displacement due to temperature changes. This reduces the thermal displacement between the molten salt storage tank 4 and the foundation structure, effectively disperses the stress caused by the thermal expansion of the molten salt storage tank 4, and significantly reduces the safety hazards of local stress concentration, sealing failure, and support instability caused by temperature differences in the molten salt storage tank 4. This ensures that the molten salt storage tank 4 can maintain its stability even under huge temperature differences, thereby improving the overall heat exchange efficiency and safety of the molten salt storage tank 4 and extending the service life of the molten salt storage tank 4 and the foundation structure. Moreover, by setting up a ring beam 7, multiple steel plate components 3 are fixedly inserted onto the ring beam 7, which can directly bear the high stress concentration area of ​​the tank wall load, evenly distribute the huge weight from the molten salt tank 4 and various loads generated during operation, and improve the stability of the foundation structure.

[0025] Among them, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cross-sectional height of the fine sand layer 2 gradually decreases from the middle to both sides. This allows the fine sand layer 2 to flow along with the molten salt storage tank 4 as it sits on the foundation structure, filling irregular areas until the fine sand layer 2 is evenly distributed. This ensures that the fine sand layer 2 bears a more uniform load when supporting the molten salt storage tank 4. The fine sand layer 2 also serves to level the top of the foundation structure, ensuring a uniform support surface and preventing large deformations caused by the thermal expansion or contraction of the molten salt storage tank 4. This reduces ground stress caused by temperature changes, prevents excessive displacement or uneven settlement at the bottom of the molten salt storage tank 4, effectively regulates ground stress caused by temperature changes, disperses the load on the molten salt storage tank 4, and provides drainage and ventilation capabilities, ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the tank foundation.

[0026] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the steel plate assembly 3 includes a horizontally arranged support steel plate 31 and an insert plate 32 vertically connected to the support steel plate 31. The support steel plate 31 is fixedly inserted into the top of the ring beam 7 via the insert plate 32. The top wall of the insert plate 32 is flush with the top wall of the ring beam 7, which makes the support steel plate 31 more stable when installed on the ring beam 7, preventing displacement of the support steel plate 31 under the annular load transmitted from the wall of the molten salt storage tank 4, thus improving the stability of the foundation structure. By setting the support steel plate 31 and the insert plate 32, it is used to support the annular load transmitted from the wall of the molten salt storage tank 4 and to evenly transmit the stress to the ring beam 7 through the insert plate 32, thereby making the foundation structure more stable when supporting the molten salt storage tank 4. Moreover, it minimizes the load on the ring beam 7 in the vertical direction, reduces the wear on the ring beam 7, and ensures that the ring beam 7 will not crack or wear due to frequent stress changes even under high temperature conditions. It also ensures that the ring beam 7 will not sink due to external forces, thus enhancing the stability of the molten salt storage tank 4 and the foundation structure.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the steel strip 6 is located between two adjacent supporting steel plates 31. It can constrain and limit the circumferential thermal displacement of the steel strip 6 caused by the temperature change of the molten salt storage tank 4, avoiding problems such as local stress concentration, sealing failure, and support instability caused by temperature difference in the molten salt storage tank 4, thus improving safety. Furthermore, the two side walls and bottom wall of the steel strip 6 are spaced from the opposite side walls of the two adjacent supporting steel plates 31 and the top wall of the ring beam 7, respectively, to provide redundant expansion capacity for the steel strip 6. When the molten salt storage tank 4 undergoes thermal expansion due to temperature rise during operation, the steel strip 6 below the bottom plate 5 will expand accordingly and generate thermal displacement. By setting the interval, sufficient redundant expansion capacity can be provided to the steel strip 6, thereby preventing the steel strip 6 and the supporting steel plates 31 from being squeezed, deformed, or damaged due to the thermal displacement of the steel strip 6.

