Method and energy handling system for processing energy

Abstract

A method of processing energy, the method comprising heating (S16) water (18) in a tank (16a) to a temperature (112) of at least 100°C while maintaining a pressure in the tank (16a) at least equal to a saturation pressure (114) of the water (18) at each temperature (112) of the water (18) to maintain the water (18) in a liquid state (20); and conducting (S18) the water (18) in the liquid state (20) and having a temperature (112) of at least 100°C from the tank (16a) to a primary turbine (26) to thereby drive the primary turbine (26). An energy processing system (10a; 10b) is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to energy storage devices using water. In particular, a method for processing energy and an energy processing system are provided. Background Technology

[0002] Steam turbines are commonly used to generate electricity from heat energy. For systems that include steam turbines, the efficiency can be around 30%. That is, the electricity generated is only about 30% of the input heat energy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for processing energy.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved energy processing system.

[0005] These objectives are achieved by the method according to appended claim 1 and the energy processing system according to appended claim 12.

[0006] This invention is based on the understanding that by heating water in a tank to a temperature of at least 100°C while maintaining sufficient pressure in the tank to prevent water evaporation, a large amount of energy can be efficiently stored in the tank, and that the thermal expansion of water for a given mass of water at a temperature below 100°C enables the primary turbine to generate a greater amount of energy compared to water at a temperature below 100°C.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a method for processing energy is provided, the method comprising heating water in a tank to a temperature of at least 100°C while maintaining a pressure in the tank at least equal to the saturation pressure of the water at each temperature to maintain the water in a liquid state; and conducting the water in the liquid state and having a temperature of at least 100°C from the tank to a primary turbine, thereby driving the primary turbine.

[0008] Water can be heated in its liquid state to a temperature of approximately 372°C when heated at a pressure at least equal to the saturation pressure of water at its current temperature. At this temperature, water becomes supercritical at a saturation pressure of at least 220 bar. The water in the tank is heated under pressure, where the pressure increases with increasing water temperature, preventing the water from evaporating from a liquid into a gas. For example, when the water in the tank reaches a temperature of 150°C, the pressure in the tank is at least equal to the saturation pressure of water at 150°C (approximately 4.8 bar); when the water in the tank reaches a temperature of 200°C, the pressure in the tank is at least equal to the saturation pressure of water at 200°C (approximately 15.6 bar); and when the water in the tank reaches a temperature of 250°C, the pressure in the tank is at least equal to the saturation pressure of water at 250°C (approximately 39.7 bar).

[0009] One advantage of maintaining water in a liquid state at a temperature of at least 100°C is the ability to store a significant amount of thermal energy while avoiding energy loss from evaporation. Considering that evaporating 1 kg of water at 100°C and atmospheric pressure requires 2600 kJ of energy, the energy savings in this regard can be substantial. This method enables the storage of very large amounts of energy in tanks. Furthermore, this method allows for the generation of electricity only when it is actually needed.

[0010] Furthermore, by maintaining water in a liquid state when heated to a temperature of at least 100°C, the water will thermally expand compared to water at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 10°C. This method advantageously uses this expanded water to drive a primary turbine. For a given mass of water, due to the thermal expansion of water, if the liquid water has a temperature of at least 100°C, the primary turbine will be driven more than if it were driven by water at 10°C. Therefore, this method utilizes the thermal expansion of liquid water at a temperature of at least 100°C.

[0011] This method offers functionality comparable to a large battery, but without using one. Compared to batteries, it has a significantly smaller environmental footprint. This method provides an excellent green solution for transitioning to large-scale use of renewable energy sources and for efficiently utilizing residual energy.

[0012] Heating of the water in the tank can be achieved, for example, using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Alternatively or supplementarily, waste heat, solar collectors, gas turbines, diesel engines, waste incineration, and / or residual heat from processing industries can be used to heat the water. Alternatively or supplementarily, the water can be heated by an energy source adjacent to the tank, such as within or below the tank. Examples of such energy sources include electric heating elements and heat exchangers. A suitable electric heating element could be a resistance heating element.

[0013] In this method, water heating can be carried out irregularly. For example, solar and wind power often provide irregular energy production over several days. By thermally isolating the tank, the water can remain in it for extended periods at a lower temperature, even if heating stops. Then, when one or more consumers require electricity, the heated water can be conducted to the primary turbine. This is highly advantageous because, for example, solar energy is highest during the day, while household electricity consumption is likely to be lowest during the day. Thus, when energy is available, this method allows water to be heated in a first period without being conducted to the primary turbine, and when there is a demand for electricity, it allows water to be conducted to drive the primary turbine in a subsequent second period without heating the water. For example, water can be heated during the day and conducted to drive the primary turbine at night. Alternatively, water can be heated during the summer and conducted to drive the primary turbine during the winter.

[0014] Therefore, the tank can be thermally insulated to reduce or eliminate the temperature drop of the water when heating stops. For this purpose, the tank can be, for example, sealed with thermal insulation material and / or vacuum.

[0015] Heating the water does not necessarily have to be stopped before it is conducted to the primary turbine. Heating and conduction can occur simultaneously. Furthermore, both heating and conduction can be performed intermittently. This method can utilize energy from irregular energy sources very efficiently.

[0016] Heating the water can include adding heat equal to at least one gigawatt-hour (GWh) (e.g., multiple GWh) to the liquid water in the tank. In this respect, 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) is equal to 3.6 megajoules (MJ). The method's ability to store such a large amount of thermal energy and efficiently generate a very large amount of electrical energy makes it superior to batteries in terms of energy storage capacity, efficiency, and environmental impact. The water can be, for example, seawater, drinking water, and / or freshwater. The principles of the method according to the first aspect are highly scalable for handling large amounts of energy.

[0017] The amount of heat added to water can be determined based on the mass of the water, its specific heat capacity, and the temperature difference between the water and its initial temperature (i.e., the temperature between the water's initial temperature and the final temperature to which it is heated). Therefore, the amount of energy that can be stored as heat in water can be increased by increasing its mass, by decreasing its initial temperature, and / or by increasing its final temperature.

[0018] The tank can be configured to hold at least 10 metric tons of water at atmospheric pressure, such as at least 100 metric tons, or even at least 1000 metric tons. Alternatively, the tank's volume can be at least 12 m³. 3 Such as at least 120 m 3 Such as at least 1200 m 3 .

[0019] The tank can be configured to hold water at a pressure of at least 40 bar. The tank can be, for example, a pressure vessel, such as a welded steel pressure vessel.

[0020] To maintain a pressure in the tank that is at least equal to the saturation pressure of water at each temperature, the tank can be closed during water heating. In this way, the increase in water temperature will cause the pressure in the tank to increase. However, alternative methods for maintaining a pressure at least equal to the saturation pressure of water at each temperature are conceivable, including using a steam pump to supply steam and / or pressurize the steam within the tank.

[0021] Water can be driven from the tank to the primary turbine by the pressure of the water in the tank. Therefore, a pump is not required to supply water to the primary turbine.

[0022] Water can be conducted from the tank to the primary turbine via an outlet line (such as a pipe) that interconnects the tank and the primary turbine. Apart from its corresponding connection to the tank and the primary turbine, the outlet line can be closed, specifically closed to the atmosphere. The conduction of water from the tank to the primary turbine can be controlled, for example, by controlling an outlet valve arranged on the outlet line. During the conduction of water from the tank to the primary turbine, the outlet line provides the only outlet for water from the tank.

