Modular Thermal Storage Cells for On-Demand Solar Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy systems struggle to efficiently capture and store thermal energy for on-demand power generation, leading to reliance on fossil fuels and high greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy system with a thermal energy storage (TES) vessel that uses a heat transfer fluid to heat a thermal mass composition, which in turn heats a secondary working fluid to produce steam for electricity generation via the Rankine cycle, incorporating a modular heat exchange system with independently operable heat transfer cells for enhanced efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If solar energy is captured during daytime for later use, then energy availability for on-demand power generation is improved, but energy storage capacity and duration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is segmented into multiple independent heat transfer cells (e.g., 10-50 cells) that can be individually operated. Each cell contains thermal mass material and heat exchange surfaces, allowing the system to store and release thermal energy in modular units. This segmentation enables extended storage duration by sequentially charging and discharging multiple cells while minimizing thermal losses through reduced heat transfer paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal energy is captured and stored in the thermal mass material during daytime when solar radiation is available, preparing energy in advance for nighttime or peak demand periods. The system pre-heats the thermal mass material to high temperatures (e.g., 200-1000°C) during periods of excess solar energy, enabling on-demand power generation when needed without relying on fossil fuels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal energy is stored for later use, then power generation flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple identical or similar heat transfer cells with standardized designs. Each cell contains thermal mass material and heat exchange surfaces, allowing for modular expansion and simplified maintenance. The segmented architecture enables flexible operation where individual cells can be independently controlled to match power demand patterns without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage system serves multiple functions: storing solar thermal energy during daytime, releasing heat for steam generation during nighttime, and providing flexible power generation capacity to meet peak and base load demands. The same thermal mass material and heat exchange structure perform both energy storage and heat transfer functions, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat transfer fluid circulates through thermal mass material, then thermal energy transfer efficiency is improved, but heat loss to surroundings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal mass material is divided into multiple cells with individual heat exchange surfaces. This segmentation creates shorter heat transfer paths from the heat transfer fluid to the thermal mass material, improving thermal energy transfer efficiency. Each cell can be independently insulated, reducing heat loss to surroundings compared to a single large storage volume with longer heat transfer paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat transfer fluid (e.g., molten salt, water, or oil) serves as an intermediary carrier that efficiently transfers thermal energy from solar collectors to the thermal mass material and subsequently to steam generation systems. The fluid circulates through heat exchange surfaces in contact with the thermal mass, enabling high-efficiency thermal energy transfer while the thermal mass acts as a buffer that minimizes direct heat loss to the environment through its thermal inertia and insulation.
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 allows for continuous or intermittent power generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by efficiently storing and utilizing solar energy for both base load and peak load power demands.
Implementation Method 1
The solar energy system circulates a heat transfer fluid through a first closed flow loop between one or more thermal receivers mounted on a power tower in a heliostat field and the TES vessel to transfer captured solar heat or thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
a thermal mass composition contained in the TES vessel which is operable to absorb and retain heat
Implementation Method 3
The thermal mass composition inside the TES vessel in turn renders its stored thermal energy when desired on demand to heat the working fluid (e.g., water in one embodiment) to produce superheated steam
Implementation Method 4
heat the working fluid (e.g., water in one embodiment) to produce superheated steam
Implementation Method 5
produce electric power via the Rankine cycle
Implementation Method 6
turbine-generator set operable to produce electric power
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy system with thermal energy storage comprises a vessel defining an internal cavity including a partition structure forming multiple vertical heat transfer cells. Each cell is formed by vertical cell walls of the partition structure. Each heat transfer cell contains a separate inventory of a thermal mass composition operable to store thermal energy. A heat exchanger disposed in each cell comprises first and second tube bundles embedded in the thermal mass composition. The first bundle circulates heat transfer fluid heated by solar energy to heat the composition. The second bundle circulates working fluid such as water converted to steam by absorbing heat from the composition for generating power or other steam applications. The cells may be formed by discrete self-supporting transportable tubular modules each supporting one of the heat exchangers. Each cell and heat exchanger therein are independently operably of the others.