U.S. patent application number 13/563142 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for regenerative thermal energy system and method of operating the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Mathilde Bieber, Matthias Finkenrath, Miguel Angel Gonzalez Salazar. Invention is credited to Mathilde Bieber, Matthias Finkenrath, Miguel Angel Gonzalez Salazar.
Application Number | 20140033714 13/563142 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48980319 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140033714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gonzalez Salazar; Miguel Angel ;
et al. |
February 6, 2014 |
REGENERATIVE THERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE
SAME
Abstract
A regenerative thermal energy system includes a heat exchange
reactor that includes a top entry portion, a lower entry portion,
and a bottom discharge portion. The system also includes at least
one fluid source coupled in flow communication with the at least
one heat exchange reactor at the lower entry portion. The system
also includes at least one cold particle storage source coupled in
flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor at
the top entry portion. The system further includes at least one
thermal energy storage (TES) vessel coupled in flow communication
with the heat exchange reactor at each of the bottom discharge
portion and the top entry portion. The heat exchange reactor is
configured to facilitate direct contact and counter-flow heat
exchange between solid particles and a fluid.
Inventors: |
Gonzalez Salazar; Miguel Angel;
(Munich, DE) ; Finkenrath; Matthias; (Kempten,
DE) ; Bieber; Mathilde; (Munich, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gonzalez Salazar; Miguel Angel
Finkenrath; Matthias
Bieber; Mathilde |
Munich
Kempten
Munich |
|
DE
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
48980319 |
Appl. No.: |
13/563142 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/659 ;
165/104.34; 165/119; 165/9.3; 165/9.4; 60/645 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/14 20130101;
F28C 3/14 20130101; F01K 3/00 20130101; Y02E 60/16 20130101; F28D
20/0056 20130101; F28D 19/02 20130101; F01K 27/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
60/659 ; 165/9.3;
165/9.4; 165/104.34; 165/119; 60/645 |
International
Class: |
F01K 3/08 20060101
F01K003/08; F28D 15/00 20060101 F28D015/00; F28F 23/00 20060101
F28F023/00; F28D 19/02 20060101 F28D019/02 |
Claims
1. A regenerative thermal energy system comprising: a heat exchange
reactor comprising a top entry portion, a lower entry portion, and
a bottom discharge portion; at least one fluid source coupled in
flow communication with said at least one heat exchange reactor at
said lower entry portion; at least one cold particle storage source
coupled in flow communication with said at least one heat exchange
reactor at said top entry portion; and at least one thermal energy
storage (TES) vessel coupled in flow communication with said heat
exchange reactor at each of said bottom discharge portion and said
top entry portion, wherein said heat exchange reactor is configured
to facilitate direct contact and counter-flow heat exchange between
solid particles and a fluid.
2. A regenerative thermal energy system in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said at least one fluid source comprises at least one fluid
compressor and at least one fluid storage source, wherein said at
least one fluid compressor is configured to channel fluid at a
first temperature into said heat exchange reactor and said at least
one fluid storage source is configured to channel fluid at a second
temperature into said heat exchange reactor, wherein the first
temperature is greater than the second temperature.
3. A regenerative thermal energy system in accordance with claim 2
further comprising at least some moisture removal apparatus
comprising at least one of: at least one moisture removal apparatus
coupled in flow communication with said at least one fluid
compressor upstream of said at least one fluid compressor; at least
one moisture removal apparatus coupled in flow communication with
said at least one fluid compressor downstream of said at least one
fluid compressor; and at least one interstage moisture removal
apparatus within said at least one fluid compressor.
4. A regenerative thermal energy system in accordance with claim 1
further comprising at least one solids transfer pump coupled in
flow communication with said at least one TES vessel and said top
entry portion of said heat exchange reactor.
5. A regenerative thermal energy system in accordance with claim 1
further comprising at least one cyclone filter coupled in flow
communication with said heat exchange reactor between said top
entry portion and said lower entry portion, wherein said at least
one cyclone filter is configured to receive fluid exiting said heat
exchange reactor and solid particles entrained therein.
6. A regenerative thermal energy system in accordance with claim 5,
wherein said at least one cyclone filter is further coupled in flow
communication with said at least one cold particle storage
source.