[0023] A primary generator can be connected to a primary turbine to generate electrical energy from the turbine's rotation. This electrical energy can then be transmitted to one or more consumers. The electrical load on the primary generator provides braking for the primary turbine. Therefore, the flow of water from the tank to the primary turbine can also be controlled by controlling the electrical load on the primary generator.

[0024] The water in the tank can be heated to a temperature of at least 150°C, such as at least 200°C, such as at least 220°C, such as 250°C. For all temperatures of water between 100°C and 300°C at the corresponding saturation pressure, the specific volume of the water will increase as the water temperature increases.

[0025] The method may further include controlling the water flow through the primary turbine. The water flow through the primary turbine may be controlled, for example, by controlling an outlet valve arranged on the outlet line and / or by controlling the electrical load on the primary generator.

[0026] The method may further include conducting water in a liquid state and at a temperature of at least 100°C through the primary side of a primary heat exchanger, located downstream of a primary turbine. The primary heat exchanger includes a primary side and a secondary side. By passing water through the primary side of the primary heat exchanger, a very large amount of energy can be efficiently extracted from the heated water. First, the energy production of the primary turbine is increased because it is driven by water with a higher specific volume than at atmospheric pressure. Second, because the water remains in a liquid state, the energy released by the water in the primary heat exchanger due to temperature reduction is efficiently absorbed by the secondary side without energy loss associated with the state transition of the water. Third, the expansion of the liquid water at a temperature of at least 100°C also increases the efficiency of the primary heat exchanger. For a given mass of liquid water, due to the thermal expansion of the water, water at a temperature of at least 100°C will have a larger volume of heat exchanged in the primary heat exchanger compared to water at a temperature below 100°C.

[0027] Water can be conducted from the primary turbine to the primary side through an intermediate conduit, such as a pipe, that connects the primary turbine and the primary side. Apart from its corresponding connection to the primary turbine and the primary side, the intermediate conduit can be closed, specifically closed relative to the atmosphere.

[0028] The flow of water through the primary turbine can be controlled based on the temperature on the secondary side. When the temperature on the secondary side decreases, the flow of water through the primary turbine can be controlled to increase, and vice versa.

[0029] The method may further include circulating a secondary fluid in the heat engine system through the secondary side. The heat engine system can be used to extract electrical energy. For example, the secondary fluid can drive a secondary turbine, which in turn drives a secondary generator to generate electrical energy. Furthermore, this electrical energy can be transmitted to one or more consumers. In many embodiments, the electrical energy generated by the secondary generator is higher than the electrical energy generated by the primary generator.

[0030] Throughout this disclosure, the heat engine system and its operation may, for example, consist of any heat engine system and its operation, as described in International Patent Application WO 2012049259AL, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0031] The method may further include controlling the heat engine system to perform a thermodynamic cycle, which involves the supercritical state of the secondary fluid.

[0032] Secondary fluids may include carbon dioxide.

[0033] The method may further include heating the water in the tank to a temperature of 100°C under atmospheric pressure; venting air from the top of the tank after heating under atmospheric pressure; and closing the tank after venting the air. In these cases, heating the water in the tank to a temperature of at least 100°C can be performed after closing the tank. The tank can be closed after all air has been vented, such that the tank contains only water in both gaseous and liquid states.

[0034] Before heating the water in the tank at atmospheric pressure, the tank can be filled to a certain level, taking into account the specific volume of water at a given target temperature. For example, if a target temperature of 250°C is chosen, the specific volume of water at that temperature will be 1251 liters / metric ton. Therefore, in this case, the tank can be filled, for example, with 10°C water to 80% of its total volume to account for the thermal expansion of water in its liquid state at the target temperature of 250°C.

[0035] The tank can be a first tank. In these cases, the method can further include transferring water downstream of the primary turbine to a second tank; and heating the water in the tank to a temperature of at least 100°C while maintaining the pressure in the second tank at least equal to the saturation pressure of the water at each temperature, to keep the water in a liquid state. At any given moment, one of the tanks can be in only one of the three states: a filled state, a heated state, and a ready state. By using at least two tanks, these two tanks can simultaneously take different states of the three states, for example, reducing the time interrupted in power generation. By using at least three tanks, i.e., also using an additional third tank, these three tanks can simultaneously take only one of the three states. In this way, the primary turbine can be driven continuously.

[0036] In the tank-filled state, the tank can be filled with water from the primary turbine, for example, through a closed pipeline (such as an intermediate pipeline or inlet pipeline as described herein). In the heating state, the water in the tank is heated to a temperature of at least 100°C while maintaining the pressure in the tank at least equal to the saturation pressure of the water at each temperature to keep the water in a liquid state. In the tank-ready state, water in a liquid state and with a temperature of at least 100°C can be transferred from the tank to the primary turbine.

[0037] In the first time period, the first can may be in a filling state, the second can may be in a heating state, and the third can may be in a preparation state. In the second time period, which is different from the first time period, the third can may be in a filling state, the first can may be in a heating state, and the second can may be in a preparation state. In each of the third time periods, which is different from the first and second time periods, the second can may be in a filling state, the third can may be in a heating state, and the first can may be in a preparation state.

[0038] Each can have the same design, the same associated parts, and / or function in the same way as described in conjunction with the first can.

[0039] The method may further include heat exchange between the water in the first tank and the water in the second tank when the volume of liquid water in the first tank has decreased to below a threshold. The threshold may be, for example, less than 40% of the total volume of the respective tank, such as less than 20%, such as 10%. Alternatively or supplementarily, the threshold may be, for example, at least 5% of the total volume of the respective tank, such as 20%. For this purpose, each tank may include a tank heat exchanger associated with one or more other tanks. For example, the first tank may include a first tank heat exchanger, and the second tank may include a second tank heat exchanger. The heat exchange pipeline can then circulate the heat exchange medium between the primary tank heat exchanger and the second tank heat exchanger to exchange heat with the water in the primary tank and the second tank, respectively. Other types of heat exchange between the water in the primary tank and the second tank are conceivable.

[0040] According to a second aspect, an energy processing system is provided, comprising: a tank configured to contain water and withstand an internal pressure of at least 15 bar; an energy source configured to heat the water in the tank to a temperature of at least 100°C; a primary turbine; and an outlet valve configured to control the flow of water from the tank to the primary turbine. The energy processing system according to the second aspect can be of any type described in conjunction with the first aspect. Alternatively or supplementary, the method according to the first aspect can be performed using the energy processing system described in conjunction with the second aspect.

[0041] The energy processing system may further include an electronic control system, which includes at least one data processing device and at least one memory. The at least one memory stores at least one computer program, which includes program code. When executed by the at least one data processing device, the program code causes the at least one data processing device to perform or command the execution of the various steps described herein. The control system may be configured to control an energy source to heat water in a tank to a temperature of at least 100°C. The control system may be further configured to control an outlet valve, for example, by controlling the opening area of ​​the outlet valve, to conduct water in a liquid state and having a temperature of at least 100°C from the tank to the primary turbine. The control system may be further configured to control the primary turbine.

