Pressure vessel system for water pumping compressed air energy storage test

Abstract

The invention provides a pressure vessel system for a water pumping compressed air energy storage test. The pressure vessel system comprises a pressure water tank, a water-gas mixing tank, a gas storage tank, a water pumping energy storage unit, a remote control valve, a pressure release valve and a pressure stabilizing valve, the pressure water tanks are used for simulating an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir and storing water; the at least two water-gas mixing tanks are connected with the pressure water tank through pipelines and are used for water-gas interaction; the at least one air storage tank is connected with the water-air mixing tank through a pipeline and is used for storing compressed air; the pumped storage unit is respectively connected with the pressure water tanks through remote control valves; the pressure release valve and the pressure stabilizing valve are respectively connected with the water-gas mixing tank and the gas storage tank through pipelines; the pressure water tank, the water-gas mixing tank and the gas storage tank are all horizontal pressure containers, the top of each container is provided with a multifunctional cover plate integrated manhole, a manhole, a temperature and pressure measuring hole and a pipeline connecting hole, and a water loop and a gas loop are physically isolated through an independent pipeline. The manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the installation and maintenance efficiency can be improved; and the sealing performance and the safety of the system are enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of pumped storage units, specifically a pressure vessel system for pumped gas storage tests. Background Technology

[0002] Pumped hydro storage and compressed air storage, as core technologies for large-scale physical energy storage, have become important infrastructure supporting new power systems due to their advantages such as strong capacity scalability and high environmental compatibility. In recent years, to improve energy storage density and operational flexibility, the industry has proposed a technical route for the coordinated exchange of energy between hydropower and compressed air, with pressure vessel systems becoming a key experimental platform for realizing energy conversion.

[0003] In existing technologies, such test systems typically employ discrete pressure vessel assemblies, connecting water and air circuits via complex piping networks. A typical architecture includes three types of functional vessels: a pressurized water tank simulating a reservoir, a mixing tank for water-air interaction, and a storage tank for compressed air. While this approach can generally meet energy exchange requirements, it suffers from the following drawbacks.

[0004] Each pressure vessel requires its own independent manhole, inspection port, pressure test port, and pipe interface, resulting in a large number of openings and complex sealing surfaces. This not only increases manufacturing costs but also reduces system reliability due to the dispersed leakage points, and the frequent seal maintenance during testing significantly extends the commissioning cycle.

[0005] Traditional systems rely on shared pipes to transport water and air media, making it difficult to achieve effective loop isolation. During operating condition transitions, the water-air mixture can cause pressure fluctuations, resulting in deviations in head or pump head calibration. At the same time, cross-contamination exacerbates container corrosion, creating a potential for bursting. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pressure vessel system for pumped gas storage experiments that has an integrated structure and a water-gas separation mechanism.

[0007] The pressure vessel system for pumped-storage hydroelectric energy storage testing provided by this invention includes a pressure water tank, a water-air mixing tank, an air storage tank, a pumped-storage unit, a remote control valve, a pressure relief valve, and a pressure stabilizing valve. At least two pressure water tanks are used to simulate upper and lower reservoirs and store water. At least two water-air mixing tanks are connected to the pressure water tanks via pipelines for water-air interaction. At least one air storage tank is connected to the water-air mixing tank via a pipeline for storing compressed air. The pumped-storage unit is connected to the pressure water tanks via remote control valves. The pressure relief valve and pressure stabilizing valve are connected to the water-air mixing tank and the air storage tank via pipelines. All pressure water tanks, water-air mixing tanks, and air storage tanks are horizontal pressure vessels. Each vessel has a multi-functional cover plate at the top integrating a manhole, inspection hole, temperature and pressure measurement hole, and pipeline connection hole. The water circuit and air circuit are physically isolated through independent pipelines.

[0008] In one embodiment of the aforementioned pressure vessel system, the pressure water tank has inlet and outlet pipe connection holes on both sides of the middle section of the cylinder, and an inter-tank connection hole at the bottom; the water-gas mixing tank has two inter-tank connection holes at the bottom; and the gas storage tank is connected only through the top pipe connection hole.

