Energy Storage and Utilization Systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for supplying steam. In particular, the present invention relates to a steam delivery system that includes a thermal energy storage device for heating a feedwater stream to produce steam at a predetermined temperature and / or pressure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for supplying steam, and in particular to steam delivery systems including thermal energy storage devices for heating a feedwater stream to produce steam, although it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular fields of use. [Background technology]

[0002] The following description of the prior art is provided to place the present invention in its proper technical context and to enable a more complete understanding of its advantages. However, it should be understood that any description of the prior art throughout this specification should not be taken as an explicit or implicit admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0003] Due to its many advantages, including its excellent energy storage capacity, steam plays a vital role for a variety of purposes in a vast number of processes across industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, textiles, pulp and paper, oil and petrochemicals, laundry, and public buildings. In particular, steam has long been used to generate electricity in thermal power plants.

[0004] Typically, steam is produced in a steam boiler by heating water to and / or above its boiling point. Different energy sources, such as combustible fuels (natural gas, coal, or oil) or electricity, can be used in this process. The development of renewable energy technologies for use in steam generation is of particular interest due to environmental concerns, such as reducing pollution and carbon dioxide emissions from coal and other fossil fuels. These renewable energy technologies include hydroelectric, wind, solar, tidal, and geothermal.

[0005] A particular problem with generating energy from renewable sources is that they are intermittent sources of energy. For example, wind turbines require strong winds, solar power cannot generate electricity at night, hydroelectric power is limited during droughts, and wave power is limited by weather and sea conditions. Therefore, renewable technologies ideally require a way to store energy for later use.

[0006] One such approach to storing energy is to use battery technology, such as chemical batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), to facilitate meeting electrical demand when on-demand generation of electricity from renewable sources is unavailable. However, battery technology can still be expensive for large-scale deployment, and the stored energy capacity is limited and may not be able to meet energy demand when renewable energy generation is delayed for long periods of time (such as when there is continuous cloudy weather for solar energy generation). Furthermore, batteries are not ideal storage of energy for thermal (e.g., steam generation) requirements.

[0007] As an alternative to battery technology, sensible heat storage media have been used to store thermal energy. For example, graphite energy storage media have been used to store electrical energy generated from renewable or other sources in the form of heat. A variation of the above approach is to heat a body of graphite induced by eddy currents. The thermal energy stored in the graphite block can then be recovered for later direct use and / or converted to electrical energy using a fluid such as water or steam.

[0008] The energy storage device disclosed in International Application PCT / AU2022 / 050031 describes a method and apparatus for reversibly storing and / or extracting thermal energy in a graphite body. The method includes heating an interior region of a sensible heat storage body using a removable heating element to input the energy to be stored, and flowing a heat transfer medium having a temperature lower than that of the sensible heat storage body such that energy is transferred from the sensible heat storage body to the heat transfer medium to extract the energy.

[0009] Thermal energy storage devices may operate at different temperatures reflecting different amounts of energy stored therein. Furthermore, feedwater from different sources may have time-varying temperatures and / or pressures and / or flow rates. These factors make it difficult to supply steam at the predetermined temperatures and / or pressures typically required in industry. Therefore, in light of these limitations, it may be desirable to develop steam delivery systems and methods for supplying steam at predetermined temperatures and / or pressures that can accommodate feedwater having time-varying temperatures and / or pressures and / or flow rates and / or thermal energy storage devices operating at time-varying temperatures.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0011] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this description and the claims, the terms "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

[0012] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be embodied in many other forms. Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steam delivery system for supplying industrial steam, comprising: a water supply control system for providing a water supply flow; a thermal energy storage device in fluid communication with the feedwater control system for heating feedwater flowing through a conduit of the thermal energy storage device to provide steam; an attemperator in fluid communication with the thermal energy storage device to receive the steam and adjust the steam temperature; A steam delivery system is provided, wherein in use the steam delivery system is adapted to supply industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure.

[0014] Advantageously, the inventors have developed the systems and methods described herein for supplying industrial steam at a predetermined temperature and / or pressure from a feedwater stream having a variable temperature and / or pressure and / or flow rate. Furthermore, the systems and methods can advantageously accommodate thermal energy storage devices that operate at variable temperatures (e.g., the thermal energy storage device may have a standby temperature and an operating temperature), thereby producing variable temperature and / or variable pressure steam. Still further, the systems and methods can advantageously be adapted to a wide range of thermal energy storage devices.

