Heat And Pressure Storage Cycle for High-Pressure Working Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems utilizing heat pipes are limited by the pressure they can withstand, restricting the choice of working substances and efficiency of power generation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated power generation system with thermal energy and pressure storage cycles, featuring a heat and pressure storage unit, multiple heat exchangers, and control valves to manage the phase change and pressure of a working substance, along with a multi-level temperature control valve and circulation system to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If organic substances are combusted in conventional power plants, then power is generated, but harmful substances are discharged into the atmosphere causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures harmful substances (CO2, SOx, NOx, particulates) that would normally be discharged into the atmosphere and converts them into useful resources. CO2 is used for algae cultivation, SOx and NOx are converted to sulfuric acid and nitric acid for fertilizer production, and particulates are converted to activated carbon. This transforms environmental pollution into valuable agricultural and industrial inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces algae as an intermediary organism that absorbs CO2 from flue gas and produces biomass for biofuel production. Algae serves as a mediator between the power generation process and environmental protection, converting harmful CO2 emissions into useful biofuel feedstock while improving air quality.
2Ease of operation
If flue gas is directly discharged into the atmosphere, then operational simplicity is maintained, but environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flue gas treatment process is segmented into multiple independent modules: CO2 capture for algae cultivation, SOx removal and conversion to sulfuric acid, NOx removal and conversion to nitric acid, and particulate removal and conversion to activated carbon. Each module operates independently and can be controlled separately, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving comprehensive pollution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses waste heat from the power plant flue gas to provide thermal energy for the various treatment processes, including algae cultivation, acid generation, and activated carbon production. This self-service approach uses the polluting resource itself to power the cleanup process, reducing the need for external energy inputs.
3Reliability
If heat storage and pressure storage systems are integrated, then power generation stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat storage and pressure storage functions into an integrated system where waste heat from the power plant drives both thermal processes (algae cultivation, acid generation, activated carbon production) and mechanical processes (steam turbine generation, gas compression). This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to separate storage systems while improving power generation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flue gas is utilized for multiple purposes simultaneously: CO2 is used for algae cultivation, SOx and NOx are converted to industrial chemicals, particulates are converted to activated carbon, and waste heat provides energy for all these processes plus electricity generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate treatment systems, simplifying the overall configuration while enhancing reliability.
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 significantly enhances power generation efficiency by minimizing waiting times for heating and cooling, maintaining high temperatures, and utilizing off-peak power for storage, enabling efficient power generation during peak hours and balancing the electric grid.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of algae tanks for cultivating algae by utilizing carbon dioxide contained in the flue gas
Implementation Method 2
a biofuel generator for generating power by burning organic substances
Implementation Method 3
a heat storage system for storing heat
Implementation Method 4
a pressure storage system for storing pressure
Implementation Method 5
Heat storage and pressure storage cycle power generation system
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides an integrated power generation system with thermal energy and pressure storage cycles comprising a heat and pressure storage unit connected to a heat source, the heat source absorbs and transmits thermal energy to the unit to heat and pressurize a first working substance and convert it to a gaseous state; a first power generation device receives the high-temperature and high-pressure first working substance released from the unit and converts the fluid kinetic energy of the first working substance into electrical energy; a heat storage tank receives the first working substance flowing through the first power generation device for heat exchange and storage of thermal energy; and a cooling tank receives the first working substance from the heat storage tank to enable the first working substance and undergoes a phase change into a liquid state and then transmits it to the unit to complete a cycle.