Steam heat storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current direct steam generation thermal storage systems are complex and costly, with low efficiency and reliability issues, particularly due to the use of indirect storage methods like molten salts and concrete, which lead to inefficiencies and increased costs in maintaining constant energy production during cloudy periods.
Innovation Solution
A steam thermal storage system comprising a latent heat thermal energy storage reservoir and a liquid displacement thermal energy storage reservoir, where steam generated by condensation is circulated through a liquid displacement reservoir to maintain steam production and pressure equilibrium, reducing the need for additional heat exchangers and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If indirect thermal storage systems using molten salts are used, then thermal energy can be stored, but heat exchangers are required which cause efficiency losses and increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heat exchanger component from the thermal storage system. By using direct steam generation where water is converted to steam directly in the solar field, the system removes the intermediate heat exchanger that caused efficiency losses and complexity in indirect molten salt systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the storage function directly into the steam generation process. The thermal storage reservoir directly produces steam that can be used in the turbine, combining what were previously separate functions (heat exchange and steam generation) into a single integrated system.
2Loss of energy
If three-stage thermal storage systems are used to follow water evaporation curve, then efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the low temperature stage, latent heat stage, and high temperature stage into a single integrated thermal storage reservoir. The reservoir directly generates steam across the required temperature range, eliminating the need for separate stages while maintaining the efficiency benefits of following the water evaporation curve.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage reservoir performs multiple functions simultaneously: it stores thermal energy, generates steam directly, and operates across the full temperature range from low to high temperature stages. This multi-functional approach replaces the complex three-stage system with a single versatile reservoir.
3Loss of energy
If direct steam generation is used, then efficiency is improved and cost is reduced, but reliability problems occur with concrete storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the storage reservoir from concrete to a material suitable for direct steam generation at high temperatures. This parameter change resolves the reliability issues associated with concrete while maintaining the efficiency benefits of direct steam generation.
4Productivity
If thermal storage capacity is increased to maintain constant energy production, then productivity during cloudy periods is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage capacity expansion with the direct steam generation function. By designing the thermal storage reservoir to directly produce steam, the system increases productivity during cloudy periods without adding the complexity of multiple heat exchangers or staged systems that would be required in conventional approaches.
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 configuration provides efficient and reliable steam production, maintaining constant energy output during variable solar conditions without significant pressure drops, reducing manufacturing costs and improving overall efficiency by eliminating the need for complex heat exchanger systems.
Implementation Method 1
steam entering the first reservoir after condensation during the charge phase
Implementation Method 2
latent heat thermal energy storage reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a top zone full of steam and a bottom zone full of liquid
Implementation Method 4
in the latent heat module in which it is evaporated
Implementation Method 5
latent heat module
Data Source
AI summary
A solar plant including a solar field for production of steam, a turbine using steam, and an excess steam storage and draw off system. The system includes a latent heat thermal storage module and a liquid displacement thermal storage module including a liquid volume and a steam blanket. The modules are connected together so that the steam produced passes through the steam blanket before passing through the latent heat module, condensing, to be injected in the liquid volume, the lower part of the liquid volume being connected to the solar field and to an outlet of the turbine to let in or return cold liquid. The liquid volume acts as a liquid displacement reservoir.