[0015] Thermal Energy Storage Device Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any thermal energy storage device capable of transferring thermal energy to a feedwater stream is suitable for the present invention. One example of a thermal energy storage device is disclosed in International Application No. PCT / AU2022 / 050031, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal energy storage device comprises: a sensible heat storage body having a heat exchanger channel and a heating element channel adapted to receive a removable heating element; a heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, at least a portion of the heat exchanger being disposed along the channel.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensible heat storage body is formed from graphite. In some embodiments of the present invention, the graphite is crystalline, amorphous, or a combination thereof. Graphite also has high thermal stability and electrical and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for use as a refractory in high-temperature applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, graphite is used between ambient temperature and 1000°C, and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating temperature is between about 120°C and 800°C.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to provide steam from a thermal energy storage device, feedwater flows through a heat exchanger such that it is heated by a sensible heat storage body having a higher temperature when positioned along the heat exchanger channel. Heat exchangers of the present invention can take many shapes and sizes, depending on the flow rate requirements of the feedwater, the size, material, and conductivity of the sensible heat storage body, and the operating pressure and temperature requirements. For example, the heat exchanger may be in the shape of a serpentine coil or a spiral coil. Heat transfer occurs primarily by conduction from the sensible heat energy storage body to the feedwater through the heat exchanger. The temperature of the steam provided at the outlet of the thermal energy storage device depends on any number of factors, such as the relative temperature difference between the sensible heat storage energy body and the feedwater, the feedwater flow rate, and the initial feedwater temperature.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the heating element comprises an elongated heating portion at one end and an insulating portion at an opposite end, the insulating portion further comprising an electrical conductor adapted to be in electrical communication with an electrical terminal.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the heating portion of the heating element comprises a resistive wire selected from materials including, but not limited to, metal alloys having high electrical resistivity and temperature resistance, surrounded by electrical insulation and enclosed by a metal or alloy casing. In further embodiments of the present invention, the heating element may be an electrical resistor used to convert electrical energy into thermal energy to directly heat a sensible heat storage body, representing the direct conversion and delivery of useful thermal energy to the sensible heat storage body.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when a thermal energy storage device experiences a "cold start" (e.g., from ambient temperature), a heating element must be used to heat the sensible heat storage before enough energy is stored to convert the feedwater to steam. During this period, hot water may be produced instead of steam.

[0022] Sparge System In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vapor delivery system further comprises a sparge system in fluid communication with the attemperator, the system comprising: an excess steam configuration in which at least a portion of the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to a sparge system; a no-demand configuration in which all steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that steam demand can change from time to time. Advantageously, the sparge system functions as a bypass system, redirecting excess steam when it is supplied and redirecting all steam to the sparge system when there is no steam demand, bypassing steam users. These preferred configurations ensure that the thermal energy storage device does not need to be turned off to reduce steam supply, thus avoiding a cold start when steam demand resumes. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that in these embodiments, the thermal energy storage device can have a standby temperature and an operating temperature.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sparge system comprises a sparger tank, the sparger tank comprising: A volume of water and and at least one nozzle for injecting steam provided by the attemperator into the water so that, in use, the steam is condensed and the water is heated.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the water from the sparger tank is recirculated and mixed with the feedwater.

[0026] When steam is injected into the water in the sparger tank, it brings the high-energy steam molecules into direct contact with the water molecules. Energy is transferred from the hotter molecules to the cooler molecules, thus condensing the steam and warming the water. Advantageously, the sparger tank acts as an energy sink, and the warmed water can be recirculated and mixed with the feedwater to raise its initial temperature so that less energy is required by the thermal energy storage device to heat the feedwater.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the water in the sparger tank is directed to a blowdown tank.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the feedwater is directed to a sparger tank. Advantageously, when water from the sparger tank is recirculated, the feedwater is preheated.

[0029] Desuperheater Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steam supplied can be superheated. For example, the saturation temperature of steam at a pressure of about 1500 kPaG is about 201°C, and steam further heated to a higher temperature is superheated. This advantageously provides flexibility in the steam temperature supplied to users, as the steam can be superheated to a higher temperature in the thermal energy storage device before being desuperheated to a lower predetermined temperature in the attemperator.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the attemperator comprises a section of uninsulated pipe where heat is radiated to the environment, reducing the temperature of the steam.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol of cooling water is introduced into the attemperator and mixed with the steam to reduce the temperature of the steam. Specifically, a stream of cooling water is injected into the attemperator through at least one nozzle and atomized into the steam, thereby reducing the steam temperature.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the attemperator comprises a heat exchanger. In particular embodiments of the invention, the heat exchanger is of the shell-and-tube, tube-in-tube, or plate type.

[0033] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger includes a shell with a bundle of tubes therein. As steam flows through the tubes (or through the shell and over the tubes), a cooling fluid having a lower temperature flows through the shell and over (or through) the tubes, facilitating heat transfer between the steam and the cooling fluid. Thus, the temperature of the superheated steam drops, the amount of drop depending on several factors, including the relative temperature difference between the steam and the cooling fluid, the heat exchanger design, the steam flow rate, and the cooling fluid flow rate.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the shell and tube heat exchanger has one pass. In other embodiments of the invention, the shell and tube heat exchanger has two, three, four, five, or six passes.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a flow of cooling water is provided to a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature of the steam.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling water has a temperature of about 5°C to about 95°C. For example, the temperature is about 5°C to about 10°C, or about 10°C to about 15°C, or about 15°C to about 20°C, or about 20°C to about 25°C, or about 25°C to about 30°C, or about 30°C to about 35°C, or about 35°C to about 40°C, or about 40°C to about 45°C, or about 45°C to about 50°C, or about 50°C to about 55°C, or about 55°C to about 60°C, or about 60°C to about 65°C, or about 65°C to about 70°C, or about 70°C to about 75°C, or about 75°C to about 80°C, or about 80°C to about 85°C, or about 85°C to about 95°C, or about 85°C to about 90°C, or about 90°C to about 95°C. In some embodiments, the cooling water has a temperature of about 95°C. Preferably, the cooling water has a temperature of about 85°C.

