Installation and method for providing process steam, using a heat source

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation (1) and method for supplying process steam by means of waste heat recovery. The installation (1) comprises heat transfer devices (6, 7) and an energy storage device (8) and is designed such that it can change configuration according to the temperature and / or flow conditions of the source.

Description

Installation and process for supplying industrial steam using a heat source

[0001] The invention relates to the field of industrial steam production, that is to say steam used in industrial processes.

[0002] The invention is of particular interest, in no way limiting, for providing steam to a process for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water vapor, also called "high temperature electrolysis", where the water vapor typically requires a temperature between 600°C and 850°C. State of the prior art

[0003] Industrial steam is usually produced using generators using electricity or fossil fuels as the energy source.

[0004] There is a need to reduce the ecological impact of industrial steam generators.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a steam supply installation, comprising: a first circuit configured to receive a first fluid, a second circuit configured to receive a second heat transfer fluid, a third circuit configured to receive a third fluid, a first heat transfer device configured to be able to transfer heat from said third fluid to said second fluid in order to increase the temperature of the second fluid, a second heat transfer device configured to be able to transfer heat from said second fluid to a flow of said first fluid in the gaseous state in order to increase the temperature of this gaseous flow, a thermal storage device configured to be able to store heat from said second fluid.

[0006] The installation is configured to be able to be selectively placed in one configuration among several configurations from a list including: a configuration, called "direct exchange configuration", in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device to the second heat transfer device, a configuration, called "thermal unloading configuration", in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the thermal storage device to the second heat transfer device.

[0007] The first fluid, also called the "output fluid", preferably comprises water, so that the steam supplied by the installation can be water vapor.

[0008] Without limitation, the second fluid comprises an oil or water.

[0009] Without limitation, the third fluid contains waste heat which can come from many types of industries or processes, for example from a cement plant, a steel plant, a plant in the chemical sector or from various processes generating exothermic reactions.

[0010] The third fluid may be in a gaseous and / or liquid state. Without limitation, the third fluid, also called the "input fluid", may include a combustion gas, air or even water vapor.

[0011] The direct exchange configuration advantageously makes it possible to heat the gas flow passing through the second heat transfer device using heat recovered from the third fluid.

[0012] The thermal discharge configuration advantageously allows the gas stream passing through the second heat transfer device to be heated using heat stored in the thermal storage device.

[0013] The invention makes it possible to produce steam using a fatal heat source and, depending for example on the temperature or flow conditions of the third fluid and / or the needs, to switch from one configuration to another.

[0014] In one embodiment, said list includes a configuration, called a "thermal loading configuration", in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device to the thermal storage device.

[0015] The thermal loading configuration advantageously makes it possible to store heat recovered from the third fluid in the thermal storage device.

[0016] In one embodiment, said list includes a configuration, called a "mixed configuration", in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device to the heat storage device and from the heat storage device to the second heat transfer device.

[0017] The mixed configuration advantageously makes it possible both to heat the gas flow passing through the second heat transfer device using heat recovered in said third fluid and to store in the thermal storage device heat recovered in said third fluid.

[0018] In one embodiment, the installation comprises a heating device configured to raise the temperature of the second fluid upstream of the second heat transfer device.

[0019] Such a heating device advantageously makes it possible to heat the gas flow passing through the second heat transfer device using an external energy source, for example when the energy available in the thermal storage device or in the third fluid is insufficient, and / or to facilitate the start-up of the installation.

[0020] Preferably, the heating device is electric.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second circuit comprises a bypass branch of the heating device.

[0022] The second circuit is preferably configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device to the second heat transfer device via the bypass branch when the installation is in said direct exchange configuration.

[0023] The second circuit is preferably configured to convey the second fluid from the thermal storage device to the second heat transfer device through the bypass branch when the installation is in said thermal unloading configuration and / or in the mixed configuration.

[0024] In one embodiment, said list includes a configuration, called "electrical configuration", in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the thermal storage device to the heating device and from the heating device to the second thermal transfer device.

[0025] The electrical configuration advantageously makes it possible to heat the gas flow passing through the second heat transfer device using an external energy source, for example when the energy available in the thermal storage device is insufficient.

[0026] In one embodiment, said list includes a configuration in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device to the heating device and from the heating device to the second heat transfer device.

[0027] Such a configuration advantageously makes it easier to start the installation, for example before placing the installation in said direct exchange configuration.

