Molten Salt Bypass Layout for Lower-Power Solar Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar thermal power plants with molten salt thermal energy storage face inefficiencies due to significant auxiliary power consumption when both the solar receiver and steam generator are operational during the day, as pumps are needed to utilize stored molten salt, wasting potential energy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bypass line that allows hot thermal energy storage fluid from the solar receiver to directly supply the steam generator, bypassing the hot storage tank, to recover and utilize stored potential energy, with a valve mechanism to control downstream pressure and a pump arrangement to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If pumps are used to transfer molten salt from hot storage tank to steam generator during daytime operation, then the system can utilize stored thermal energy, but auxiliary power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pumping function from the daytime operation by removing the need for pumps entirely. The system takes out the active fluid transfer mechanism and replaces it with a passive gravity-driven flow system, where the bypass line allows molten salt to flow directly from the solar receiver to the steam generator without requiring external power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies equipotentiality by positioning the solar receiver at a height that creates gravitational potential energy, allowing molten salt to flow downward through the bypass line to the steam generator. This gravitational potential difference eliminates the need for mechanical pumping, converting potential energy into kinetic energy for fluid transport.
2Loss of energy
If molten salt is stored in hot storage tank during daytime, then thermal energy can be preserved, but potential energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line acts as an intermediary component that directly connects the solar receiver and steam generator, providing an alternative flow path that bypasses the hot storage tank during daytime. This intermediary structure enables direct utilization of molten salt's potential energy without requiring complex control systems or additional active components.
3Productivity
If bypass line is added to enable direct flow from solar receiver to steam generator, then auxiliary power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the molten salt flow path into two distinct routes: the primary path through the hot storage tank for nighttime operation, and the bypass path directly from solar receiver to steam generator for daytime operation. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different operating conditions without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its flow configuration based on operational needs. During daytime, the bypass line is activated to utilize gravitational potential energy directly; during nighttime or when storage is needed, the system switches to the traditional tank-based path. This dynamic adaptability maximizes efficiency across varying conditions.
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 configuration reduces auxiliary power consumption and enhances overall efficiency by directly utilizing the stored energy during peak operation, optimizing energy recovery and production.
Implementation Method 1
The heliostats focus direct sunlight on to the solar receiver to produce steam
Implementation Method 2
a central receiver including a solar energy storage fluid, such as molten salt
Implementation Method 3
utilize the molten salt that is flowing from the MSCR kept at the height and having sufficient pressure to generate power or to drive auxiliary equipment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A solar thermal power system includes a solar receiver for heating thermal energy storage fluid and be stored and utilised from a thermal energy storage arrangement having hot and cold storage tanks. The system includes a steam generator arrangement, which utilises the heat of the thermal energy storage fluid to produces steam to run a turbine. The arrangement includes a bypass line configured to bypass the hot storage tank from the steam generator arrangement, and to supply the hot thermal energy storage fluid from the solar receiver directly to the steam generator arrangement , during day times, when the solar receiver the steam generator arrangement are both in operating mode, thereby recovering stored potential energy available in the down corner hot thermal energy storage fluid from the solar receiver.