[0037] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cooling water has a flow rate of about 0.1 kg / h to about 500 kg / h. For example, the flow rate can be about 0.1 kg / h to about 1 kg / h, or about 1 kg / h to about 5 kg / h, or about 5 kg / h to about 10 kg / h, or about 10 kg / h to about 15 kg / h, or about 15 kg / h to about 20 kg / h, or about 20 kg / h to about 30 kg / h, or about 30 kg / h to about 40 kg / h, or about 40 kg / h to about 50 kg / h, or about 50 kg / h to about 60 kg / h, or about 60 kg / h to about 70 kg / h, or about 70 kg / h to about 80 kg / h. Or about 80 kg / h to about 90 kg / h, or about 90 kg / h to about 100 kg / h, or about 100 kg / h to about 150 kg / h, or about 150 kg / h to about 200 kg / h, or about 200 kg / h to about 250 kg / h, or about 250 kg / h to about 300 kg / h, or about 300 kg / h to about 350 kg / h, or about 350 kg / h to about 400 kg / h, or about 400 kg / h to about 450 kg / h, or about 450 kg / h to about 500 kg / h.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steam temperature is reduced to a predetermined temperature of about 210° C. to about 250° C. For example, the predetermined temperature is about 210° C. to about 215° C., or about 215° C. to about 220° C., or about 220° C. to about 225° C., or about 225° C. to about 230° C., or about 230° C. to about 235° C., or about 235° C. to about 240° C., or about 240° C. to about 245° C., or about 245° C. to about 250° C. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined steam temperature is 230° C.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the feedwater is used as cooling water. In a further embodiment of the invention, the cooling water is recirculated and mixed with the feedwater such that the attemperator effectively preheats at least a portion of the feedwater.

[0040] Pressure adjustment It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that steam may be required at a certain pressure, and therefore, one or more pressure regulators may be installed to regulate the steam pressure.

[0041] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the vapor delivery system further comprises a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the attemperator for receiving vapor from the attemperator and regulating the vapor pressure. In further embodiments of the present invention, the system may comprise one, two, three, four, or five pressure regulators.

[0042] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the attemperator comprises a pressure regulator for regulating the steam pressure at the attemperator outlet. In further embodiments of the present invention, the attemperator may comprise one, two, three, four, or five pressure regulators.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure regulator is a pressure control valve, for example, a pressure reducing valve or a pressure maintaining valve.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined vapor pressure is from about 100 kPaG to about 4000 kPaG. For example, the pressure is about 100 kPaG to 500 kPaG, or about 500 kPaG to about 600 kPaG, or about 600 kPaG to about 700 kPaG, or about 700 kPaG to about 800 kPaG, or about 800 kPaG to about 900 kPaG, or about 900 kPaG to about 1000 kPaG, or about 1000 kPaG to about 1500 kPaG, or about 1500 kPaG to about 2000 kPaG, or about 2000 kPaG to about 2500 kPaG, or about 2500 kPaG to about 3000 kPaG, or about 3000 kPaG to about 3500 kPaG, or about 3500 kPaG to about 4000 kPaG. Preferably, the predetermined vapor pressure is about 1550 kPaG.

[0045] Water Supply Control System The feedwater may be from different sources. For example, the feedwater may be rainwater, city water, recycled cooling water from a different process, or condensate from a different steam process. Thus, the feedwater may have different and varying temperatures, pressures, and flow rates.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feedwater has a temperature of about 5°C to about 95°C. For example, the temperature may be about 5°C to 10°C, or about 10°C to 15°C, or about 15°C to about 20°C, or about 20°C to about 25°C, or about 25°C to 30°C, or about 30°C to 35°C, or about 35°C to 40°C, or about 40°C to 45°C, or about 45°C to 50°C, or about 50°C to 55°C, or about 55°C to 60°C, or about 60°C to 65°C, or about 65°C to 70°C, or about 70°C to 75°C, or about 75°C to 80°C, or about 80°C to 85°C, or about 85°C to 95°C, or about 85°C to 90°C, or about 90°C to 95°C. In some embodiments, the feedwater has a temperature of about 95°C. Preferably, the feedwater has a temperature of about 85°C.