[0009] In one embodiment of the aforementioned pressure vessel system, the multifunctional cover plate integrates a safety valve port and a level gauge, and the bottom of the cylinder is provided with a drain port equipped with a ball valve.

[0010] In one embodiment of the aforementioned pressure vessel system, the water-gas mixing tank forms a pressure relief circuit through a pressure relief valve and a remote control valve, and the gas storage tank forms a pressure stabilizing circuit through a pressure stabilizing valve and a remote control valve.

[0011] In one embodiment of the aforementioned pressure vessel system, each pressure vessel is provided with a saddle-type support at its bottom, and the cylinder is welded to the hemispherical head to form a sealed cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment of the pressure vessel system described above, all openings adopt a bolt connection structure of uniform specifications, and the interface type of the pipe connection holes is standardized.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0014] 1. All pressure vessels use bolts of uniform specifications for connection openings, and only one multi-functional cover plate is installed on the top, integrating the functions of manhole, inspection hole, temperature and pressure measurement hole and pipeline connection hole, realizing "four holes in one"; reducing manufacturing costs, reducing the number of openings and parts, improving installation and maintenance efficiency; and enhancing system sealing and safety. The single cover plate reduces leakage points, and combined with level gauges and safety valve ports, it enables real-time monitoring, thereby shortening commissioning time and improving reliability during testing.

[0015] 2. Clearly define the functional zones of the pressure vessel and utilize specific connections to achieve effective isolation between the water and gas circuits; solve the problems of energy loss and operational instability caused by water-gas mixing in traditional systems; reduce interference in pumping and power generation operations, ensuring the accuracy of head or pump head calibration; regulate pressure through pressure relief valves and pressure stabilizing valves to avoid cross-contamination of circuits; circuit separation reduces the risk of bursting and is suitable for various energy storage scenarios;

[0016] 3. The standardized design of horizontal pressure vessels allows the system to expand its capacity and adjust the water level by increasing or decreasing the number of vessels or adjusting the relative height of the vessels; different scale power plant operating conditions can be simulated with simple adjustments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system layout according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a medium-pressure water tank.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water-gas mixing tank.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the gas storage tank.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure vessel tank cover plates in this embodiment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] WT1, WT2—Pressure water tanks; MT1, MT2, MT3, MT4—Water-air mixing tanks; GT1, GT2, GT3—Air storage tanks; PS—Pumped storage unit; V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10, V11—Remote control valves; PR—Pressure relief valve; SP—Pressure stabilizing valve; 1—Pressure vessel cylinder; 2—Hemispherical head; 3—Multi-functional cover plate; 4, 6—Pipe connection holes; 5—Saddle support; 7—Level gauge; 8—Safety valve port; 9—Drain outlet; 10—Temperature and pressure measuring holes; 11—Pipe connection holes. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The relevant technical solutions will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. The described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure vessel system for pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation experiments disclosed in this embodiment includes a pumped-storage unit, a pressure tank, a water-air mixing tank, an air storage tank, multiple remote control valves, a pressure relief valve, and a pressure stabilizing valve. All components are interconnected via pipelines to form an integrated pressure control network. The system is designed for both pumping and power generation operations, and the air pressure inside the water-air mixing tank is stably controlled through valve regulation. The overall structure is compact, facilitating the simulation of the upper and lower reservoir conditions of a real power plant in a laboratory environment.

[0026] The pumped storage unit PS is connected to pressure tanks WT1 and WT2 via pipelines and remote control valves. This setup allows the pumped storage unit to pump water from pressure tank WT1 during pumping operation or to discharge water into pressure tank WT2 during power generation operation, thus achieving water resource recycling.

[0027] The pressure tank WT1 simulates a reservoir and is always kept full of water. The pressure tank WT1 is connected to the water-air mixing tanks MT1 and MT2 via pipes and remote control valves.

