Phase Change Material Thermal Storage for CSP Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants face challenges due to high costs, inefficiencies, and the need for specialized terrain and materials, particularly in maintaining high temperatures and pressures, which limits their scalability and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A phase change material (PCM) heat storage system is introduced, where a thermal storage chamber contains a PCM with a heat input device injecting vaporized heat transfer fluid and a heat output device transferring heat to a working medium, utilizing materials like paraffin, fatty acids, or salts, to efficiently store and release thermal energy, optimizing heat transfer and storage processes through controlled phase changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional thermal energy storage systems are used in CSP plants, then power generation capability is maintained, but construction and maintenance costs are high and operational efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCMs) that transition between solid and liquid phases at specific temperatures to store and release thermal energy. During charging, the PCM absorbs heat and melts; during discharging, the PCM releases heat and solidifies. This phase transition mechanism enables efficient thermal energy storage at constant temperature, resolving the contradiction between construction cost and operational efficiency by providing a cost-effective solution with high thermal density and controllable discharge characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs heat transfer fluids with varying phase change temperatures to match different operational requirements. By selecting PCMs with specific phase change temperatures and utilizing heat transfer fluids that can operate across different temperature ranges, the system optimizes thermal energy storage parameters to achieve both cost-effectiveness and high operational efficiency in CSP plant applications
2Productivity
If high temperature and pressure conditions are maintained in thermal storage systems, then power generation efficiency is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change materials that store thermal energy during phase transitions at relatively low and constant temperatures, avoiding the need for high temperature and pressure conditions. The PCM absorbs and releases large amounts of thermal energy during melting and solidification processes, enabling efficient power generation without requiring complex high-temperature equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation efficiency and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces heat transfer fluids as intermediaries between the thermal energy source and the power generation cycle. These fluids transfer thermal energy from the PCM to the working fluid of the power generation system, enabling efficient energy transfer without requiring direct contact between high-temperature storage media and power generation equipment, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining high power generation efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If specialized terrain and geological conditions are required for energy storage, then storage capacity is increased, but adaptability to different locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials in modular thermal storage units that can be deployed in various locations without requiring specialized terrain or geological conditions. The PCMs provide high storage capacity through their phase transition properties, and the modular design allows flexible installation in diverse geographical settings, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and location adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage system using phase change materials is designed to be universally applicable across different CSP plant configurations and locations. The system can function as a standalone thermal storage unit or integrate with various power generation cycles, providing adaptable storage capacity without requiring specialized terrain conditions, thus achieving both high storage capacity and broad location adaptability
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 construction and maintenance costs, enhances operational efficiency, and increases the operational hours of CSP plants by effectively managing thermal energy storage and release, making them more viable as base load power suppliers.
Implementation Method 1
latent heat (phase change) thermal storage
Implementation Method 2
phase change material (PCM) heat storage system
Implementation Method 3
heat transfer fluid from the heat source is injected into the thermal storage chamber in a vaporized form... condenses and transfers its latent heat
Implementation Method 4
a circulating/showering system for liquid-gas PCM HTF is activated to release the thermal energy from storage medium... Liquid HTF is sprayed onto the surface of the thermal storage material and evaporates
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, phase change and heat exchange methods between heat collection, heat transfer, heat exchange, heat storage, and heat utility systems are described. In certain embodiments, the heat transfer fluids/heat exchange fluids, heat storage media, and working media in the system are all phase change materials with transition temperatures close to each other and in decreasing order and perform their respective function through phase changes within a relatively narrow temperature range. Methods to control heat transfer rate, heat exchange and/or heat charging/discharging rate between heat collection, thermal energy storage and heat utility apparatus at will are provided. Methods of controlling such systems are also provided.