Pumped Hydro Thermal Management for High-Density Working Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fluids used in Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) systems are sensitive to temperature changes, leading to viscosity issues that affect performance and economics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heat transfer device to maintain the temperature of the working fluid within a safe operating range by transferring heat to and from the reservoirs using a heat pump and geothermal boreholes, and utilizing a resistor bank to convert excess electrical energy into heat energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If high-density fluids are used in PHS systems, then the requirement for vertical elevation between reservoirs is reduced, but the system becomes very sensitive to temperature changes causing viscosity to increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the working fluid by mixing high-density fluid with water in controllable proportions. This allows adjustment of the fluid's density and viscosity characteristics to achieve optimal performance at different temperatures, resolving the contradiction between reduced elevation requirements and temperature sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite working fluids composed of high-density fluid and water in varying ratios. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the high density of the specialized fluid while the water component helps moderate viscosity changes with temperature, thus resolving the reliability issue.
2Quantity of substance
If high-density fluids are used in PHS systems, then energy storage capacity is improved, but viscosity increases dramatically when temperature decreases below a critical point impacting performance and economics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the working fluid composition by controlling the mixing ratio of high-density fluid and water based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal viscosity and energy storage capacity across varying temperatures, preventing productivity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the concentration parameters of the working fluid components, the system optimizes the balance between energy storage capacity and viscosity. The controllable mixing ratio allows parameter adjustment to maintain productivity across different temperature conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If high-density fluids are used in PHS systems, then the density and energy storage capability are enhanced, but the system becomes sensitive to both upper and lower temperature limits impacting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal working fluid system that can adapt to various temperature conditions through adjustable composition. The multi-functional working fluid mixture serves both high-density energy storage and temperature adaptability functions, allowing operation across a wide temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite working fluid of high-density fluid and water provides both enhanced density for energy storage and improved temperature adaptability. The water component acts as a thermal buffer, expanding the operational temperature range while maintaining the density benefits.
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
The system effectively stabilizes fluid viscosity, enhancing the performance and economic efficiency of PHS systems by maintaining optimal temperature conditions and providing both electrical and thermal energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer device arranged to transfer heat to and/or from the upper and/or lower reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The heat pump may be arranged to circulate the heat transfer fluid between a heat exchanger in communication with the lower reservoir and a heat exchanger in communication with the ground
Implementation Method 3
arranged to transfer heat from a geothermal borehole to the upper and/or lower reservoir
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a resistor bank to convert excess electrical energy into heat energy
Implementation Method 5
a turbine generator arranged to be driven by the flow of the working fluid through the conduit to generate energy
Implementation Method 6
the use of high-density fluids, i.e. fluids having a density greater than that of water at the same temperature and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure proposes a system for storing energy. The system includes upper and lower reservoirs, a working fluid, and a conduit arranged to permit flow of the working fluid from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir under gravity. The conduit has a turbine generator arranged to be driven by the flow of the working fluid to generate energy. A heat transfer device is arranged to transfer heat to and/or from the upper reservoir and/or lower reservoir.