Solar Augmented Wind Turbine With Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face intermittency issues, making them unstable and non-dispatchable, which is addressed by integrating solar thermal energy and energy storage to enhance power generation stability and dispatchability without relying on fossil fuels.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a Pelton wheel driven by supersonic air jets produced from high-pressure, high-temperature air, which is heated by solar radiation, to augment wind turbine power, and incorporates a thermal energy storage system to provide power during low or no wind conditions, with the option of a closed thermodynamic cycle for increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines are used for power generation, then renewable electricity can be produced at low costs, but the inherent intermittent nature reduces stability and dispatch ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wind turbine power generation with solar thermal energy storage systems to create a hybrid renewable energy facility. The wind turbine generates electricity during windy periods, while the solar thermal system stores energy during the day and releases it during low-wind or nighttime periods, achieving stable dispatchable power without fossil fuels while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The solar thermal energy storage system performs preliminary energy storage during periods of high solar irradiance and low power demand (typically daytime), storing thermal energy in molten salt or other thermal storage media. This pre-stored energy is then dispatched during periods of low wind or high power demand, enabling reliable power supply in advance of need
2Reliability
If fossil fuel turbines are added to enhance stability and dispatch ability, then power supply reliability improves, but the cost increases and renewable purity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solar thermal energy storage system serves the wind farm's own energy needs by providing dispatchable power during low-wind periods, eliminating the need for external fossil fuel supplementation. The system is self-sufficient, using only renewable resources (wind and solar) to provide stable, dispatchable power throughout the day and night cycle
3Reliability
If solar thermal energy storage is integrated with wind turbine, then dispatchability and stability improve without fossil fuels, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar thermal field serves multiple functions: it generates electricity directly during the day, charges the thermal energy storage system during high-irradiance periods, and can provide process heat for various industrial applications. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile renewable energy services from a single integrated system
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 hybrid wind-solar system provides stable and dispatchable renewable energy, reducing capital costs and achieving competitive pricing with conventional power generation, while utilizing existing wind turbine infrastructure and solar thermal hardware.
Implementation Method 1
heated by solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
incorporates a thermal energy storage system
Implementation Method 3
supersonic air jets produced by expansion of high pressure and high temperature air through supersonic expansion nozzles
Implementation Method 4
The Pelton wheel is driven by a plurality of supersonic air jets
Implementation Method 5
rotation of the wheel will cause a rotation of the wind turbine hub and blades. The Pelton wheel provides additional power to the wind turbine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a novel integration between wind and solar thermal renewable energy technologies. An existing wind turbine consisting of a hub and blades is operated by the power generated from a waterless solar thermal system (using high pressure, high temperature air) during periods of low wind availability. The solar thermal system consist of a heliostat field, solar air receiver panels, a thermal energy storage tank and a Pelton wheel assembly system for converting thermal energy of air into kinetic energy of the power shaft of the wind turbine. The thermal energy converting system consists of a plurality of supersonic air nozzles acting as stator, producing supersonic air jets to interact with a rotating Pelton wheel. A thermal storage system provides means for energy dispatchability. The proposed integrated system is capable of generating a stable renewable energy with minimum intermittency.