[0042] According to one variant, the control system is configured to control the flow of water through the primary turbine. In such a variant, the control system may, for example, control the outlet valve and / or the electrical load on the primary generator driven by the primary turbine.

[0043] The energy processing system may further include a primary heat exchanger arranged downstream of the primary turbine, the primary heat exchanger comprising a primary side and a secondary side.

[0044] The energy processing system may further include a secondary temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the secondary fluid at the secondary side. In these cases, at least one computer program may include program code that, when executed by at least one data processing device, causes the data processing device to control the flow of water through the primary turbine based on the temperature, as measured by the secondary temperature sensor.

[0045] The energy processing system may further include a heat engine system that houses the secondary fluid. In these cases, the heat engine system can be configured to perform a thermodynamic cycle involving a supercritical state of the secondary fluid. The heat engine system can be controlled by a control system.

[0046] Secondary fluids may include carbon dioxide.

[0047] The energy processing system may further include an exhaust valve at the top of the tank for venting air from the tank. The exhaust valve may be controlled by a control system.

[0048] The tank may be a first tank. In these cases, the energy processing system may further include: a second tank configured to contain water and withstand an internal pressure of at least 15 bar; an energy source configured to heat the water in the second tank to a temperature of at least 100°C; and a second outlet valve configured to control the flow of water from the second tank to the primary turbine. The energy processing system may further include: a third tank configured to contain water and withstand an internal pressure of at least 15 bar; an energy source configured to heat the water in the third tank to a temperature of at least 100°C; and a third-stage outlet valve configured to control the flow of water from the third tank to the primary turbine. Each of the second-stage and third-stage outlet valves may be controlled by a control system.

[0049] The energy processing system may further include a tank heat exchanger arranged to exchange heat between water in a first tank and water in a second tank. The energy processing system may further include a tank heat exchanger arranged to exchange heat between water in a first tank and water in a third tank, and a tank heat exchanger arranged to exchange heat between water in a second tank and water in a third tank. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Further details, advantages, and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 : This schematically illustrates an example of an energy processing system and an example component of its primary section;

[0052] Figure 2 : Indicative representation Figure 1 An example component of the energy processing system and its secondary components;

[0053] Figure 3 It is a graph showing the specific volume and saturation pressure of water at different temperatures;

[0054] Figure 4 This schematically represents the first state of the energy processing system.

[0055] Figure 5 : This schematically represents the second state of the energy processing system;

[0056] Figure 6 : This schematically represents the third state of an energy processing system;

[0057] Figure 7 : schematically represents an energy processing system according to another example; and

[0058] Figure 8 It is a flowchart outlining the general steps of the method. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The methods and systems for processing energy will be described below. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar structural features.

[0060] Figure 1 An example of an energy processing system 10a is schematically shown. This example energy processing system 10a includes a primary section 12 and an optional secondary section, embodied herein as a heat engine system 14. Figure 1 The image shows an example implementation of the primary section 12. Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the heat engine system 14 is shown.

[0061] Refer again Figure 1 In this example, the primary segment 12 includes a first tank 16a, a second tank 16b, and a third tank 16c. In this example, each tank 16a-16c has the same dimensions, design, and associated components. All tanks 16a-16c function in the same manner. When a description is given for one tank 16a-16c, that description can also be applied to the other tanks 16a-16c, at least in some operating states of the energy processing system 10a.

[0062] In this example, each tank 16a-16c is configured to withstand an internal pressure of at least 40 bar. For this purpose, tanks 16a-16c can be, for example, welded steel pressure vessels. In this specific and non-limiting example, each tank 16a-16c has a generally cylindrical shape with spherical ends. Figure 7 Each tank 16a-16c can, for example, have a diameter of 40 m, a height of 10.5 m, and a diameter of approximately 3500 m. 3 The volume. Each tank (16a-16c) holds... Figure 1 Water 18 exists in liquid state 20 and gaseous state 22. Figure 1 The atmosphere 24 outside the tanks 16a-16c is also shown.

[0063] The primary section 12 further includes a primary turbine 26. The primary turbine 26 may be, for example, a positive displacement turbine or a centrifugal turbine.

[0064] The primary section 12 of this example further includes a first outlet line 28a connected to a first tank 16a, a second outlet line 28b connected to a second tank 16b, and a third outlet line 28c connected to a third tank 16c. Each of the outlet lines 28a-28c is connected to the lower or lowest section of the geodetic system of the corresponding tank 16a-16c. Furthermore, each of the outlet lines 28a-28c is connected at an outlet junction 30. The primary section 12 of this example further includes an outlet center line 32 interconnecting the outlet junction 30 and the primary turbine 26. Each of the outlet lines 28a-28c and the outlet center line 32 is closed relative to the atmosphere 24.

[0065] The energy processing system 10a of this example includes an electronic control system 34. The control system 34 of this example includes a data processing device 36 and a memory 38. The memory 38 has a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by the data processing device 36, causes the data processing device 36 to perform or command the execution of various steps as described herein.

[0066] The primary section 12 of this example further includes a first heating element 40a for heating water 18 in a first tank 16a, a second heating element 40b for heating water 18 in a second tank 16b, and a third heating element 40c for heating water 18 in a third tank 16c. In this example, each heating element 40a-40c is located inside a corresponding associated tank 16a-16c. Heating elements 40a-40c are illustrated here as resistance heating elements. Therefore, when current passes through heating elements 40a-40c, heating elements 40a-40c generate heat. Thus, heating elements 40a-40c represent one of many examples of energy source types according to this disclosure. Heating elements 40a-40c are controlled by a control system 34.

[0067] The primary section 12 of this example further includes a first outlet valve 42a disposed at a first outlet line 28a, a second outlet valve 42b disposed at a second outlet line 28b, and a third outlet valve 42c disposed at a third outlet line 28c. When the first outlet valve 42a is open and each of the second outlet valve 42b and the third outlet valve 42c is closed, the first outlet line 28a and the outlet center line 32 form a common outlet line interconnecting the first tank 16a and the primary turbine 26. Accordingly, each outlet valve 42a-42c is configured to control the flow 44 of water 18 from the corresponding associated tanks 16a-16c to the primary turbine 26.

[0068] Each outlet valve 42a-42c is controlled by control system 34. Control system 34 can, for example, command any one of the outlet valves 42a-42c to take a fully closed position, a first open position to provide a first open area, and a second position to provide a second open area greater than the first open area. The outlet valves 42a-42c can, for example, be knife valves.

[0069] The primary section 12 in this example further includes a primary generator 46. The primary generator 46 is coupled to the primary turbine 26 and generates electrical energy from the rotation of the primary turbine 26. The primary generator 46 communicates with the control system 34. For example, the electrical load of the primary generator 46 can be controlled by the control system 34.

[0070] The primary section 12 in this example further includes a primary heat exchanger 48. The primary heat exchanger 48 includes a primary side 50 and a secondary side 52.

[0071] The primary section 12 in this example further includes a first inlet pipe 54a connected to the first tank 16a, a second inlet pipe 54b connected to the second tank 16b, and a third inlet pipe 54c connected to the third tank 16c. Each of the inlet pipes 54a-54c is connected to the geodetic high or highest section of the respective tank 16a-16c. Furthermore, each of the inlet pipes 54a-54c is connected at an inlet joint 56. Therefore, the prefix outlet and inlet of the outlet joint 30 and the inlet joint 56 are selected here relative to the tanks 16a-16c.