[0047] The feedwater is preferably pressurized before being heated by the thermal energy storage device to provide high pressure steam. Advantageously, high pressure steam is of higher enthalpy, which can be needed by steam users who require high energy steam, and can provide more flexibility in how the steam can be used depending on the industrial application.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water supply control system comprises a pump.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feedwater has an initial pressure of about 0 kPaG to about 500 kPaG. For example, the pressure may be about 0 kPaG to about 50 kPaG, or about 50 kPaG to about 100 kPaG, or about 100 kPaG to about 150 kPaG, or about 150 kPaG to about 200 kPaG, or about 200 kPaG to about 250 kPaG, or about 250 kPaG to about 300 kPaG, or about 300 kPaG to about 350 kPaG, or about 350 kPaG to about 400 kPaG, or about 400 kPaG to about 450 kPaG, or about 450 kPaG to about 500 kPaG. Preferably, the feedwater has an initial pressure of about 350 kPaG.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feed water is pressurized to about 100 kPaG to about 4000 kPaG using a pump. For example, the feed water may be pressurized to about 100 kPaG to about 500 kPaG, or about 500 kPaG to 1000 kPaG, or about 1000 kPaG to about 1200 kPaG, or about 1200 kPaG to about 1400 kPaG, or about 1400 kPaG to about 1600 kPaG, or about 1600 kPaG to about 1800 kPaG, or about 1800 kPaG to about 2000 kPaG, or about 2000 kPaG to about 2200 kPaG, or about 2200 kPaG to about 2 The feedwater is pressurized to a pressure of 400 kPaG, or about 2400 kPaG to about 2600 kPaG, or about 2600 kPaG to about 2800 kPaG, or about 2800 kPaG to about 3000 kPaG, or about 3000 kPaG to about 3200 kPaG, or about 3200 kPaG to about 3400 kPaG, or about 3400 kPaG to about 3600 kPaG, or about 3600 kPaG to about 3800 kPaG, or about 3800 kPaG to about 4000 kPaG. Preferably, the feedwater is pressurized to about 1700 kPaG.

[0051] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the feedwater is pressurized to between about 350 kPaG and about 1700 kPaG.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feedwater has a variable flow rate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow rate is about 50 kg / h to about 2000 kg / h. For example, the flow rate may be about 50 kg / h to about 100 kg / h, or about 100 kg / h to about 150 kg / h, or about 150 kg / h to about 200 kg / h, or about 200 kg / h to about 250 kg / h, or about 250 kg / h to about 300 kg / h, or about 300 kg / h to about 350 kg / h, or about 350 kg / h to about 400 kg / h, or about 400 kg / h to about 450 kg / h, or about 450 kg / h to about 500 kg / h, or about 500 kg / h to about 550 kg / h, or about 550 kg / h to about 600 kg / h, or about 600 kg / h to about 650 kg / h, or about 600 kg / h to about 650 kg / h. 50 kg / h to about 700 kg / h, or about 700 kg / h to about 750 kg / h, or about 750 kg / h to about 800 kg / h, or about 800 kg / h to about 850 kg / h, or about 850 kg / h to about 900 kg / h, or about 900 kg / h to about 950 kg / h, or about 950 kg / h to about 1000 kg / h, or about 1000 kg / h to about 1200 kg / h, or about 1200 kg / h to about 1400 kg / h, or about 1400 kg / h to about 1600 kg / h, or about 1600 kg / h to about 1800 kg / h, or about 1800 kg / h to about 2000 kg / h.

[0053] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the pump is a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, an axial pump, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises multiple pumps connected in series or in parallel, or arranged in a series-parallel combination.

[0054] Water supply pretreatment Those skilled in the art will appreciate that feedwater may contain contaminants that may corrode, erode, or otherwise damage the thermal energy storage device, and / or reduce the efficiency of energy transfer during the heating process, and / or that are not tolerated in steam due to purity requirements. Thus, pre-treatment of the feedwater to remove its solid content may be necessary.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water supply control system includes a filter for removing contaminants from the water supply. The filter may be a mechanical filter, an absorption filter, a sequestration filter, an ion exchange filter, a reverse osmosis filter, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filter is a reverse osmosis filter.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filtered waste from the filter is directed to a sparger tank for storage. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the filtered waste is recirculated and mixed with the feedwater. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the filtered waste is disposed of.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the water supply control system includes a desalination unit for desalination of the water supply. In particular embodiments of the invention, the water supply is desalted by an ion exchange process to remove mineral contaminants. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the desalination unit is a desalination tank.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ion exchange process preferably uses an ion exchange resin. As water passes through the resin, ion exchange occurs, removing target ions from the water and replacing them with more desirable ions. The ion exchange resin structure contains acidic or basic radicals, where mobile ions reside. These mobile ions are exchanged with cations and anions present in the water, resulting from dissolved inorganic salts. The cation resin then exchanges the desired cations into the water, and the anion resin exchanges the desired anions into the water. Furthermore, to prevent corrosion, an inert or noble gas is introduced into the desalination tank to maintain a protective layer that prevents or minimizes exposure of the water to oxygen and / or carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the inert gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, helium, krypton, xenon, neon, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inert gas is nitrogen.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feedwater control system includes a hot water tank for preheating the feedwater. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedwater is preheated using at least one electric heater disposed in the hot water tank. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedwater is preheated by heat recovered from the steam using heat recovery means. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the heat recovery means may be installed in the steam delivery system or at the user's side to recover heat from the steam. Examples of heat recovery means include a rotating heat wheel, a heat pipe, a heat exchanger, or a combination thereof.

