A compressed air energy storage power generation system and method based on a flip mechanism
By collecting and utilizing the heat of compression during the compressed air energy storage process through a flipping mechanism, the problems of low efficiency and insufficient regulation in existing technologies are solved, realizing a compressed air energy storage system with high efficiency and fast response, which is suitable for power grid power consumption regulation during peak hours.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511213522.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-08-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing compressed air energy storage and expanded air energy release systems are inefficient, unable to respond quickly to changes in grid electricity demand, and have insufficient grid control capabilities. In particular, when wind and solar power generation are highly volatile, there is a phenomenon of wind and solar curtailment.
A flipping mechanism is used to collect the heat of compression during the compressed air energy storage process, and the heat is released by the heat storage medium during the energy release and power generation stage. The heat storage and utilization are realized by driving the flipping mechanism through a flipping motor, which simplifies the system structure and reduces the use of liquid media.
It improves energy storage and release efficiency, enhances the grid's ability to regulate power consumption during peak hours, reduces system costs and energy consumption, solves the volatility problem of wind and photovoltaic power generation, and achieves efficient energy storage and rapid response.
Smart Images

Figure CN120728891B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of energy storage and power generation technology, and particularly relates to a compressed air energy storage and power generation system and method based on a flipping mechanism. Background Technology
[0002] The mismatch between electricity generation and consumption at different times leads to power shortages and voltage insufficiency during peak hours, while excessive surplus electricity occurs during off-peak hours. Converting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass into electricity has become a common solution to alleviate power shortages. However, renewable energy generation, especially wind and solar power, is constantly changing due to environmental influences, exhibiting significant volatility, cyclicality, and uncertainty. As the installed capacity of wind and solar power continues to increase, these drawbacks are amplified, and large-scale grid connection poses unprecedented security challenges to the power grid system. Consequently, some regional power grids refuse to connect wind and solar power or restrict their power generation, resulting in the phenomena of "curtailment" of solar and wind power.
[0003] Existing technologies can achieve a stable supply of renewable energy to match load demand through compressed air energy storage and expanded air energy release.
[0004] However, existing technologies for compressed air energy storage and expanded air energy release require not only air storage tanks for storing compressed air, but also high-temperature heat storage tanks for storing high-temperature media and low-temperature heat storage tanks for storing low-temperature media. During the compression and expansion of air, multi-stage heat exchangers are also needed to recover and reuse heat. In complex and large systems, the media needs to flow through complex pipelines for multi-stage heat exchange, resulting in low energy storage / release efficiency of the entire system. Furthermore, it is impossible to respond quickly to high-efficiency energy storage / release, and the control over the power supply of the power grid system during different power consumption periods is also relatively low. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism, which can quickly respond to the demand for efficient energy storage / release and enhance the regulation of power supply during different power consumption periods of the power grid system.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism includes a compression subsystem, an expansion subsystem, and an energy storage subsystem. The energy storage subsystem includes a flipping mechanism, a flipping motor, and a storage tank. The flipping mechanism includes a housing, a heat storage medium, a first coil, and a second coil. The flipping motor drives the flipping mechanism to rotate. The compression subsystem compresses air. The expansion subsystem expands the gas to generate electricity. The housing is sealed and hollow inside. The first coil and the second coil are fixedly installed at both ends of the hollow cavity inside the housing, and the heat storage medium is movably installed inside the housing. The outlet of the compression subsystem is connected to one end of the first coil via a first inlet hose, and the other end of the first coil is connected to the inlet of the storage tank via a first outlet hose. A first valve is installed on the first outlet hose. The outlet of the storage tank is connected to one end of the second coil via a second inlet hose. A second valve is installed on the second inlet hose. The other end of the second coil is connected to the inlet of the expansion subsystem via a second outlet hose. Both the inlet of the compression subsystem and the outlet of the expansion subsystem are connected to the external atmospheric environment.
[0008] Preferably, the flipping mechanism further includes an electric valve fixedly installed on the inner wall of the box. The electric valve divides the cavity inside the box into two chambers, namely a first chamber and a second chamber. A first coil is fixedly installed in the first chamber, and a second coil is fixedly installed in the second chamber. When the electric valve is fully closed, the first chamber and the second chamber are not connected. When the electric valve is open, the first chamber and the second chamber are connected.
[0009] Preferably, the heat storage medium is a sensible heat storage material in granular or powdered form, or granules filled with phase change heat storage material.
[0010] Preferably, when the heat storage medium is entirely located at the end of the cavity near the first coil, the first coil is partially or entirely immersed in the heat storage medium; when the heat storage medium is entirely located at the end of the cavity near the second coil, the second coil is partially or entirely immersed in the heat storage medium.
[0011] Preferably, the storage tank is equipped with a third valve, which connects the inside of the storage tank to the external atmospheric environment when the third valve is opened.
[0012] Preferably, the compression subsystem includes a compressor and a drive motor; the expansion subsystem includes an expander and a generator; the total number of stages of the compressor equals the total number of stages of the tilting mechanism equals the total number of stages of the expander; the drive motor drives the compressor to compress air, and the expander expands the air to drive the generator to generate electricity; the air inlet of the first-stage compressor and the air outlet of the first-stage expander are both connected to the external atmospheric environment.
[0013] When the total number of stages of the compressor, the total number of stages of the flipping mechanism, and the total number of stages of the expander are all one, the outlet of the first stage compressor is connected to one end of the first coil in the first stage flipping mechanism through the first inlet hose, the other end of the first coil is connected to the inlet of the storage tank through the first outlet hose, the outlet of the storage tank is connected to one end of the second coil in the first stage flipping mechanism through the second inlet hose, and the other end of the second coil is connected to the inlet of the first stage expander through the second outlet hose.
[0014] Alternatively, when the total number of stages of the compressor, the total number of stages of the flipping mechanism, and the total number of stages of the expander exceed one stage, the outlet of each stage compressor is connected to one end of the first coil in the corresponding stage flipping mechanism FM through the first inlet hose, and the other end of the first coil in the last stage flipping mechanism is connected to the inlet of the storage tank through the first outlet hose. The other end of the first coil in the remaining stages flipping mechanisms is connected to the inlet of the next stage compressor through the first outlet hose. One end of the second coil in each stage flipping mechanism is connected to the inlet of the corresponding stage expander through the second outlet hose, and the outlet of the storage tank is connected to the other end of the second coil in the last stage flipping mechanism through the second inlet hose. The other end of the second coil in the remaining stages flipping mechanisms FM is connected to the outlet of the next stage expander through the second inlet hose.
