Intermediate Heat Transfer Loop for Power Cycle Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal power plants face challenges in efficiently transferring high-value heat to power cycles due to contamination risks and stress on components from pressure differences between heat transfer fluids and power cycle fluids, particularly in systems using intermediate heat transfer fluids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a closed intermediate heat transfer loop (IHTL) with discreet heat transfer devices and an intermediate heat transfer fluid (IHTF) that indirectly heats a primary heat transfer fluid (PHTF) and subsequently a power cycle fluid (PCF), using a recirculating system to manage flow rates and pressures, reducing contamination risks and stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If direct heat transfer from heat source to power cycle fluid is used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but contamination risk and component stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate heat transfer fluid (IHTF) as a mediator between the heat source and the power cycle fluid. The IHTF absorbs heat from the heat source and transfers it to the power cycle fluid through a heat exchanger, preventing direct contact between the heat source and power cycle fluid. This eliminates contamination risks while maintaining efficient heat transfer through the intermediate fluid's thermal properties and controlled flow rates.
2Reliability
If intermediate heat transfer fluid is used, then contamination risk is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat transfer system into distinct functional zones: a heat source zone, an intermediate heat transfer fluid circulation zone, and a power cycle fluid zone. Each zone operates independently with its own fluid circulation system, allowing the intermediate fluid to provide contamination protection while the segmented structure manages complexity through functional separation rather than integrated complexity.
3Strength
If multiple loops with intermediate heat transfer fluid are implemented, then component stress is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate heat transfer fluid acts as a stress-buffering intermediary between the heat source and power cycle components. By absorbing and transferring heat through controlled convection currents, the IHTF system reduces thermal shock and pressure fluctuations that would otherwise stress components directly, while the fluid's natural circulation patterns simplify the need for complex pressure management systems.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of heat transfer while minimizing contamination and stress on components, allowing for effective generation of power using high-value heat sources with improved system reliability and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
heating a primary heat transfer fluid (PHTF) using an external heat source to provide a heated primary heat transfer fluid; circulating a first portion of the heated primary heat transfer fluid through a first of the four or more discreet heat transfer devices within the housing and circulating a second portion of the heated primary heat transfer fluid through a second of the four or more discreet heat transfer devices within the housing, whereby the intermediate heat transfer fluid is indirectly heated by the heated primary heat transfer fluid from both the first and second discreet heat transfer devices
Implementation Method 2
circulating an intermediate heat transfer fluid (IHTF) through the housing and about the four or more discreet heat transfer devices; circulating at least a portion of a power cycle fluid (PCF) through a third of the four or more discreet heat transfer devices within the housing and circulating the at least a portion of the power cycle fluid through a fourth of the four or more discreet heat transfer devices within the housing to provide a heated power cycle fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating power (and optionally heat) from a high value heat source using a plurality of circulating loops comprising a primary heat transfer loop, several power cycle loops and an intermediate heat transfer loop that transfers heat from the high-temperature heat transfer loop to the several power cycle loops. The intermediate heat transfer loop is arranged to eliminate to the extent practical the shell and tube heat exchangers especially those heat exchangers that have a very large pressure difference between the tube side and shell side, to eliminate shell and tube, plate type, double pipe and similar heat exchangers that transfer heat directly from the primary heat transfer loop to the several power cycle loops with very high differential pressures and to maximize the use of heat transfer coils similar in design as are used in a heat recovery steam generator commonly used to transfer heat from gas turbine flue gas to steam or other power cycle fluids as part of a combined cycle power plant.