Solar-Nuclear Hybrid System with Absorption Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar-nuclear hybrid energy systems face challenges due to high costs and complexity, particularly in the use of high-temperature solar and nuclear modules, and the Rankine cycle, which limits their development and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic energy production system that combines solar and nuclear energy sources using a Brayton cycle with supercritical carbon dioxide, where solar energy preheats the working fluid before nuclear heating, and an absorption machine generates a cold source for efficient energy conversion, allowing for a smaller, more efficient nuclear reactor and flexible energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-temperature solar and nuclear modules are used in hybrid energy systems, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the solar thermal module from high-temperature (above 200°C) to low-temperature (below 200°C) operation. This parameter change allows the use of cheaper, more manageable materials and reduces operational complexity while maintaining effective hybrid energy production through proper thermodynamic cycle design
2Productivity
If high-temperature solar and nuclear modules are used in hybrid energy systems, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By reducing the operating temperature parameter of the solar thermal module to below 200°C, the patent simplifies system design, material selection, and operational requirements. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex high-temperature resistant components and systems while maintaining effective energy conversion through optimized thermodynamic cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat storage module as an intermediary component that decouples the solar thermal module from the steam generator. This intermediary allows the solar module to operate at lower temperatures while still providing effective heat input to the steam cycle, reducing direct thermal stress and system complexity
3Device complexity
If solar energy is used directly without preheating, then system simplicity is maintained, but nuclear reactor size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating action by using the solar thermal module to preheat the water/steam before it enters the nuclear reactor's steam generator. This preliminary action reduces the thermal burden on the nuclear reactor, allowing for a smaller, less expensive reactor design while maintaining overall system simplicity through the integrated hybrid approach
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 system enables continuous and adjustable electricity production, reduces water consumption, and optimizes the use of solar energy for preheating and cooling, making it economically and environmentally more efficient, while allowing for modular and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger arranged between the first circuit and the electrical energy production circuit configured to transfer the heat produced by the first circuit to the electrical energy production circuit
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger arranged between the second circuit and the electrical energy production circuit configured to transfer the heat produced by the second circuit to the electricity production circuit electric energy
Implementation Method 3
a circuit for producing electrical energy by thermodynamic cycle intended to receive a working fluid and advantageously comprising a turbine
Implementation Method 4
an absorption machine arranged between the first circuit and the electrical energy production circuit, and advantageously a third heat exchanger arranged between the absorption machine and the electrical energy production circuit downstream of the turbine so as to transform at least part of the heat produced by the first circuit into a cold source for the third heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The application relates to an electrical power production system comprising - an electrical power production circuit (300) by thermodynamic cycle, a first circuit (100) for heat production from solar energy, a second circuit (200) for heat production from nuclear energy, characterized in that the heat from the first circuit (100) is used to preheat the working fluid before it is heated by the second circuit (200) and that it includes an absorption machine (400) arranged between the first circuit (100) and the electrical power production circuit (300) so as to transform the heat produced by the first circuit (100) into a cold source for a third heat exchanger (3) arranged between the absorption machine (400) and the electrical power production circuit (300) downstream of the turbine (301).It is found to be particularly advantageous in deployable electricity production or cogeneration units where the use of solar thermal and nuclear power is possible.