Systems and methods for high temperature bulk solid storage and handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-temperature particle storage systems for concentrating solar power face challenges such as erosion of refractory insulation due to flowing particles, increased heat loss from steeply sloped bottoms, and undesirable surface-area-to-volume ratios, which are not addressed by traditional designs for granular flow at ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a storage bin with a flat bottom and particle-on-particle flow to minimize erosion and heat loss, utilizing a stagnant bed of particles for insulation and protection, and funnel flow to prevent particle motion against internal walls, combined with optimized height-to-diameter ratios and insulative layers to reduce mechanical stress and heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional steeply sloped bottoms are used to induce uniform mass flow, then particle flow is improved, but heat loss increases due to additional surface-area-to-volume ratio
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a steeply sloped bottom to promote mass flow, the patent inverts the approach by using a flat bottom that promotes funnel flow. This inversion changes the flow pattern from mass flow to funnel flow, which reduces the surface-area-to-volume ratio and minimizes heat loss while still achieving adequate particle discharge.
2Productivity
If particles are allowed to flow through the storage tank, then discharge function is maintained, but refractory insulation erodes from particle impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer of particles that acts as a buffer between the flowing particles and the refractory insulation. This intermediary layer absorbs the impact of flowing particles, preventing direct contact with and erosion of the refractory insulation while still allowing particle discharge to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of particle flow into a beneficial protective mechanism. The flowing particles, which would normally cause erosion, are instead used to maintain a protective layer on the tank walls and bottom, transforming the erosive action into a self-healing protective mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If flat bottom design is used to reduce heat loss, then thermal efficiency improves, but particle flow patterns change to funnel flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the tank bottom from steeply sloped to flat, which fundamentally alters the particle flow pattern. This parameter change transitions the flow regime from mass flow to funnel flow, achieving reduced heat loss while maintaining adequate discharge functionality through the modified flow characteristics.
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 design achieves reduced abrasion and wear on internal walls, improved thermal-energy storage efficiency, and lower costs by minimizing heat loss and erosion through particle funnel flow and stagnant particle zones, enhancing the storage efficiency of concentrating solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
The shell includes an outer shell and an insulative layer between the outer shell and the internal volume
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a stagnant bed of particles for insulation and protection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that minimize erosion within a high-temperature storage bin by using particle-on-particle flow whereby flow against the wall is minimized thus protecting the walls from erosion. The flat bottom of the bin promotes a stagnant bed of particles around the outlet that provides thermal insulation and protection for the base. The systems and methods may be used for storing particles in a concentrating solar power system.