Fused salt electric heater with explosion-proof function

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fused salt electric heaters, in particular to a fused salt electric heater with an anti-explosion function, which comprises a heating main body, a pressure release device, an anti-explosion isolation structure and a temperature control balancing assembly. The pressure release device realizes quick pressure release through a pressure release valve and a flow guide pipe; the explosion-proof isolation structure adopts a multi-layer composite material isolation cover and is combined with an elastic sealing ring to prevent molten salt leakage; the temperature control balancing assembly optimizes molten salt flow and temperature distribution through a splitter plate and an adjusting mechanism. The surface of the heating element is coated with a heat conduction coating to improve heat transfer efficiency, and a temperature sensor monitors and regulates a temperature field in real time. The safety problem caused by abnormal pressure or fused salt leakage in the high-temperature and high-pressure environment can be effectively solved, meanwhile, the local overheating phenomenon is reduced, the operation stability of equipment is improved, and the service life of the equipment is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of heating equipment, specifically a molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function. Background Technology

[0002] In the application of molten salt electric heaters, equipment safety is one of the key indicators for ensuring the stable operation of solar thermal power generation, industrial heating, and energy storage systems. Currently, some designs have emerged on the market that improve heating efficiency by optimizing the molten salt flow path or increasing the heat dissipation area; however, these solutions still lack sufficient safety protection capabilities under extreme operating conditions. For example, in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, molten salt leakage or electrical short circuits could lead to explosions, posing a serious threat to equipment and personnel safety. Furthermore, existing technologies have limitations in controlling the uniformity of the temperature field during the heating process, easily leading to localized overheating, which affects heating efficiency and equipment lifespan.

[0003] For example, the Chinese invention patent (publication number: CN117928097B) discloses a "modular high-voltage radiative molten salt electric heater," which, according to its specification, employs a modular structure with a heating component inside the shell. The molten salt flow path is optimized through an alternating arrangement of inlet and outlet pipes to improve heat exchange efficiency. However, this design lacks an explosion-proof device, making it difficult to effectively prevent the risk of explosion due to molten salt leakage or electric heating element failure in the event of a sudden malfunction. Furthermore, its fixed piping layout makes it difficult to dynamically adjust the molten salt flow rate and temperature distribution according to operating conditions, thus posing safety hazards when dealing with complex operating conditions.

[0004] For example, the Chinese invention patent (publication number: CN112762615B) discloses an "electric heater for molten salt heating," which states that a serpentine heating tube bundle increases the heat dissipation area, and upper and lower wiring cavities are provided on the casing to reduce heat concentration in the cable connection area. This structure can reduce the temperature difference between the heating tube wall and the molten salt, accelerate heat conduction efficiency, and solve the problem of film temperature overheating. However, this design also lacks explosion-proof protection measures for sudden pressure increases or molten salt leaks, and the dense arrangement of the heating tube bundle increases the possibility of local hot spots, further exacerbating potential safety hazards.

[0005] The aforementioned problems indicate that the safety of molten salt electric heaters currently on the market still needs improvement, especially in the design of explosion-proof functions, where a mature technical solution has not yet been developed. Therefore, this invention provides a molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof functionality to overcome these shortcomings and offer a safer, more reliable, and adaptable solution for complex operating conditions. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to solve the problem of insufficient safety protection capability of existing molten salt electric heaters under extreme working conditions, especially the technical defects of explosion risk caused by molten salt leakage or electrical short circuit under high temperature and high pressure environment, as well as the impact of uneven temperature field on equipment life and efficiency due to local overheating.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives and address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides an explosion-proof molten salt electric heater, comprising a heating body, a pressure relief device, an explosion-proof isolation structure, and a temperature control and equalization component. The heating body has an internal heating chamber for containing molten salt, within which multiple sets of heating elements are arranged. These heating elements contact the molten salt via a heat-conducting substrate. The pressure relief device is located at the top of the heating body and communicates with the heating chamber, used for rapid pressure relief in the event of an abnormal increase in internal pressure. The explosion-proof isolation structure is installed on the outer wall of the heating chamber and connected to the heating body via a seal, used to isolate the molten salt leakage path. The temperature control and equalization component is located at the bottom of the heating chamber, used to adjust the molten salt flow path and optimize temperature distribution.

