Multiple-Fluid Rankine Cycle for Solar Thermal Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar thermal power plants face limitations such as high capital and operating costs, water scarcity issues due to wet cooling, and inefficiencies in off-design conditions, particularly with steam Rankine cycles, which are costly and environmentally impactful.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multiple-fluid Rankine cycle system that combines high-temperature steam cycles with organic Rankine cycles, using different temperature collectors to optimize heat usage and reduce costs, and integrating steam and organic Rankine cycles to operate efficiently and flexibly, allowing for power generation during off-peak hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If steam Rankine cycle is used for power generation, then power output is achieved, but water consumption increases due to wet cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the working fluid parameter from water/steam to organic fluids (such as R245fa, butane, isobutane, pentane, or ammonia) that enable air-cooled condensation. This parameter change allows the system to operate without water consumption while maintaining power generation capability through the organic Rankine cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the water-based wet cooling system with an air-cooled condensation system. This replacement eliminates the need for water consumption in cooling processes while maintaining the thermodynamic cycle's ability to generate power through organic working fluids
2Loss of energy
If high temperature collectors are used, then thermal efficiency improves, but capital cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collector field into multiple zones with different temperature levels (high-temperature collectors and low-temperature collectors). Each zone is optimized for its specific temperature range, allowing the system to achieve high thermal efficiency from high-temperature collectors while using fewer and less expensive low-temperature collectors for the remaining heat extraction needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by matching different collector types to specific thermal extraction needs. High-temperature collectors are deployed where high thermal efficiency is critical, while low-temperature collectors are used in other areas, optimizing the overall system performance while managing capital costs through differentiated investment
3Device complexity
If single temperature collector field is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but heat extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the collector field into multiple temperature zones (high-temperature and low-temperature collectors) that work together in a coordinated system. This segmentation enables more complete heat extraction from the solar resource by capturing both high-temperature and low-temperature heat, thereby improving overall heat extraction efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity through modular design
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 reduces capital and operating costs, minimizes water usage, and enhances efficiency by utilizing different temperature levels for heat transfer, enabling effective solar thermal power generation while addressing environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
solar collectors that provide heat at the same temperature
Implementation Method 2
Thermal oil flowing within the pipe is heated and then circulated to a boiler
Implementation Method 3
generation of electricity using a Rankine cycle in conjunction with the heat produced in a solar collector system
Data Source
AI summary
A system to convert the heat collected by solar thermal collectors into electricity using a Rankine cycle generator with multiple working fluids and multiple temperature-level heat sources is disclosed.