7. A regenerative thermal energy system in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said at least one TES vessel comprises at least some
insulation and is configured to contain solid particles within a
predetermined range of temperatures for a predetermined period of
time.
8. A regenerative thermal energy system in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said at least one heat exchange reactor defines a heat
transfer cavity therein that is configured to facilitate the direct
contact and the counter-flow heat exchange between the solid
particles and the fluid, said heat transfer cavity at least
partially encloses at least one device configured to increase a
residence time of the solid particles and the fluid, said at least
one device comprises at least one of: at least one fluid and
particle deflector device; at least one heat transfer projection;
and at least one heat transfer channel.
9. A power generation facility comprising: at least one power
generation apparatus; and at least one regenerative thermal energy
system coupled to said at least one power generation apparatus,
said at least one regenerative thermal energy system comprising: a
heat exchange reactor comprising a top entry portion, a lower entry
portion, and a bottom discharge portion; at least one fluid source
coupled in flow communication with said at least one heat exchange
reactor at said lower entry portion; at least one cold particle
storage source coupled in flow communication with said at least one
heat exchange reactor at said top entry portion; and at least one
thermal energy storage (TES) vessel coupled in flow communication
with said heat exchange reactor at each of said bottom discharge
portion and said top entry portion, wherein said heat exchange
reactor is configured to facilitate direct contact and counter-flow
heat exchange between solid particles and a fluid and channel hot
pressurized air to said at least one power generation
apparatus.
10. A power generation facility in accordance with claim 9, wherein
said at least one fluid source comprises at least one fluid
compressor and at least one fluid storage source, wherein said at
least one fluid compressor is configured to channel fluid at a
first temperature into said heat exchange reactor and said at least
one fluid storage source is configured to channel fluid at a second
temperature into said heat exchange reactor, wherein the first
temperature is greater than the second temperature.
11. A power generation facility in accordance with claim 9 further
comprising at least one cyclone filter coupled in flow
communication with said heat exchange reactor between said top
entry portion and said lower entry portion, wherein said at least
one cyclone filter is configured to receive fluid exiting said heat
exchange reactor and solid particles entrained therein.
12. A power generation facility in accordance with claim 11,
wherein said at least one cyclone filter is further coupled in flow
communication with said at least one cold particle storage source
and said at least one power generation apparatus.
13. A power generation facility in accordance with claim 9, wherein
said at least one TES vessel comprises at least some insulation and
is configured to contain solid particles within a predetermined
range of temperatures for a predetermined period of time.
14. A power generation facility in accordance with claim 9 further
comprising at least one combustion apparatus coupled in flow
communication with said at least one cyclone filter and said at
least one power generation apparatus.
15. A method of operating a power generation facility, said method
comprising: channeling solid particles downward through a heat
exchange reactor; channeling pressurized air upward through the
heat exchange reactor; transferring heat from the pressurized air
to the solid particles through direct contact; and channeling the
solid particles into at least one thermal energy storage (TES)
vessel.
16. The method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising:
channeling the solid particles from the TES vessel downward through
the heat exchange reactor; channeling pressurized air upward
through the heat exchange reactor; transferring heat from the solid
particles to the pressurized air through direct contact; and
channeling the pressurized air to at least one power generation
apparatus.
17. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein channeling
solid particles downward through a heat exchange reactor comprises
injecting the solid particles at the top of the heat exchange
reactor and channeling the solid particles downward with the
assistance of gravity.
18. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein channeling
pressurized air upward through the heat exchange reactor comprises
channeling the air through a cyclone filter to remove at least a
portion of solid particles entrained therein.
19. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein channeling the
solid particles into at least one thermal energy storage (TES)
vessel comprises containing the solid particles within a
predetermined temperature range for a predetermined period of
time.
20. The method in accordance with claim 15 further comprising:
wherein: operating the heat exchange reactor at a first pressure;
and operating the at least one TES vessel at a second pressure,
wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure, and
the second pressure has a value that is approximately atmospheric
pressure.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to energy
storage and, more particularly, to regenerative thermal energy
storage (TES) systems associated with adiabatic compressed air
energy storage (A-CAES) systems.