[0008] The pressure relief device includes a pressure relief valve and a guide pipe. The pressure relief valve is fixed to the top of the heating body by a threaded connection. It has a spring-driven piston inside. When the pressure in the heating chamber exceeds a preset value, the piston moves upward to open the pressure relief channel. One end of the guide pipe is connected to the outlet end of the pressure relief valve, and the other end extends to a collection container outside the heating body to guide the molten salt or gas discharged during the pressure relief process to a safe area.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the explosion-proof isolation structure includes an isolation cover made of multi-layer composite material. The inner layer of the isolation cover is a high-temperature resistant ceramic coating, the middle layer is a high-strength alloy mesh, and the outer layer is a corrosion-resistant metal shell. The isolation cover is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the heating body by a buckle, and an elastic sealing ring is provided between the isolation cover and the heating body to prevent molten salt from leaking from the connection.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the temperature control equalization component includes a flow divider plate and an adjustment mechanism. The flow divider plate is located at the bottom of the heating chamber, and its surface has multiple flow divider holes for changing the flow direction and speed of the molten salt. The adjustment mechanism includes a sliding block and a drive rod. The sliding block is embedded inside the flow divider plate and connected to a control handle outside the heating body through the drive rod. By manually adjusting the position of the control handle, the position of the sliding block in the flow divider plate can be changed, thereby adjusting the opening size of the flow divider holes and realizing dynamic control of the molten salt flow path.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the heating element includes a plurality of parallel heating tubes, each of which is coated with a thermally conductive coating on its outer surface. The thickness of the thermally conductive coating is 0.5mm to 1mm to improve the heat transfer efficiency between the heating tube and the molten salt. The two ends of the heating tube are respectively fixed to the inner wall of the heating cavity by insulating brackets, and each heating tube maintains a uniform spacing to avoid the generation of local hot spots.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the inner wall of the heating cavity is provided with multiple temperature sensors. The temperature sensors are connected to a controller outside the heating body via data cables to monitor the temperature distribution inside the heating cavity in real time. The controller automatically adjusts the power output of the heating element according to the data fed back by the temperature sensors to maintain the uniformity of the temperature field inside the heating cavity.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the bottom of the heating body is provided with a support foot, which is fixedly connected to the heating body by welding, and the bottom of the support foot is provided with a shock-absorbing pad to absorb the vibration generated during operation and improve the stability of the equipment.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] With its pressure relief device, the pressure relief valve can quickly open and guide excess pressure to a safe area through a guide pipe when the pressure inside the heating chamber rises abnormally, effectively preventing explosions caused by excessive pressure. The explosion-proof isolation structure, using a multi-layered composite material shield combined with elastic sealing rings, significantly enhances the heating element's protection against the external environment while effectively blocking molten salt leakage paths. The temperature control and equalization component, through the coordinated action of the flow divider and regulating mechanism, dynamically adjusts the molten salt flow path, thereby optimizing the temperature distribution within the heating chamber and reducing localized overheating. Furthermore, the thermally conductive coating on the heating element surface and the real-time monitoring function of the temperature sensor further improve heat transfer efficiency and temperature control accuracy. These technologies collectively address the safety shortcomings of existing molten salt electric heaters, providing a more reliable solution adaptable to complex operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of a pressure relief device;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the explosion-proof isolation structure;

[0019] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the temperature control and equalization component.

