Dry-Cooling System Thermal Energy Storage for Power Plant Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dry-cooling systems for power plants face high operating costs and thermodynamic limitations, especially at high ambient temperatures, limiting their efficiency and power output compared to wet-cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an enhanced dry-cooling system that includes an air-cooled condenser with a thermal energy storage unit and a recharging loop, utilizing valve-controlled conduits and heat exchangers to efficiently transfer and store latent heat, allowing for peak-load shifting and reducing ambient air inlet temperature through a thermal energy storage unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If wet-cooling method is used to remove latent heat from steam, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change of thermal energy storage material (from solid to liquid and back) to store and release latent heat. The material undergoes phase transition at a specific temperature range (30-50°C), absorbing heat during melting and releasing heat during freezing, enabling effective heat removal without water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy storage material as an intermediary between the steam condensation process and the ambient environment. This mediator absorbs latent heat from the condensing steam during the day and releases it to the ambient air at night, decoupling the heat removal process from direct water evaporation
2Loss of substance
If dry-cooling method is used to dissipate latent heat directly into ambient air, then water consumption is reduced, but thermodynamic performance deteriorates at high ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cooling of the thermal energy storage material during nighttime when ambient temperatures are low. The material is chilled below its phase change temperature, storing cooling capacity in advance. During daytime peak load periods, this pre-stored cooling capacity is released to maintain condenser effectiveness despite high ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the thermal energy storage material dynamically by controlling its phase state. The material is maintained in a liquid state during charging (absorbing heat) and transitions to solid state during discharging (releasing heat), optimizing heat transfer parameters at different operational phases
3Temperature
If thermal energy storage unit is added to dry-cooling system, then thermodynamic limitations are mitigated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal energy storage function with the existing dry-cooling system by integrating the phase change material into the condenser structure. The thermal storage material is placed in direct thermal contact with the condenser tubes, combining heat exchange and heat storage functions in a single integrated component rather than adding separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage material serves multiple functions: it acts as a heat sink during daytime condensation, a heat source during nighttime ambient heating, and a thermal buffer to smooth temperature fluctuations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling systems and simplifies overall plant operation
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 increases power plant efficiency and output by mitigating thermodynamic limitations, reducing water consumption, and lowering operating and capital costs, while maintaining high heat transfer coefficients and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal energy storage unit configured to contain a thermal energy storage material
Implementation Method 2
transferring latent heat from the supply of air to latent heat of a first heat exchanger, transferring the latent heat of the first heat exchanger to stored latent heat of a thermal storage material
Implementation Method 3
an air cooler comprising a heat exchanger and in valve-controlled fluid communication with a source of ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to enhanced dry-cooling systems and methods. More specifically, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to enhanced dry-cooling systems for increasing power plant efficiency and output. One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to dry-cooling system for increasing power plant efficiency and output. The dry-cooling system comprises an air-cooled condenser and an air cooling system in fluid communication with the air-cooled condenser.