[0002] At least some known A-CAES systems use expansive
containments, e.g., pressure vessels or underground caverns to
store hot, compressed air. Storage facilities using man-made
pressure vessels require sufficient containment wall strength to
withstand high pressures induced by compressed air for extended
periods of time. Also, these known pressure vessels are exposed to
high temperatures due to the compression of the air stored within.
Therefore, some known pressure vessels are fabricated from
expensive metal alloys with thick walls to withstand temperatures
of approximately 450 degrees Celsius (.degree. C.) (842 degrees
Fahrenheit (.degree. F.)). Other known containments include thick
concrete walls with complex structures to facilitate gas tightness
at high pressures. Such concrete walls are typically constructed to
withstand temperatures of approximately 100.degree. C. (212.degree.
F.), and therefore, require an active cooling system.
[0003] Such known containments, whether man-made or natural
caverns, require a significant amount of thermal insulation to
facilitate decreasing heat transfer to the local environment,
thereby preserving as much thermal energy as possible for later
conversion. Therefore, due to the large volumes required, thermal
energy storage within A-CAES systems requires a substantial capital
investment to merely reduce heat transfer from the stored,
compressed gases.
[0004] At least some known A-CAES systems include fixed-matrix
regenerators within a stand-alone vessel that includes an inventory
of solid mass. The solid mass stores thermal energy as hot air is
channeled over the solid mass. Also, the solid mass releases
thermal energy as cold air is channeled over the solid mass.
[0005] However, the walls of these stand-alone vessels must provide
sufficient strength to withstand the pressures of the air channeled
therethrough. Therefore, strengthening the walls will increase the
capital construction costs of the A-CAES systems. Also, at least
some known A-CAES systems include indirect heat transfer systems
that use equipment to facilitate substantial heat losses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In one aspect, a regenerative thermal energy system is
provided. The system includes a heat exchange reactor that includes
a top entry portion, a lower entry portion, and a bottom discharge
portion. The system also includes at least one fluid source coupled
in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor
at the lower entry portion. The system also includes at least one
cold particle storage source coupled in flow communication with the
at least one heat exchange reactor at the top entry portion. The
system further includes at least one thermal energy storage (TES)
vessel coupled in flow communication with the heat exchange reactor
at each of the bottom discharge portion and the top entry portion.
The heat exchange reactor is configured to facilitate direct
contact and counter-flow heat exchange between solid particles and
a fluid.
[0007] In a further aspect, a power generation facility is
provided. The facility includes at least one power generation
apparatus and at least one regenerative thermal energy system
coupled to the at least one power generation apparatus. The at
least one regenerative thermal energy system includes a heat
exchange reactor that includes a top entry portion, a lower entry
portion, and a bottom discharge portion. The system also includes
at least one fluid source coupled in flow communication with the at
least one heat exchange reactor at the lower entry portion. The
system further includes at least one cold particle storage source
coupled in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange
reactor at the top entry portion. The system also includes at least
one thermal energy storage (TES) vessel coupled in flow
communication with the heat exchange reactor at each of the bottom
discharge portion and the top entry portion, wherein the heat
exchange reactor is configured to facilitate direct contact and
counter-flow heat exchange between solid particles and a fluid and
channel hot pressurized air to the at least one power generation
apparatus.
[0008] In another aspect, a method of operating a power generation
facility is provided. The method includes channeling solid
particles downward through a heat exchange reactor and channeling
pressurized air upward through the heat exchange reactor. The
method also includes transferring heat from the pressurized air to
the solid particles through direct contact. The method further
includes channeling the solid particles into at least one thermal
energy storage (TES) vessel.
DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first portion of an
exemplary regenerative thermal energy system.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of charging the
regenerative thermal energy system shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second portion of the
regenerative thermal energy system partially shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of discharging the
regenerative thermal energy system shown in FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary power generation
facility that uses the regenerative thermal energy system shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0015] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are
meant to illustrate key inventive features of the invention. These
key inventive features are believed to be applicable in a wide
variety of systems comprising one or more embodiments of the
invention. As such, the drawings are not meant to include all
conventional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art
to be required for the practice of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the following specification and the claims, reference
will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have
the following meanings.