[0060] vapor As mentioned above, feedwater can be heated above its saturation temperature to become superheated steam. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steam provided by the thermal energy storage device has a temperature of about 120°C to about 700°C. For example, the temperature is about 120°C to 150°C, or about 150°C to 200°C, or about 200°C to 250°C, or about 250°C to 300°C, or about 300°C to 350°C, or about 350°C to 400°C, or about 400°C to 450°C, or about 450°C to 500°C, or about 500°C to 550°C, or about 550°C to 600°C, or about 600°C to 650°C, or about 650°C to 700°C.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam supplied by the thermal energy storage device has a pressure of about 100 kPaG to about 4000 kPaG. For example, the pressure is about 500 kPaG to about 1000 kPaG, or about 1000 kPaG to about 1500 kPaG, or about 1500 kPaG to about 2000 kPaG, or about 2000 kPaG to about 2500 kPaG, or about 2500 kPaG to about 3000 kPaG, or about 3000 kPaG to about 3500 kPaG, or about 3500 kPaG to 4000 kPaG.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the steam provided by the thermal energy storage device has a variable flow rate, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the flow rate is between about 50 kg / h and about 2000 kg / h. For example, the flow rate may be about 50 kg / h to about 100 kg / h, or about 100 kg / h to about 150 kg / h, or about 150 kg / h to about 200 kg / h, or about 200 kg / h to about 250 kg / h, or about 250 kg / h to about 300 kg / h, or about 300 kg / h to about 350 kg / h, or about 350 kg / h to about 400 kg / h, or about 400 kg / h to about 450 kg / h, or about 450 kg / h to about 500 kg / h, or about 500 kg / h to about 550 kg / h, or about 550 kg / h to about 600 kg / h, or about 600 kg / h to about 650 kg / h, or about 6 50 kg / h to about 700 kg / h, or about 700 kg / h to about 750 kg / h, or about 750 kg / h to about 800 kg / h, or about 800 kg / h to about 850 kg / h, or about 850 kg / h to about 900 kg / h, or about 900 kg / h to about 950 kg / h, or about 950 kg / h to about 1000 kg / h, or about 1000 kg / h to about 1200 kg / h, or about 1200 kg / h to about 1400 kg / h, or about 1400 kg / h to about 1600 kg / h, or about 1600 kg / h to about 1800 kg / h, or about 1800 kg / h to about 2000 kg / h.

[0063] Steam Storage Unit In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam delivery system further comprises a storage unit in fluid communication with the attemperator, the storage unit adapted to store excess steam. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stored steam is released to meet fluctuating steam demands.

[0064] As mentioned above, steam demand can change from time to time. Advantageously, a steam storage unit can act as a buffer, providing a faster response than a thermal energy storage device. For example, when steam demand changes, a thermal energy storage device may take approximately 20-30 seconds to respond to this change, whereas a steam storage unit can accommodate this change with a shorter response time. Furthermore, peak steam demand can be higher than the maximum steam flow rate. Advantageously, the stored steam can then be released to meet the peak demand.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage unit is a steam accumulator or a steam drum.

[0066] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steam delivery system for supplying industrial steam, comprising: a water supply control system for providing a water supply flow; a thermal energy storage device in fluid communication with the feedwater control system for heating feedwater flowing through a conduit of the thermal energy storage device to provide steam; an attemperator in fluid communication with the thermal energy storage device to receive the steam and adjust the steam temperature; a sparge system in fluid communication with the attemperator; When using, a steam delivery system providing industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure; The steam delivery system an excess steam configuration in which at least a portion of the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to a sparge system; A steam delivery system is provided that is adapted to operate in configurations including a no-demand configuration in which all steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system.

[0067] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying industrial steam, comprising the steps of: a) supplying water through a water supply control system; b) flowing feedwater from a feedwater control system to a thermal energy storage device to heat the feedwater and provide steam; c) desuperheating the steam to adjust the steam temperature; Thereby, a method is provided for supplying industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure.

[0068] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying industrial steam, comprising the steps of: a) supplying water through a water supply control system; b) flowing feedwater from a feedwater control system to a thermal energy storage device to heat the feedwater and provide steam; c) desuperheating the steam to adjust the steam temperature; d) sparging the steam provided by the attemperator into a sparge system, an excess steam configuration in which at least a portion of the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to a sparge system; a no-demand configuration in which all steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; Thereby, a method is provided for supplying industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure.

[0069] Process Control Systems In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steam delivery system includes at least one process control system. Examples of such systems include, but are not limited to, a process control system that controls the flow rate of cooling water in an attemperator through a flow valve based on a predetermined steam temperature, a cooling water temperature, a steam temperature provided by a thermal storage device, and a steam flow rate, all measured by at least one temperature and flow transducer. Preferably, the process control system uses a feedback control algorithm. For example, the algorithm may be proportional-integral-derivative control or model predictive control.