[0020] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0021] 1. Heating body; 2. Pressure relief device; 3. Explosion-proof isolation structure; 4. Temperature control equalization component; 5. Heating chamber; 6. Heating element; 7. Pressure relief valve; 8. Guide pipe; 9. Isolation cover; 10. Elastic sealing ring; 11. Diverter plate; 12. Adjustment mechanism; 13. Heating tube; 14. Temperature sensor; 15. Support foot. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This utility model provides a molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function, the structure and operating principle of which are described in the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 A detailed description is provided below. The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in conjunction with the specific components and their reference numerals shown in the accompanying drawings. This molten salt electric heater includes a heating body 1, a pressure relief device 2, an explosion-proof isolation structure 3, and a temperature control and equalization component 4. The safety and stability of the equipment are achieved through reasonable connections and spatial arrangements between these components.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the heating body 1 is the core part of the entire device, and its interior has a heating chamber 5 to hold molten salt. Multiple sets of heating elements 6 are arranged within the heating chamber 5. These heating elements 6 contact the molten salt through a heat-conducting substrate to achieve heat transfer. The heating elements 6 consist of multiple parallel-arranged heating tubes 13, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the outer surface of each heating tube 13 is coated with a thermally conductive coating with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm. Both ends of the heating tube 13 are fixed to the inner wall of the heating cavity 5 by insulating supports, and each heating tube 13 maintains a uniform spacing to avoid the generation of localized hot spots. Multiple temperature sensors 14 are also installed on the inner wall of the heating cavity 5. The temperature sensors 14 are connected to a controller outside the heating body 1 via data cables to monitor the temperature distribution within the heating cavity 5 in real time. The controller adjusts the power output of the heating element 6 based on the data fed back from the temperature sensors 14, thereby maintaining the uniformity of the temperature field within the heating cavity 5.

[0024] The pressure relief device 2 is located at the top of the heating body 1 and communicates with the heating chamber 5, used for rapid pressure relief when the internal pressure rises abnormally. Figure 2As shown, the pressure relief device 2 includes a pressure relief valve 7 and a guide pipe 8. The pressure relief valve 7 is fixed to the top of the heating body 1 by a threaded connection, and has a spring-driven piston inside. When the pressure in the heating chamber 5 exceeds a preset value, the piston moves upward to open the pressure relief channel. One end of the guide pipe 8 is connected to the outlet end of the pressure relief valve 7, and the other end extends into a collection container outside the heating body 1 to guide the molten salt or gas discharged during the pressure relief process to a safe area. The threaded connection of the pressure relief valve 7 ensures a tight seal between it and the heating body 1, while also facilitating disassembly and maintenance.

[0025] An explosion-proof isolation structure 3 is installed on the outer wall of the heating chamber 5 and connected to the heating body 1 via a seal, used to isolate the molten salt leakage path. Figure 3 As shown, the explosion-proof isolation structure 3 includes an isolation cover 9 made of multi-layer composite materials. The inner layer of the isolation cover 9 is a high-temperature resistant ceramic coating, the middle layer is a high-strength alloy mesh, and the outer layer is a corrosion-resistant metal shell. The isolation cover 9 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the heating body 1 by snap-fit. An elastic sealing ring 10 is provided between the isolation cover 9 and the heating body 1 to prevent molten salt from leaking from the connection. The elastic sealing ring 10 is made of a material with good high-temperature resistance and elasticity, which can adapt to the thermal expansion changes of the heating chamber 5 under high-temperature conditions, while ensuring the sealing performance of the connection.

[0026] The temperature control and equalization component 4 is located at the bottom of the heating chamber 5 and is used to adjust the molten salt flow path and optimize the temperature distribution. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the temperature control and equalization component 4 includes a flow divider plate 11 and an adjustment mechanism 12. The flow divider plate 11 is located at the bottom of the heating chamber 5, and its surface has multiple flow divider holes for changing the flow direction and speed of the molten salt. The adjustment mechanism 12 includes a sliding block and a drive rod. The sliding block is embedded inside the flow divider plate 11 and connected to a control handle outside the heating body 1 via the drive rod. By manually adjusting the position of the control handle, the position of the sliding block in the flow divider plate 11 can be changed, thereby adjusting the opening size of the flow divider holes and realizing dynamic control of the molten salt flow path. The flow divider holes of the flow divider plate 11 are designed with different sizes and shapes, which can flexibly adjust the flow state of the molten salt according to actual needs and further optimize the temperature distribution in the heating chamber 5.

[0027] The bottom of the heating body 1 is equipped with a support foot 15, which is fixedly connected to the heating body 1 by welding. The bottom of the support foot 15 is equipped with a shock-absorbing pad. The shock-absorbing pad is made of highly elastic rubber material, which can effectively absorb vibrations generated during equipment operation and improve the stability of the equipment. The design of the support foot 15 not only enhances the overall rigidity of the equipment but also reduces the risk of loosening or damage to components due to vibration.