[0028] In one embodiment, said list includes a configuration in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device to the heat storage device, from the heat storage device to the heater, and from the heater to the second heat transfer device.

[0029] Such a configuration advantageously makes it easier to start the installation, for example before placing the installation in said mixed configuration.

[0030] In one embodiment, the installation comprises a sensor configured to estimate the temperature of said third fluid and control means configured to place the installation in said direct exchange configuration if the estimated temperature of the third fluid is greater than a first predetermined temperature threshold and less than a second predetermined temperature threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control means are configured to place the installation in said mixed configuration if the estimated temperature of the third fluid is greater than or equal to said second threshold.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first temperature threshold corresponds to the addition of a measured or desired temperature of the gas flow leaving the second heat transfer device and a first constant temperature value, said first constant temperature value being for example equal to 5°C.

[0033] In one embodiment, the second temperature threshold corresponds to the addition of a measured or desired temperature of the gas flow leaving the second heat transfer device and a second constant temperature value, said second constant temperature value being for example equal to 20°C.

[0034] The installation can of course include other components.

[0035] For example, in a non-limiting manner, the installation may comprise a steam production module comprising said second heat transfer device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the vapor production module may include an evaporator configured to convert the first fluid from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method for supplying steam using an installation as defined above, comprising: a heat transfer step, in which said first heat transfer device is implemented to transfer heat from the third fluid to the second fluid in order to increase the temperature of the second fluid, a control step, in which the installation is selectively placed in a configuration from among several configurations from a list including: a configuration, called "direct exchange configuration", in which said second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device to the second heat transfer device so as to carry out a superheating step,in which the second heat transfer device is implemented to transfer heat from the second fluid to a flow of the first fluid in the gaseous state in order to increase the temperature of this gaseous flow,a configuration, called "thermal unloading configuration", in which the second circuit is configured to convey the second fluid from the thermal storage device to the second heat transfer device, in which the second heat transfer device is implemented to transfer heat from the second fluid to a flow of the first fluid in the gaseous state in order to increase the temperature of this gaseous flow.,

[0038] The method may of course comprise steps corresponding to the implementation of one or more configurations described above and / or other steps of implementation of the installation.

[0039] For example, in a non-limiting manner, the method may comprise an evaporation step, in which said evaporator is implemented to change the first fluid from the liquid state to the gaseous state.

[0040] Generally, the invention makes it possible to produce industrial steam using a fatal heat source while ensuring a continuous supply of steam despite fluctuations in the flow rate or temperature of the source.

[0041] Compared to steam production technologies using an electrical source, the invention makes it possible to substantially reduce electrical energy consumption.

[0042] The invention also makes it possible to produce industrial steam without using a combustion generator, thereby substantially reducing polluting emissions, including carbon dioxide.

[0043] The invention can be implemented in numerous industrial applications, for example by using steam in the context of hydrogen production processes by electrolysis or within a steam turbine thermal power station.

[0044] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the detailed, non-limiting description which follows.

[0045] The following detailed description refers to the appended drawings in which:is a schematic view of a steam supply installation according to the invention;is a schematic view of a steam supply installation according to the invention, the installation being in a first configuration;is a schematic view of the installation in a second configuration;is a schematic view of the installation in a third configuration;is a schematic view of the installation in a fourth configuration;is a schematic view of the installation in a fifth configuration;is a schematic view of the installation in a sixth configuration;is a schematic view of the installation in a seventh configuration. Detailed description of embodiments

[0046] The diagram shows in a simplified manner an installation 1 in accordance with the invention.

[0047] The installation 1 comprises different fluid circuits 2, 3 and 4 receiving respectively a first fluid, a second fluid and a third fluid.

[0048] In this non-limiting example, the first fluid, also called "output fluid", comprises water and the second fluid is a heat transfer fluid such as oil or water.

[0049] The third fluid is a fluid originating in this example from a fatal heat source and may be in a gaseous and / or liquid state. In a non-limiting manner, the third fluid, also called “input fluid”, may comprise a combustion gas, air or even water vapor.

[0050] Installation 1 includes heat transfer devices 6 and 7, as well as a thermal storage device 8.

[0051] In this example, the device 6 comprises a heat exchanger configured to be able to transfer heat from the inlet fluid circulating in the circuit 4 to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 3.

[0052] For information purposes, the device 6 may be a heat exchanger of the economizer-recuperator type, for example a tube and fin exchanger, or a plate exchanger.

