Plate-fin heat exchange device for compressed air energy storage
By employing a plate-fin heat exchanger in a compressed air energy storage system, and utilizing the baffled structure of the water-side and air-side fins and the counter-current heat exchange design, the problems of large equipment size, large footprint, and low efficiency in existing technologies are solved, achieving a high-efficiency and economical heat exchange effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
In existing compressed air energy storage systems, shell-and-tube heat exchangers suffer from problems such as large equipment size, large footprint, high cost, limited heat exchange area, and low heat exchange efficiency.
The plate-fin heat exchanger is adopted. By setting water-side fins and air-side fins in the shell, a baffle structure is formed to increase the heat exchange area. The heat exchange efficiency is improved by the counter-current heat exchange structure. The medium distribution is optimized by combining vertical design and flow guiding mechanism.
It improves heat exchange efficiency, reduces equipment footprint and cost, enhances heat exchange performance, reduces media resistance loss, and is easy to operate.
Smart Images

Figure CN121655302A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, and more particularly to a plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous expansion of new energy power generation, its output fluctuations pose a significant challenge to the safe and stable operation of the power grid. Improving the absorption capacity of renewable energy and ensuring stable grid operation have become key development directions. Against this backdrop, energy storage technology has emerged as an important solution. Among these, compressed air energy storage, with its comprehensive advantages such as high efficiency, environmental friendliness, short construction period, large power capacity, adjustable storage duration, and long operating life, is considered one of the most promising large-scale energy storage technologies. This technology converts electrical energy into high-pressure air for storage during periods of low grid load, and releases the compressed air to drive turbine generator sets to generate electricity during periods of high load, achieving the spatial and temporal transfer and efficient utilization of electrical energy.
[0003] In compressed air energy storage systems, the heat exchange system is one of the core components. The function of the heat exchange system is to cool and heat the air during the compression and release processes, thereby improving system efficiency and reducing energy loss. Currently, the compressed air energy storage industry mainly uses shell-and-tube heat exchangers. However, these systems suffer from problems such as large equipment size, large footprint, high cost, limited heat exchange area, and low heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, embodiments of this invention provide a plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage, which can increase the heat exchange area and thus improve heat exchange efficiency.
[0005] This invention provides a plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage, comprising: a shell, water-side fins, and air-side fins. The shell contains a heat exchange cavity, within which several partitions are fixedly connected, dividing the heat exchange cavity into several water flow cavities and air flow cavities. The water flow cavities and air flow cavities are spaced apart, with adjacent water flow cavities and adjacent air flow cavities interconnected. Each water flow cavity has an inlet and an outlet, arranged opposite to each other. Each air flow cavity has an air inlet and an air outlet, arranged opposite to each other. The water-side fins are connected in a baffled manner within the water flow cavities, with several sets of water-side fins connected within each water flow cavity. Similarly, the air-side fins are connected in a baffled manner within the air flow cavities, with several sets of air-side fins connected within each air flow cavity.
[0006] In some embodiments, several sets of water-side fins are arranged side by side in each water flow cavity, with space between two adjacent sets of water-side fins for water to pass through; several sets of air-side fins are arranged side by side in each air flow cavity, with space between two adjacent sets of air-side fins for air to pass through.
[0007] In some embodiments, the width of the water flow cavity is smaller than the width of the air flow cavity, and the fin height of the air-side fin is more than twice the fin height of the water-side fin.
[0008] In some embodiments, the water-side fins are fixedly connected to the water flow cavity by welding, and the air-side fins are fixedly connected to the air flow cavity by welding.
[0009] In some embodiments, the water-side fins are attached to the sidewall of the water flow cavity, and the air-side fins are attached to the sidewall of the air flow cavity.
[0010] In some embodiments, the flow direction of water in the water flow cavity is opposite to the flow direction of air in the air flow cavity, forming a counter-current heat exchange structure.
[0011] In some embodiments, two adjacent compressed air energy storage plate-fin heat exchangers are connected in series or in parallel via connecting pipes.
[0012] In some embodiments, water-side fins are fixedly connected to both ends of water-side end caps, and air-side fins are fixedly connected to both ends of air-side end caps. Both sides of the water-side end caps and air-side end caps have chamfered structures.
[0013] In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet are detachably connected with plugs.
[0014] In some embodiments, mounting bases are fixedly connected to both sides of the housing. Attached Figure Description
[0015] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. in: Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of the internal structure of the plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Side view; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the series connection of a plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4Side view; Figure label: 1. Air-side fins; 2. Water-side fins; 3. Baffles; 4. Water-side end caps; 5. Air-side end caps; 6. Shell; 7. Mounting base; 8. Connecting pipes. Detailed Implementation
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0017] The compressed air energy storage plate-fin heat exchanger of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018] like Figure 1-5 As shown in the figure, this invention proposes a plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage, comprising: a shell 6, water-side fins 2, and air-side fins 1. The shell 6 has a heat exchange cavity, and several partitions 3 are fixedly connected inside the heat exchange cavity. The partitions 3 divide the heat exchange cavity into several water flow cavities and air flow cavities. The water flow cavities and air flow cavities are spaced apart, and adjacent water flow cavities are interconnected. Adjacent air flow cavities are interconnected. The water flow cavities have inlets and outlets, which are arranged opposite to each other. The air flow cavities have inlets and outlets, which are arranged opposite to each other. The water-side fins 2 are connected to the water flow cavities in a baffled manner, and several sets of water-side fins 2 are connected to each water flow cavity. The air-side fins 1 are connected to the air flow cavities in a baffled manner, and several sets of air-side fins 1 are connected to each air flow cavity.