[0070] Scaling up the system The steam delivery system described above is scalable to accommodate different steam demands. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes multiple thermal energy storage devices. For example, the system may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 thermal energy storage devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple thermal storage devices are connected in series. In another embodiment of the present invention, the multiple thermal storage devices are connected in parallel. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the multiple thermal storage devices are configured in a series-parallel combination.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow rate ranges for the feedwater and cooling water are also scalable according to the number and / or configuration of thermal energy storage devices in the system. In some embodiments of the invention, the feedwater for the system has a flow rate of about 50 kg / h to 2000 kg / h. In some embodiments of the invention, the cooling water for the system has a flow rate of about 0.1 kg / h to 500 kg / h. In some embodiments of the invention, the feedwater for the system has a flow rate of about 50 kg / h to 40,000 kg / h. In some embodiments of the invention, the cooling water for the system has a flow rate of about 0.1 kg / h to 10,000 kg / h.

[0072] In one non-limiting example, for a steam delivery system having 15 thermal energy storage devices connected in series, the feedwater has a flow rate of about 50 kg / h to 2000 kg / h and the cooling water has a flow rate of about 0.1 kg / h to about 500 kg / h. In another non-limiting example, for a steam delivery system having 20 thermal energy storage devices connected in parallel, the feedwater has a flow rate of about 1000 kg / h to 40,000 kg / h and the cooling water has a flow rate of about 2 kg / h to about 1000 kg / h. In yet another non-limiting example, for a steam delivery system having 18 thermal energy storage devices arranged in a series-parallel combination, the feedwater has a flow rate of about 50 kg / h to 36,000 kg / h and the cooling water has a flow rate of about 0.1 kg / h to about 9,000 kg / h.

[0073] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention.

[0074] definition In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0075] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this description and the claims, the terms "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

[0076] As used herein, the phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase "consist of" (or variations thereof) appears in a section of the body of a claim rather than immediately following the preamble, the phrase limits only the elements recited in that section; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the claim to certain elements or method steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basic and novel feature(s) of the claimed subject matter.

[0077] With respect to the terms "comprising," "consisting of," and "consisting essentially of," when one of these three terms is used herein, the present disclosure and claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus, in some embodiments not expressly stated otherwise, any instance of "comprising" may be replaced by "consisting of" or by "consisting essentially of."

[0078] Other than in the working examples, or unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein should be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Hereinafter, or where otherwise indicated, "%" means "% by weight," "ratio" means "ratio by weight," and "parts" means "parts by weight."

[0079] As used herein, the term "substantially" shall mean, where relevant, including more than 50% by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

[0080] The recitation of numerical ranges using endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0081] Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0082] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits, under particular circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0083] It should also be noted that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0084] As used herein, with respect to numbers within a numerical range, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are understood to refer to a range of -10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably -5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably -1% to +1% of the referenced number, and most preferably -0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number. Furthermore, with respect to numerical ranges, these terms should be interpreted as providing support for claims directed to any number or subset of numbers within that range. For example, a disclosure of 1 to 10 should be interpreted as supporting ranges of 1 to 8, 3 to 7, 1 to 9, 3.6 to 4.6, 3.5 to 9.9, 8 to 10, etc.

[0085] The prior art referred to herein is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0086] The term "steam" refers to water in the gas phase by evaporation or boiling where added heat meets and / or exceeds the enthalpy of vaporization.

[0087] The term "superheated steam" refers to steam at a temperature higher than its vaporization point at the absolute pressure at which the temperature is measured. The vaporization point of water is pressure dependent.

[0088] The term "industrial steam" refers to steam used in industry for a wide range of purposes, including, but not limited to, process heat, drying or condensation, steam cracking, and distillation. Typically, the steam is superheated at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0089] The term "attemperator" refers to any unit or units capable of reducing the temperature of superheated steam.

[0090] The term "predetermined" refers to a value that is determined or decided in advance. The value may change over time. For example, the predetermined value may be a series of values or a trajectory of values at different points in time.

[0091] The term "cold start" refers to a scenario in which a thermal energy storage device is first started and does not have enough energy to provide steam or steam at the required temperature. In other words, it may take some time for the thermal energy storage device to heat up, and when the thermal energy storage device is started, the thermal energy storage device may not be hot enough to heat feedwater to provide steam or to provide steam at a sufficiently high temperature. During a cold start, hot water may be provided instead of steam. Those skilled in the art will understand that cold starts should be minimized or avoided because steam cannot be provided during this period.

[0092] The term "excess steam configuration" refers to a configuration in which a steam delivery system operates when excess steam is supplied. In other words, the steam demand is lower than the steam supplied by the system.

[0093] The term "no demand configuration" refers to a configuration in which the vapor delivery system operates when there is zero or minimal demand for vapor.

[0094] The term "flow rate" refers to volumetric flow rate.

[0095] The term "steam demand" refers to the flow demand for steam.

[0096] The term "saturation temperature" refers to the evaporation or boiling point.

[0097] The term "peak steam demand" refers to a steam demand that is typically higher than the maximum flow rate of steam that can be supplied by a steam delivery system.

