Solid Electric Thermal Storage With Parallel Steam Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for producing superheated steam are inefficient due to unsynchronized heat exchange demands between superheated and saturated steam heat exchangers, leading to vaporization and reduced steam output capability, and lack separate control over steam parameters and deaeration processes.

Innovation Solution

A solid electric thermal storage system with parallel superheated and saturated steam heat exchangers, each controlled by separate variable-frequency fans, and a deaerator integrated with a preheating steam tank to manage steam parameters and deaerate water independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the superheated steam heat exchanger, saturated steam heat exchanger and preheating steam heat exchanger are disposed in the same fan heat exchange channel, then the efficiency of the circulation fan is improved, but the working pressure of steam and superheat temperature value cannot be separately adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecirculation fan efficiencyVSAvoidsteam parameter adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the heat exchange channel into two independent parallel channels: a first heat exchange channel for the superheated steam heat exchanger and a second heat exchange channel for the saturated steam heat exchanger. Each channel has its own circulation fan (first circulation fan and second circulation fan), allowing independent control of steam parameters while maintaining high fan efficiency through specialized dedicated channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the preheating steam heat exchanger uses water supply pump control, then water flow is managed, but vaporization occurs when water flow stops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow controlVSAvoidvaporization prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a water flow detector that continuously monitors water flow in the preheating steam heat exchanger and provides feedback to the control system. When water flow stops or becomes insufficient, the control system automatically adjusts the preheating steam heat exchanger operation to prevent vaporization, ensuring reliable continuous operation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If main steam is used to provide heat for the deaerator, then deaeration is achieved, but superheated steam output capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeaeration functionVSAvoidsuperheated steam output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The deaerator is designed to utilize exhaust steam from the system for its deaeration process, creating a self-service arrangement where waste steam is reused. This eliminates the need to divert main steam for deaeration purposes, maintaining full superheated steam output capability while achieving reliable deaeration through resourceful use of available exhaust steam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Use of energy by moving object

If high-voltage and high-power solid electric thermal storage boilers are used, then clean electric energy utilization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclean electric energy utilizationVSAvoidthermal storage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal storage system is segmented into modular components including separate heat storage units, heat releasing units, and multiple specialized heat exchangers arranged in parallel. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by breaking down the complex high-voltage thermal storage process into manageable, independently controllable modules that can be scaled and maintained more easily.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Stabilizes steam output parameters, prevents vaporization, and enhances heat exchange efficiency while reducing energy waste and maintaining stable steam production.

Implementation Method 1

solid electric thermal storage unit includes a solid energy storage body, a thermal insulation layer, a high-voltage insulation pillar, a high-temperature air region and a low-temperature air region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A loop is constituted by sequentially connecting the solid electric thermal storage unit, the high-temperature air duct, the saturated steam heat exchanger, the water preheating heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the superheated steam heat exchanger is connected to a superheated steam output flange interface A through a superheated steam pipe branch and a superheated steam pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

the saturated steam heat exchanger is connected to the steam drum through an evaporation pipe branch, an evaporation pipe, a condensation descending pipe branch and a condensation descending pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 5

a variable-frequency fan, an upper variable-frequency fan, an air return pipe, an upper air return pipe, a high-temperature air duct, an upper high-temperature air duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 6

the superheated steam unit is connected to the deaerator through the preheating steam output flange interface A, the preheated steam output main pipe and a superheated steam output flange interface B

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4624803A1Solid electric thermal storage superheated steam output system
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 ZHU JIANXIN
  • EP4624803A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624803A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624803A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A solid electric thermal storage superheated steam output system is provided, including: a solid electric thermal storage unit, a superheated steam heat exchanger, a saturated steam heat exchanger, a water preheating heat exchanger, a steam drum, a variable-frequency fan, an air duct, a preheating steam tank, a superheated steam unit and a deaerator. Through the high-temperature air duct, the superheated steam heat exchanger, the saturated steam heat exchanger and the water preheating heat exchanger, heat exchange is performed under the drive of the variable-frequency fan to finally generate superheated steam for use of a heat consumer. The water preheating heat exchanger is connected to the preheating steam tank, heat generated after the superheated steam heat exchanger and the saturated steam heat exchanger exchange heat is used to generate low-temperature steam for thermal deoxygenation of the deaerator, while water flows into a deaerator water tank through an overflow pipe. The superheated steam unit is a structural combination including a steam drum as a core, sets of superheated steam heat exchangers, saturated steam heat exchangers, water preheating heat exchangers and corresponding accessories. An overall combined superheated steam system includes multiple superheated steam units.