[0072] The primary section 12 of this example further includes an intermediate conduit 58. The intermediate conduit 58 interconnects the primary turbine 26 and the primary side 50. The primary section 12 of this example further includes an inlet center conduit 60 interconnecting the primary side 50 and the inlet junction 56. Each of the intermediate conduit 58, the inlet center conduit 60, and the inlet conduits 54a-54c is closed relative to the atmosphere 24. The outlet conduits 28a-28c, the outlet center conduit 32, the intermediate conduit 58, the primary side 50, the inlet center conduit 60, and the inlet conduits 54a-54c form an example of a primary loop 62.

[0073] The primary section 12 in this example further includes a first inlet valve 64a disposed at a first inlet line 54a, a second inlet valve 64b disposed at a second inlet line 54b, and a third inlet valve 64c disposed at a third inlet line 54c. When the first inlet valve 64a is open and each of the second inlet valve 64b and the third inlet valve 64c is closed, the inlet center line 60 and the first inlet line 54a form a common inlet line that interconnects the primary side 50 and the first tank 16a.

[0074] Each inlet valve 64a-64c is controlled by control system 34. Control system 34 can, for example, command any one of the inlet valves 64a-64c to take a fully closed position, a first open position to provide a first open area, and a second position to provide a second open area greater than the first open area. Inlet valves 64a-64c can, for example, be knife valves.

[0075] The primary section 12 of this example further includes a first vent valve 66a located at the highest geodetic section of the first tank 16a, a second vent valve 66b located at the highest geodetic section of the second tank 16b, and a third vent valve 66c located at the highest geodetic section of the third tank 16c. Each vent valve 66a-66c is controlled by a control system 34. The control system 34 can, for example, command any one of the vent valves 66a-66c to take a closed position and an open position.

[0076] The primary section 12 of this example further includes a first safety valve 68a connected to a first tank 16a, a second safety valve 68b connected to a second tank 16b, and a third safety valve 68c connected to a third tank 16c. Each safety valve 68a-68c is illustrated herein as a mechanical safety valve configured to open to the respective associated tank 16a-16c when the pressure within the respective associated tank 16a-16c drops below the atmospheric pressure commonly present in atmosphere 24.

[0077] In this example, the first tank 16a includes a first primary temperature sensor 70a, the second tank 16b includes a second primary temperature sensor 70b, and the third tank 16c includes a third primary temperature sensor 70c. Each primary temperature sensor 70a-70c is configured to measure the temperature of the water 18 in the corresponding associated tank 16a-16c. Each primary temperature sensor 70a-70c communicates with the control system 34.

[0078] In this example, the first tank 16a includes a first pressure sensor 72a, the second tank 16b includes a second pressure sensor 72b, and the third tank 16c includes a third pressure sensor 72c. Each pressure sensor 72a-72c is configured to measure the pressure of the water 18 in the corresponding associated tank 16a-16c. Each pressure sensor 72a-72c communicates with the control system 34. The pressure sensors 72a-72c are entirely optional.

[0079] In this example, the first tank 16a includes a first level sensor 74a, the second tank 16b includes a second level sensor 74b, and the third tank 16c includes a third level sensor 74c. Each level sensor 74a-74c is configured to measure the level of water 18 in the liquid state 20 in the respective associated tank 16a-16c. Each level sensor 74a-74c communicates with the control system 34.

[0080] In this example, the first tank 16a includes a tank heat exchanger 76ab, and the second tank 16b includes a tank heat exchanger 76ba. The primary section 12 of this example further includes an intermediate heat exchange loop 78ab interconnecting the tank heat exchangers 76ab and 76ba, and an intermediate pump 80ab arranged to circulate the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange loop 78ab.

[0081] Furthermore, in this example, the first tank 16a includes a tank heat exchanger 76ac, and the third tank 16c includes a tank heat exchanger 76ca. The primary section 12 of this example further includes an intermediate heat exchange loop 78ac interconnecting the tank heat exchangers 76ac and 76ca, and an intermediate pump 80ac arranged to circulate the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange loop 78ac.

[0082] Furthermore, in this example, the second tank 16b includes a tank heat exchanger 76bc, and the third tank 16c includes a tank heat exchanger 76cb. The primary section 12 of this example further includes an intermediate heat exchange loop 78bc interconnecting the tank heat exchangers 76bc and 76cb, and an intermediate pump 80bc arranged to circulate the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange loop 78bc.

[0083] This example heat engine system 14 contains a secondary fluid 82, illustrated here as carbon dioxide. The heat engine system 14 also includes a secondary temperature sensor 84 configured to measure the temperature of the secondary fluid 82 within the heat engine system 14. The secondary temperature sensor 84 communicates with the control system 34.

[0084] Figure 2 A specific exemplary embodiment of the heat engine system 14 is schematically shown. This example heat engine system 14 includes a secondary loop 86 through which secondary fluid 82 circulates in a closed-loop and impermeable manner and undergoes a transcritical thermodynamic cycle.

[0085] This example heat engine system 14 includes a secondary fluid reservoir 88, a compressor 90, a secondary turbine 92, and a secondary generator 94. The compressor 90 and the secondary generator 94 communicate with a control system 34. For example, the control system 34 can control the drive of the compressor 90 and can control the electrical load on the secondary generator 94. The secondary generator 94 is arranged to be driven by the rotation of the secondary turbine 92 to generate electrical energy. Arrow 96 indicates the flow direction of the secondary fluid 82 in the secondary circuit 86. When the compressor 90 is driven, the secondary fluid 82 circulates in the secondary circuit 86.

[0086] Figure 2 The high-pressure side 98 of the secondary circuit 86 upstream of the secondary turbine 92 and the low-pressure side 100 of the secondary circuit 86 downstream of the secondary turbine 92 are further indicated. The secondary side 52 of the primary heat exchanger 48 is located here at the high-pressure side 98.

[0087] The heat engine system 14 in this example further includes a primary heat exchanger 102. The primary heat exchanger 102 is arranged to exchange heat between the high-pressure side 98 and the low-pressure side 100 of the secondary loop 86. For example, heat can be transferred from the secondary fluid 82 at the low-pressure side 100 to the secondary fluid 82 at the high-pressure side 98 via the primary heat exchanger 102.

[0088] The heat engine system 14 in this example further includes a second-stage heat exchanger 104. The second-stage heat exchanger 104 is arranged to exchange heat between a secondary fluid 82 (here located downstream of the first-stage heat exchanger 102 and upstream of the secondary fluid reservoir 88 on the low-pressure side 100) and a tertiary fluid 106 in the energy trap 108. For example, heat can be transferred from the secondary fluid 82 in the secondary loop 86 between the first-stage heat exchanger 102 and the secondary fluid reservoir 88 through the second-stage heat exchanger 104 to the tertiary fluid 106 in the energy trap 108. The tertiary fluid 106 may, for example, include groundwater, seawater, or freshwater.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the specific volume 110 (circled) of water 18 in liquid state 20 and the saturation pressure 114 (squared) of water 18 at different temperatures 112. The unit of specific volume 110 is liters per metric ton. The unit of saturation pressure 114 is bar, where one bar equals 100,000 Pa. For example, at a temperature 112 of 100°C, the saturation pressure 114 is 1.014 bar; at a temperature 112 of 150°C, the saturation pressure 114 is 4.758 bar; at a temperature 112 of 200°C, the saturation pressure 114 is 15.55 bar; at a temperature 112 of 250°C, the saturation pressure 114 is 39.73 bar; and at a temperature 112 of 300°C, the saturation pressure 114 is 85.88 bar. Figure 3As shown, when the temperature 112 increases to above 250°C, the saturation pressure 114 increases sharply. If tanks 16a-16c are designed to handle pressures of at least 40 bar, water 18 can be heated to temperature 112 of 250°C in a liquid state 20.

