Solid Heat Storage Energy System for Salt Lake Lithium Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high energy consumption and cost associated with lithium extraction from salt lakes, particularly due to the need for large amounts of low-grade heat energy and inefficient utilization of waste heat, pose significant challenges in the lithium extraction process, accounting for a substantial portion of the operation costs.
Innovation Solution
An energy supply system integrating solid heat storage devices, waste heat recovery equipment, and heat exchange units to provide process hot water, vapor, and heating, while utilizing waste heat and reducing carbon emissions, thereby lowering initial investment and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional gas-fired boilers are used for heating, then heating function is provided, but carbon emissions occur and safety risks exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional gas-fired boilers with solid electric heat storage devices that use electrical energy instead of chemical combustion. The heating function is maintained through electrical resistance heating elements that store and release thermal energy, eliminating carbon emissions while preserving the required heating capability for the lithium extraction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (gas) to electrical energy, and introduces a heat storage parameter to decouple the heating timing from energy consumption timing. This allows the system to use off-peak electricity to charge heat storage devices, which then provide continuous heating without carbon emissions during operation.
2Loss of energy
If waste heat is discarded in conventional processes, then process simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements waste heat recovery by capturing thermal energy from the lithium extraction process that would otherwise be discarded. Heat exchangers transfer this waste heat to preheat brine or provide heating to auxiliary systems, converting a loss into a useful resource and reducing overall energy consumption without substantially increasing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the waste heat recovery function with the existing heating systems by integrating heat exchangers into the brine processing flow. The waste heat from one process stream is combined with the heating requirements of another stream, creating a coupled system that reduces total energy demand while maintaining process functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solid electric heat storage devices are used, then zero carbon emissions are achieved, but initial investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the solid electric heat storage devices during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and demand is lower. This allows the system to accumulate thermal energy in advance, reducing the need for expensive peak-hour electricity and lowering the operational cost burden that would otherwise offset the initial investment in heat storage equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of electricity usage from peak-demand periods to off-peak periods, transforming the cost structure. By shifting when energy is consumed rather than changing the equipment itself, the system reduces operational expenses to help offset the capital investment in zero-emission heating infrastructure.
4Productivity
If large amounts of low-grade heat energy are consumed, then lithium extraction process requirements are met, but operation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers waste heat from the lithium extraction process streams and redirects it to provide the low-grade heating energy required for various process steps. By capturing and reusing this thermal energy internally, the system meets its heating requirements without proportionally increasing external energy consumption, thereby controlling operation costs while maintaining extraction productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional heating system where the solid electric heat storage devices serve multiple purposes: providing process heating, generating steam, and supplying hot water to various units including the adsorption, membrane, evaporation, and precipitation components. This universal heating source reduces total energy consumption by consolidating heating functions into a single zero-emission 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
The system achieves zero carbon emissions and significantly reduces energy consumption and costs by effectively reusing waste heat, making it suitable for lithium extraction from salt lakes.
Implementation Method 1
solid electric heat storage device... can realize heat storage and heating by using low-cost valley power
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange unit... condensed water in the evaporation component and the lithium precipitation component is used for exchanging heat with building heating return water
Implementation Method 3
evaporation component... the second qualified liquid entering the evaporation component for evaporation and concentration treatment
Implementation Method 4
lithium precipitation component... the third qualified liquid entering the lithium precipitation component, the third qualified liquid being treated by the lithium precipitation component to obtain a product
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present application discloses an energy supply system suitable for salt lake lithium extraction and a method for supplying energy by using same. The system comprises: a lithium extraction unit, a water source supply unit, a heating unit, a heat exchange unit, a steam supply unit, and a lithium extraction plant. The water source supply unit comprises a water storage tank and a first solid heat storage assembly. A second solid heat storage assembly of the heating unit is connected to the heat exchange unit, and is connected to the lithium extraction plant by means of a building heating water supply pipeline. The lithium extraction unit comprises an adsorption assembly, a membrane assembly, an evaporation assembly and a lithium precipitation assembly, and the water storage tank is connected to the adsorption assembly. A third solid heat storage assembly of the steam supply unit is connected to the evaporation assembly and the lithium precipitation assembly. The second solid heat storage assembly is connected to the heat exchange unit, and the lithium extraction plant is connected to the heat exchange unit by means of a building heating water return pipeline. The heat exchange unit is connected to the third solid heat storage assembly.