Multi-thermal storage unit systems, fluid flow control devices, and low pressure solar receivers for solar power systems, and related components and uses thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated solar power systems face challenges in efficiently transferring heat from low-pressure fluids to high-pressure fluids without direct heat exchange, which limits continuous operation and increases costs due to the need for complex heat exchange systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of low-pressure solar receivers and multiple thermal storage units, along with fluid flow control devices, allows for the isolation of fluid pathways between the solar receiver and turbine, enabling heat transfer through thermal storage systems and reducing the need for direct high-pressure to low-pressure heat exchange, facilitating continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If direct heat exchange between low-pressure and high-pressure fluids is implemented, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to the need for complex heat exchange systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal storage units as intermediary components between the solar receiver and turbine. Heat is transferred from the low-pressure fluid in the solar receiver to a thermal storage medium (such as molten salt or rocks), and then from the thermal storage medium to the high-pressure working fluid in the turbine. This intermediary approach enables efficient heat transfer while avoiding the complexity of direct heat exchange systems between fluids at different pressures and temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer process is divided into separate stages: (1) heat absorption by thermal storage medium from solar receiver, (2) heat storage in thermal storage units, and (3) heat release to turbine working fluid. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture compared to a single complex heat exchange system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If thermal storage systems are used to enable continuous operation, then operational continuity is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need for multiple thermal storage units and fluid flow control devices
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system is divided into multiple independent thermal storage units that can be selectively connected to the solar receiver and turbine through fluid flow control devices. This segmentation allows for continuous operation by enabling the system to switch between different storage units, while each individual unit remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid flow control devices are used to dynamically redirect the flow of working fluid between different thermal storage units and the solar receiver. This dynamic switching capability enables continuous operation as one storage unit can be charged while another is discharged, without requiring a complex integrated storage system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fluid pathways are isolated between solar receiver and turbine, then thermal efficiency is improved, but operational flexibility decreases due to the need for valving subsystems to manage fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal storage units serve as intermediaries that maintain fluidic isolation between the solar receiver and turbine while enabling thermal coupling. The working fluid in the solar receiver heats the thermal storage medium, which then heats the working fluid in the turbine, allowing thermal efficiency improvement without direct fluid contact. Valving subsystems manage the isolation and switching between different operational modes.
4Productivity
If multiple thermal storage units are implemented, then continuous power generation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to the need for additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent thermal storage units with standardized designs that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each unit contains thermal storage medium (such as molten salt or rocks) in simple containment vessels with heat exchange surfaces, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing and reducing overall production costs while enabling continuous power generation.
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 enhances the efficiency and reliability of concentrated solar power systems by allowing continuous operation and reducing the complexity and cost of heat exchange systems, while maintaining high thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
concentrated solar power systems use lenses, mirrors, or other elements to focus sunlight incident on a relatively large area onto a small area called a solar receiver. The concentrated sunlight can be used to heat a fluid within the solar receiver.
Implementation Method 2
one or more low pressure thermal storage systems and one or more high pressure thermal storage systems. The low pressure thermal storage systems can be used, for example, to store heat from the solar receiver
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange systems used to transfer heat from a low-pressure fluid (e.g., at or below about 2 atmospheres) to a high-pressure Brayton cycle fluid (e.g., above about 2 atmospheres)
Data Source
AI summary
Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described.