[0090] Common Reference Figures 1 to 3 An example operation method of the energy processing system 10a will be described.

[0091] The first outlet line 28a initially fills the space between the first tank 16a and the primary turbine 26 with water 18 via the first tank 16a. During this filling, the first vent valve 66a is controlled to open, bringing the first tank 16a to atmospheric pressure, and the first outlet valve 42a is controlled to open, allowing water 18 to be transferred from the first tank 16a to the primary turbine 26. Filling can be carried out, for example, via a first safety valve 68a or via a dedicated shut-off filling line (not shown) connected to the first tank 16a (such as to its top geodetic section). Once the water 18 reaches the primary turbine 26, the first outlet valve 42a is controlled to close.

[0092] Then, for example, by controlling the opening of the first vent valve 66a, the first tank 16a is filled with water 18 in liquid state 20 at atmospheric pressure. Water 18 can be, for example, seawater, drinking water, or fresh water. Water 18 can have a temperature 112, for example, below 100°C, such as 10°C. When filling the first tank 16a, the temperature 112 of the water 18 can depend on the temperature 112 of the seawater, drinking water, or fresh water used. During this filling, the first outlet valve 42a can be controlled to be closed. The filling degree of the first tank 16a takes into account the thermal expansion of water 18 in liquid state 20 at temperatures above 100°C 112. For example, since water 18 in liquid state 20 has a specific volume 110 of 1251 liters / ton at a temperature 112 of 250°C, if the target temperature 112 is 250°C, water 18 can be filled to 80% or less of the total volume of the first tank 16a. The first tank 16a has a capacity of 3500 m³. 3 In the example of the volume, the first tank 16a can therefore be filled to 2800 m³. 3 A volume of water 18, for example, in a liquid state 20 at a temperature 112°C, is introduced. Water 18 is then filled into the second outlet line 28b and the second tank 16b in a corresponding manner. That is, water 18 is filled between the second tank 16b and the primary turbine 26 via the second outlet line 28b, for example, through the second safety valve 68b or through a dedicated shut-off filling line (not shown) connected to the second tank 16b (such as to its top geodetic section). During this filling, the second vent valve 66b and the second outlet valve 42b are controlled to be open.

[0093] Then, for example, by controlling the second vent valve 66b to open, the second tank 16b is filled with water 18 in liquid state 20 at atmospheric pressure. The water 18 may have a temperature 112, for example, below 100°C, such as 10°C. During this filling, the second outlet valve 42b can be controlled to close. The filling degree of the second tank 16b also takes into account the thermal expansion of the water 18 in liquid state 20 at temperatures above 100°C 112. Therefore, for a target temperature 112 of 250°C, the second tank 16b can be filled with water 18 to approximately 80% of its total volume at atmospheric pressure.

[0094] Water 18 is then filled into the third outlet line 28c in a corresponding manner. That is, water 18 is filled between the third tank 16c and the primary turbine 26 via the third tank 16c, for example, through the third safety valve 68c or through a dedicated shut-off filling line (not shown) connected to the third tank 16c (such as the top portion connected to its geodesy). During this filling, the third vent valve 66c and the third outlet valve 42c are controlled to be open. The third outlet valve 42c is then controlled to be closed and the third vent valve 66c is controlled to remain open, so that the third tank 16c can receive atmospheric pressure water 18 from the first tank 16a for the first time via the inlet center line 60.

[0095] Then, the first heating element 40a begins to heat the water 18 at atmospheric pressure, i.e., while keeping the first vent valve 66a open. For example, the first heating element 40a can be controlled by the control system 34 to be in a state in which the first heating element 40a can receive electrical energy from an external source such as residual electrical energy, while the second heating element 40b and the third heating element 40c can be controlled by the control system 34 to be in a state in which the second heating element 40b and the third heating element 40c do not receive electrical energy.

[0096] Once the temperature 112 of the water 18 reaches 100°C, the water 18 will begin to boil, and some of the water 18 in liquid state 20 will evaporate into gaseous state 22. Since any air in the first tank 16a is lighter than the water 18 in gaseous state 22 (i.e., has a lower density), the air will be expelled through the first vent valve 66a before the water 18 in gaseous state 22. Once some of the water 18 in gaseous state 22 begins to be expelled through the first vent valve 66a, the first vent valve 66a is closed. For this purpose, a human user could, for example, instruct the control system 34 to close the first vent valve 66a when they observe the water 18 in gaseous state 22 being expelled through it. Alternatively, this closure of the first vent valve 66a can be automatic. For example, the first vent valve 66a can be controlled by the control system 34 to close at a certain time limit after the water 18 reaches the temperature 112 of 100°C. Such a time limit could be set, for example, by considering the initial filling volume of the water 18 in the first tank 16a. When the first vent valve 66a is closed, the first tank 16a contains only or substantially only water 18 in liquid state 20 and gaseous state 22. If the temperature 112 of the water 18 in the first tank 16a drops below 100°C, air from the atmosphere 24 will re-enter the first tank 16a through the first safety valve 68a, thereby preventing the first tank 16a from collapsing.

[0097] The water 18 in the first tank 16a is then further heated by the first heating element 40a while the first tank 16a remains closed, here by keeping the first vent valve 66a and the first outlet valve 42a closed. Because the first tank 16a is closed, the increased temperature 112 of the water 18 will cause an increase in pressure within the first tank 16a. This increase in pressure will then prevent some or all of the water 18 in the liquid state 20 from evaporating. That is, the increased temperature 112 will cause the pressure of the water 18 to be equal to or higher than the saturation pressure 114 at each temperature 112. Because the pressure in the first tank 16a increases and the water 18 is thus maintained in the liquid state 20, no energy is used, or substantially no energy is used, to evaporate the water 18.

[0098] Once the temperature 112 of the water 18 in the first tank 16a reaches the target temperature 112, here 250°C, for example, as determined by the first primary temperature sensor 70a, the pressure in the first tank 16a will be at least 39.73 bar, corresponding to the saturation pressure 114 of the water 18 at 250°C. Furthermore, at 250°C, the specific volume 110 of the water 18 in the first tank 16a will be 1251 liters / metric ton. Therefore, the water 18 in liquid state 20 will occupy almost the entire volume of the first tank 16a, and the water 18 in gaseous state 22 will be compressed above the water 18 in liquid state 20. At this temperature 112 of the water 18, the first outlet valve 42a is opened by the control system 34. The water 18 is thus conducted from the first tank 16a in liquid state 20 and at 250°C temperature 112 to the primary turbine 26, thereby driving the primary turbine 26. Electrical energy is then generated by the primary generator 46.

