Energy supply system suitable for salt lake lithium extraction and method for supplying energy by using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high energy consumption and cost associated with lithium extraction from salt lakes, particularly due to the need for large amounts of low-grade heat energy, pose a significant challenge in the lithium extraction process, with energy costs accounting for a substantial portion of the total operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
An energy supply system integrating solid heat storage components, heat exchange units, and waste heat recovery devices to provide process hot water, vapor, and heating for lithium extraction, utilizing valley power and building heating return water to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional energy supply systems are used for lithium extraction, then process hot water, vapor and heating can be provided, but energy consumption and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste heat from the lithium extraction process (a harmful loss) into a useful resource by using heat exchange units to transfer this waste heat to heating systems, building heating, and other process needs. This transforms energy loss into energy benefit, significantly reducing fuel consumption and operational costs while maintaining all required thermal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple energy supply functions (process hot water, vapor generation, building heating) into an integrated energy supply system that shares common heat exchange infrastructure. By combining these functions and using waste heat from one process to satisfy another, the system achieves synergistic energy efficiency improvements.
2Loss of energy
If waste heat recovery is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange units are designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: transferring waste heat from evaporation components to process hot water systems, from precipitation components to building heating systems, and providing vapor generation. This universal approach reduces the need for separate dedicated heat recovery systems for each function, thereby limiting complexity growth.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solid heat storage components are used, then carbon emissions are reduced, but initial investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid heat storage components are designed to utilize waste heat from the lithium extraction process itself to charge the thermal energy storage systems. The system serves itself by using its own waste heat to maintain operational temperatures and reduce external fuel requirements, thereby offsetting the initial investment through operational savings and reducing carbon emissions.
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 zero carbon emissions and significantly reduces initial investment and operation costs by fully utilizing waste heat, making it efficient and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
the water supply unit comprises a water storage tank and a first solid heat storage component
Implementation Method 2
condensed water in the evaporation component and the lithium precipitation component is used for exchanging heat with building heating return water in the building heating return pipeline in the heat exchange unit
Implementation Method 3
the vapor supply unit comprises a third solid heat storage component, and the third solid heat storage component is respectively connected with the evaporation component and the lithium precipitation component to provide a vapor heat source
Data Source
AI summary
An energy supply system for salt lake lithium extraction comprises: a lithium extraction unit, a water source supply unit, a heating unit, a heat exchange unit, a steam supply unit, and a lithium extraction plant. The water source supply unit comprises a water storage tank and a first solid heat storage assembly. A second solid heat storage assembly of the heating unit is connected to the heat exchange unit, and is connected to the lithium extraction plant by means of a building heating water supply pipeline. The lithium extraction unit comprises an adsorption assembly, a membrane assembly, an evaporation assembly and a lithium precipitation assembly, and the water storage tank is connected to the adsorption assembly. A third solid heat storage assembly of the steam supply unit is connected to the evaporation assembly and the lithium precipitation assembly. The lithium extraction plant is connected to the heat exchange unit.