Segmented Renewable Energy System for Superheated Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing renewable energy systems face challenges in efficiently generating high temperature superheated steam for steam turbines without requiring the entire system to operate at high temperatures, leading to costly engineering design issues and high temperature material requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compartmentalized renewable energy system where a low/moderate temperature renewable energy system generates initial steam, which is then superheated by a secondary renewable energy system using a high temperature working fluid heated by electrical heaters, minimizing the need for high temperature materials and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire renewable energy system operates at high temperatures to generate superheated steam, then the steam turbine can operate efficiently, but the system requires expensive high temperature materials and complex engineering design
Solution Approach 1:
The renewable energy system is divided into two separate systems: a low/moderate temperature system that generates initial steam, and a secondary high temperature system that superheats the steam. This segmentation allows each system to operate at optimal temperatures without requiring the entire system to withstand high temperatures, thereby reducing engineering complexity and material costs while maintaining turbine efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam acts as an intermediary medium between the low/moderate temperature renewable energy system and the steam turbine. The initial steam generated by the first system is transferred to the second system where it is superheated to the required temperature, allowing efficient turbine operation without exposing the entire system to high temperatures.
2Temperature
If the entire renewable energy system operates at high temperatures to generate superheated steam, then high temperature superheated steam can be supplied to the steam turbine, but expensive high temperature materials are required throughout the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a first renewable energy system operating at low/moderate temperatures and a second system operating at high temperatures. Only the second system and its immediate components (steam turbine, superheater) require high temperature materials, while the first system can use conventional, less expensive materials, significantly reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
High temperature capabilities are localized only to where they are absolutely necessary (the second system and steam turbine), while the first system operates at lower temperatures using conventional materials. This local quality approach minimizes the quantity of expensive high temperature materials required.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a concentrated solar power system heats a working fluid to very high temperatures to generate superheated steam, then sufficient heat is available for extended periods, but the system requires large mirror fields and substantial engineering design
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation function is segmented into two parts: the first system generates steam that can be stored and used during moderate temperature periods, while the second system provides high temperature superheating when needed. This allows extended operation without requiring a single large high-temperature system, reducing the required heliostat field area.
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 the overall cost and complexity of the system while maintaining efficient operation of the steam turbine, allowing for extended periods of power generation even when primary energy sources are unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
a second renewable energy system that heats a high temperature working fluid... the heated high temperature working fluid is used to heat the low/moderate temperature steam to a high temperature
Implementation Method 2
Electricity from the second renewable energy system heats via electrical resistance heaters or the like a heat storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed that utilizes renewable energy to generate high temperature, superheated steam for driving a prime mover, such as a steam turbine coupled to an electrical generator, and/or to deliver heat where only a portion of the renewable energy system needs to withstand a high temperature working fluid that is necessary to generate high temperature superheated steam.