[0099] Here, water 18 is driven from the first tank 16a to the primary turbine 26 by the pressure of the water 18 in the first tank 16a. When the water 18 in the liquid state 20 leaves the first tank 16a, the water 18 in the gaseous state 22 will expand.

[0100] Since the primary turbine 26 is driven by the volume of water 18 rather than its mass, the thermal expansion of water 18 can be said to provide additional power, because for a given mass of water 18, the primary turbine 26 is driven more by water 18 with relatively larger expansion than water 18 with relatively small or no expansion. For example, by conducting water 18 of a given mass in liquid state 20 with a temperature 112 of 250°C and therefore a specific volume 110 of 1251 liters / ton to the primary turbine 26, the primary turbine 26 will generate 20% more power than by conducting water 18 of a given mass in liquid state 20 with a temperature 112 of 99°C and therefore a specific volume 110 of 1043 liters / ton. The flow 44 of water 18 through the primary turbine 26 can be controlled, for example, by controlling the opening area of ​​the first outlet valve 42a, by controlling the electrical load of the primary generator 46, and / or by controlling the opening area of ​​the third inlet valve 64c.

[0101] Here, the flow 44 is controlled based on the temperature of the secondary fluid 82. The target temperature of the secondary fluid 82 can be set, for example, to 120°C. Therefore, when the temperature of the secondary fluid 82 is lower than the target temperature, the flow 44 increases, and when the temperature of the secondary fluid 82 is higher than the target temperature, the flow 44 decreases.

[0102] Then, water 18 is guided from the primary turbine 26 to the primary side 50 through a closed intermediate pipeline 58. The primary heat exchanger 48 performs heat exchange between the water 18 in the primary section 12 and the secondary fluid 82 in the heat engine system 14.

[0103] The secondary fluid 82 in the secondary fluid reservoir 88 may, for example, have a temperature of 15°C, a pressure of 85 bar, and a flow rate of 874.33 kg / m³. 3 Its density and specific energy are 232.07 kJ / kg. Compressor 90 can increase the pressure of the secondary fluid 82 from 85 bar to 125 bar, which in turn causes the temperature to increase to 17°C and the density to decrease to 232.07 kg / m³. 3 If the secondary fluid 82 is then heated from 17°C to 120°C at the primary heat exchanger 48, its density will decrease to 221.57 kg / m³. 3 The specific energy will increase to 513.25 kJ / kg. The secondary fluid 82 has now expanded 4.064 times.

[0104] In the heat engine system 14, the pressure of the secondary fluid 82 on the low-pressure side 100 of the secondary turbine 92 is always high enough that the secondary fluid 82 does not evaporate. For carbon dioxide, this pressure is at least 72 bar. The pressure on the high-pressure side 98 can be, for example, 125 bar, while the pressure on the low-pressure side 100 can be, for example, 85 bar. This provides a pressure difference of 40 bar to drive the secondary turbine 92. By preventing the evaporation of the secondary fluid 82 on the low-pressure side 100, the energy in the secondary fluid 82 on the low-pressure side 100 can be exchanged for heat more efficiently with the secondary fluid 82 on the high-pressure side 98. The pressures on the high-pressure side 98 and the low-pressure side 100 can be controlled, for example, by controlling the secondary turbine 92 and / or the compressor 90 by the control system 34. The primary heat exchanger 102 enables heat exchange between the secondary fluid 82 on the low-pressure side 100 and the secondary fluid 82 on the high-pressure side 98, making the large temperature difference and small area of ​​the primary heat exchanger 102 possible. When the secondary fluid 82 at the secondary side 52 is heated by the water 18 at the primary side 50, the secondary fluid 82 can transition to a supercritical state. Therefore, the heat engine system 14 is controlled to perform a thermodynamic cycle of the secondary fluid 82 involving the supercritical state of the secondary fluid 82.

[0105] Therefore, in addition to the electrical energy generated by the primary generator 46, electrical energy is also generated by the secondary generator 94. For example, by heating the water 18 in the first tank 16a to a temperature 112 of 250°C and exchanging heat with the water 18 at the primary heat exchanger 48, causing the temperature 112 of the water 18 to drop to 120°C, approximately 576.9 kJ / kg of water 18 can be transferred to the secondary side 52. In this example, 1 kWh (kilowatt-hour) or 3.6 MJ (megajoules) of stored energy would correspond to 6.24 kg of water 18.

[0106] The power output from the primary generator 46 and the secondary generator 94 can be controlled, for example, by the circulation of water 18 in the primary circuit 62. The circulation of water 18 in the primary circuit 62 can then be controlled, for example, by controlling the opening degree of outlet valves 42a-42c, by controlling the electrical load on the primary generator 46, and / or by controlling the opening degree of inlet valves 64a-64c.

[0107] The pressure of water 18 is reduced at the primary heat exchanger 48.

[0108] The degree of pressure reduction depends particularly on the temperature 112 of the secondary fluid 82. For example, downstream of the primary heat exchanger 48, the temperature 112 of the water 18 could be 120°C and the pressure could be 2-3 bar. By heating the water 18 in the first tank 16a to 250°C and utilizing the temperature 112 of the water 18 at the primary heat exchanger 48, approximately 160 kWh of heat energy per 1000 kg of water 18 can be transferred to the heat engine system 14.

[0109] Then, for example, by controlling the third inlet valve 64c to open and controlling the first inlet valve 64a and the second inlet valve 64b to close, water 18 is guided from the primary heat exchanger 48 to the receiving tanks in tanks 16a-16c, here guided to the third tank 16c via the inlet center line 60 and the third inlet line 54c. The third tank 16c is filled for the first time at atmospheric pressure and air is vented in the same manner as described in conjunction with the first tanks 16a and the second tanks 16b. Once all tanks 16a-16c have been filled with water 18 for the first time and air has been vented, all vent valves 66a-66c are controlled to remain closed. In this way, tanks 16a-16c and the primary circuit 62 contain only or substantially only water 18 in liquid state 20 and gaseous state 22. The fact that tanks 16a-16c and the primary circuit 62 contain substantially only water 18 can mean that each of tanks 16a-16c and the primary circuit 62 contains at least 99% by mass of water 18. Since the primary circuit 62 is closed between tanks 16a-16c and primary turbine 26, between primary turbine 26 and primary heat exchanger 48, and between primary heat exchanger 48 and tanks 16a-16c, water evaporation 18 will not occur or will substantially not occur in the primary circuit 62.

[0110] Figure 4The diagram schematically illustrates a first state of an energy processing system 10a according to a specific example. In this first state, a first tank 16a is in a ready state 116, a second tank 16b is in a heating state 118, and a third tank 16c is in a filling state 120. In each of the ready state 116, heating state 118, and filling state 120, exhaust valves 66a to 66c are closed. In the ready state 116 of the first tank 16a, the first inlet valve 64a is controlled to be closed, and the first heating element 40a can be controlled to either not heat the water 18 or to heat the water 18 to maintain a target temperature 112, for example, as determined based on a first primary temperature sensor 70a. Furthermore, in the ready state 116 of the first tank 16a, the first outlet valve 42a can be controlled to be opened to conduct water 18 to the primary turbine 26.

