Integrated Thermal Storage Heat Exchanger for Continuous Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar thermal energy systems face challenges in efficiently storing and utilizing thermal energy due to diurnal energy collection limitations and the high costs and complexity of existing heat storage solutions, which do not effectively overlap with peak energy consumption hours.
Innovation Solution
The integration of heat exchange apparatus with interleaved heat transfer tubes and a heat storage medium, such as earth or igneous rocks, within an enclosure, allowing for efficient heat transfer and storage, and the use of a backup energy source to supplement solar energy, enabling continuous energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If molten salts are used for heat storage, then thermal energy storage capacity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive molten salt storage systems with inexpensive earth materials (soil, sand, gravel) that can be readily obtained and disposed of. The earth-based storage medium is contained in simple above-ground enclosures rather than complex pressurized vessels, dramatically reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining adequate thermal storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the storage medium from high-temperature molten salts requiring pressurized containment to ambient-temperature earth materials that can be stored in simple open enclosures. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex pressure vessels and safety systems while providing sufficient thermal storage.
2Productivity
If solar thermal energy systems operate only during sunlight hours, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but power generation reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by collecting and storing thermal energy in the earth-based medium during sunlight hours when solar radiation is available. The earth storage medium absorbs and retains heat during the day, then releases it during nighttime or cloudy periods to drive the turbine and generate electricity, ensuring continuous power generation regardless of solar availability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If heat storage duration is extended to cover off-peak hours, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the earth itself as an intermediary thermal storage medium. The earth's natural high heat capacity and insulating properties allow it to store thermal energy effectively over extended periods with minimal heat loss to the environment. The earth acts as a thermal buffer between the solar collector and the turbine, maintaining heat over duration without significant losses.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for storing and releasing thermal energy, ensuring consistent power generation regardless of solar availability, with minimal environmental impact and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
Second heat transfer tubes are interleaved with the first heat transfer tubes within the enclosure so as to heat a second fluid contained in the second heat transfer tubes by transfer of heat from the first fluid
Implementation Method 2
A heat storage medium fills the enclosure
Implementation Method 3
Second heat transfer tubes are interleaved with the first heat transfer tubes within the enclosure so as to heat a second fluid contained in the second heat transfer tubes by transfer of heat from the first fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Heat exchange apparatus (24, 80) includes first heat transfer tubes (50), contained within an enclosure (43) and coupled to receive a first fluid heated by an energy source (22, 36). Second heat transfer tubes (52) are interleaved with the first heat transfer tubes within the enclosure so as to heat a second fluid contained in the second heat transfer tubes by transfer of heat from the first fluid, and are coupled to output the heated second fluid to drive target equipment (30). A heat storage medium (48) fills the enclosure.