[0017] The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural
references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0018] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently
described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the
description includes instances where the event occurs and instances
where it does not.
[0019] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the
specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative
representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a
change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a
value modified by a term or terms, such as "about" and
"substantially", are not to be limited to the precise value
specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language
may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the
value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range
limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are
identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless
context or language indicates otherwise.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first portion 102 of an
exemplary regenerative thermal energy system 100. First portion 102
includes the components of system 100 used during a charging
operation, i.e., when a solid mass (described further below) is
charged with thermal energy for storage.
[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, regenerative thermal energy
system 100 includes a heat exchange reactor 110 including a
plurality of walls 112 that define a fully enclosed heat transfer
cavity 114. Walls 112 also define a top entry portion 116 coupled
in flow communication with at least one cold particle storage
source 118. Cold particle storage source 118 is any containment and
delivery system that enables operation of regenerative thermal
energy system 100 as described herein, including, without
limitation, hoppers, bins, silos, solids transfer devices, and
gravity-feed devices. Storage source 118 and top entry portion 116
cooperate to inject small, cold, solid particles 119 into heat
transfer cavity 114. Particles 119 are any solids that enable
operation of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described
herein, including, without limitation, sand.
[0022] Also, in the exemplary embodiment, walls 112 define a lower
entry portion 120 that is coupled in flow communication with at
least one fluid source, i.e., an air compressor 122, e.g., without
limitation, a multi-stage air compressor. Alternatively, any fluid,
including liquid and gas, that enables operation of regenerative
thermal energy system 100 as described herein is used. Also,
alternatively, system 100 includes a staged air compression system
(not shown) with a plurality of air compressors 122 coupled in
series. Further, alternatively, lower entry portion 120 defines a
plurality of air inlet ports (not shown) that may be coupled to an
air inlet manifold (not shown). Air compressor 122 is coupled to an
electric motor 124. Alternatively, air compressor 122 is driven by
any mechanism that enables operation of regenerative thermal energy
system 100 as described herein, including, without limitation, a
steam turbine, a gas turbine, a water turbine, a wind turbine, a
gasoline combustion engine, and a diesel engine, all with geared
couplings as necessary. Air compressor 122 is configured to receive
cold, ambient air 126 and discharge hot, compressed air 128 into
heat transfer cavity 114, as described further below.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, regenerative thermal energy
system 100 includes moisture removal apparatus configured to remove
moisture from compressed air prior to injection of hot, compressed
air 128 into heat transfer cavity 114. Such moisture removal
apparatus includes at least one of an upstream moisture separator
123 coupled in flow communication with air compressor 122 upstream
of air compressor 122, downstream moisture separator 125 coupled in
flow communication with air compressor 122 downstream of air
compressor 122, and a plurality of interstage moisture separators
127 within air compressor 122. Each of upstream moisture separator
123, downstream moisture separator 125, and interstage moisture
separators 127 facilitate removal of water 129 from the air.
[0024] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, walls 112 define an
inwardly inclined bottom discharge portion 130 configured to
facilitate storage of hot solid particles 132. Bottom discharge
portion 130 is also configured to facilitate discharge of hot solid
particles 132 out of heat transfer cavity 114 with the assistance
of gravity.
[0025] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, regenerative thermal
energy system 100 includes at least one cyclone filter 140 coupled
in flow communication with heat transfer cavity 114 through an air
extraction conduit 142. Conduit 142 is positioned between top entry
portion 116 and lower entry portion 120, and is configured to
direct cold, pressurized air 144 and entrained particles 146 from
heat transfer cavity 114 to cyclone filter 140. At least one cold,
pressurized air storage vessel 148 is coupled in flow communication
with cyclone filter 140. Also, cyclone filter 140 includes a sloped
portion 150 configured to retain entrained particles 146. Storage
source 118 is coupled in flow communication with sloped portion
150.