[0015] This invention also provides a compressed air energy storage and power generation method based on a flipping mechanism. This method is applied to a compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism as described above: When there is surplus electricity, energy storage is performed: the electric valves in each stage of the flipping mechanism are closed, the heat storage medium is entirely located in the second chamber, the flipping motor drives each stage of the flipping mechanism to flip to the energy storage state with the second chamber on top and the first chamber on the bottom, and the second valve is closed; the valves of each stage of the compressor, the first valve, and the electric valves in each stage of the flipping mechanism are opened, the heat storage medium in each stage of the flipping mechanism falls from the second chamber into the first chamber for heat storage, and at the same time, the air compressed by the previous stage compressor flows through the first coil in the corresponding stage of the flipping mechanism and is cooled down before entering the next stage compressor, and the high-temperature and high-pressure air flowing out from the first coil in the last stage of the flipping mechanism enters the storage tank; when energy storage ends, the first valve is closed;
[0016] During peak electricity consumption, energy release and power generation occur as follows: the electric valves in each stage of the flipping mechanism are closed, and the heat storage medium is entirely located in the first chamber. The flipping motor drives each stage of the flipping mechanism to flip to the energy release state with the first chamber on top and the second chamber on the bottom, and the first valve is closed. The valves of each stage of the expander, the second valve, and the electric valves in each stage of the flipping mechanism are opened, and the heat storage medium in each stage of the flipping mechanism falls from the first chamber into the second chamber to release heat. At the same time, the high-temperature and high-pressure air in the storage tank flows out, flows through the second coil in the last stage of the flipping mechanism to heat up, enters the corresponding stage of the expander to expand, and then flows into the second coil in the next stage of the flipping mechanism. The expander expands and does work to drive the generator to generate electricity. The low-temperature and low-pressure air flowing out of the first stage expander enters the outside atmosphere.
[0017] When a third valve is installed on the storage tank, the third valve is closed during both energy storage and energy release for power generation. When energy release for power generation ends, the third valve is opened to connect the inside of the storage tank with the external atmospheric environment.
[0018] Preferably, when the heat storage medium in the flipping mechanism falls from the second chamber into the first chamber, or when the heat storage medium in the flipping mechanism falls from the first chamber into the second chamber, the electric valve in the current flipping mechanism is closed.
[0019] Preferably, during energy storage, the power generated by the energy storage power generation system comes from surplus electricity, which includes one or more of the following: electricity generated during off-peak hours of the power grid system, wind power generation, photovoltaic power generation, and biomass power generation; during energy release power generation, the power generated by the generator in the energy storage power generation system supplies itself while also feeding back into the power grid system.
[0020] Preferably, during energy storage, when all the heat storage medium falls into the first cavity, the flipping motor drives the flipping mechanism to shake at every interval Δt1; or during energy release and power generation, when all the heat storage medium falls into the second cavity, the flipping motor drives the flipping mechanism to shake at every interval Δt2.
[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0022] (1) The compressed air energy storage power generation system of the present invention utilizes surplus electricity for compressed air energy storage. During the energy storage process, the surplus electricity is converted into the internal energy of high-temperature and high-pressure gas in the storage tank, as well as the heat in the heat storage medium in each stage of the flipping mechanism for storage and backup. During peak electricity demand, the high-pressure gas in the storage tank expands to generate electricity. At the same time, the heat in the heat storage medium in each stage of the flipping mechanism increases the temperature of the working gas entering the expander, thereby further increasing the total mechanical work output during the expansion process of the high-pressure gas, thus increasing the total power generation of the system. This achieves energy storage during off-peak hours and power generation during peak hours, alleviating power shortages and regulating the power supply of the power grid during different electricity demand periods. On the other hand, the compressed air energy storage power generation system of the present invention can store wind power and photovoltaic power as surplus electricity. During peak electricity demand, it can generate electricity through the expansion of high-temperature and high-pressure gas and send it into the power grid system. This solves the problem of power fluctuation, periodicity and uncertainty that exist during peak electricity demand when directly using wind power and photovoltaic power.
[0023] (2) In the energy storage and power generation system of the present invention, the flipping mechanism collects a portion of the heat generated by the compressed air (i.e., the heat of compression) separately during the energy storage stage and stores it in the heat storage medium for later use, thereby reducing the temperature of the compressed gas entering the next stage compressor / storage tank and improving the compression efficiency; during the energy release and power generation stage, the heat storage medium releases the heat of compression stored in the energy storage stage to increase the inlet temperature of each stage expander, thereby improving the overall power generation capacity of the system and preventing the expansioner blades from being damaged by condensate droplets due to excessively low temperature at the expansioner outlet. That is, the compressed air energy storage and power generation system of the present invention utilizes the heat of compression in the energy storage stage to increase the total power generation in the energy release and power generation stage, while reducing the probability of damage to the compressor, storage tank, and expander in the system, thus improving the overall lifespan of the energy storage and power generation system.
[0024] (3) Unlike the existing system configurations of compressed air energy storage and expanded air energy release, the system structure of the present invention is simple. It can collect and store the heat of compression generated during the compressed air energy storage process through a flipping mechanism, and use this heat of compression for the energy release power generation stage to increase the total power generation of the entire system. The system of the present invention does not need to be equipped with a heat exchanger while recovering the heat of compression. Therefore, it does not need to use a liquid medium that works with the heat exchanger. It also reduces the need for pumps, valves, high-temperature heat storage tanks for storing high-temperature liquid medium, low-temperature heat storage tanks for storing low-temperature liquid medium, etc. in the system due to the liquid medium. It avoids the risk of liquid medium leakage in the entire system, making it safer and reducing the initial investment cost and subsequent maintenance cost of the system.
[0025] (4) The flipping mechanism in this invention can collect and store (i.e., heat storage) or release the heat of compression simply by flipping and controlling the opening and closing of the electric valve. In other words, this invention can recover and reuse the heat of compression during the energy storage process through the simple action of the flipping mechanism, thereby increasing the total energy storage and the total power generation during the energy release process. Furthermore, since there is no need to equip the system with mechanical power equipment such as pumps to provide power to the liquid medium, the system structure is simplified, the power consumption of the system itself is greatly reduced, and the total power generation during the energy release process is increased.
[0026] (5) The heat storage medium in this invention is a fine particulate or powdered sensible heat storage material, or a high-temperature resistant particle filled with phase change heat storage material. Compared with the direct use of solid-liquid phase change material, the heat storage medium can quickly respond to energy storage or release by falling under the action of gravity, avoiding the problem that solid-liquid phase change material cannot fall due to wall adhesion or solidification on the inner wall of the flipping mechanism FM, thereby reducing the heat storage / heat release efficiency.
[0027] (6) Within the flipping mechanism, both heat storage and heat release occur simultaneously through multiple pathways, which complement each other, enhancing both the heat storage / release effect and the efficiency. Furthermore, since the heat storage and release processes are implemented within the same device, the system of this invention does not require multi-stage heat exchangers to recover and reuse the heat of compression, avoiding the use of liquid media as an intermediate medium. This reduces intermediate heat exchange links within the system and avoids the problem of increased heat loss caused by the liquid medium flowing through long liquid pipes, pumps, valves, and other equipment, thus improving the utilization rate of the heat of compression and reducing system losses. Combined with the specific requirements for the form of the heat storage medium in this invention, the heat storage medium within the flipping mechanism can quickly respond to the heat storage / release requirements while ensuring sufficient and efficient heat storage / release. In other words, the system of this invention can quickly respond to the needs of efficient energy storage / efficient energy release power generation.
[0028] (7) This invention significantly reduces the power consumption of the system itself, recovers and utilizes the compression heat of the energy storage process, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency and round-trip ratio of the system, realizing the effective utilization of surplus power, and enhancing the control of power supply in different periods of the power grid system, especially during peak power consumption periods.
