Variable Pressure Inventory Control in Closed Cycle Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closed thermodynamic cycle power generation and energy storage systems, such as reversible Brayton cycle systems, face challenges in efficiently managing pressure variations and optimizing energy transfer between thermal storage materials and working fluids, leading to suboptimal power control and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a closed thermodynamic cycle system with a working fluid circulating through a sequence of components including a compressor, hot side heat exchanger, and cold side heat exchanger, where fluid connections between pressure tanks are controlled to vary the quantity of working fluid, allowing for pressure adjustments based on threshold values to optimize power generation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the quantity of working fluid is increased to improve power generation capacity, then system power increases, but pressure control becomes more difficult and system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate pressure tanks as intermediary components between the high pressure tank and the closed cycle system. These intermediate tanks act as buffer zones that decouple the direct pressure relationship, allowing the system to handle larger quantities of working fluid while maintaining pressure stability through staged pressure regulation rather than direct connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pressure control system into multiple stages by introducing intermediate pressure tanks between the high pressure tank and the closed cycle system. This segmentation divides the pressure regulation function into discrete stages, allowing independent control of each stage and improving overall pressure stability when managing variable quantities of working fluid.
2Quantity of substance
If pressure vessels are used to store thermal energy, then energy storage capacity increases, but system complexity increases due to additional pressure management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate pressure tanks serve multiple functions: they store working fluid, regulate pressure, and provide buffering capacity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high energy storage capacity through the versatile pressure tank system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fluid connections are frequently adjusted to optimize power control, then system adaptability improves, but mechanical wear and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate pressure tanks act as mediators that absorb the variability of power control adjustments. By providing buffered storage capacity, they reduce the frequency and magnitude of direct fluid connection adjustments between the high pressure tank and the closed cycle system, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing mechanical wear and improving reliability.
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 approach enables precise control of system power and enhances efficiency by managing pressure variations, thereby improving the overall performance of the thermodynamic cycle in terms of energy transfer and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger may be employed to transfer heat between a thermal storage material and a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
a compressor, a hot side heat exchanger, a turbine, and a cold side heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a turbine, and a compressor... A motor/generator may be used to obtain work from the thermal energy in the system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for variable pressure inventory control of a closed thermodynamic cycle power generation system or energy storage system, such as a reversible Brayton cycle system, with at least a high pressure tank and an intermediate pressure tank are disclosed. Operational parameters of the system such as working fluid pressure, turbine torque, turbine RPM, generator torque, generator RPM, and current, voltage, phase, frequency, and/or quantity of electrical power generated and/or distributed by the generator may be the basis for controlling a quantity of working fluid that circulates through a closed cycle fluid path of the system.