[0028] Furthermore, such as Figure 6As shown, both the supporting steel plate 31 and the insert plate 32 are arc-shaped plates. The orientation of the multiple supporting steel plates 31 and the line connecting them away from the outer wall of the fine sand layer 2, and the orientation of the multiple insert plates 32 and the line connecting them away from the outer wall of the sand cushion layer 1, can all form a circle. This allows them to adapt to the bottom of the molten salt storage tank 4 and the outer contour of the bottom plate 5, enabling a more uniform stress distribution when the multiple supporting steel plates 31 and the multiple insert plates 32 support the molten salt storage tank 4 under stress. This avoids instability or deformation of the foundation structure due to local stress concentration, thus improving the stability of the foundation structure. Furthermore, the supporting steel plate 31 can maintain its surface integrity even during long-term operation of the molten salt storage tank 4, reducing wear and extending its service life. Moreover, the load borne by the supporting steel plate 31 when supporting the molten salt storage tank 4 is more uniform, with no obvious weak areas, so as to better resist various mechanical stresses of the molten salt storage tank 4 during operation and avoid uneven settlement of the surface of the supporting steel plate 31, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the entire foundation structure.

[0029] Preferably, the curvature of the supporting steel plate 31 is in the range of 9°-12°. This allows multiple supporting steel plates 31 to be installed with spacing, and the line connecting the orientation of the multiple supporting steel plates 31 and the outer wall away from the fine sand layer 2 can form a circle to adapt to the bottom of the molten salt storage tank 4 and the outer contour of the bottom plate 5. This makes the supporting steel plates 31 bear more even stress when supporting the molten salt storage tank 4, avoiding stress concentration. The curvature of the insert plate 32 is in the range of 3°-4°. This allows the insert plate 32 to have a larger contact area with the ring beam 7 when inserted into it, making the insert plate 32 more stable when inserted into the ring beam 7. This makes the installation of the supporting steel plate 31 more stable and improves the stability of the foundation structure.

[0030] Furthermore, the ring beam 7 is a steel fiber reinforced concrete layer, which can directly bear the high stress concentration area of ​​the molten salt storage tank 4, preventing stress concentration in the molten salt storage tank 4 from causing sealing failure and support instability. Steel fiber reinforced concrete, reinforced with steel fibers, effectively improves the crack resistance and tensile strength of concrete, while maintaining an elastic modulus of 20GPa-30GPa. As the material for the ring beam 7, it minimizes deformation and improves structural stiffness. Due to the inhibitory effect of steel fibers, high-temperature creep is less than that of ordinary heat-resistant concrete, effectively reducing the cumulative deformation caused by long-term loads, thus enabling it to withstand enormous loads. The dispersed reinforcement of steel fibers improves the tensile strength of the concrete, effectively resisting stress concentration caused by thermal expansion and contraction, and preventing concrete cracking.

[0031] Preferably, the cross-sectional width of the steel fiber reinforced concrete layer ranges from 500mm to 700mm, and the cross-sectional height ranges from 230mm to 330mm. This improves the lateral bearing capacity of the ring beam 7 and the insertion stability of the insert plate 32, preventing local instability or slippage caused by thermal displacement. This ensures both the overall rigidity of the structure and avoids excessively large foundation volumes that would increase construction difficulty and cost. Furthermore, it facilitates on-site formwork installation and concrete pouring, improving construction efficiency and quality control.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the foundation structure also includes a ceramsite layer 8. The ceramsite layer 8 is coaxially stacked below the ring beam 7 and the sand cushion layer 1. The ceramsite layer 8 absorbs and prevents heat radiation from the bottom of the molten salt tank 4 from being transferred to the ground, thereby reducing the temperature rise of the underlying foundation structure. The ceramsite layer 8 uses ultra-lightweight, low-density ceramsite, typically with a density of less than 300 kg / m³, making the overall foundation structure lighter and reducing the load on the foundation structure. It also has good thermal insulation properties. Furthermore, ceramsite has good load-bearing capacity, especially after compaction, providing stable support and preventing the molten salt tank 4 from sinking or experiencing uneven settlement, thus improving the stability and durability of the foundation structure. A stainless steel mesh or ceramic fiber cloth is laid between the ceramsite layer 8 and the sand cushion layer 1. This prevents sand particles from seeping into the ceramsite layer 8, causing localized settlement or structural damage, and also provides reinforcement, improving the shear resistance of the sand cushion layer 1 and the ceramsite layer 8, and enhancing the long-term structural integrity. The outer edge of the expanded clay layer 8 is flush with the outer edge of the ring beam 7 to improve the flatness of the foundation structure. The cross-sectional width of the expanded clay layer 8 ranges from 6500mm to 7000mm, and the cross-sectional height ranges from 1100mm to 1500mm, which allows the expanded clay layer 8 to provide a wider bearing area and higher deformation adaptability for the entire foundation structure.