[0029] (8) During the energy storage process of the present invention, when all the heat storage medium falls into the first cavity, the electric valve in the corresponding flipping mechanism is closed. This is because the first coil will transfer heat to the air in the first cavity of the current flipping mechanism. The timely closure of the electric valve helps to reduce the heat in the air in the first cavity from spreading to the air in the second cavity. Similarly, during the energy release and power generation process, when all the heat storage medium falls into the second cavity, the electric valve in the corresponding flipping mechanism is closed, which helps to reduce the heat in the air in the second cavity from spreading to the air in the first cavity.
[0030] (9) During the energy storage / energy release power generation process, after all the heat storage medium falls into the first cavity / second cavity, the flipping motor drives the flipping mechanism to shake at regular intervals to ensure that the heat storage medium will not have a temperature gradient due to the different distances between it and the first coil / second coil during the heat release process, thereby improving the heat storage / heat release efficiency of the heat storage medium. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the air energy storage and power generation system of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overturning mechanism. Detailed Implementation
[0033] To make the technical solution of the present invention clearer and more explicit, the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Solutions derived by those skilled in the art through equivalent substitution and conventional reasoning of the technical features of the present invention without creative effort all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0034] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, lines indicating whether the device is driven by an electric motor or a generator are represented by bold black lines, while other solid lines represent pipe connections.
[0035] Example 1
[0036] like Figure 1 The diagram shows the overall structure of a compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism according to the present invention. The compressed air energy storage and power generation system includes a compression subsystem, an expansion subsystem, and an energy storage subsystem. The compression subsystem uses surplus electricity to compress air to obtain high-temperature, high-pressure air. The energy storage subsystem stores the high-temperature, high-pressure air while simultaneously converting some of the heat generated during the compression process into heat stored in the heat storage medium HD within the flipping mechanism FM for later use. During peak electricity demand, the expansion subsystem uses the high-temperature, high-pressure air stored in the energy storage subsystem to expand and generate electricity to alleviate power shortages. Simultaneously, the heat storage medium HD in the flipping mechanism FM within the energy storage subsystem releases heat to raise the air temperature during expansion, thereby increasing the power generation capacity of the compressed air energy storage and power generation system.
[0037] 1. Compression Subsystem
[0038] The compression subsystem includes a-level compressor unit and b-level drive unit. The drive unit drives the compressor unit to compress the air before discharging it. The a-level compressor unit contains a compressors AC, and the b-level drive unit contains b drive motors M1. a and b are both positive integers, and b ≤ a.
[0039] When b=a, one drive motor M1 drives the corresponding compressor AC to compress the air before discharging it.
[0040] Optionally, when b < a, one drive motor M1 can simultaneously drive two or more compressors AC to compress the air before discharging it.
[0041] The method by which the drive motor M1 drives the compressor AC is not intended to limit the invention.
[0042] When a=b=1, the compressor unit contains only one stage compressor, namely the first stage compressor AC. The air inlet of the first stage compressor AC draws in air at normal temperature and pressure from the outside atmosphere. The air outlet of the first stage compressor AC is connected to the first stage reversing mechanism FM in the energy storage subsystem through the first air inlet hose on the first stage reversing mechanism FM.
[0043] When a≥2, the air inlet of the first-stage compressor AC draws in air at normal temperature and pressure from the outside atmosphere. The air inlets of the other compressors AC are connected to the previous-stage reversing mechanism FM in the energy storage subsystem through the first air outlet hose on the previous-stage reversing mechanism FM. The air outlets of each compressor AC are connected to the corresponding-stage reversing mechanism FM in the energy storage subsystem through the first air inlet hose on the corresponding-stage reversing mechanism FM.
[0044] In this embodiment, the compression subsystem includes a three-stage compressor unit and a single-stage drive unit, with one drive motor M1 simultaneously driving three compressors AC.
[0045] The power for the drive motor M1 comes from surplus electricity, which includes, but is not limited to, electricity generated during off-peak hours of the power grid, wind power, photovoltaic power, biomass power, and other clean energy sources.
[0046] The compression subsystem converts air at normal temperature and pressure into high-temperature and high-pressure air through one or more compression stages, converting surplus electricity into the internal energy of the air. When the compressor unit includes two or more compressor ACs, it can increase the overall pressure ratio of the compression subsystem while reducing the performance requirements of each compressor AC. This avoids overheating of the compressor during operation due to excessive pressure ratio of a single compressor, thus extending the service life of the compressor.
[0047] Optionally, the gas compressed in the compression subsystem can be other working gases such as carbon dioxide.
[0048] 2. Energy Storage Subsystem
[0049] The energy storage subsystem includes a storage tank (TANK), a first valve (CV1), a second valve (CV2), a flipping motor (M2), and a first-level or higher flipping mechanism (FM).
[0050] The total number of stages of the flipping mechanism FM in the energy storage subsystem is the same as the total number of stages of the compressor in the compression subsystem. The number of stages of the flipping mechanism FM is the number of flipping mechanisms FM.
[0051] When the compressor in the compression subsystem has only one stage, the reversing mechanism FM in the energy storage subsystem also has only one stage, namely the first-stage reversing mechanism FM. The first-stage reversing mechanism FM is connected to the inlet end of the first valve CV1 through the first outlet hose. When the compressor in the compression subsystem has more than one stage, the last-stage reversing mechanism FM in the energy storage subsystem is connected to the inlet end of the first valve CV1 through the first outlet hose on the last-stage reversing mechanism FM.
[0052] The outlet of the first valve CV1 is connected to the inlet of the storage tank TANK, and the outlet of the storage tank TANK is connected to the inlet of the second valve CV2.
[0053] The flipping mechanism FM is driven by the flipping motor M2 to flip. The number of flipping motors M2 is less than or equal to the number of flipping mechanisms FM. One flipping motor M2 can simultaneously drive one or more flipping mechanisms FM to flip in the same direction and by the same angle.
[0054] The method by which the flipping motor M2 drives the flipping mechanism FM is not intended to limit the invention.
[0055] In this embodiment, the energy storage subsystem includes a three-stage flipping mechanism FM and a flipping motor M2, which simultaneously drives the three-stage flipping mechanism FM.
[0056] like Figure 2 The diagram shows the internal structure of the flipping mechanism FM. Each stage of the flipping mechanism FM includes a box (BOX), a first coil (HCP1), a second coil (HCP2), a heat storage medium (HD), an electric valve (MAV), and a first inlet hose, a first outlet hose, a second inlet hose, and a second outlet hose. The box (BOX) is sealed and hollow inside. An electric valve (MAV) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the middle section of the box (BOX). The electric valve (MAV) divides the hollow interior of the box (BOX) into two chambers, namely the first chamber and the second chamber. The first coil (HCP1) is fixedly installed in the first chamber, and the second coil (HCP2) is fixedly installed in the second chamber. When the electric valve (MAV) is fully closed, the first chamber and the second chamber are not connected. When the electric valve (MAV) is open, the first chamber and the second chamber are connected. The heat storage medium (HD) is movably disposed inside the box (BOX).
[0057] The heat storage medium HD of the present invention is a sensible heat storage material in the form of granules or powder (such as sand, gravel, pebbles, copper powder, aluminum powder, etc.), or a high-temperature resistant particle filled with phase change heat storage material.
[0058] In this embodiment, the heat storage medium HD is sand.
[0059] Both the first coil HCP1 and the second coil HCP2 are bent and coiled metal tubes with hollow interiors.
