Thermal energy storage system coupled with thermal power cycle systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering high-temperature heat, managing thermal runaway, and addressing variability in renewable energy sources, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system that integrates with thermal power cycles, using solid media to store energy from variable renewable sources and superheat a working fluid, enhancing the efficiency of power generation by increasing the temperature and pressure of the working fluid before it enters the turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermal energy storage systems use conventional heat sources and lower-temperature working fluids, then the system is simpler to operate, but the power generation efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a thermal energy storage system with a thermal power cycle system, merging two separate systems into an integrated configuration where the thermal storage system provides high-temperature heat to the power cycle, enabling improved power generation efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through unified system design
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage system serves multiple functions: it stores thermal energy, provides high-temperature heat to the working fluid, and integrates with the power cycle system to generate electricity, thereby achieving multi-functionality that improves overall system productivity
2Productivity
If thermal energy storage systems store and deliver high-temperature heat, then the power generation efficiency increases, but thermal runaway management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat transfer fluid as an intermediary between the thermal energy storage system and the working fluid, mediating the heat transfer process to enable controlled delivery of high-temperature heat while preventing thermal runaway through the intermediary's buffering effect
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls thermal parameters including temperature and pressure of the working fluid and heat transfer fluid, using parameter changes to manage heat transfer rates and prevent thermal runaway while maintaining high power generation efficiency through optimized operational parameters
3Productivity
If thermal energy storage systems integrate with thermal power cycles, then the power generation capacity increases, but the cost of thermal energy storage and delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in advance during periods of low demand or excess renewable generation, enabling power generation during high-demand periods without requiring continuous high-cost thermal energy delivery, thereby reducing overall costs while maintaining high capacity
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 improves the efficiency of thermal power cycles by superheating the working fluid, increasing the power generation capacity and reducing costs associated with thermal energy storage and delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal storage unit includes a plurality of heaters configured to heat the thermal storage medium
Implementation Method 2
a thermal storage medium in the form of a solid media arranged in a plurality of stacks
Implementation Method 3
a blower configured to move air through the thermal storage medium
Implementation Method 4
the air is heated by the thermal storage medium and exits the housing as a stream of hot air
Implementation Method 5
superheat a working fluid, enhancing the efficiency of power generation by increasing the temperature and pressure of the working fluid before it enters the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. The delivered heat which may be used for processes including power generation and cogeneration. In one application, the energy storage system provides higher-temperature heat to a conventional lower-temperature heat source to boost the temperature of a thermal power cycle working fluid to a turbine, thereby increasing efficiency of the power cycle.