Heat Storage Power Control for Thermal Stress-Limited Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heat storage power generation systems face challenges with heat exchange efficiency due to thermal expansion and contraction of crushed rock materials, leading to potential damage and inefficient energy transfer, and existing solutions require additional work to manage the distribution of heat transfer fluids.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage power generation system with a heating controller that manages the heating of heat transfer fluids based on multiple limit values, including energy consumption, temperature, internal temperature, and temperature change rate, to prevent damage to the heat storage material and ensure efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heat storage material is heated to high temperature to store energy, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the thermal expansion and contraction causes damage to the heat storage material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the heating rate and temperature parameters to prevent thermal shock damage. The heating controller adjusts the heating power based on the temperature difference between the heat transfer fluid and heat storage material, ensuring the temperature rises within a safe range that avoids thermal expansion damage while still achieving effective energy storage.
2Productivity
If the heat transfer fluid temperature is increased to improve heat exchange efficiency, then the energy transfer rate increases, but the temperature control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a heating controller that continuously monitors the temperature of the heat transfer fluid and adjusts the heating power accordingly. The controller calculates the temperature difference between the heat transfer fluid and heat storage material, and dynamically adjusts the heating rate to maintain optimal heat exchange efficiency while preventing thermal damage, thereby simplifying the overall control system.
3Loss of time
If the heating rate is increased to reduce energy consumption time, then the power generation response speed increases, but the thermal stress on heat storage material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heating rate adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The heating controller dynamically adjusts the heating power based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing the system to operate at higher heating rates when conditions permit (reducing time loss) while automatically reducing the heating rate when thermal stress risks arise, thus balancing speed and safety.
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 controls the heating process to prevent damage to the heat storage material, optimize energy transfer, and reduce energy consumption, ensuring efficient operation and extended material lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the heat storage material in the heat storage is heated by some means, for example, the heat transfer fluid at high temperature. Then, as the temperature of the heat storage material increases, energy is stored in the heat storage
Implementation Method 2
the heat storage material in the heat storage releases heat to some means, for example, the heat transfer fluid at low temperature. The heat transfer fluid at low temperature is heated by receiving thermal energy from the heat storage material
Implementation Method 3
the power generator generates electric power by using a steam turbine cycle when the heat storage is operated in a heat releasing mode
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a heat storage power generation system includes a heater to heat first fluid, and a heat storage to be heated by the first fluid, and heat second fluid with heat stored in the heat storage. The system further includes a generator to generate electric power by using the second fluid, a heating controller to control heating of the first fluid by the heater, and a power generation controller to control power generation performed by the generator. The heating controller controls the heating of the first fluid, based on two or more limit values among a first limit value related to an amount of energy consumption by the heater, a second limit value related to temperature of the first fluid, a third limit value related to internal temperature of the heat storage, and a fourth limit value related to a change rate of the internal temperature.