[0053] The device 7 comprises in this example a superheating device configured to be able to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 3 to the outlet fluid circulating in the circuit 2, when the installation 1 operates in a steam supply mode (see below).

[0054] The thermal storage device 8 is configured to be able to store heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 3, when the installation 1 operates in an energy storage mode (see below).

[0055] For information purposes, the device 8 may be in the form of a heat-insulated tank. In a non-limiting alternative embodiment, such a tank comprises a heat storage medium, for example rocks.

[0056] The plant 1 is configured to be able to be placed, selectively, in different configurations described further below with reference to Figures 2 to 8, including configurations in which the plant 1 operates in steam supply mode, configurations in which the plant 1 operates in energy storage mode and configurations in which the plant 1 operates in both steam supply mode and energy storage mode.

[0057] Generally, in energy storage mode, the fluids circulating in the installation 1 have respective temperatures such that, on the one hand, the exchanger 6 transfers heat from the inlet fluid circulating in the circuit 4 to the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 3, thus increasing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid and, on the other hand, the energy storage device 8 stores heat from the heat transfer fluid thus heated.

[0058] In steam supply mode, the fluids circulating in the installation 1 have respective temperatures such that the superheating device 7 transfers heat from the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 3 to the outlet fluid which circulates in the circuit 2 arriving in the superheating device 7 in the form of a flow in the gaseous state, thus increasing the temperature of this gaseous flow. In steam supply mode, the heat transfer fluid which arrives in the superheating device 7 can come from the exchanger 6 and / or from the energy storage device 8, depending on the configuration in which the installation 1 is placed (see below).

[0059] The installation 1 thus makes it possible to supply steam from said outlet fluid, here water vapor, in a substantially continuous manner despite temporary variations in the temperature and / or flow rate of the inlet fluid.

[0060] In a non-limiting manner, the installation 1 can be implemented to supply steam to a process for producing hydrogen by high-temperature electrolysis. The invention can of course be implemented in numerous industrial steam production applications and using an industrial installation such as a cement plant or other as a fatal heat source.

[0061] Figures 2 to 8 show an installation 1 similar to that of the, according to different configurations.

[0062] Compared to the simplified representation of the, figures 2 to 8 show some non-limiting structural details of the installation 1, described below with reference to the. Figures 2 to 8 showing the installation 1 with the same components in the same arrangement, the reference signs of these components placed on the are not all repeated in figures 3 to 8 in order to avoid overloading them.

[0063] With reference to the part of the installation 1 comprising the circuit 2 (towards the right of the figure), the installation 1 comprises in this example a degasser 11, an evaporator 12, a pump 13, a valve 14 and conduits 20-27 forming the circuit 2 for conveying said first fluid, or outlet fluid, which is here water.

[0064] In this example, the water arrives in the liquid state in the degasser 11, of the thermal steam degasser type, via the conduit 20 coming for example from a water treatment unit (not shown). The degasser 11 makes it possible to eliminate gases such as oxygen dissolved in the water, and to evacuate them via the conduit 21 which can be a vent.

[0065] The pump 13 makes it possible to extract the water thus treated from the degasser 11 and to convey it to the evaporator 12 via the conduits 22 and 23, at a pressure which can typically be between 1 bar (10 5 Pa) and 15 bara (15 x 10 5 Pa).

[0066] The evaporator 12 allows the water to pass into the gaseous state, in the form of saturated water vapor. In a non-limiting manner, the evaporator 12 may comprise a Kettle or plate type exchanger.

[0067] The valve 14 allows on the one hand to convey all or part of this saturated steam to the degasser 11, via the conduits 24 and 25, so as to preheat the water while maintaining it in the degasser 11 at a constant temperature.

[0068] The valve 14 also makes it possible to convey all or part of the saturated steam leaving the evaporator 12 to the superheating device 7, via the conduits 24 and 26, so as to constitute said gas flow.

[0069] The superheating device 7, the degasser 11 and the evaporator 12 constitute a steam production module, the latter leaving the installation 1 via the conduit 27.

[0070] With reference to the part of the installation 1 comprising the circuit 3 (central part of the figure), the installation 1 comprises in this example an expansion vessel 31, a heating device 32, pumps 33-35, valves 40-46 and conduits 50-69 configured to receive the heat transfer fluid at a pressure which can typically be between 1 bar (10 5 Pa) and 40 bara (40 x 10 5 Pa).

[0071] The heating device 32 comprises in this example an electric heater which can be powered by an electrical energy storage device (not shown).

