Combined High-Parameter and Low-Parameter Molten Salt Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molten salt energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently matching high-parameter thermal power units due to limitations in temperature range and corrosivity, leading to reduced energy storage efficiency and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system combining high-parameter and low-parameter molten salt energy storage systems, utilizing a high-parameter carbonate and a low-melting-point nitrate, with heat absorption and release loops connected to the thermal power unit's steam pipelines, allowing for efficient heat exchange and energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If binary nitrate molten salt is used for heat storage, then the system is mature and widely used, but it cannot match thermal power units with high parameters of 565°C and more due to temperature limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the molten salt heat storage system into two separate systems: a low-parameter molten salt heat storage system (using binary nitrate) and a high-parameter molten salt heat storage system (using carbonate). Each system operates within its optimal temperature range, with the low-parameter system handling temperatures up to 565°C and the high-parameter system handling temperatures above 565°C. This segmentation allows both mature binary nitrate technology and high-temperature carbonate technology to be utilized effectively without compromising reliability or temperature capability.
2Device complexity
If steam extraction from medium-pressure cylinder exhaust pipe is used, then system changes are minimal and project cost is low, but energy storage efficiency is lower and condenser back pressure increases reducing unit work capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different steam extraction strategies to different parts of the steam cycle based on local quality requirements. For the high-parameter molten salt heat absorption loop, main steam is extracted to provide high-temperature heat source. For the low-parameter molten salt heat absorption loop, reheat steam is extracted to provide appropriate temperature heat source. This localized optimization of steam extraction points improves overall energy storage efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity through selective application of extraction methods where most beneficial.
3Temperature
If electric heating is used to raise steam temperature after heat release, then temperature can be increased, but electric heater consumes large proportion of power reducing overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the molten salt heat release process. Instead of using electric heaters to raise steam temperature after heat release, the system combines the steam heating process with the molten salt cooling process in integrated heat exchangers. The molten salt releases stored thermal energy directly to heat the steam, eliminating the need for separate electric heating and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining effective temperature increase.
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
The system achieves improved energy storage efficiency by reducing power consumption through efficient heat exchange and parameter matching, enabling rapid frequency modulation and peak shaving with minimal system modifications.
Implementation Method 1
heat absorption and release loops connected to the thermal power unit's steam pipelines, allowing for efficient heat exchange and energy storage
Implementation Method 2
molten salt energy storage systems, utilizing a high-parameter carbonate and a low-melting-point nitrate, with heat absorption and release loops connected to the thermal power unit's steam pipelines
Implementation Method 3
heat absorption and release loops connected to the thermal power unit's steam pipelines, allowing for efficient heat exchange and energy storage
Implementation Method 4
an electric heater for heating a molten salt, and an electric energy input end of the electric heater is connected with an electric energy output end of the thermal power unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for realizing transformation of a thermal power unit based on combined high-parameter and low-parameter molten salts includes a high-parameter molten salt energy storage system, a low-parameter molten salt energy storage system and a thermal power unit. The high-parameter molten salt energy storage system and the low-parameter molten salt energy storage system include an electric heater for heating a molten salt, and an electric energy input end of the electric heater is connected with an electric energy output end of the thermal power unit. The low-parameter molten salt energy storage system includes a low-parameter molten salt heat absorption loop and a low-parameter molten salt heat release loop, and the high-parameter molten salt energy storage system includes a high-parameter molten salt heat absorption loop and a high-parameter molten salt heat release loop.