Falling Particle Receiver Mass Flow Feedback for Stable Outlet Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power systems face challenges in efficiently capturing solar energy to heat particles and require complex structures or fluidization, leading to high costs and parasitic electricity consumption, especially when scaling up falling particle receiver technology from 1 MW-thermal prototypes to larger systems like 10 MWe, where mass flow control of particles is necessary to achieve desired outlet temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with particle flow control devices, such as slide gates or other flow control mechanisms, that adjust mass flow rates based on feedback from particle outlet temperature and desired working fluid temperature, using proportional-integral-derivative control methods to maintain steady temperatures and accommodate non-uniform irradiance, allowing for efficient heat transfer in solar receivers and heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If falling particle receiver technology is scaled up from 1 MW-thermal prototypes to larger systems (e.g., 10 MWe), then power output and energy conversion capacity are improved, but mass flow control becomes difficult and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mass flow control by adjusting particle flow rates in real-time based on solar irradiance conditions and desired outlet temperatures. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, allowing the particle flow to be continuously adjusted to match varying solar input and maintain optimal thermal conditions in the receiver and heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control mechanisms where particle outlet temperature measurements are used to adjust the mass flow rate of particles through the receiver and heat exchanger. This closed-loop control ensures that the system maintains desired thermal conditions despite variations in solar irradiance or load demands, resolving the control complexity issue through intelligent feedback-based adjustment.
2Loss of energy
If complex structures or fluidization are used to heat particles efficiently, then solar energy capture is improved, but costs and parasitic electricity consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex fluidization structures by using a simpler falling particle approach. Instead of requiring complex fluidization equipment, the system relies on gravity-driven particle flow combined with controlled mass flow regulation, thereby maintaining high solar energy capture efficiency while removing unnecessary structural complexity and associated parasitic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical fluidization systems with a simpler gravity-based falling particle mechanism. By substituting the complex mechanical fluidization structure with a controlled particle flow system regulated by mass flow control devices, the patent achieves efficient solar energy capture without the high costs and parasitic electricity consumption associated with complex fluidization equipment.
3Productivity
If mass flow rate of particles is increased to handle larger system capacity, then productivity is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts particle mass flow rates to match the desired thermal output and solar irradiance conditions. Rather than operating at a fixed high flow rate, the system modulates the flow dynamically, allowing high productivity when conditions permit while maintaining precise temperature control when needed, thus resolving the trade-off between throughput and temperature precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the particle flow system by adjusting mass flow rates based on real-time conditions. By varying key parameters such as particle flow rate, solar irradiance levels, and heat exchanger operating conditions, the system can simultaneously achieve high productivity and precise temperature control, adapting to different operational requirements without being constrained by fixed flow rates.
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
Enables automatic control of particle and working fluid outlet temperatures, reduces temperature oscillations, and allows for scalable solutions up to 100 MW capacity by optimizing particle flow according to irradiance patterns, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
Solar power systems collect incident sunlight and convert this sunlight into a usable form of power, such as heat or electricity
Implementation Method 2
the flow of particles through a solar particle heat exchanger, such as a particle/sCO2 heat exchanger, can also be controlled to achieve the desired heat transfer to the sCO2
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods to control particle mass flow rate in solar receivers and associated heat exchangers based on feedback from one or more temperatures of particles in the system.