Turbine Heating System Reduces Solar Plant Start-Up Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbines in solar power stations experience a long start-up phase due to cooling down at night, leading to reduced operational time and efficiency, and increased material stress from temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A heating system is integrated into the turbine to maintain a minimum temperature of 100° to 600° Celsius, using electrical heating elements, steam, or hot air to reduce start-up time and stress on turbine components, combined with an insulation system and heat accumulator device for efficient thermal energy storage and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the turbine is shut down during night time, then energy consumption is reduced, but the start-up phase duration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is activated before the scheduled start-up time to pre-heat the turbine components to a minimum temperature level. This preliminary heating action reduces the temperature difference that needs to be overcome during start-up, thereby shortening the start-up phase duration while allowing the turbine to remain shut down during night time.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system serves multiple functions: it maintains the turbine at a minimum operational temperature during night time, prepares the turbine for faster start-up, and prevents thermal shock to components. This multi-functionality addresses both energy conservation and time reduction objectives.
2Device complexity
If the turbine operates without minimum temperature maintenance, then device complexity is reduced, but the start-up phase duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system maintains the turbine at a specific parameter range (minimum temperature level) rather than full operational temperature. This parameter change approach allows the turbine to be in a ready state without requiring complex heating infrastructure, balancing device complexity with start-up time reduction.
3Productivity
If the turbine components are heated to operational temperature continuously, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating the turbine to full operational temperature continuously, the heating system applies partial heating to reach only the minimum temperature level required for efficient start-up. This partial action approach maintains productivity benefits while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous full-temperature heating.
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 heating system significantly reduces the start-up phase duration, enhances turbine efficiency, and extends its lifespan by minimizing thermal deformation and stress, while the insulation and heat accumulator improve energy efficiency and thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
The heating system (101) may comprise electrical heating elements (106)
Implementation Method 2
The heating system is adapted for heating the turbine in a power off state
Implementation Method 3
The turbine (100) further comprises an insulation system (104)
Implementation Method 4
The turbine (100) further comprises a heat accumulator device (107)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a turbine (100) for converting thermal energy in mechanical work. The turbine (100) comprises a heating system (101), wherein the heating system (101) is adapted for heating the turbine (100) in a power off state and/or a start-up phase of the turbine (100).