[0019] By setting water-side fins 2 and air-side fins 1, the heat exchange area can be increased, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved, the equipment size can be reduced, and thus the footprint of the equipment can be reduced.
[0020] By arranging the inlet and outlet on opposite sides, this embodiment of the invention ensures the uniformity of water distribution within the heat exchange chamber and improves heat exchange performance.
[0021] Furthermore, different specifications of fins and the size of the flow cavity can be customized according to actual needs to reduce the resistance loss of the medium.
[0022] Furthermore, the outermost part of the heat exchange cavity is the air-side fin 1.
[0023] Furthermore, the air inlet is located above the heat exchange chamber, and the air outlet is located below the heat exchange chamber. The water inlet is located on the side and near the bottom of the heat exchange chamber, and the water outlet is located on the side and near the top of the heat exchange chamber.
[0024] Furthermore, the heat exchange device in this embodiment of the invention adopts a vertical design, which further reduces the floor space required.
[0025] Furthermore, the heat exchange device in this embodiment of the invention is assembled from plates and sheets, eliminating the need for expensive heat exchange tubes and resulting in higher overall economic efficiency.
[0026] Furthermore, a flow guiding mechanism is connected to the air inlet of the heat exchange chamber to facilitate the dispersion of the gas entering through the air inlet to all air flow chambers.
[0027] It is understandable that the flow guiding mechanism has the same structure and principle as the shower head.
[0028] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, several sets of water-side fins 2 are arranged side by side in each water flow cavity, and space is left between two adjacent sets of water-side fins 2 for water to pass through. Several sets of air-side fins 1 are arranged side by side in each air flow cavity, and space is left between two adjacent sets of air-side fins 1 for air to pass through.
[0029] In some embodiments, the width of the water flow cavity is smaller than the width of the air flow cavity, and the wing height of the air-side fin 1 is more than twice the wing height of the water-side fin 2.
[0030] In some embodiments, the water-side fins 2 are connected to the water flow cavity by welding, and the air-side fins 1 are connected to the air flow cavity by welding.
[0031] Furthermore, the welding method can be brazing or diffusion welding.
[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water-side fin 2 is attached to the side wall of the water flow cavity, and the air-side fin 1 is attached to the side wall of the air flow cavity.
[0033] In some embodiments, the flow direction of water in the water flow cavity is opposite to the flow direction of air in the air flow cavity, forming a counter-current heat exchange structure. This can further improve heat exchange efficiency.
[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown, two adjacent compressed air energy storage plate-fin heat exchangers are connected in series or parallel via connecting pipe 8. This can further improve heat exchange power and is easy to operate.
[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, water-side fins 2 are fixedly connected to both ends with water-side end caps 4, and air-side fins 1 are fixedly connected to both ends with air-side end caps 5. Both sides of the water-side end caps 4 and air-side end caps 5 have chamfered structures. The water-side end caps 4 and air-side end caps 5 are used to seal the ends of the fins.
[0036] In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet are detachably connected with plugs.
[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown, mounting bases 7 are fixedly connected to both sides of the housing 6. These are used to install the heat exchange device of this embodiment of the invention onto a wall or equipment.
[0038] Furthermore, the mounting seats 7 on both sides of the housing 6 are symmetrically arranged, and the mounting seats 7 are welded and fixed to the housing 6.
[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0041] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0042] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0043] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0044] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage, characterized in that, include: The housing has a heat exchange chamber inside, and several partitions are fixedly connected inside the heat exchange chamber. The partitions divide the heat exchange chamber into several water flow chambers and air flow chambers. The water flow chambers and air flow chambers are spaced apart. Adjacent water flow chambers are interconnected, and adjacent air flow chambers are interconnected. Each water flow chamber has a water inlet and a water outlet, which are arranged opposite to each other. Each air flow chamber has an air inlet and an air outlet, which are arranged opposite to each other. Water-side fins are connected to the water flow cavity in a baffled manner, and several sets of water-side fins are connected to each water flow cavity. Air-side fins are connected to the airflow cavity in a baffled manner, and several sets of air-side fins are connected in each airflow cavity.
2. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several sets of water-side fins are arranged side by side in each water flow cavity, with space between adjacent sets of water-side fins for water to pass through. Several sets of air-side fins are arranged side by side in each air flow cavity, with space between adjacent sets of air-side fins for air to pass through.
3. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width of the water flow cavity is smaller than the width of the air flow cavity, and the wing height of the air-side fin is more than twice the wing height of the water-side fin.
4. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water-side fins are fixedly connected to the water flow cavity by welding, and the air-side fins are fixedly connected to the air flow cavity by welding.
5. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water-side fins are attached to the sidewall of the water flow cavity, and the air-side fins are attached to the sidewall of the air flow cavity.
6. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow direction in the water flow cavity is opposite to the air flow direction in the air flow cavity, forming a counter-current heat exchange structure.
7. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two adjacent compressed air energy storage plate-fin heat exchangers are connected in series or in parallel via connecting pipes.
8. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, Water-side fins are fixedly connected to both ends with water-side end caps, and air-side fins are fixedly connected to both ends with air-side end caps. Both sides of the water-side end caps and the air-side end caps have chamfered structures.
9. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet are each detachably connected with a plug.
10. The plate-fin heat exchanger for compressed air energy storage according to claim 1, characterized in that, Mounting bases are fixedly connected to both sides of the housing.