[0111] When the level of water 18 in liquid state 20 in the first tank 16a drops below a threshold, for example, below 10% of the total volume of the first tank 16a and as determined by the first level sensor 74a, the intermediate pump 80ab is controlled to circulate the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78ab, so that heat is transferred from the water 18 in the first tank 16a to the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78ab through the tank heat exchanger 76ab, and heat is transferred from the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78ab to the water 18 in the second tank 16b through the tank heat exchanger 76ba.

[0112] In the heating state 118 of the second tank 16b, the second inlet valve 64b and the second outlet valve 42b are controlled to be closed, and the second heating element 40b is controlled to heat water 18. In the filling state 120 of the third tank 16c, the third inlet valve 64c is controlled to be open, and the third outlet valve 42c is controlled to be closed. The third tank 16c thus receives water 18 from the first tank 16a. Furthermore, in the filling state 120 of the third tank 16c, the third heating element 40c is controlled not to heat water 18.

[0113] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates a second state of an energy processing system 10a according to a specific example. In this second state, the first tank 16a is in a filling state 120, the second tank 16b is in a ready state 116, and the third tank 16c is in a heating state 118. In the ready state 116 of the second tank 16b, the second inlet valve 64b is controlled to be closed, and the second heating element 40b can be controlled to either not heat the water 18 or to heat the water 18 to maintain a target temperature 112, for example, as determined based on the second primary temperature sensor 70b. Furthermore, in the ready state 116 of the second tank 16b, the second outlet valve 42b can be controlled to be opened to conduct water 18 to the primary turbine 26.

[0114] When the level of water 18 in liquid state 20 in the second tank 16b drops below a threshold, for example, below 10% of the total volume of the second tank 16b, and as determined by the second level sensor 74b, the intermediate pump 80bc is controlled to circulate the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78bc, so that heat is transferred from the water 18 in the second tank 16b through the tank heat exchanger 76bc to the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78bc, and heat is transferred from the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78bc through the tank heat exchanger 76cb to the water 18 in the third tank 16c.

[0115] In the heating state 118 of the third tank 16c, the third inlet valve 64c and the third outlet valve 42c are controlled to be closed, and the third heating element 40c is controlled to heat water 18. In the filling state 120 of the first tank 16a, the first inlet valve 64a is controlled to be open, and the first outlet valve 42a is controlled to be closed. Thus, the first tank 16a receives water 18 from the second tank 16b. Furthermore, in the filling state 120 of the first tank 16a, the first heating element 40a is controlled not to heat water 18.

[0116] Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates a third state of an energy processing system 10a according to a specific example. In this third state, the first tank 16a is in a heating state 118, the second tank 16b is in a filling state 120, and the third tank 16c is in a ready state 116. In the ready state 116 of the third tank 16c, the third inlet valve 64c is controlled to be closed, and the third heating element 40c can be controlled to either not heat the water 18 or to heat the water 18 to maintain a target temperature 112, for example, as determined based on the third primary temperature sensor 70c. Furthermore, in the ready state 116 of the third tank 16c, the third outlet valve 42c can be controlled to open to conduct water 18 to the primary turbine 26.

[0117] When the level of water 18 in liquid state 20 in the third tank 16c drops below a threshold, for example, below 10% of the total volume of the third tank 16c, and as determined by the third level sensor 74c, the intermediate pump 80ac is controlled to circulate the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78ac, so that heat is transferred from the water 18 in the third tank 16c to the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78ac through the tank heat exchanger 76ca, and heat is transferred from the heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchange circuit 78ac to the water 18 in the first tank 16a through the tank heat exchanger 76ac.

[0118] In the heating state 118 of the first tank 16a, the first inlet valve 64a and the first outlet valve 42a are controlled to be closed, and the first heating element 40a is controlled to heat water 18. In the filling state 120 of the second tank 16b, the second inlet valve 64b is controlled to be opened, and the second outlet valve 42b is controlled to be closed. Thus, the second tank 16b receives water 18 from the third tank 16c. Furthermore, in the filling state 120 of the second tank 16b, the second heating element 40b is controlled not to heat water 18. This is achieved by controlling the energy processing system 10a according to... Figures 4 to 6 The operation allows for the continuous generation of electrical energy by the primary generator 46 and the secondary generator 94.

[0119] According to an alternative variant, the energy processing system 10a includes only two tanks 16a-16c, such as a first tank 16a and a second tank 16b. In these cases, the first tank 16a can be in a ready state 116 while the second tank 16b is in a filling state 120, and vice versa. When either tank 16a or 16b is in a heating state 118, the other tank 16a or 16b can remain empty. In this variant, interruptions may occur in the generation of electrical energy.

[0120] In another alternative variant, the energy processing system 10a includes more than three tanks 16a-16c. In this variant, two or more of the tanks 16a-16c can simultaneously be in one of the following states: preparation state 116, heating state 118, and filling state 120.

[0121] Figure 7 An energy processing system 10b according to another example is schematically illustrated. The energy processing system 10b includes a tank 16d, which includes a spherical top portion and a spherical bottom portion. The tank 16d includes a thermally insulating material 122. The thermally insulating material 122 may include, for example, an all-metal reflective material, a fibrous material, and / or a powder material. Each tank 16a-16c may include a spherical top portion and a spherical bottom portion similar to that of tank 16d. Alternatively or supplementally, each tank 16a-16c may include a thermally insulating material 122 similar to that of tank 16d. Tank 16d further includes a first primary temperature sensor 70a, a first pressure sensor 72a, and a first liquid level sensor 74a.

[0122] The energy processing system 10b further includes a heating element 40d for heating water 18 in tank 16d. The heating element 40d is located inside tank 16d. In this example, the heating element 40d is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a heat exchange medium heated by an external energy source and the water 18 within tank 16d. The heating element 40d is another example of an energy source according to this disclosure.

[0123] The energy processing system 10b in this example further includes a pump 124. The pump 124 is controlled by a control system 34. By driving the pump 124, the circulation of the heat exchange medium through the heating element 40d can be controlled, and thus the heating of the water 18 in the tank 16d can be controlled.

[0124] The energy processing system 10b further includes a first safety valve 68a and a first vent valve 66a connected to the top portion of the tank 16d. The energy processing system 10b further includes a first outlet line 28a connected to the tank 16d, a first outlet valve 42a disposed at the first outlet line 28a, a primary turbine 26, a primary generator 46, and an outlet line 126 downstream of the primary turbine 26. The first outlet line 28a interconnects the tank 16d and the primary turbine 26.

[0125] Using the energy processing system 10b, water 18 in tank 16d can be heated to a temperature 112 of at least 100°C, such as 250°C, while maintaining the pressure in tank 16d at least equal to the saturation pressure 114 of water 18 at each temperature 112 to keep water 18 in a liquid state 20. Water 18 can then be conducted from tank 16d of primary turbine 26 in a liquid state 20 and having a temperature of at least 100°C 112, thereby driving primary turbine 26. The energy processing system 10b may not include a primary heat exchanger 48, and the energy processing system 10b can be used, for example, for zone heating, where water 18 in outlet line 126 is conducted to a remote area.

