Heat Storage Power Generation Warm-Up Using Switched Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat storage power generation systems face inefficiencies when surplus electric power is not abundant, leading to prolonged warm-up times and reduced power generation due to low internal component temperatures, and not all surplus power can be consumed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage power generation system with a heater, heat storage, power generator, and flow path switchers, controlled by controllers to manage heat transfer fluid flow paths, allowing for warm-up modes to efficiently utilize surplus energy and reduce warm-up times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the system waits for abundant surplus electric power to operate in heat storage mode, then the power generator can be warmed up properly, but the warm-up time is prolonged and power generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warming-up of the power generator using the heat storage during periods when surplus electric power is available. The heat storage is heated in advance using surplus electric power, and then this stored heat is used to warm up the power generator before power generation begins, eliminating the need to wait for abundant surplus power at the time of power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the warming-up process into two separate stages: (1) heating the heat storage using surplus electric power, and (2) using the heat storage to warm up the power generator. This segmentation allows the warming-up to occur independently of the power generation timing, resolving the contradiction between temperature requirements and time loss.
2Loss of energy
If the system operates continuously to consume all surplus electric power, then energy utilization is maximized, but the power generator may not have sufficient temperature for immediate power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the heat storage using surplus electric power before power generation is needed. This allows the system to consume surplus electric power in advance when it is abundant, while the heat storage retains the thermal energy for subsequent use in warming up the power generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage acts as an intermediary between surplus electric power and the power generator. It receives thermal energy from surplus electric power and transfers it to the power generator, enabling the system to consume surplus power without directly heating the power generator at the moment of power generation.
3Loss of time
If the power generator is warmed up using conventional methods, then the system structure remains simple, but warm-up time increases and energy utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage serves as a thermal intermediary that enables rapid warming-up of the power generator. By introducing this intermediate thermal storage component, the system achieves fast warm-up times without requiring complex direct heating systems, as the heat storage naturally buffers and transfers thermal energy efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase change materials in the heat storage that undergo phase transitions (e.g., melting and freezing) to store and release large amounts of thermal energy rapidly. This phase transition mechanism enables fast warming-up of the power generator while maintaining a relatively simple system structure.
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 efficiently uses surplus energy to warm up the power generator, ensuring immediate power generation and maximizing energy consumption, thereby optimizing energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (1) configured to heat first heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 2
a heat storage (2) configured to heat second heat transfer fluid with heat stored in the heat storage material
Implementation Method 3
the power generator generates electric power by using the second heat transfer fluid
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, and one or more first path switchers provided on a first path through which the first fluid is circulated between the heater and heat storage. The system further includes one or more second path switchers provided on a second path through which the second fluid is circulated between the heat storage and generator, one or more third path switchers provided on a third path through which at least one of the first and second fluids is circulated between the heater and generator, and a switching controller to control the first, second and third path switchers.