[0098] The following abbreviations are used herein: RO Reverse osmosis Demin Demineralization TES Thermal energy storage apparatus DS Desuperheater

[0099] Although illustrative embodiments of the disclosed technology are described in detail herein, it should be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, the disclosed technology is not intended to be limited in scope to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0100] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0101] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of an energy storage device of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a vapor delivery system. [Figure 3] 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 2 in which the steam drum is located after the attemperator. [Figure 4] 4 shows a further embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 3 in which a hot water tank is installed to preheat the water supply. [Figure 5] 5 shows a further embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 4 in which heat recovery means is used to preheat the feedwater. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an embodiment of the system in which excess steam is directed to a sparge system. [Figure 7] 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 6 in which the water in the sparge system is recirculated and mixed with the water supply in the hot water tank. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 7 in which a steam drum is installed in parallel with the sparge system. [Figure 9] 9 shows a further embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 8 in which heat recovery means is used to preheat the feedwater. [Figure 10] 1 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0102] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention includes the embodiments and features disclosed herein, and all combinations and / or permutations of the disclosed embodiments and features.

[0103] Vapor delivery systems can have different configurations to suit different operating requirements.

[0104] 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in which a stream of feedwater 209 flows through pump 201 and is pressurized. The pressurized feedwater 210 then flows through conduits in thermal energy storage device 202 where it is heated to superheated steam 211. The superheated steam is then introduced into attemperator 203 to reduce its temperature. The attemperator preferably has a pressure regulator (not shown) that adjusts the steam pressure at its outlet. Steam 212 having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure is then supplied to steam users 204.

[0105] 3 shows a steam drum 205 located after the attemperator 204. The steam drum advantageously stores excess steam that can be released to meet peak steam demands.

[0106] FIG. 4 shows a hot water tank 206 installed before the pump 201 so that the feedwater can be preheated before being introduced into the thermal energy storage device 202.

[0107] FIG. 5 shows that the water supply is preheated in a hot water tank 206 using heat recovered from a heat recovery means 207 located at the user's site.

[0108] 6 and 7 show that instead of a steam drum, a sparge system 208 can be installed after the attemperator. Excess steam supplied can be directed to the sparge system when steam demand is lower than supply or zero. Additionally, water in the sparge system can be heated by the sparged steam and then recycled and used as preheated feedwater. Advantageously, the thermal energy storage device does not need to be shut down or turned off when steam demand is low or zero, thus avoiding cold starts.

[0109] 8 shows that steam drum 205 can be installed after attemperator 204 in parallel with sparge system 208. In this configuration, when excess steam is supplied, a portion of the excess steam is stored and another portion is directed to sparge system 208 to preheat feedwater.

[0110] Figure 9 shows another embodiment in which the heat recovered from the heat recovery means 207 is also used to preheat the feedwater. [Example]

[0111] Example 1 - Energy Storage Device Referring to FIG. 1 , a sensible heat storage body 102 for use as an energy device 100 is shown. The sensible heat storage body 102 has a heating element channel 104 for receiving a removable heating element 106 (not shown). The sensible heat storage body 102 also has a heat exchanger channel 108 for receiving a heat exchanger 110. The sensible heat storage body 102 is assembled in components and can be milled, machined, etc. to provide the heating element channel 104 and the heat exchanger channel 108 with at least two open ends within the sensible heat storage body. The sensible heat storage body 102 is in the form of a graphite panel constructed from component “slabs” of graphite machined to snugly receive the heat exchanger 110 and the heating element 106.

[0112] During use, the removable heating element 106 heats an interior region of the sensible heat storage body 102, and the heat exchanger 110 is housed within the heat exchanger channel 108 of the sensible heat storage body 102 so that a heat transfer medium can flow through the body 102 from an inlet to an outlet of the heat exchanger 110.

[0113] Example 2 - Vapor Delivery System A specific embodiment of a steam delivery system is shown in Figure 10. Feedwater 209 is filtered by RO filter 213 and subsequently desalinated in desalination tank 214. The desalinated feedwater 216 is then pressurized using pump 201 before being introduced into thermal energy storage device 202 to produce superheated steam 211. The steam is desuperheated in attemperator 203 by a flow of cooling water 215. The attemperator preferably has a pressure regulator (not shown) that adjusts the steam pressure at the outlet. A portion of steam 212 having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure is directed to sparge system 208, and the remainder is supplied to steam users 204. At least a portion of the water in the sparge system is recirculated and mixed with the feedwater.

[0114] Table 1 shows exemplary characteristics of the different flows in FIG. [Table 1]

[0115] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. 1. A steam delivery system for supplying industrial steam, comprising: a water supply control system for providing a water supply flow; a thermal energy storage device in fluid communication with the feedwater control system for heating the feedwater flowing through a conduit of the thermal energy storage device to provide steam; an attemperator in fluid communication with the thermal energy storage device to receive the steam and adjust a temperature of the steam; Equipped with wherein, in use, the steam delivery system is adapted to provide industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure. Vapor delivery system.

2. a sparge system in fluid communication with the attemperator, the vapor delivery system comprising: an excess steam configuration in which at least a portion of the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; a no-demand configuration in which the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; It is designed to work with configurations that include The vapor delivery system of claim 1 .