[0028] In actual operation, molten salt is injected into the heating chamber 5 through the inlet and enters the interior of the heating chamber 5 through the diversion holes of the diversion plate 11. The heating element 6 heats the molten salt, and the thermally conductive coating improves the heat transfer efficiency between the heating tube 13 and the molten salt. The temperature sensor 14 monitors the temperature distribution in the heating chamber 5 in real time and transmits the data to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the power output of the heating element 6 based on the feedback information from the temperature sensor 14 to ensure the uniformity of the temperature field in the heating chamber 5. When the pressure in the heating chamber 5 rises abnormally, the piston of the pressure relief valve 7 is pushed upward to open the pressure relief channel, and the excess pressure is guided to a safe area through the guide pipe 8. The isolation cover 9 and the elastic sealing ring 10 of the explosion-proof isolation structure 3 work together to prevent molten salt leakage and effectively protect the external environment of the equipment. By adjusting the control handle in the temperature control equalization component 4, the position of the sliding block can be changed, thereby adjusting the opening size of the diversion hole and optimizing the flow path and temperature distribution of the molten salt.

[0029] This invention solves the problem of insufficient safety protection capabilities of existing molten salt electric heaters under extreme operating conditions through the above-described structure and operating principle. Specifically, it addresses the technical defects of explosion risks caused by molten salt leakage or electrical short circuits under high temperature and high pressure environments, as well as the impact of uneven temperature fields on equipment lifespan and efficiency due to localized overheating. The connection relationships and spatial arrangement of various components are rationally designed to ensure the reliability and safety of the equipment under complex operating conditions.

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this utility model, the following supplementary explanation of the implementation principle of this utility model is provided in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0031] In practical applications, the molten salt electric heater of this invention can be widely used in solar thermal power generation, industrial heating, and energy storage systems. The following specific application example details its operating steps and implementation principle.

[0032] First, the operator injects molten salt into the heating chamber 5 through the inlet. After entering the heating chamber 5, the molten salt is initially distributed by the flow divider 11 in the temperature control and equalization assembly 4. The multiple flow dividers on the flow divider 11 are designed with different sizes and shapes to ensure a reasonable distribution based on the flow characteristics of the molten salt. At this time, the sliding block in the adjustment mechanism 12 is in its initial position, and the opening of the flow dividers remains at the default state to ensure that the molten salt flows evenly into all areas of the heating chamber 5. The design of the flow divider 11 not only optimizes the flow path of the molten salt but also avoids localized temperature differences caused by uneven flow rates.

[0033] Subsequently, heating element 6 begins operation, and the thermally conductive coating on the surface of heating tube 13 significantly improves heat transfer efficiency. The uniform spacing between heating tubes 13 and the placement of the thermally conductive substrate further ensure uniform heat distribution within the molten salt. Simultaneously, multiple temperature sensors 14 arranged on the inner wall of the heating chamber 5 monitor the temperature distribution of the molten salt in real time and transmit the collected data to the controller. The controller dynamically adjusts the power output of heating element 6 based on the feedback information, thereby maintaining the uniformity of the temperature field within the heating chamber 5. This process effectively avoids localized overheating and extends the service life of the equipment.

[0034] When abnormal operating conditions occur during equipment operation, such as the pressure in heating chamber 5 exceeding a preset value, the pressure relief device 2 is activated. The spring inside the pressure relief valve 7 drives the piston upwards, opening the pressure relief channel. Molten salt or gas is guided to a safe area through the guide pipe 8, thus avoiding the risk of explosion due to excessive pressure. The threaded connection of the pressure relief valve 7 not only ensures sealing but also facilitates later maintenance and replacement. Furthermore, the isolation cover 9 and the elastic sealing ring 10 in the explosion-proof isolation structure 3 work together to prevent molten salt leakage and protect the external environment of the equipment. The multi-layer composite material structure of the isolation cover 9 can withstand extreme conditions under high temperature and high pressure, while the elastic sealing ring 10 adapts to the thermal expansion changes of the heating chamber 5 under high-temperature conditions, ensuring long-term sealing performance at the connection.

