Heat-storage medium conveying system for solar-thermal power plant
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of vertical long-shaft submerged molten salt pumps in solar-thermal power plants leads to high procurement and production costs due to unusable molten salt, complex design and manufacturing challenges, and increased maintenance risks, along with safety concerns related to the combination of high-level and low-level tanks.
Innovation Solution
A heat-storage medium conveying system featuring high-level and low-level tanks with a compressed gas liquid-level adjustment system, fail-safe leak-proof mechanisms, and flexible connectors to manage thermal stress, allowing for efficient molten salt distribution and reducing equipment costs and operational risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical long-shaft submerged molten salt pumps are used, then molten salt can be conveyed from high-level to low-level tanks, but a large amount of molten salt becomes unusable due to pump limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single vertical long-shaft submerged pump system into multiple horizontal pumps distributed at different locations. Instead of using one complex vertical pump that cannot access all molten salt, the system employs multiple simpler horizontal pumps that can be strategically positioned to draw molten salt from various levels, thereby reducing the amount of unusable salt and improving overall utilization.
2Ease of operation
If vertical long-shaft submerged molten salt pumps are used, then molten salt conveyance is achieved, but design and manufacturing complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex vertical long-shaft submerged pump into multiple simpler horizontal pumps. Each horizontal pump has a straightforward structure that is easier to design and manufacture compared to the complex vertical configuration with long shafts and multiple stages. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the same conveyance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts standard horizontal pumps that are commercially available and easier to manufacture, replacing the custom-designed vertical long-shaft submerged pumps. These horizontal pumps can be produced more cheaply and quickly by multiple manufacturers, reducing both initial investment and maintenance costs.
3Ease of operation
If vertical long-shaft submerged molten salt pumps are used, then molten salt can be conveyed, but maintenance time and operational risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single complex vertical pump system into multiple simpler horizontal pumps. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance as each horizontal pump can be accessed and serviced independently without requiring complex disassembly of long shafts and bearings. The simplified structure reduces maintenance time and operational risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs horizontal pumps that can be more easily replaced or refurbished compared to vertical long-shaft submerged pumps. When a horizontal pump needs maintenance, it can be quickly removed and replaced with a spare unit, minimizing downtime and improving operational reliability.
4Productivity
If high-level and low-level tanks are combined, then molten salt distribution efficiency improves, but safety hazards arise from thermal stress and liquid level control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal insulation layer and expansion joints between the high-level and low-level tanks. These intermediaries buffer the thermal stress caused by temperature differences between the hot molten salt in the high-level tank and the cooler environment of the low-level tank, preventing thermal cracking and structural damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automatic liquid level control systems with sensors and floating ball valves that self-regulate the liquid level in the low-level tank. When the liquid level reaches a certain height, the floating ball valve automatically closes to prevent overfilling, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring safe 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
The system effectively reduces costs, enhances system reliability, and ensures safe operation by minimizing unusable molten salt and addressing safety hazards, while maintaining efficient molten salt distribution and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
compressed gas liquid-level adjustment system
Implementation Method 2
reducing the production cost of the storage tanks
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a heat-storage medium conveying system for a solar-thermal power plant. The system includes a high-level tank subsystem including a high-level tank used to store the heat-storage medium. The system further includes a heat-storage medium transport subsystem. The high-level tank subsystem is connected with the heat-storage medium transport subsystem. The heat-storage medium transport subsystem includes a low-level tank. A mounting height of the low-level tank is lower than that of the high-level tank. A volume of the low-level tank is smaller than a volume of the high-level tank. The heat-storage medium can enter the low-level tank from the high-level tank partially or completely by its own gravity. The low-level tank is provided with a conveying pump, and the heat-storage medium is pumped out of the low-level tank through the conveying pump. The invention solves the problems such as construction cost, operation and maintenance cost brought about by using the vertical long-shaft submerged molten salt pump, while avoiding the potential safety hazards in the design of large and small tanks or high-level and low-level tanks.