[0072] Exchanger 6 and driver 32 are connected to each other by conduits 50 to 53, via valves 40 to 42.

[0073] The heater 32 and the superheating device 7 are connected to each other by the conduits 54 and 56 via the valve 43.

[0074] The conduit 55 is connected to the valves 42 and 43 so as to form a bypass branch of the driver 32.

[0075] The superheating device 7 and the evaporator 12 are connected to each other by the conduit 57.

[0076] The evaporator 12 and the pump 33 are connected to each other by the conduit 58.

[0077] Pump 33 and exchanger 6 are connected to each other by conduits 59, 60, 64 and 65 via valves 44, 45 and 46.

[0078] The expansion tank 31 is connected to the conduit 59 by the valve 44 via the conduit 69.

[0079] The energy storage device 8 is connected on the one hand to the exchanger 6 by the conduits 50 and 66 via the valve 40 and, on the other hand, to the pump 35 by the conduit 67, the pump 35 being connected to the conduit 65 by the conduit 68 via the valve 46.

[0080] The energy storage device 8 is also connected on the one hand to the pump 34 by the conduit 62, the pump 34 being connected to the valve 41 by the conduit 63 and, on the other hand, to the valve 45 by the conduit 61.

[0081] With reference to the part of the installation 1 comprising the circuit 4 (towards the left of the figure), the installation 1 comprises in this example a control valve 70 which is connected to the conduit 50 of the circuit 2 by a conduit 71 and is configured to adjust the flow rate of the fluid conveyed into the exchanger 6 by the circuit 4 so that the temperature of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the circuit 2 remains below a temperature threshold. This threshold may typically be 350°C, or more preferably 250°C.

[0082] As an indication, the inlet fluid circulating in circuit 4 can typically have a temperature between 50°C and 500°C.

[0083] Different configurations of the installation 1 will now be described. Each of the figures 2 to 8 shows a respective configuration, in which the valves 40 to 46 of the circuit 3 are configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the circuit 3 in respective conduits of the circuit 3 indicated by broken lines.

[0084] Lamontre installation 1 in a C1 configuration, also called a "direct swap configuration".

[0085] In configuration C1, the valves 40-46 of the circuit 3 are configured to convey the heat transfer fluid from the exchanger 6 to the superheating device 7 via the conduits 50, 51, 52, 55 and 56, then from the superheating device 7 to the evaporator 12 via the conduit 57, then from the evaporator 12 to the exchanger 6 via the conduits 58, 59, 60, 64 and 65, under the action of the pump 33.

[0086] Thus, the heat transfer fluid passes directly from the exchanger 6 to the superheating device 7, without passing through the thermal storage device 8 and bypassing the heater 32 via the branch 55. At the outlet of the evaporator 12, the heat transfer fluid is directly returned to the exchanger 6 under the action of the pump 33, without passing through the thermal storage device 8.

[0087] The direct exchange configuration C1 thus implements said steam supply mode and does not implement said energy storage mode.

[0088] The installation 1 is typically placed in the direct exchange configuration C1 when the inlet fluid circulating in the circuit 4 has a temperature slightly higher than that of the gas flow leaving the superheating device 7 via the conduit 27, for example with a difference of between 5°C and 20°C.

[0089] The description of the preceding applies by analogy to figures 3 to 8, which are described below only according to their differences from the configuration C1 of the.

[0090] Lamontre shows installation 1 in a C2 configuration, also called a "thermal loading configuration".

[0091] In configuration C2, the valves of circuit 3 are configured to convey the heat transfer fluid from exchanger 6 to thermal storage device 8 via conduits 50 and 66 and from thermal storage device 8 to exchanger 6 via conduits 67, 68 and 65, under the action of pump 35.

[0092] Thus, the heat transfer fluid passes directly from the exchanger 6 to the thermal storage device 8 without passing through the steam production module or through the part of the circuit 3 comprising the heater 32.

[0093] Thus, the thermal loading configuration C2 implements said energy storage mode and does not implement said steam supply mode.

[0094] Plant 1 is typically placed in thermal loading configuration C2 when the inlet fluid circulating in circuit 4 has a sufficient temperature to allow heat storage and, either when it is not desired to produce steam with plant 1, or because the temperature of the inlet fluid is insufficient to heat the gas stream within superheater 7.

[0095] Lamontre shows installation 1 in a C3 configuration, also called a "thermal unloading configuration."