[0060] The outer surface of the storage tank and the outer surface of the box of each level of the tipping mechanism FM are covered with heat insulation materials, such as rock wool boards.
[0061] For the first coil HCP1 and the second coil HCP2 within any single-stage flipping mechanism FM:
[0062] The end of the first coil HCP1 furthest from the electric valve MAV is connected to one end of the first intake hose of the current flip mechanism FM. The other end of the first intake hose of the current flip mechanism FM is connected to the outlet of the compressor AC of the corresponding stage. The end of the first coil HCP1 closest to the electric valve MAV is connected to one end of the first outlet hose of the current flip mechanism FM. When there is only one flip mechanism FM, or when the energy storage subsystem includes two or more flip mechanisms FM and the current flip mechanism FM is the last stage, the other end of the first outlet hose of the current flip mechanism FM is connected to the intake end of the first valve CV1. Conversely, the other end of the first outlet hose of the current flip mechanism FM is connected to the intake port of the next stage compressor AC.
[0063] The end of the second coil HCP2 furthest from the electric valve MAV is connected to one end of the second outlet hose of the current flipping mechanism FM. The other end of the second outlet hose of the current flipping mechanism FM is connected to the inlet of the corresponding stage expander TE. The end of the second coil HCP2 closest to the electric valve MAV is connected to one end of the second inlet hose of the current flipping mechanism FM. When there is only one stage flipping mechanism FM, or when the energy storage subsystem includes two or more stages of flipping mechanisms FM and the current flipping mechanism FM is the last stage, the other end of the second inlet hose of the current flipping mechanism FM is connected to the outlet of the second valve CV2. Otherwise, the other end of the second inlet hose of the current flipping mechanism FM is connected to the outlet of the next stage expander TE.
[0064] The first coil HCP1 and the second coil HCP2 in this invention are not limited to the spiral structure of bending and winding.
[0065] The first air inlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe, the second air inlet pipe, and the second air outlet pipe of each level of the flipping mechanism FM all pass through the corresponding flipping mechanism FM box and are connected to the corresponding coil inside the box. The places in the box where the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe pass through are all sealed.
[0066] If the end of the first or second chamber furthest from the electric valve MAV is defined as the bottom, then when all the heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM is located at the bottom of the first or second chamber, the first coil HCP1 or the second coil HCP2 is partially or completely immersed in the heat storage medium HD.
[0067] 3. Expansion Subsystem
[0068] The expansion subsystem includes a-level expander unit and generator G. The a-level expander unit contains a expanders TE. The total number of compressor AC stages in the compression subsystem is equal to the total number of reversing mechanism FM stages in the energy storage subsystem, which is equal to the total number of expanders TE in the expansion subsystem.
[0069] The air inlet of the expander TE is connected to the second air outlet hose on the corresponding stage reversing mechanism FM. When the expander unit contains only one stage expander, or when the expansion subsystem includes two or more stages of expanders and the current expander TE is the first stage expander TE, the air outlet of the current expander TE discharges the expanded air into the outside atmosphere. Conversely, the air outlet of the current expander TE is connected to the second air inlet hose of the previous stage reversing mechanism FM. Each stage of the expander TE is connected to the same generator G, and the expanded air is used to drive the same generator G to generate electricity.
[0070] Optionally, a generator G can be driven to generate electricity by a corresponding expander TE expanding air. The manner in which the expander TE drives the generator G is not intended to limit the invention.
[0071] Optionally, the electricity generated by generator G can be used to power the flip motor M2, in addition to being fed back to the grid system through the inverter.
[0072] Optionally, the storage tank is also equipped with a third valve CV3 that connects to the external atmospheric environment.
[0073] When there is surplus electricity, the compressed air energy storage power generation system of the present invention enters the energy storage state and performs energy storage:
[0074] The energy storage state refers to the state where the electric valve MAV in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM is closed, and the heat storage medium HD is entirely located in the second chamber. The flipping motor M2 drives each stage of the flipping mechanism FM to flip to the state where the second chamber is on top and the first chamber is on the bottom.
[0075] Close the second valve CV2 and open the first valve CV1. If the storage tank has a third valve CV3, close the third valve CV3, meaning the third valve CV3 is not connected to the external atmosphere. Then, the electric valves MAV of each stage compressor AC and each tilting mechanism FM are opened. At room temperature and pressure, air enters the first stage compressor AC and is compressed. The air pressure and temperature increase, and it flows out from the outlet of the first stage compressor AC. It then flows sequentially through the first inlet hose of the first stage tilting mechanism FM, the first coil HCP1 within the first stage tilting mechanism FM, and the first outlet hose of the first stage tilting mechanism FM before cooling down and entering the second stage compressor AC. The first stage tilting mechanism FM stores heat, so the temperature of the compressed air decreases when it flows out from the first coil HCP1. During the heat storage process of the first-stage flipping mechanism FM, compressed air flows through the first coil HCP1 within the first-stage flipping mechanism FM. The heat storage medium HD, under the influence of gravity, falls from the second cavity of the first-stage flipping mechanism FM into the first cavity, eventually settling at the bottom of the first cavity. When all the heat storage medium HD within the first-stage flipping mechanism FM has settled at the bottom of the first cavity, the first coil HCP1 is partially / completely immersed in the heat storage medium HD. During this process, the heat storage medium HD heats up while the compressed air cools down, specifically through the following pathways ① to ④:
[0076] ① When compressed air flows through the first coil HCP1, it transfers heat to the first coil HCP1, causing the first coil HCP1 to heat up and the compressed air to cool down.
[0077] ② When the heat storage medium HD collides and comes into contact with the first coil HCP1 during its descent, the first coil HCP1 transfers heat to the heat storage medium HD through the contact; at the same time, the heat storage medium HD absorbs the heat generated by friction between itself and the first coil HCP1 during its descent.
[0078] ③ The first coil HCP1 transfers heat to the air in the first chamber of the current flipping mechanism FM. After the heat storage medium HD enters the first chamber of the current flipping mechanism FM, it absorbs the heat from the air in the first chamber.
[0079] ④ The entire heat storage medium HD falls into the first cavity of the current flipping mechanism FM, and the first coil HCP1 is immersed in the heat storage medium HD, transferring heat to the heat storage medium HD through contact.
[0080] As can be seen from the above analysis, after the compressed air flows out of the first coil HCP1 in the first-stage flipping mechanism FM, its temperature decreases. This heat indirectly becomes the heat stored in the heat storage medium HD in the first-stage flipping mechanism FM, causing the temperature of the heat storage medium HD to rise. Under the influence of gravity, the heat storage medium HD in each flipping mechanism FM falls from the relatively high second cavity until it is deposited at the bottom of the first cavity. During this process, it fully absorbs heat from the air in the first cavity and the first coil HCP1. In other words, during the energy storage process of the invention, the heat storage medium HD in each flipping mechanism FM fully stores heat.
