Cold Storage Tank for Solar Heat Machine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated solar power plants face efficiency losses due to high outside temperatures, which require costly oversizing of air-cooled condensers and significant electrical consumption, especially in arid regions where water is scarce and cooling systems like wet cooling are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A cold storage tank using a reservoir of thermal storage material, such as a bed of rocks, to store nighttime coolness for later use during peak heat hours, reducing the need for oversized heat exchangers and minimizing electrical consumption by utilizing natural temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air-cooled condensers are oversized to maintain efficiency during high outside temperatures, then the nominal performance of heat exchangers is maintained, but investment costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by storing cold energy in a rock bed during nighttime hours before the high-temperature period arrives. This pre-stored cold is then utilized during daytime high-temperature operations to maintain condenser efficiency without requiring oversized equipment. The rock bed is cooled overnight using ambient air or water, and this stored cold is discharged during peak heat hours to compensate for the reduced cooling capacity of the air-cooled condenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rock bed as an intermediary thermal storage medium between the ambient environment and the condenser system. This rock bed acts as a buffer that decouples the condenser performance from direct ambient temperature variations. The rock bed absorbs and releases thermal energy, mediating the thermal interaction and allowing the condenser to operate at optimal conditions regardless of outside temperature fluctuations.
2Power
If air-cooled condensers are oversized to handle peak heat loads, then cooling capacity is sufficient during high temperatures, but electrical consumption increases due to larger fan requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling action during nighttime when electrical demand is lower and ambient temperatures are cooler. The rock bed is charged with cold energy during these off-peak hours, allowing the main condenser fans to operate at reduced capacity or be shut down during daytime peak heat loads, thereby significantly reducing electrical consumption during high-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic action by alternating between two operational modes: nighttime charging mode where the rock bed is cooled using ambient air or water, and daytime discharging mode where the stored cold is released to assist the condenser. This periodic operation allows the system to meet peak cooling demands without continuously operating large fans, thus reducing overall electrical consumption.
3Power
If conventional cooling systems are used in arid regions, then water consumption is high for wet cooling, but cooling efficiency is insufficient due to high ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the rock bed using water during nighttime hours when water availability is not constrained and temperatures are lower. This stored cold is then utilized during daytime operations, reducing or eliminating the need for continuous water consumption during peak heat loads, thus addressing both cooling efficiency and water conservation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the rock bed over time - cooling it down during nighttime and allowing it to warm during daytime while periodically re-cooling it. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to provide efficient cooling during high-temperature periods without proportionally increasing water consumption, as the rock bed acts as a thermal buffer that reduces the instantaneous cooling demand on water-based systems.
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 solution maintains the nominal performance of heat exchangers and turbines during high temperatures without initial equipment oversizing, reducing investment and energy costs, while allowing flexibility in Rankine cycle adjustments and easy implementation.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir of thermal storage material by sensible heat, as cold storage means for the air condenser and/or the air cooler
Implementation Method 2
a condenser for cooling the expanded steam
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an installation for converting heat into mechanical energy, comprising: - a heat machine capable of causing a working fluid to undergo a thermodynamic cycle, - a system for cooling the working fluid of the heat machine, comprising at least one air-cooled heat exchanger for directly or indirectly cooling the working fluid using external air, and a reservoir of sensible heat thermal storage material, by way of a means of storing cold for the heat exchanger, the reservoir being able to be placed in communication with the external air at times at which the outside temperature is the coldest so as to store the cold from the external air by circulating same through the storage material.