[0126] Figure 8 This is a flowchart outlining the general steps of a method for processing energy. The method may include heating water 18 in tanks 16a-16d to a temperature 112 of 100°C at atmospheric pressure (S10). The method may further include venting air from the top of tanks 16a-16d (S12) after heating the water 18 to the temperature 112 of 100°C at atmospheric pressure (S14). The method may further include closing tanks 16a-16d (S14) after venting the air.

[0127] The method includes heating water 18 in tanks 16a-16d to a temperature 112 of at least 100°C, while maintaining the pressure in tanks 16a-16d at least equal to the saturation pressure 114 of water 18 at each temperature 112, to maintain water 18 in a liquid state 20. The method further includes conducting water 18 in a liquid state 20 and having a temperature 112 of at least 100°C from tanks 16a-16d to a primary turbine 26, thereby driving the primary turbine 26.

[0128] The method may further include controlling the flow 44 of S20 water 18 through the primary turbine 26.

[0129] Tanks 16a to 16d can be the first tank 16a. In this case, the method may further include conducting water 18 downstream of the primary turbine 26 to the second tanks 16b and 16c via S22. The method may further include heating the water 18 in the second tanks 16b and 16c to a temperature 112 of at least 100°C via S24, while maintaining the pressure in the second tanks 16b and 16c at least equal to the saturation pressure 114 of the water 18 at each temperature 112, to maintain the water 18 in a liquid state 20. The method may further include heat exchange S26 between the water 18 in the first tank 16a and the water 18 in the second tanks 16b and 16c when the volume of the water 18 in the liquid state 20 in the first tank 16a has decreased below a threshold.

[0130] The method may further include conducting water 18, which is in a liquid state 20 and has a temperature 112 of at least 100°C, through the primary side 50 in S28. The method may further include controlling the flow 44 of water 18 through the primary turbine 26 in S30 based on the temperature on the secondary side 52.

[0131] The method may further include circulating the secondary fluid 82 in the heat engine system 14 through the secondary side 52 in S32. The method may further include controlling the secondary fluid 82 in the heat engine system 14 in S34 to perform a thermodynamic cycle involving the supercritical state of the secondary fluid 82.

[0132] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it should be understood that the dimensions of the components may vary as needed. Therefore, the invention may be limited only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for processing energy, the method comprising: - The water (18) in the tanks (16a-16d) is heated (S16) to a temperature of at least 100°C (112), while maintaining the pressure in the tanks (16a-16d) at least equal to the saturation pressure (114) of the water (18) at each temperature (112), so as to maintain the water (18) in a liquid state (20); and - The water (18) in a liquid state (20) and having a temperature (112) of at least 100°C is conducted (S18) from the tank (16a-16d) to the primary turbine (26), thereby driving the primary turbine (26).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The water (18) in the tanks (16a-16d) is heated to a temperature of at least 150°C (112).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further includes (S20) controlling (44) the flow (of) of the water (18) through the primary turbine (26).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method further includes (S28) conducting (20) water (18) in a liquid state (20) and having a temperature (112) of at least 100°C through the primary side (50) of a primary heat exchanger (48) located downstream of the primary turbine (26), the primary heat exchanger including the primary side (50) and a secondary side (52).

5. The method according to claims 3 and 4, wherein, (S30) The flow (44) of the water (18) through the primary turbine (26) is controlled (S30) based on the temperature on the secondary side (52).

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising circulating the secondary fluid (82) in the heat engine system (14) through the secondary side (52) (S32).

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising controlling (S34) the heat engine system (14) to perform a thermodynamic cycle involving the supercritical state of the secondary fluid (82).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The secondary fluid (82) includes carbon dioxide.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: -The water (18) in the tanks (16a-16d) is heated (S10) to a temperature of 100°C (112) under atmospheric pressure. - After heating at atmospheric pressure, air is discharged from the top of the tank (16a-16d) (S12); - Close the can (16a-16d) after the air is released (S14). The water (18) in the tanks (16a-16d) is heated to a temperature (112) of at least 100°C after the tanks (16a-16d) are closed.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank (16a-16d) is a first tank (16a), and wherein the method further comprises: - The water (18) is conducted (S22) downstream of the primary turbine (26) to the second tank (16b, 16c); and - The water (18) in the second tank (16b, 16c) is heated (S24) to a temperature of at least 100°C (112), while the pressure in the second tank (16b, 16c) is maintained at least equal to the saturation pressure of the water (18) at each temperature (112) (114) to keep the water (18) in a liquid state (20).

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising, when the volume of water (18) in liquid state (20) in the first tank (16a) has decreased to below a threshold, performing heat exchange (S26) between the water (18) in the first tank (16a) and the water (18) in the second tank (16b, 16c).

12. An energy processing system (10a; 10b) comprising: - Tanks (16a-16d), said tanks (16a-16d) are configured to contain water (18) and withstand an internal pressure of at least 15 bar; - Energy source (40a-40d), the energy source (40a-40d) being configured to heat the water (18) in the tank (16a-16d) to a temperature (112) of at least 100°C. - Primary turbine (26); and - Outlet valves (42a-42c) are configured to control the flow (44) of water (18) from the tank (16a-16d) to the primary turbine (26).

13. The energy processing system (10a; 10b) according to claim 12, further comprising an electronic control system (34), the electronic control system (34) comprising at least one data processing device (36) and at least one memory (38), the at least one memory storing at least one computer program, the at least one computer program comprising program code, the program code causing the at least one data processing device (36) to control the flow (44) of water (18) through the primary turbine (26) when executed by the at least one data processing device (36).

14. The energy processing system (10a) according to claim 12 or 13 further includes a primary heat exchanger (48) disposed downstream of the primary turbine (26), the primary heat exchanger (48) including a primary side (50) and a secondary side (52).

15. The energy processing system (10a) according to claims 13 and 14, further comprising a secondary temperature sensor (84) configured to measure the temperature of the secondary fluid (82) at the secondary side (52), wherein, The at least one computer program includes program code that, when executed by the at least one data processing device (36), causes the at least one data processing device (36) to control the flow (44) of water (18) through the primary turbine (26) based on the temperature measured by the secondary temperature sensor (84).

16. The energy processing system (10a) of claim 15 further includes a heat engine system (14) that houses the secondary fluid (82), wherein the heat engine system (14) is configured to perform a thermodynamic cycle involving a supercritical state of the secondary fluid (82).

17. The energy processing system (10a) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The secondary fluid (82) includes carbon dioxide.

18. The energy processing system (10a) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising an exhaust valve (66a) at the top of the tanks (16a-16d) for discharging air from the tanks (16a-16d).

19. The energy processing system (10a) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the tank (16a-16d) is a first tank (16a), and wherein the energy processing system (10a) further comprises: - Second tank (16b, 16c), the second tank is configured to contain water (18) and be able to withstand an internal pressure of at least 15 bar; - An energy source (40b, 40c) configured to heat water (18) in the second tank (16b, 16c) to a temperature (112) of at least 100°C; and - Second outlet valves (42b, 42c) are configured to control the flow of water (18) from the second tank (16b, 16c) to the primary turbine (26).

20. The energy processing system (10a) according to claim 19 further includes tank heat exchangers (76ab, 76ba) arranged to exchange heat between water (18) in the first tank (16a) and water (18) in the second tanks (16b, 16c).

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