[0081] After cooling, the compressed air enters the second-stage compressor AC and is compressed again. Its pressure and temperature both increase before it flows out of the outlet of the second-stage compressor AC. It then flows sequentially through the first inlet hose of the second-stage tilting mechanism FM, the first coil HCP1 within the second-stage tilting mechanism FM, and the first outlet hose of the second-stage tilting mechanism FM before cooling down and entering the second-stage compressor AC. The cooled compressed air enters the third-stage compressor AC and is compressed again. Its pressure and temperature both increase before it flows out of the outlet of the third-stage compressor AC. It then flows sequentially through the first inlet hose of the third-stage tilting mechanism FM, the first coil HCP1 within the third-stage tilting mechanism FM, and the first outlet hose of the third-stage tilting mechanism FM before cooling down and entering the storage tank TANK. The process of the compressed air temperature decreasing and the heat storage medium HD in the tilting mechanism FM increasing in temperature as it flows through the first coil HCP1 in the second-stage and third-stage tilting mechanisms FM is described in steps ① to ④ above, and will not be repeated here.
[0082] Although the temperature of the compressed air decreases relatively when it flows out of the first coil HCP1 in the various stages of the flipping mechanism FM, the temperature of the compressed air entering the storage tank TANK is still higher than that of the ambient air.
[0083] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the tilting mechanism FM, compressor AC, and expander TE are all three-stage, from right to left: the first stage, the second stage, and the third stage, respectively.
[0084] As more and more compressed air enters the tank, the gas pressure and temperature inside the tank will increase accordingly.
[0085] It should be noted that during the system's energy storage phase, specifically the heating process of the heat storage medium HD, its temperature can be higher than the temperature of the gas flowing out from the first coil HCP1 in the current flipping mechanism FM, achieving a significant temperature difference. For example, compressed air at 120°C will cool to 50°C after passing through the final flipping mechanism FM, while the heat storage medium HD within the final flipping mechanism FM can be heated from 30°C to 80°C.
[0086] Optionally, the flow rate and falling speed of the heat storage medium HD entering the first chamber can be controlled by controlling the valve opening of the electric valves MAV within each stage of the tilting mechanism FM, and / or by controlling the tilt angle of each stage of the tilting mechanism FM relative to the vertical direction. Reducing the flow rate and falling speed of the heat storage medium HD entering the first chamber allows for more thorough contact between the heat storage medium HD and the air within the first chamber during its entry, thus enabling more efficient heat absorption from the air in the first chamber. This invention can achieve precise control of the valve opening of each electric valve MAV and the tilt angle of each stage of the tilting mechanism FM relative to the vertical direction by monitoring the gas temperature flowing out of the first coil HCP1 of each stage of the tilting mechanism FM, based on negative feedback regulation.
[0087] Optionally, when the heat storage medium HD falls entirely into the first chamber, the electric valve MAV in the corresponding flipping mechanism FM closes. The first coil HCP1 will transfer heat to the air in the first chamber of the current flipping mechanism FM. The timely closure of the electric valve MAV helps to reduce the diffusion of heat from the air in the first chamber to the air in the second chamber.
[0088] Optionally, when the heat storage medium HD has completely fallen into the first chamber, after the electric valve MAV in the corresponding flipping mechanism FM is closed, the flipping motor M2 drives the flipping mechanism FM to shake / flip every Δt1 time interval. When the heat storage medium HD has completely fallen into the first chamber, the first coil HCP1 is partially / completely immersed in the heat storage medium HD. If energy storage is still in progress at this time, i.e., compressed air is still continuously flowing through the first coil HCP1, the heat storage medium HD may have a temperature gradient during heat absorption due to the varying distances between it and the first coil HCP1. Specifically, the temperature of the heat storage medium HD closer to the first coil HCP1 is higher, and the temperature of the heat storage medium HD farther away from the first coil HCP1 is lower, reducing the heat storage efficiency of the heat storage medium HD. Therefore, periodically flipping / shaking the flipping mechanism FM can redistribute the heat storage medium HD deposited at the bottom of the first chamber, improving the heat storage efficiency of the heat storage medium HD and transferring more heat from the compressed air into the heat storage medium HD. In this embodiment, Δt1 = 10s.
[0089] During energy storage, the power for both the flip motor M2 and the drive motor M1 comes from the surplus electricity.
[0090] During the energy storage process, the surplus electricity is converted into the internal energy of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas in the TANK tank, as well as the heat of the heat storage medium HD in the various stages of the FM flipping mechanism.
[0091] After energy storage is completed, close the first valve CV1.
[0092] During peak electricity consumption periods, the compressed air energy storage and power generation system of this invention enters the energy release state and generates electricity by releasing energy:
[0093] The energy release state refers to the state where the electric valve MAV in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM is closed, and the heat storage medium HD is entirely located in the first chamber. The flipping motor M2 drives each stage of the flipping mechanism FM to flip to the state where the first chamber is on top and the second chamber is on the bottom.
[0094] The first valve CV1 is closed, and the expansion units TE and the second valve CV2 are opened. When the storage tank is equipped with a third valve CV3, it is also closed, meaning it is not connected to the external atmosphere. Then, the electric valves MAV of each tilting mechanism FM are opened. The high-pressure gas flows out of the storage tank and passes sequentially through the second inlet hose, the second coil HCP2, and the second outlet hose of the third-stage tilting mechanism FM, where it is heated before entering the third-stage expander TE. After being expanded by the third-stage expander TE, the gas temperature and pressure decrease, and it flows out of the outlet of the third-stage expander TE. It then flows sequentially through the second inlet hose, the second coil HCP2, and the second outlet hose of the second-stage tilting mechanism FM, where it is heated before entering the second-stage expander TE. After the gas undergoes expansion by the second-stage expander TE, its temperature and pressure decrease. It then flows out of the outlet of the second-stage expander TE, and sequentially flows through the second inlet hose of the first-stage tilting mechanism FM, the second coil HCP2 of the first-stage tilting mechanism FM, and the second outlet hose of the first-stage tilting mechanism FM, where its temperature rises. It then enters the first-stage expander TE, where its temperature and pressure decrease again. Finally, it is discharged into the external environment from the outlet of the first-stage expander TE. Each stage of the expander TE drives the generator G to generate electricity. During the energy release and power generation process, each stage of the tilting mechanism FM releases heat. Specifically, when the gas flows through the second coil HCP2 within the tilting mechanism FM, the heat storage medium HD, under the influence of gravity, falls from the first cavity of the current tilting mechanism FM into the second cavity. When it finally settles at the bottom of the second cavity, the second coil HCP2 is partially / completely immersed in the heat storage medium HD. During this process, the heat storage medium HD releases heat and cools down, causing the gas flowing through the second coil HCP2 to heat up. This specifically includes the following pathways (Ⅰ) to (Ⅳ):
[0095] (I) When the heat storage medium HD collides and comes into contact with the second coil HCP2 during its descent, the heat storage medium HD transfers heat to the second coil HCP2 through the contact; at the same time, the second coil HCP2 absorbs the heat generated by friction between itself and the heat storage medium HD during the descent.
[0096] (II) The heat storage medium HD falls entirely into the second cavity of the current flipping mechanism FM, and the second coil HCP2 is immersed in the heat storage medium HD. The heat storage medium HD transfers heat to the second coil HCP2 through contact.
[0097] (Ⅲ) The heat storage medium HD transfers heat to the air in the second chamber of the current flipping mechanism FM, and the second coil HCP2 absorbs the heat of the air in the second chamber.
[0098] (Ⅳ) When the gas flows through the second coil HCP2, it absorbs the heat transferred to the second coil HCP2, and the gas flowing through the second coil HCP2 heats up, while the heat storage medium HD releases heat and cools down.
