Phase Change Material Heat Exchanger for Solar Power Temperature Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated solar power plants face challenges in maintaining constant inlet temperatures and reducing temperature fluctuations, which affects the efficiency and lifespan of the system, especially when powered by both solar fields and thermal storage systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating phase change materials in heat exchangers upstream and downstream of the solar field and thermal storage system to smooth temperature variations across different operating modes, ensuring a stable fluid temperature for both the energy conversion system and storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the solar field directly supplies hot fluid to the conversion system without thermal storage, then the system operation is simplified, but the inlet temperature to the conversion system fluctuates significantly affecting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material exchanger performs preliminary temperature stabilization of the hot fluid before it reaches the conversion system. By pre-adjusting the temperature using phase change material during periods when temperature fluctuations are anticipated, the system maintains stable inlet temperature to the conversion system without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If thermal storage tank is introduced to maintain constant inlet temperature, then temperature stability improves, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material exchanger acts as an intermediary component between the solar field and the conversion system. Rather than requiring a full thermal storage tank system with multiple pumps, valves, and control mechanisms, the phase change material serves as a compact mediator that absorbs and releases heat to stabilize inlet temperature, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining temperature stability.
3Reliability
If phase change material exchanger is added to stabilize temperature, then inlet temperature constant maintenance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transitions of the phase change material (PCM) as the core mechanism for temperature stabilization. The PCM absorbs excess heat during phase change from solid to liquid when solar field output exceeds conversion system requirements, and releases heat during phase change from liquid to solid when solar output is insufficient. This passive phase transition mechanism provides automatic temperature regulation without requiring complex active control systems, pumps, or valves.
4Reliability
If thermal storage system is used to smooth temperature variations, then temperature fluctuation reduction improves, but loss of time in heat transfer and system response increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material exchanger is positioned locally at the inlet of the conversion system, exactly where temperature stabilization is most critical. This localized approach allows the PCM to directly interact with the hot fluid stream, providing immediate temperature adjustment without requiring long heat transfer paths through large storage tanks. The local placement minimizes heat transfer time while effectively reducing temperature fluctuations at the critical inlet point.
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 stabilizes the overall operation of the solar power plant, increasing efficiency and extending its lifespan by maintaining constant inlet temperatures and reducing thermal stress on components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first heat exchanger comprising a phase change material located upstream of the hot fluid supply to the conversion system and the thermal storage system
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material has the effect of smoothing the temperature variations of the fluid passing through it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Solar power station comprising a first exchanger (MCPT1) positioned downstream of the exit from the solar field (CS) and upstream of the storage system (RTH) and of the conversion system (TU) such that all the hot fluid leaving the solar field (CS) circulates through said at least one first exchanger (MCPT1) before feeding into the conversion system (TU) and/or the storage system (RTH), said first exchanger (MCPT1) comprising a phase-change material the phase-change temperature of which is a temperature slightly below that of the nominal operating temperature (T1) of the conversion system (TU).