[0028] The pressure tank WT2 simulates the upper reservoir and is always kept full of water. The pressure tank WT2 is connected to the water-air mixing tanks MT3 and MT4 via pipes and remote control valves, respectively.

[0029] Water-air mixing tanks MT1 and MT2 are located at the same height, which is higher than pressure water tank WT1; water-air mixing tanks MT3 and MT4 are located at the same height, which is higher than pressure water tank WT2; gravity-assisted water flow transmission is used to ensure smooth water flow during operation mode transitions.

[0030] Water-air mixing tanks MT3 and MT4 are connected to pressure relief valve PR via the pipeline containing remote control valve V9, and are used to monitor and regulate the air pressure inside the water-air mixing tank during pumping operations.

[0031] Gas storage tanks GT1, GT2, and GT3 are connected to water-gas mixing tank MT3 via the pipeline of remote control valve V7, and are connected to water-gas mixing tank MT4 via the pipeline of remote control valve V8.

[0032] Gas storage tanks GT1, GT2, and GT3 are also connected to water-gas mixing tanks MT3 and MT4 in sequence through the pipeline where remote control valve V11 is located, pressure regulating valve SP, and the pipeline where remote control valve V10 is located, forming a pressure regulating control loop.

[0033] The pressure relief valve PR is directly connected to the water-air mixing tanks MT3 and MT4, and achieves rapid pressure relief via the remote control valve V9. The pressure stabilizing valve SP is installed on the pipeline between the gas storage tank and the water-air mixing tank, and regulates airflow via the remote control valves V10 and V11. All valves are integrated through pipelines to ensure that the pressure relief valve PR maintains a constant air pressure inside the water-air mixing tank during pumping operations, and that the pressure stabilizing valve SP maintains a fixed air pressure inside the water-air mixing tank during power generation operations.

[0034] During pumping operation, the pumped storage unit PS pumps water from pressure tank WT1 to pressure tank WT2, increasing the water volume in water-air mixing tanks MT3 and MT4. Air is compressed and stored in air storage tanks GT1, GT2, and GT3. The pressure relief valve PR releases excess air to maintain stable pressure in the water-air mixing tanks, facilitating fixed head calibration.

[0035] During power generation, compressed air in storage tanks GT1, GT2, and GT3 pushes water back to the pressure tank, driving the pumped storage unit PS to generate electricity; the pressure regulating valve SP maintains a constant pressure inside the water-air mixing tank by adjusting the air input, supporting a fixed head rate.

[0036] All pressure vessels in this system are arranged horizontally, and the modular design is achieved through standardized openings and connection structures, facilitating system expansion and adjustment. The overall system structure is based on a combination of a cylindrical shell and a hemispherical head, ensuring the strength and sealing of the pressure vessels, while a specific connection method effectively separates the water circuit and the gas circuit.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the overall structure of the pressure tank consists of a cylindrical body 1 and two hemispherical heads 2 on both sides, forming a closed pressure vessel body.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the top center of the cylinder 1 has an opening and a multi-functional cover plate 3 is installed. The cover plate integrates the functions of an inlet, an inspection hole, a temperature and pressure measuring hole 10, and a pipe connection hole 11.

[0039] A pipe connection hole 4 is provided on each side of the middle part of the cylinder 1 for water inlet and outlet connection. A pipe connection hole 6 is provided at the bottom of the cylinder for connecting other pressure water tanks.

[0040] In addition, the upper part of the cylinder 1 is equipped with a safety valve port 8 for pressure release; the lower part is equipped with a drain port 9 with a ball valve for discharging waste; and a level gauge 7 is installed on the front side for monitoring the water level. A saddle support 5 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the cylinder 1 to provide stable support and prevent rolling.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the overall structure of the water-air mixing tank is also composed of a cylindrical body 1 and two hemispherical heads 2 on both sides, maintaining a horizontal arrangement similar to that of the pressure water tank; the difference is that the water-air mixing tank does not have a pipe connection hole 4 in the middle of the body, but has two pipe connection holes 6 at the bottom for connecting to the pressure water tank.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the overall structure of the gas storage tank is similar to that of the pressure water tank. The difference is that the gas storage tank has no other pipe connection holes, and is only connected through the opening at point 3 on the top multi-functional cover plate.