[0099] Based on the above analysis, the heat storage medium HD in each flipping mechanism FM, under its own gravity, falls from the relatively high first cavity until it is deposited at the bottom of the second cavity, fully releasing heat into the second coil HCP2 and the air in the second cavity. That is, during the energy release power generation process of this invention, the heat storage medium HD in each flipping mechanism FM fully releases heat. The gas flowing through the second coil HCP2 indirectly obtains the heat released by the heat storage medium HD into the air in the second cavity and the heat from the heat storage medium HD itself.
[0100] The high-pressure gas flowing from the tank absorbs heat and heats up after passing through the flipping mechanism FM each time it flows into the corresponding stage expander TE, expands, and then cools down before flowing out. By increasing the inlet temperature of each stage of the expander TE, the working capacity of the expander TE is further improved, enabling the expander TE to output more mechanical work, drive the generator G to generate more electrical energy, and increase the total power generation of the entire system. At the same time, increasing the inlet temperature of each stage of the expander TE also prevents the formation of condensate droplets at the outlet of each stage of the expander TE due to excessively low outlet temperature, which could damage the expander TE blades. The heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM releases heat and cools down after the energy release and power generation stage, preparing for the heat storage stage in the next stage.
[0101] Optionally, the flow rate and falling speed of the heat storage medium HD entering the second chamber can be controlled by controlling the valve opening of the electric valves MAV within each stage of the tilting mechanism FM, and / or by controlling the tilt angle of each stage of the tilting mechanism FM relative to the vertical direction. Reducing the flow rate and falling speed of the heat storage medium HD entering the second chamber allows for more thorough contact between the heat storage medium HD and the air within the second chamber during its entry, thus releasing heat more fully into the air within the second chamber. This invention can achieve precise control of the valve opening of each electric valve MAV and the tilt angle of each stage of the tilting mechanism FM relative to the vertical direction by monitoring the gas temperature flowing out of the second coil HCP2 of each stage of the tilting mechanism FM, based on negative feedback regulation.
[0102] Optionally, when the heat storage medium HD falls entirely into the second chamber, the electric valve MAV in the corresponding flipping mechanism FM closes. Currently, the air in the second chamber of the flipping mechanism FM will transfer heat to the second coil HCP2. The timely closure of the electric valve MAV helps to reduce the heat diffusion from the air in the second chamber to the air in the first chamber.
[0103] Optionally, when the heat storage medium HD falls entirely into the second chamber, after the electric valve MAV in the corresponding flipping mechanism FM is closed, the flipping motor M2 drives the flipping mechanism FM to shake / flip every Δt2 time interval. When the heat storage medium HD falls entirely into the second chamber, the second coil HCP2 is partially / completely submerged in the heat storage medium HD. If energy is still being released for power generation at this time, i.e., gas is still continuously flowing through the second coil HCP2, the heat storage medium HD may experience a temperature gradient during heat release due to varying distances from the second coil HCP2. Specifically, the temperature of the heat storage medium HD closer to the second coil HCP2 is lower, while the temperature of the heat storage medium HD farther away from the second coil HCP2 is higher, reducing the heat release efficiency of the heat storage medium HD. Therefore, periodically flipping / shaking the flipping mechanism FM can redistribute the heat storage medium HD deposited at the bottom of the second chamber, improving the energy utilization rate stored inside the heat storage medium HD and also increasing the heat release efficiency of the heat storage medium HD, allowing more heat from the heat storage medium HD to be transferred to the gas flowing through the second coil HCP2. In this embodiment, Δt2 = 8s.
[0104] The flipping mechanism FM of this invention collects a portion of the heat generated by compressed air (i.e., the heat of compression) during the energy storage stage and stores it separately in the heat storage medium HD for later use. This lowers the temperature of the compressed gas entering the next stage compressor AC / tank, improving compression efficiency. During the energy release and power generation stage, the heat storage medium HD releases the heat of compression stored in the energy storage stage to increase the inlet temperature of each stage expander TE, thereby increasing the overall power generation of the system and preventing the expansioner TE blades from being damaged by condensation droplets at the TE outlet due to excessively low temperature. In other words, the compressed air energy storage and power generation system of this invention utilizes the heat of compression from the energy storage stage to increase the total power generation during the energy release and power generation stage, while reducing the probability of damage to the compressor AC, tank, and expander TE within the system, thus improving the overall lifespan of the energy storage and power generation system.
[0105] Of the heat generated by compressed air, a portion of the heat (i.e., the heat of compression) is collected separately and stored in the heat storage medium HD for later use, while the remaining heat becomes the internal energy of the high-temperature and high-pressure air in the storage tank TANK.
[0106] Although the tank stores high-temperature, high-pressure gas, it has an upper limit on the gas storage temperature. Excessively high temperatures of the compressed gas entering the tank can damage it. This invention not only stores the heat of compression during energy storage but also ensures that the temperature of the compressed gas entering the next stage compressor (AC) and the tank is not too high. This broadens the selection range of tanks and compressors, further extending their lifespan. Excessively high intake temperatures in the compressor (AC) lead to excessively high exhaust temperatures. These high exhaust temperatures can thin the lubricating oil in the compressor (AC) or even carbonize and coke, causing damage and shortening its lifespan.
[0107] The heat storage medium HD in this invention is a finely granular or powdered sensible heat storage material, or high-temperature resistant particles filled with phase change heat storage material, but solid-liquid phase change materials are not used directly. When solid-liquid phase change materials are used as the heat storage medium HD, there is a two-phase and solid-liquid interface heat transfer during the heat storage or release process, which slows down the heat exchange rate and consequently reduces the overall response rate of the energy storage and power generation system. For example, if the heat storage medium HD is paraffin wax, liquid paraffin wax may adhere to the inner wall of the flipping mechanism FM, while solid paraffin wax may solidify on the inner wall of the flipping mechanism FM. These situations are not conducive to the heat storage medium HD immediately falling to quickly respond to the heat storage / release requirements of the flipping mechanism FM; and if the solid paraffin wax solidifies on the inner wall and does not directly contact the coil, the heat storage / release process will be incomplete due to the long heat exchange path, resulting in low heat exchange efficiency.
[0108] When the flip motor M2 drives the flip mechanism FM at each stage to enter the energy release state, the electricity comes from the power grid system. When the generator G starts generating electricity, the electricity generated by the generator G is used to supply the power-consuming parts such as the flip motor M2 in the air energy storage power generation system of the present invention. The remaining electricity is then fed back to the power grid system through the inverter.
[0109] When no gas flows through the first coil HCP1, the heat from the external environment is almost impossible to be absorbed by the air / heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM. Gas flows only in the first coil HCP1 when the compressor AC is working. Similarly, when no gas flows through the second coil HCP2, the heat from the air / heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM is almost impossible to be carried out to the external environment. Gas flows only in the second coil HCP2 when the expander TE is working.
[0110] If a third valve CV3 is installed on the storage tank, after the compressed air energy storage power generation system of the present invention finishes releasing energy and generating electricity, the third valve CV3 is opened to connect the inside of the storage tank with the external atmospheric environment, the pressure inside the storage tank is restored to the atmospheric pressure, and the storage tank prepares for the next energy storage operation of the compressed air energy storage power generation system of the present invention.
