Falling particle receiver systems with mass flow control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power systems face challenges in efficiently capturing solar energy to heat particles and require complex structures or fluidization, leading to high costs and parasitic electricity consumption, especially when scaling up falling particle receiver technology from 1 MW-thermal prototypes to larger systems like 10 MWe, where mass flow control of particles is needed to achieve desired outlet temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with particle flow control devices, such as slide gates or other flow control mechanisms, that adjust mass flow rates based on feedback from particle outlet temperature and desired working fluid temperature, using proportional-integral-derivative control methods to maintain steady temperatures and accommodate non-uniform irradiance, allowing for efficient heat transfer in solar receivers and heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If complex structures or fluidization are used to heat particles, then heating efficiency is improved, but device complexity and parasitic electricity consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluidization mechanism and complex heating structures from the system, replacing them with simple gravitational falling particle flow. Particles naturally fall through the solar receiver under gravity, eliminating the need for fluidization equipment and complex heating structures while maintaining effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes gravity as a free natural force to drive particle flow through the solar receiver. The falling particles self-regulate their flow rate and heat transfer process without requiring external energy input or complex control mechanisms, achieving self-service operation.
2Temperature
If mass flow control is implemented to achieve desired outlet temperatures, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where particle outlet temperature is continuously measured and used to adjust the particle mass flow rate through the solar receiver. This closed-loop control automatically maintains desired temperature levels without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the particle flow rate in response to changing solar irradiance conditions and temperature requirements. The flow control mechanism adapts in real-time to maintain optimal operating conditions, transitioning from static to dynamic operation.
3Power
If solar power systems are scaled up from 1 MW to 10 MWe, then power output is improved, but mass flow control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale solar receiver system into multiple independent particle flow channels or zones, each with its own flow control capabilities. This segmentation allows manageable control of particle flow across the entire 10 MWe system, making operation easier despite the large scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control system is designed to handle multiple functions: controlling particle flow rate, regulating outlet temperature, and adapting to varying solar irradiance conditions. This multi-functionality simplifies operation by providing a unified control approach for various operational requirements.
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 enables automatic control of particle and working fluid outlet temperatures, reduces temperature oscillations, and allows for efficient scaling of solar receiver systems up to 100 MW by optimizing particle flow according to irradiance patterns, thereby enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
systems and methods to control the particle mass flow rate in a solar receiver and heat exchanger based on feedback from particle and/or working-fluid outlet temperatures
Implementation Method 2
Solar power systems offer much promise for clean energy, with few, or zero, carbon emissions. These systems collect incident sunlight and convert this sunlight into a usable form of power, such as heat or electricity
Implementation Method 3
previously disclosed processes and systems are either not efficient in capturing solar energy to heat particles
Implementation Method 4
the flow of particles through a solar particle heat exchanger, such as a particle/sCO2 heat exchanger, can also be controlled to achieve the desired heat transfer to the sCO2 at a prescribed thermal duty
Implementation Method 5
One or more particle flow control devices at the inlet or outlet, including a slide gate device, to control the particle flow and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods to control particle mass flow rate in solar receivers and associated heat exchangers based on feedback from one or more temperatures of particles in the system.