Cold Thermal Storage for Peak-Hour Power Plant Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage technologies for power plants are inefficient and impractical for large-scale peak hour energy demand, especially in fossil fuel-fired plants that operate 24/7, as they require dedicated equipment and are geographically or environmentally constrained, limiting their ability to store off-peak energy effectively for peak hour consumption.
Innovation Solution
Indirect cold temperature thermal energy storage methods involve cooling a cold temperature storage medium during off-peak hours and using it to lower the temperature of the ambient fluid during peak hours, enhancing the thermodynamic cycle's performance by allowing heat rejection at a lower temperature, thereby increasing power generation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hot temperature storage technologies are used to store energy for power generation, then energy can be stored and released for power cycle operation, but dedicated power plant equipment (turbine, condenser, pumps) is required which makes the system complex and impractical for fossil fuel plants operating 24/7
Solution Approach 1:
The existing power plant equipment (turbine, condenser, pumps) is made to serve dual functions: normal power generation and energy storage/release. The system uses the same thermodynamic cycle equipment for both conventional operation and for converting stored thermal energy into electricity during peak demand, eliminating the need for dedicated storage-specific equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage system is merged with the existing power plant infrastructure. The storage medium integrates with the condenser and heat rejection system, allowing the storage and generation functions to be combined in a single integrated system rather than separate components.
2Productivity
If additional power plant equipment is constructed to handle stored energy from thermal storage, then peak hour energy demand can be met, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The existing power plant equipment is designed to perform multiple functions including energy storage and peak load generation. The turbine, condenser, and pumps operate in different modes (normal power generation vs. storage energy conversion) but are not duplicated, thereby meeting peak demand without additional construction.
3Temperature
If low temperature storage systems (ice) are used for energy storage, then cooling can be provided during peak hours, but the system is limited to air conditioning purposes and cannot generate electricity through thermodynamic cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses variable temperature storage media that can operate at different temperature levels depending on the application. The same storage system can provide low-temperature cooling for air conditioning or higher-temperature storage for thermodynamic power generation, changing the operational parameters rather than the fundamental system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage system is designed to serve multiple purposes: it can provide cooling for air conditioning during hot weather or generate electricity through the thermodynamic cycle when power generation is needed, making the system versatile rather than application-specific.
4Use of energy by moving object
If pumped storage technology is used for energy storage, then large scale energy can be stored and released, but the technology has reached its geographical limits and is not universally applicable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing power plant's own infrastructure (condenser, heat rejection system, thermodynamic cycle equipment) to store and release energy. The power plant serves itself for energy storage rather than requiring external geographical features like hills or reservoirs needed for pumped storage, enabling universal application regardless of location.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for a significant power boost during peak hours, reduces energy storage system costs, and eliminates the need for additional equipment, as it integrates with existing power plant infrastructure, offering a versatile and efficient solution for various climates and locations.
Implementation Method 1
using the stored cold temperature storage medium to absorb heat from the ambient fluid prior to heat rejection from the thermodynamic cycle to the ambient fluid
Data Source
AI summary
During off-peak operation of a power plant operating on a thermodynamic cycle wherein heat is rejected to an ambient fluid, heat is removed from a cold temperature storage medium. The cold temperature storage medium is stored until the power plant is experiencing a peak period. During the peak period, the stored cold temperature storage medium is used to absorb heat from the ambient fluid prior to heat rejection from the thermodynamic cycle to the ambient fluid, to improve performance of the thermodynamic cycle. In another aspect, the stored cold temperature storage medium is mixed with the ambient fluid prior to heat rejection from the thermodynamic cycle to the ambient fluid. Corresponding systems, apparatuses, retrofit methods, design and control techniques are also disclosed.