[0033] In addition, ceramsite, as a basic structural filler, has good air permeability and drainage, which is an effective means of preventing the risk of settlement caused by groundwater accumulation. It also performs well in terms of corrosion resistance and environmental adaptability, which helps to extend the service life of the basic structure and meets the needs of sustainable development. At the same time, it improves cost-effectiveness, thereby extending the service life of molten salt storage tank 4 and reducing maintenance and repair costs.

[0034] Furthermore, multiple stainless steel meshes or ceramic fiber cloths (not shown in the figure) are vertically spaced within the expanded clay layer 8. This further enhances the thermal insulation effect, reduces heat conduction between different layers, and also improves the stability of the foundation structure. It helps to evenly distribute the load on top, preventing settlement or deformation and reducing the possibility of uneven settlement. In addition, the ceramic fiber cloth has excellent thermal insulation and high-temperature resistance properties, providing additional thermal insulation protection in high-temperature environments.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the basic structure also includes a foundation layer 9, which is coaxially stacked below the ceramsite layer 8.

[0036] Specifically, the foundation layer 9 includes a fine gravel layer 91 and a concrete foundation layer 92. The concrete foundation layer 92 surrounds the fine gravel layer 91, preventing the fine gravel from flowing out and improving the stability of the foundation structure. Furthermore, steel bars of different specifications can be pre-embedded within the concrete foundation layer 92. The concrete foundation layer 92 not only provides support for the molten salt storage tank 4, possessing good compressive strength, but also bears the enormous weight of the molten salt storage tank 4 and distributes the load on the foundation to resist various stresses that may occur during the operation of the molten salt storage tank 4. The fine gravel layer 91 is equipped with multiple horizontally spaced ventilation pipes, which can cope with overheating phenomena that may occur in the foundation structure under specific extreme working conditions. In this way, heat can be effectively dissipated from the foundation. In particular, when the temperature below the ceramsite layer 8 exceeds the safe temperature of the concrete foundation layer 92, the ventilation pipe can effectively reduce the temperature of the foundation structure, maintain the stability of the foundation structure temperature, reduce the accumulation of thermal stress, and prevent the foundation structure from cracking or local deformation caused by thermal expansion. It not only improves the durability of the foundation structure, but also ensures the stability and safety of the entire foundation structure in various complex environments.

[0037] Preferably, the cross-sectional width of the fine gravel layer 91 ranges from 6000mm to 7000mm, and the cross-sectional height ranges from 350mm to 450mm. This ensures sufficient bearing area while effectively buffering the effects of uneven settlement and thermal displacement from the superstructure, thereby improving the overall stability and deformation resistance of the foundation structure. The cross-sectional width of the concrete foundation layer 92 ranges from 700mm to 900mm, and the cross-sectional height ranges from 350mm to 450mm. This allows the concrete foundation layer 92 to provide good confinement for the fine gravel layer 91, preventing lateral expansion or instability during compression.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 3As shown, the basic structure also includes an insulation layer 10. The insulation layer 10 wraps around the outer periphery of the ceramsite layer 8, the ring beam 7, and the steel plate assembly 3. The top and bottom of the insulation layer 10 are flush with the top of the steel plate assembly 3 and the bottom of the ceramsite layer 8, respectively. The insulation layer 10 directly provides high-temperature insulation protection, effectively blocking the heat transfer path to significantly reduce heat loss. Preferably, the insulation material of the insulation layer 10 can be foam glass or calcium silicate board. Foam glass has excellent compressive properties and relatively strong compressive strength. Although the porous structure is lighter, it can uniformly withstand large external pressures, making it suitable for insulation applications that require lateral loads. Foam glass also has corrosion resistance and non-absorbent properties, which are beneficial for demanding environmental conditions, and its light weight can reduce the overall structural load. Calcium silicate board has good insulation and temperature resistance properties, reducing heat loss due to connection points. At the same time, the elastic modulus of calcium silicate board can still reach 20GPa-30GPa, which helps to reduce deformation and improve structural stiffness. Due to the inhibitory effect of steel fiber reinforced concrete, its high-temperature creep is smaller than that of ordinary heat-resistant concrete, which can effectively reduce the deformation accumulation caused by long-term load. It can also withstand the influence of high-temperature molten salt for a long time, maintain good dimensional stability, avoid structural changes or stress concentration caused by thermal expansion or contraction, and is not prone to deformation, cracking or degradation when heated. It can provide direct high-temperature insulation protection, effectively block the heat transfer path, and significantly reduce heat loss.