[0096] In configuration C3, the valves of circuit 3 are configured to convey the heat transfer fluid from the thermal storage device 8 to the superheating device 7 via the conduits 62, 63, 52, 55 and 56, then from the superheating device 7 to the evaporator 12 via the conduit 57, then from the evaporator 12 to the thermal storage device 8 via the conduits 58, 59, 60 and 61, under the action of the pump 33.

[0097] Thus, the heat transfer fluid passes directly from the thermal storage device 8 to the superheating device 7, bypassing the heater 32 via the branch 55.

[0098] The thermal unloading configuration C3 thus implements said steam supply mode and does not implement said energy storage mode.

[0099] The installation 1 is typically placed in the thermal unloading configuration C3 when the temperature of the inlet fluid circulating in the circuit 4 is insufficient both to store heat in the thermal storage device 8 and to superheat the gas flow within the superheating device 7, and when the quantity of heat stored by the device 8 is sufficient to superheat the gas flow within the superheating device 7.

[0100] Lamontre shows installation 1 in a C4 configuration, also called a “mixed configuration”.

[0101] In the mixed configuration C4, the valves of the circuit 3 are configured to convey the heat transfer fluid from the exchanger 6 to the thermal storage device 8 via the conduits 50 and 66, then from the thermal storage device 8 to the superheating device 7 via the conduits 62, 63, 52, 55 and 56, then from the superheating device 7 to the evaporator 12 via the conduit 57, then from the evaporator 12 to the exchanger 6 via the conduits 58, 59, 60, 64 and 65, under the action of the pump 33.

[0102] Thus, the heat transfer fluid passes from the exchanger 6 to the superheating device 7 via the thermal storage device 8, bypassing the heater 32 via the branch 55. At the outlet of the evaporator 12, the heat transfer fluid is directly returned to the exchanger 6 under the action of the pump 33, without passing through the thermal storage device 8.

[0103] The mixed configuration C4 thus implements both the said steam supply mode and the said energy storage mode.

[0104] The installation 1 is typically placed in the mixed configuration C4 when the inlet fluid circulating in the circuit 4 has a temperature much higher than that of the gas flow leaving the superheating device 7, for example a difference greater than or equal to 20°C.

[0105] Lamontre installation 1 in a C5 configuration, also called "electrical configuration", which is described below only according to its differences from the C3 configuration.

[0106] Configuration C5 differs from configuration C3 in that the heat transfer fluid passes from the thermal storage device 8 to the superheating device 7 via the electric heater 32, i.e. via the conduits 53 and 54 and not via the bypass conduit 55.

[0107] Configuration C5 therefore also implements said steam supply mode and does not implement said energy storage mode.

[0108] The installation 1 is typically placed in the electrical configuration C5 when the quantity of heat stored by the device 8 is insufficient to superheat the gas flow within the superheating device 7.

[0109] Configuration C5 can be implemented temporarily during plant 1 startup, before switching to thermal unloading configuration C3 when thermodynamic conditions are stabilized or when sufficient temperatures are reached.

[0110] The same applies to the direct exchange configuration C1 and the mixed configuration C4 which can be implemented after a start of installation 1 placed in configurations C6 and C7, respectively (see below).

[0111] Lamontre installation 1 in a C6 configuration which is described below only according to its differences from the C1 configuration.

[0112] Configuration C6 differs from configuration C1 in that the heat transfer fluid passes from the exchanger 6 to the superheating device 7 via the electric heater 32, i.e. via the conduits 53 and 54 and not via the bypass conduit 55.

[0113] Lamontre installation 1 in a C7 configuration which is described below only according to its differences from the C4 configuration.

[0114] Configuration C7 differs from configuration C4 in that the heat transfer fluid passes from the thermal storage device 8 to the superheating device 7 via the electric heater 32, i.e. via the conduits 53 and 54 and not via the bypass conduit 55.

[0115] Configurations C5, C6 and C7 can thus be implemented as an electric start configuration.

[0116] The change of configuration of the installation 1 can be carried out by control means (not shown), in particular by controlling the valves of circuit 3.

[0117] The installation 1 may comprise one or more sensors (not shown), for example a temperature sensor for the inlet fluid circulating in the circuit 4, upstream of the exchanger 6.

[0118] The control means may be configured to place the installation 1 in one or other of the configurations described above depending on one or more parameters which may include the temperature of the inlet fluid measured using the aforementioned sensor.

[0119] For example, the control means may be configured to place the installation 1 in the direct exchange configuration C1 if the measured or estimated temperature of the inlet fluid is greater than a first predetermined temperature threshold and less than a second predetermined temperature threshold.