[0111] The compressed air energy storage and power generation system of this invention utilizes surplus electricity for compressed air energy storage. During the storage process, the surplus electricity is converted into the internal energy of high-temperature, high-pressure gas in the tank and the heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM for storage and backup. During peak electricity demand, the high-pressure gas in the tank expands to generate electricity. Simultaneously, the heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM increases the temperature of the expanding gas, further increasing the total mechanical work output during the high-pressure gas expansion process, thereby increasing the total power generation of the system. This achieves energy storage during off-peak hours and power generation during peak hours, alleviating power shortages. The compressed air energy storage and power generation system of this invention regulates the power supply of the grid during different electricity demand periods. Furthermore, this compressed air energy storage and power generation system can store surplus electricity from wind and photovoltaic power generation. During peak electricity demand, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas expands to generate electricity, which is then fed into the grid system. This solves the problem of power fluctuation, periodicity, and uncertainty associated with directly using wind and photovoltaic power generation during peak electricity demand.
[0112] Unlike existing systems that store energy with compressed air and release energy with expanded air, the system of this invention has a simple structure. It can collect and store the heat of compression generated during the compressed air energy storage process using only the flipping mechanism FM. This heat of compression is then used in the energy release and power generation stage to increase the total power generation of the entire system. The system of this invention does not waste the heat of compression, does not require a heat exchanger, and does not require a liquid medium to work with the heat exchanger. It also reduces the need for pumps, valves, high-temperature heat storage tanks for storing high-temperature liquid media, and low-temperature heat storage tanks for storing low-temperature liquid media in the system. This avoids the risk of liquid medium leakage in the entire system, making it safer and reducing the initial investment cost and subsequent maintenance cost of the system.
[0113] The flipping mechanism FM in this invention can collect and store (i.e., heat storage) or release the heat of compression simply by flipping and controlling the opening and closing of the electric valve MAV. In other words, this invention can achieve the recovery and reuse of the heat of compression through the simple action of the flipping mechanism FM, thereby increasing the total energy storage in the energy storage process and the total power generation in the energy release process. Furthermore, since there is no need to equip the system with mechanical power equipment such as pumps to provide power to the liquid medium, the system structure is simplified, the power consumption of the system itself is greatly reduced, and the total power generation in the energy release process is increased.
[0114] Furthermore, within the flipping mechanism FM, both heat storage and release occur simultaneously through multiple pathways, which complement each other, enhancing both the heat storage / release effect and its efficiency. Moreover, since the heat storage and release processes within the flipping mechanism FM are implemented within the same device, the system of this invention eliminates the need for multi-stage heat exchangers to recover and reuse compression heat, avoiding the use of liquid media as intermediate media. This reduces intermediate heat exchange steps within the system and avoids the problem of increased heat loss caused by liquid media flowing through long liquid pipelines, pumps, valves, and other equipment, thus improving the utilization rate of compression heat and reducing system losses. Combined with the specific requirements of the heat storage medium HD morphology in this invention, the heat storage medium HD within the flipping mechanism FM can rapidly respond to heat storage / release requirements while ensuring sufficient and efficient heat storage / release. In other words, the system of this invention can rapidly respond to the needs of efficient energy storage / efficient energy release power generation.
[0115] In summary, this invention significantly reduces the system's own power consumption, improves the utilization rate of compression heat, thereby enhancing the overall energy efficiency and round-trip ratio of the system, achieving effective utilization of surplus power, and strengthening the regulation of power supply in different periods of the power grid system, especially during peak electricity consumption periods.
[0116] Table 1. Performance Comparison of Different System Configurations for Compressed Air Energy Storage and Expanded Air Energy Release
[0117] ;
[0118] Table 1 shows a performance comparison of different system configurations for compressed air energy storage and expanded air energy release. Existing system configuration 1 is a supplementary combustion CAES, and existing system configuration 2 is an advanced adiabatic CAES. For ease of comparison, the number of compressor stages and expander stages are the same for all three system configurations. They consume the same amount of electricity (55MW×6h=330MWh) for energy storage during the energy storage stage, and all release energy for 4 hours, using all the stored energy for energy release and power generation. It can be seen that the system of the present invention has the highest round-trip efficiency, at 69.2%.
[0119] Example 2
[0120] The present invention also provides a compressed air energy storage and power generation method based on a flipping mechanism, which is applied in a compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism as described in Example 1.
[0121] When there is surplus electricity, the energy storage power generation system of the present invention stores energy, including the following:
[0122] The electric valves MAV within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are closed, and the heat storage medium HD is entirely located in the second chamber. The flipping motor M2 drives each stage of the flipping mechanism FM to flip to a storage state where the second chamber is on top and the first chamber is below. The second valve CV2 and the third valve CV3 are both closed. The compressors AC, the first valve CV1, and the electric valves MAV within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are opened. The air compressed by the previous stage compressor AC flows through the first coil HCP1 in the corresponding stage of the flipping mechanism FM and is cooled before entering the next stage compressor AC. The high-temperature, high-pressure air flowing from the first coil HCP1 in the last stage of the flipping mechanism FM enters the storage tank TANK. Simultaneously, the heat storage medium HD within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM falls from the second chamber into the first chamber for heat storage. When all the heat storage medium HD has fallen into the first chamber, the electric valves MAV within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are closed. When energy storage ends, the first valve CV1 is closed. The surplus electricity is ultimately converted into the internal energy of the high-temperature, high-pressure air in the storage tank TANK and the heat of the heat storage medium HD, stored for later use.
[0123] During peak electricity consumption periods, the energy storage power generation system of this invention releases energy to generate electricity, including the following:
[0124] The electric valves MAV within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are closed, and the heat storage medium HD is entirely located within the first chamber. The flipping motor M2 drives each stage of the flipping mechanism FM to flip to a state where the first chamber is on top and the second chamber is below, releasing energy. The first valve CV1 and the third valve CV3 are both closed. The valves TE, CV2, and MAV within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are opened, allowing high-temperature, high-pressure air to flow out of the tank. After passing through the second coil HCP2 in the last stage of the flipping mechanism FM and heating up, the air enters the corresponding stage of the expander TE, expands, and generates electricity. It then flows back into the second coil HCP2 in the next stage of the flipping mechanism FM. The low-temperature, low-pressure air flowing out of the first stage expander TE enters the external atmosphere. Simultaneously, the heat storage medium HD within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM falls from the first chamber into the second chamber to release heat. When all the heat storage medium HD has fallen into the second chamber, the electric valves MAV within each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are closed. When the energy release and power generation ends, the third valve CV3 is opened, connecting the inside of the tank to the external atmosphere.