[0043] The connection relationships between the pressure vessels are as follows:

[0044] The pressure water tank is directly connected to another pressure water tank through the bottom pipe connection hole 6, forming a water storage chain. The water-air mixing tank is connected to the pressure water tank through the bottom pipe connection hole 6 and the pipe connection hole 4 in the middle of the cylinder, realizing the interface between the water-air mixing tank and the pressure water tank. The air storage tank is connected to the water-air mixing tank through the pipe connection hole in the top multi-functional cover plate 3 and the pipe connection hole in the top multi-functional cover plate 3, completing the docking between the air storage tank and the water-air mixing tank.

[0045] All openings use a consistent bolt connection type to ensure standardization and interchangeability.

[0046] The system can expand its capacity by increasing the number of pressurized water tanks, water-air mixing tanks, or air storage tanks. The new tanks are integrated using the same openings and connection methods.

[0047] The function of each component in this system is to simulate the energy exchange process of a pumped storage power station. It achieves the separation of the water circuit and the gas circuit by storing water in a pressure tank, holding water and air in a water-air mixing tank, and storing air in a dedicated gas storage tank.

[0048] The principle behind this effect is based on the sealing design and specific connections of the pressure vessel:

[0049] Water flows from the pressurized water tank into the water-air mixing tank through a pipeline. After mixing with air, the compressed air enters the storage tank through the top connection. When energy is released in the reverse process, the air returns from the storage tank to the water-air mixing tank, pushing the water back to the pressurized water tank, thus completing the energy conversion.

[0050] The highly integrated multi-functional cover plate 3 simplifies the structure, the arrangement of the saddle support 5 reduces the ground contact pressure, the level gauge 7 and safety valve port 8 ensure operational safety, and the bolt connection type supports flexible adjustment of the opening position and number.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although detailed descriptions have been provided with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel system for pumped air storage experiments, characterized in that: This includes pressure tanks, water-air mixing tanks, air storage tanks, pumped storage units, remote control valves, pressure relief valves, and pressure stabilizing valves; There are at least two pressure water tanks to simulate upper and lower reservoirs and store water; at least two water-air mixing tanks connected to the pressure water tanks via pipelines for water-air interaction; and at least one air storage tank connected to the water-air mixing tanks via pipelines for storing compressed air. The pumped storage unit is connected to the pressure water tank via remote control valves; the pressure relief valve and the pressure stabilizing valve are connected to the water-air mixing tank and the air storage tank via pipelines, respectively. The pressure water tank, water-gas mixing tank, and gas storage tank are all horizontal pressure vessels. Each vessel has a multi-functional cover plate on top that integrates a manhole, inspection hole, temperature and pressure measuring hole, and pipe connection hole. The water circuit and the gas circuit are physically isolated through independent pipes.

2. The pressure vessel system for pumped air storage testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure water tank has inlet and outlet pipe connection holes on both sides of the middle part of the cylinder, and tank connection holes at the bottom; the water-air mixing tank has two tank connection holes at the bottom; the gas storage tank is connected only through the top pipe connection hole.

3. The pressure vessel system for pumped air storage testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-functional cover plate integrates a safety valve port and a level gauge, and the bottom of the cylinder is equipped with a drain port with a ball valve.

4. The pressure vessel system for pumped air storage testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The water-gas mixing tank forms a pressure relief circuit through a pressure relief valve and a remote control valve, and the gas storage tank forms a pressure stabilizing circuit through a pressure stabilizing valve and a remote control valve.

5. The pressure vessel system for pumped air storage testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each pressure vessel is equipped with a saddle support at the bottom, and the cylinder is welded to the hemispherical head to form a sealed cavity.

6. The pressure vessel system for pumped gas storage testing as described in claim 1, characterized in that: All openings use a uniform bolt connection structure, and the interface type of pipe connection holes is standardized.

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