3. The sparge system includes a sparger tank, the sparger tank comprising: A volume of water and at least one nozzle for injecting the steam provided by the attemperator into the water; Equipped with In use, the steam is condensed and the water is heated. The vapor delivery system of claim 2 .

4. The steam delivery system of claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the water is recirculated and mixed with the feedwater.

5. The steam delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an aerosol of cooling water is introduced into the attemperator and mixed with the steam to reduce the temperature of the steam.

6. The steam delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attemperator comprises a heat exchanger, preferably the heat exchanger is of the shell-and-tube, tube-in-tube or plate type.

7. The steam delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the attemperator comprises a pressure regulator for adjusting the steam pressure at the attemperator outlet.

8. 8. The steam delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the attemperator to receive the steam from the attemperator and adjust the steam pressure, preferably the pressure regulator being a pressure control valve, more preferably a pressure reducing valve or a pressure maintaining valve.

9. 9. The steam delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feedwater control system comprises a pump, preferably a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, an axial pump, or a combination thereof connected in series or in parallel.

10. A steam delivery system according to any preceding claim, wherein the feedwater control system comprises a filter for removing contaminants from the feedwater, preferably the filter being a reverse osmosis filter.

11. A steam delivery system according to any preceding claim, wherein the feedwater control system comprises a desalination unit for desalination of the feedwater.

12. 12. A steam delivery system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the feedwater control system comprises a hot water tank for preheating the feedwater, preferably the feedwater being preheated by heat recovered from the steam using heat recovery means.

13. 13. The steam delivery system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a storage unit in fluid communication with the attemperator, the storage unit adapted to store excess steam, preferably the storage unit being a steam accumulator or a steam drum.

14. 14. The vapor delivery system of claim 13, wherein the stored vapor is released to meet peak vapor demand.

15. 1. A steam delivery system for supplying industrial steam, comprising: a water supply control system for providing a water supply flow; a thermal energy storage device in fluid communication with the feedwater control system for heating the feedwater flowing through a conduit of the thermal energy storage device to provide steam; an attemperator in fluid communication with the thermal energy storage device to receive the steam and adjust the steam temperature; a sparge system in fluid communication with the attemperator; When in use, the steam delivery system providing industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure; the vapor delivery system comprising: an excess steam configuration in which at least a portion of the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; a no-demand configuration in which the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; It is designed to work with configurations that include Vapor delivery system.

16. 1. A method for supplying industrial steam, comprising: a) providing a water supply through a water supply control system; b) flowing the feedwater from the feedwater control system to a thermal energy storage device to heat the feedwater and provide steam; c) desuperheating the steam to adjust the steam temperature; Including, thereby providing industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure; method.

17. sparging the steam provided by the attemperator into a sparge system; an excess steam configuration in which at least a portion of the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; a no-demand configuration in which the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; and further comprising the step of sparging.

17. The method of claim 16.

18. The sparge system includes a sparger tank, the sparger tank comprising: A volume of water and at least one nozzle for injecting the steam provided by the attemperator into the water; Equipped with thereby condensing the steam and heating the water.

18. The method of claim 17.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the water is recycled and mixed with the feedwater.

20. 20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein an aerosol of cooling water is introduced into the attemperator and mixed with the steam to reduce the temperature of the steam.

21. 21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the attemperator comprises a heat exchanger, preferably the heat exchanger is of the shell-and-tube, tube-in-tube or plate type.

22. 22. The method of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the attemperator comprises a pressure regulator for adjusting the steam pressure at the attemperator outlet.

23. 23. The method of any one of claims 16 to 22, further comprising the step of adjusting the steam pressure using a pressure regulator, preferably the pressure regulator being a pressure control valve, more preferably a pressure reducing valve or a pressure maintaining valve.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the water supply control system comprises a pump, preferably a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, an axial pump, or a combination thereof connected in series or in parallel.

25. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the water supply control system comprises a filter for removing contaminants from the water supply, preferably the filter being a reverse osmosis filter.

26. 26. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the water supply control system comprises a desalination unit for desalination of the water supply.

27. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the feedwater control system comprises a hot water tank for preheating the feedwater, preferably the feedwater being preheated by heat recovered from the steam using heat recovery means.

28. 28. The method of any one of claims 16 to 27, further comprising storing excess steam provided by the attemperator in a storage unit, preferably wherein the storage unit is a steam accumulator or a steam drum.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the stored steam is released to meet peak steam demand.

30. 1. A method for supplying industrial steam, comprising: a) providing a water supply through a water supply control system; b) flowing the feedwater from the feedwater control system to a thermal energy storage device to heat the feedwater and provide steam; c) desuperheating the steam to adjust the steam temperature; d) sparging the steam provided by the attemperator into a sparge system, an excess steam configuration in which at least a portion of the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; a no-demand configuration in which the steam provided by the attemperator is redirected to the sparge system; sparging with a configuration comprising: Including, thereby providing industrial steam having at least one of a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure; method.

Images