[0120] In a non-limiting manner, the first threshold, respectively the second threshold, may correspond to a temperature of 5°C, respectively 20°C, above a measured or desired temperature of the gas flow leaving the superheating device 7.

[0121] For another non-limiting example, the control means can be configured to place the installation 1 in the mixed configuration C4 if the measured or estimated temperature of the inlet fluid is higher than said second threshold.

[0122] Of course, many variations can be made to the above description. For example, the steam production module may comprise steam generation members other than the degasser 11 and the evaporator 12 described above and / or members arranged differently and / or produce steam from a fluid comprising different combinations of gases. As an example of an alternative embodiment, the steam production module may be without the recirculation conduit 25 between the evaporator 12 and the degasser 11.

[0123] In the example of Figures 2 to 8, the installation 1 comprises an expansion vessel 31 which can be implemented by opening the valve 44 (see). In a non-limiting manner, the expansion vessel 31 can be a membrane or bladder vessel. In alternative embodiments, such an expansion vessel 31 can be mounted on another part of the circuit 3 or be removed from the circuit 3.

[0124] The installation 1 may comprise additional members and / or components arranged differently than in the. For example, the pump 33 may be mounted between the superheating device 7 and the evaporator 12.

Claims

Steam supply installation (1), comprising:a first circuit (2) configured to receive a first fluid,a second circuit (3) configured to receive a second heat transfer fluid,a third circuit (4) configured to receive a third fluid,a first heat transfer device (6) configured to be able to transfer heat from said third fluid to said second fluid in order to increase the temperature of the second fluid,a second heat transfer device (7) configured to be able to transfer heat from said second fluid to a flow of said first fluid in the gaseous state in order to increase the temperature of this gaseous flow,a thermal storage device (8) configured to be able to store heat from said second fluid,the installation (1) being configured to be able to be selectively placed in a configuration among several configurations from a list including:a configuration (C1), called "direct exchange configuration",in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device (6) to the second heat transfer device (7), a configuration (C3), called “thermal unloading configuration”, in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the thermal storage device (8) to the second heat transfer device (7)., Installation (1) according to claim 1, in which said list includes a configuration (C2), called “thermal loading configuration”, in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device (6) to the thermal storage device (8). Installation (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which said list includes a configuration (C4), called “mixed configuration”, in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device (6) to the heat storage device (8) and from the heat storage device (8) to the second heat transfer device (7). Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a heating device (32), preferably electric, configured to raise the temperature of the second fluid upstream of the second heat transfer device (7). Installation (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second circuit (3) comprises a bypass branch (55) of the heating device (32), the second circuit (3) being configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device (6) to the second heat transfer device (7) via the bypass branch (55) when the installation (1) is in said direct exchange configuration (C1). Installation (1) according to claim 4 or 5, in which said list includes a configuration (C5), called “electrical configuration”, in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the thermal storage device (8) to the heating device (32) and from the heating device (32) to the second thermal transfer device (7). Installation (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said list includes a configuration (C6) in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device (6) to the heating device (32) and from the heating device (32) to the second heat transfer device (7). Installation (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said list includes a configuration (C7) in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device (6) to the heat storage device (8), from the heat storage device (8) to the heating device (32) and from the heating device (32) to the second heat transfer device (7). Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a sensor configured to estimate the temperature of said third fluid and control means configured to place the installation (1) in said direct exchange configuration (C1) if the estimated temperature of the third fluid is greater than a first predetermined temperature threshold and less than a second predetermined temperature threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold. A method for supplying steam using an installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:a heat transfer step, in which said first heat transfer device (6) is implemented to transfer heat from the third fluid to the second fluid in order to increase the temperature of the second fluid,a control step, in which the installation (1) is selectively placed in a configuration from among several configurations from a list including:a configuration (C1), called "direct exchange configuration", in which said second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the first heat transfer device (6) to the second heat transfer device (7) so as to carry out a superheating step,in which the second heat transfer device (7) is implemented to transfer heat from the second fluid to a flow of the first fluid in the gaseous state in order to increase the temperature of this gaseous flow, a configuration (C3), called "thermal unloading configuration", in which the second circuit (3) is configured to convey the second fluid from the thermal storage device (8) to the second heat transfer device (7), in which the second heat transfer device (7) is implemented to transfer heat from the second fluid to a flow of the first fluid in the gaseous state in order to increase the temperature of this gaseous flow.,

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