[0039] Preferably, the cross-sectional width of the insulation layer 10 is in the range of 150mm-250mm, which helps to save space and reduce project costs. At the same time, while ensuring good insulation effect, it will not significantly affect the overall layout of the foundation structure and prevent damage from external collisions during construction or operation.

[0040] The insulation layer 10 can adopt a modular structure, allowing for installation via mechanical connections such as snap-fit ​​or plug-in joints. It does not require a complete seal. As the temperature of the molten salt storage tank 4 increases significantly during operation, the insulation layer 10 will thermally expand. This expansion causes adjacent insulation materials to press against each other, ensuring the integrity and sealing of the insulation layer 10 and improving its stability. Furthermore, mechanical connection allows for rapid installation of the insulation layer 10 under various construction conditions, improving efficiency, reducing difficulty, shortening the construction period, and making construction more convenient and efficient.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 3As shown, the basic structure also includes a load-bearing layer 11. The load-bearing layer 11 wraps around the outer periphery of the insulation layer 10, with its top and bottom flush with the top and bottom of the insulation layer 10, respectively. The load-bearing layer 11 provides stable support, ensuring the integrity of the molten salt storage tank 4 and preventing cracks or deformation due to thermal expansion or external forces. Since the thermal stress caused by the weight and temperature changes of the molten salt in the molten salt storage tank 4 leads to circumferential forces, the load-bearing layer 11 needs sufficient compressive strength and durability to resist these loads. The load-bearing layer 11 can be made of low-alloy high-strength structural steel or magnesium-aluminum heat-resistant concrete. Using low-alloy high-strength structural steel provides good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for long-term use in high-temperature and corrosive environments. Welding the load-bearing layer 11 and the insulation layer 10 together provides multi-faceted protection and structural integrity. Magnesium-aluminum heat-resistant concrete is used, which has good thermal stability and resistance to thermal shock at high temperatures. Even at working temperatures close to 500°C, the compressive strength of magnesium-aluminum heat-resistant concrete is usually high, which enables it to maintain its structural integrity in high-temperature environments.