[0035] During operation, if further optimization of the molten salt flow path and temperature distribution is required, the operator can manually adjust the position of the sliding block by adjusting the control handle in the temperature control equalization component 4. The movement of the sliding block adjusts the opening of the diversion orifice, thereby changing the flow rate and direction of the molten salt. This dynamic adjustment function allows the equipment to flexibly respond to different operating conditions, further improving heating efficiency and safety.

[0036] Furthermore, the support feet 15 and the shock-absorbing pads at their bottom play a crucial role in the operation of the equipment. The shock-absorbing pads are made of highly elastic rubber material, effectively absorbing vibrations generated during operation and reducing the risk of loosening or damage to components. The support feet 15 are fixedly connected to the heating body 1 by welding, enhancing the overall rigidity of the equipment and ensuring its stability under complex operating conditions.

[0037] In summary, this utility model achieves safety and reliability of the molten salt electric heater through the specific steps and principles described above. The synergistic effect between the components solves the safety hazards and technical defects existing in the prior art, especially providing a more complete solution under extreme operating conditions. Contents not described in detail in this specification are prior art known to those skilled in the art, and the model parameters of each electrical component are not specifically limited; conventional equipment can be used. Electrical control components not mentioned in this technical solution are prior art and are therefore not shown in the figures, and will not be described further here.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function, characterized in that, The device includes a heating body (1), a pressure relief device (2), an explosion-proof isolation structure (3), and a temperature control equalization component (4). The heating body (1) has a heating chamber (5) for containing molten salt. Multiple heating elements (6) are arranged in the heating chamber (5). The heating elements (6) are in contact with the molten salt through a heat-conducting substrate. The pressure relief device (2) is located at the top of the heating body (1) and communicates with the heating chamber (5). The explosion-proof isolation structure (3) is installed on the outer wall of the heating chamber (5) and connected to the heating body (1) through a sealing element. The temperature control equalization component (4) is located at the bottom of the heating chamber (5).

2. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure relief device (2) includes a pressure relief valve (7) and a guide pipe (8). The pressure relief valve (7) is fixed to the top of the heating body (1) by a threaded connection, and a spring-driven piston is provided inside it. One end of the guide pipe (8) is connected to the outlet end of the pressure relief valve (7), and the other end extends to a collection container outside the heating body (1).

3. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The explosion-proof isolation structure (3) includes an isolation cover (9) made of multi-layer composite material. The inner layer of the isolation cover (9) is a high-temperature resistant ceramic coating, the middle layer is a high-strength alloy mesh, and the outer layer is a corrosion-resistant metal shell. The isolation cover (9) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the heating body (1) by a buckle, and an elastic sealing ring (10) is provided between the isolation cover (9) and the heating body (1).

4. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control equalization component (4) includes a flow divider (11) and an adjustment mechanism (12). The flow divider (11) is located at the bottom of the heating chamber (5) and has multiple flow divider holes on its surface. The adjustment mechanism (12) includes a sliding block and a drive rod. The sliding block is embedded inside the flow divider (11) and connected to the control handle outside the heating body (1) through the drive rod.

5. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element (6) includes a plurality of parallel heating tubes (13), and the outer surface of each heating tube (13) is coated with a thermally conductive coating with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm; the two ends of the heating tubes (13) are respectively fixed to the inner wall of the heating cavity (5) by insulating brackets, and each heating tube (13) maintains a uniform spacing.

6. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the heating chamber (5) is provided with multiple temperature sensors (14), and the temperature sensors (14) are connected to the controller outside the heating body (1) via data cables.

7. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the heating body (1) is provided with a support foot (15), which is fixedly connected to the heating body (1) by welding, and the bottom of the support foot (15) is provided with a shock-absorbing pad.

8. A molten salt electric heater with explosion-proof function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The diversion holes on the diversion plate (11) are designed with different sizes and shapes. The opening size of the diversion holes can be adjusted after the sliding block is connected to the control handle through the drive rod.

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