[0125] The technologies, shapes, and structures not described in detail in this invention are all well-known technologies. It should also be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of this invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The components or steps in the embodiments of this invention can be decomposed and / or recombined, and these decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered equivalent solutions to this application and should all fall within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a compression subsystem, an expansion subsystem, and an energy storage subsystem; the energy storage subsystem includes a tilting mechanism FM, a tilting motor M2, and a storage tank TANK; the tilting mechanism FM includes a box housing BOX, a heat storage medium HD, a first coil HCP1, and a second coil HCP2; the tilting motor M2 drives the tilting mechanism FM to rotate; the compression subsystem compresses air; the expansion subsystem is used to expand gas to generate electricity; The box is sealed and hollow inside. The first coil HCP1 and the second coil HCP2 are fixedly installed at both ends of the cavity inside the box. The heat storage medium HD is movably installed inside the box. The outlet of the compression subsystem is connected to one end of the first coil HCP1 through the first inlet hose. The other end of the first coil HCP1 is connected to the inlet of the storage tank TANK through the first outlet hose. A first valve CV1 is installed on the first outlet hose. The outlet of the storage tank TANK is connected to one end of the second coil HCP2 through the second inlet hose. A second valve CV2 is installed on the second inlet hose. The other end of the second coil HCP2 is connected to the inlet of the expansion subsystem through the second outlet hose. Both the inlet of the compression subsystem and the outlet of the expansion subsystem are connected to the external atmospheric environment. The flipping mechanism FM also includes an electric valve MAV fixedly installed on the inner wall of the box BOX. The electric valve MAV divides the cavity inside the box BOX into two chambers, namely the first chamber and the second chamber. The first coil HCP1 is fixedly installed in the first chamber, and the second coil HCP2 is fixedly installed in the second chamber. When the electric valve MAV is fully closed, the first chamber and the second chamber are not connected. When the electric valve MAV is open, the first chamber and the second chamber are connected.
2. The compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat storage medium HD is a sensible heat storage material in granular or powder form, or granules filled with phase change heat storage material.
3. The compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the heat storage medium HD is entirely located at the end of the cavity closest to the first coil HCP1, the first coil HCP1 is partially or completely immersed in the heat storage medium HD; when the heat storage medium HD is entirely located at the end of the cavity closest to the second coil HCP2, the second coil HCP2 is partially or completely immersed in the heat storage medium HD.
4. A compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage tank is equipped with a third valve CV3. When the third valve CV3 is opened, the interior of the storage tank is connected to the external atmospheric environment.
5. A compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The compression subsystem includes a compressor AC and a drive motor M1; The expansion subsystem includes an expander TE and a generator G; The total number of stages of compressor AC = the total number of stages of the flipping mechanism FM = the total number of stages of expander TE. Drive motor M1 drives compressor AC to compress air, and expander TE expands air to drive generator G to generate electricity. The air inlet of the first stage compressor AC and the air outlet of the first stage expander TE are both connected to the external atmospheric environment. When the total number of stages of compressor AC, the total number of stages of the flipping mechanism FM, and the total number of stages of expander TE are all one, the outlet of the first stage compressor AC is connected to one end of the first coil HCP1 in the first stage flipping mechanism FM through the first inlet hose, the other end of the first coil HCP1 is connected to the inlet of the storage tank TANK through the first outlet hose, the outlet of the storage tank TANK is connected to one end of the second coil HCP2 in the first stage flipping mechanism FM through the second inlet hose, and the other end of the second coil HCP2 is connected to the inlet of the first stage expander TE through the second outlet hose. Alternatively, when the total number of stages of compressor AC, the total number of stages of flipping mechanism FM, and the total number of stages of expander TE exceeds one stage, the outlet of compressor AC in each stage is connected to one end of the first coil HCP1 in the corresponding stage flipping mechanism FM through the first inlet hose, and the other end of the first coil HCP1 in the last stage flipping mechanism FM is connected to the inlet of storage tank TANK through the first outlet hose. The other end of the first coil HCP1 in the flipping mechanism FM of the remaining stages is connected to the inlet of compressor AC in the next stage through the first outlet hose. One end of the second coil HCP2 in the flipping mechanism FM of each stage is connected to the inlet of expander TE in the corresponding stage through the second outlet hose, and the outlet of storage tank TANK is connected to the other end of the second coil HCP2 in the last stage flipping mechanism FM through the second inlet hose. The other end of the second coil HCP2 in the flipping mechanism FM of the remaining stages is connected to the outlet of expander TE in the next stage through the second inlet hose.
6. A compressed air energy storage and power generation method based on a flipping mechanism, wherein the energy storage and power generation method is applied to a compressed air energy storage and power generation system based on a flipping mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that: When there is surplus electricity, energy storage is performed: the electric valve MAV in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM is closed, the heat storage medium HD is entirely located in the second chamber, the flipping motor M2 drives each stage of the flipping mechanism FM to flip to the energy storage state with the second chamber on top and the first chamber on the bottom, and the second valve CV2 is closed; the compressors AC in each stage, the first valve CV1, and the electric valve MAV in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are opened, and the heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM falls from the second chamber into the first chamber for heat storage. At the same time, the air compressed by the compressor AC of the previous stage flows through the first coil HCP1 in the corresponding stage of the flipping mechanism FM and is cooled down before entering the next stage compressor AC. The high-temperature and high-pressure air flowing out from the first coil HCP1 in the last stage of the flipping mechanism FM enters the storage tank TANK; when energy storage ends, the first valve CV1 is closed; During peak electricity consumption, energy release and power generation occur as follows: the electric valve MAV in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM is closed, and the heat storage medium HD is entirely located in the first chamber. The flipping motor M2 drives each stage of the flipping mechanism FM to flip to the energy release state with the first chamber on top and the second chamber on the bottom, and the first valve CV1 is closed. The each stage of the expander TE, the second valve CV2, and the electric valve MAV in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM are opened. The heat storage medium HD in each stage of the flipping mechanism FM falls from the first chamber into the second chamber to release heat. At the same time, high-temperature and high-pressure air flows out of the storage tank TANK, flows through the second coil HCP2 in the last stage of the flipping mechanism FM to heat up, and then enters the corresponding stage of the expander TE to expand. After that, it flows into the second coil HCP2 in the next stage of the flipping mechanism FM. The expander TE expands and does work to drive the generator G to generate electricity. The low-temperature and low-pressure air flowing out of the first stage expander TE enters the outside atmosphere. When the TANK is equipped with a third valve CV3, the third valve CV3 is closed during both energy storage and energy release for power generation. When energy release for power generation ends, the third valve CV3 is opened to connect the inside of the TANK with the external atmospheric environment.
7. A compressed air energy storage and power generation method based on a flipping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the heat storage medium HD in the flipping mechanism FM falls from the second chamber into the first chamber, or when the heat storage medium HD in the flipping mechanism FM falls from the first chamber into the second chamber, the electric valve MAV in the current flipping mechanism FM is closed.
8. A compressed air energy storage and power generation method based on a flipping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: When storing energy, the power generated by the energy storage power generation system comes from surplus electricity, which includes one or more of the following: electricity generated during off-peak hours of the power grid system, wind power generation, photovoltaic power generation, and biomass power generation. When releasing energy, the generator G in the energy storage power generation system generates electricity to supply itself while also feeding back into the power grid system.
9. A compressed air energy storage and power generation method based on a flipping mechanism according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: During energy storage, when the heat storage medium HD falls entirely into the first chamber, the flipping motor M2 drives the flipping mechanism FM to shake at every interval Δt1; or during energy release and power generation, when the heat storage medium HD falls entirely into the second chamber, the flipping motor M2 drives the flipping mechanism FM to shake at every interval Δt2.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Novel liquid air energy storage system using phase change energy storage
CN106437874A
Compressed air energy storage power generation system and method based on injection flash evaporation
CN117846726A