[0042] Preferably, the cross-sectional width of the load-bearing layer 11 ranges from 250mm to 350mm, which satisfies the load-bearing requirements of the foundation structure without affecting the overall layout and construction efficiency of the foundation structure due to excessive width. Simultaneously, the top of the load-bearing layer 11 is flush with the top of the insulation layer 10, and the bottom extends to be flush with the bottom of the insulation layer 10. This ensures the continuity and coordination of the foundation structure in the vertical direction from the inside out, which is beneficial for the uniform vertical load transfer and avoids localized stress concentration caused by structural misalignment.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that 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 indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that they are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," or "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "beneath" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are 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.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications, alterations, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank, characterized in that, It includes a coaxial and equal sand cushion layer (1) and a fine sand layer (2) stacked from bottom to top, a ring beam (7) wrapped around the outer periphery of the sand cushion layer (1), and a plurality of steel plate assemblies (3) wrapped around the outer periphery of the fine sand layer (2). Multiple steel plate assemblies (3) are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the fine sand layer (2), and the steel plate assemblies (3) are fixedly inserted into the top of the ring beam (7); The bottom of the molten salt storage tank (4) is equipped with a bottom plate (5), and a plurality of steel strips (6) are installed on the bottom of the bottom plate (5). The plurality of steel strips (6) are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the bottom plate (5). The molten salt storage tank (4) is situated on top of the fine sand layer (2) and multiple steel plate assemblies (3) via the bottom plate (5), with each steel strip (6) located between two adjacent steel plate assemblies (3) to limit the thermal displacement of the steel strip (6) caused by the thermal expansion of the molten salt storage tank (4); The steel plate assembly (3) includes a horizontally arranged support steel plate (31) and an insert plate (32) vertically connected to the support steel plate (31). The supporting steel plate (31) is fixedly inserted into the top of the ring beam (7) by the insert plate (32), and the top wall of the insert plate (32) is flush with the top wall of the ring beam (7); The steel strip (6) is located between two adjacent supporting steel plates (31), and the two side walls and the bottom wall of the steel strip (6) are spaced apart from the opposite side walls of the two adjacent supporting steel plates (31) and the top wall of the ring beam (7) to provide redundant expansion for the steel strip (6). Both the supporting steel plate (31) and the insert plate (32) are arc-shaped plates. The line connecting the orientation of the multiple supporting steel plates (31) and the outer wall away from the fine sand layer (2) and the line connecting the orientation of the multiple insert plates (32) and the outer wall away from the sand cushion layer (1) can form a circle.

2. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The arc range of the supporting steel plate (31) is 9°-12°; The arc range of the insert plate (32) is 3°-4°.

3. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional height of the fine sand layer (2) gradually decreases from the middle to both sides.

4. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ring beam (7) is a steel fiber reinforced concrete layer; The cross-sectional width of the steel fiber reinforced concrete layer ranges from 500mm to 700mm, and the cross-sectional height of the steel fiber reinforced concrete layer ranges from 230mm to 330mm.

5. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes the expanded clay layer (8); The expanded clay layer (8) is coaxially stacked below the ring beam (7) and the sand cushion layer (1), and a stainless steel mesh or ceramic fiber cloth is laid between the expanded clay layer (8) and the sand cushion layer (1). The outer edge of the expanded clay layer (8) is flush with the outer edge of the ring beam (7). The cross-sectional width of the ceramsite layer (8) ranges from 6500mm to 7000mm, and the cross-sectional height of the ceramsite layer (8) ranges from 1100mm to 1500mm.

6. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The ceramsite soil layer (8) is vertically interspersed with multiple stainless steel meshes or ceramic fiber cloths.

7. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The basic structure also includes a base layer (9), which is coaxially stacked below the ceramsite layer (8); The base layer (9) includes a fine gravel layer (91) and a concrete base layer (92). The concrete base layer (92) wraps around the outer periphery of the fine gravel layer (91). The fine gravel layer (91) is provided with a plurality of horizontally spaced ventilation pipes. The cross-sectional width of the fine gravel layer (91) ranges from 6000mm to 7000mm, and the cross-sectional height of the fine gravel layer (91) ranges from 350mm to 450mm. The cross-sectional width of the concrete foundation layer (92) ranges from 700mm to 900mm, and the cross-sectional height of the concrete foundation layer (92) ranges from 350mm to 450mm.

8. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The basic structure also includes a thermal insulation layer (10); The insulation layer (10) wraps around the outer periphery of the ceramsite layer (8), the ring beam (7) and the steel plate assembly (3), and the top and bottom of the insulation layer (10) are flush with the top of the steel plate assembly (3) and the bottom of the ceramsite layer (8), respectively. The cross-sectional width of the insulation layer (10) ranges from 150mm to 250mm.

9. The foundation structure for supporting a molten salt storage tank as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The basic structure also includes a load-bearing layer (11). The load-bearing layer (11) is wrapped around the outer periphery of the insulation layer (10), and the top and bottom of the load-bearing layer (11) are flush with the top and bottom of the insulation layer (10), respectively. The cross-sectional width of the load-bearing layer (11) ranges from 250mm to 350mm.

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