[0026] Also, in the exemplary embodiment, regenerative thermal
energy system 100 includes at least one thermal energy storage
(TES) vessel 160 coupled in flow communication with heat exchange
reactor 110 at bottom discharge portion 130. TES vessel 160 defines
a particle storage cavity 162 configured to receive and store hot
solid particles 132 therein. Cavity 162 is sufficiently sized to
enable operation of regenerative thermal energy system 100 through
one full cycle as described herein. TES vessel 160 includes an
insulation layer 164 that is sufficient to enable maintaining hot
solid particles 132 within a predetermined temperature range
through one full cycle of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as
described herein. For example, and without limitation, insulation
layer 164 facilitates maintaining hot solid particles 132 within
the predetermined temperature range for 12 to 24 hours. TES vessel
160 is configured to operate at approximately atmospheric
pressure.
[0027] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, regenerative thermal
energy system 100 includes at least one solids transfer pump 166
coupled in flow communication with TES vessel 160. Pump 166 is
configured to transfer hot particles 168 from TES vessel 160 as
described further below. In the exemplary embodiment, solids
transfer pump 166 is a GE Posimetric.RTM. pump commercially
available from GE Energy, Atlanta, Ga., USA. Alternatively, any
pumping device that enables operation of regenerative thermal
energy system 100 as described herein is used.
[0028] Also, in the exemplary embodiment, regenerative thermal
energy system 100 includes at least one device configured to
increase a residence time of solid particles 119 and hot,
compressed air 128. For example, without limitation, a plurality of
air and particle deflector devices 163 are coupled to walls 112
within heat transfer cavity 114 and extend inward therefrom. Also,
for example, and without limitation, air and particle deflector
devices 163 and walls 112 define a tortuous heat transfer channel
165. Further, for example, and without limitation, heat transfer
projections 167, e.g., without limitation, heat fins, are
positioned within channel 165. Deflector devices 163, channel 165,
and projections 167 facilitate increasing the residence time to
further facilitate heat transfer between particles 119 and air
128.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method 200 of charging
regenerative thermal energy system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). During
the charging operation, small, cold, solid particles 119 (shown in
FIG. 1) are injected 202 into heat transfer cavity 114 from storage
source 118 through top entry portion 116 (all shown in FIG. 1).
Particles 119 are injected within a temperature range between
approximately 0 degrees Celsius (.degree. C.) (32 degrees
Fahrenheit (.degree. F.)) and approximately 49.degree. C.
(120.degree. F.). Alternatively, particles 119 are injected within
any temperature range that enables operation of regenerative
thermal energy system 100 as described herein. Particles 119 are
injected at any pressures that enable operation of regenerative
thermal energy system 100 as described herein.
[0030] Also, during the charging operation, particles 119 are
directed 204 downward through heat exchange reactor 110 (shown in
FIG. 1) with the assistance of gravity. Cold, ambient air 126
(shown in FIG. 1) is received and compressed 206 by air compressor
122 (shown in FIG. 1). Ambient air 126 is in a temperature range
between approximately 0.degree. C. (32.degree. F.) and
approximately 49.degree. C. (120.degree. F.), and has an
atmospheric pressure of approximately one atmosphere, i.e., 1.015
bar, 101.353 kilo-Pascal (kPa), and 14.7 pounds per square inch
(psi). Alternatively, inlet air 126 to air compressor 122 has
temperatures and pressures in any range that enables operation of
regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described herein.
[0031] Further, during the charging operation, air compressor 122
discharges 208 hot, compressed air 128 (shown in FIG. 1) into heat
transfer cavity 114 with a temperature range between approximately
250.degree. C. (482.degree. F.) and approximately 700.degree. C.
(1292.degree. F.), and a pressure range between approximately 20
bar (2000 kPa, 290 psi) and approximately 70 bar (7000 kPa, 1015
psi). Alternatively, hot, compressed air 128 discharged from air
compressor 122 has temperatures and pressures in any range that
enables operation of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as
described herein. Hot, compressed air 128 is channeled 210 upward
through heat transfer cavity 114.
[0032] Moreover, during the charging operation, since particles 119
and air 128 flow counter to each other, particles 119 and air 128
come into direct contact with each other within heat transfer
cavity 114. Such direct contact between air 128 and particles 119
facilitates heat exchange therebetween such that air 128 transfers
212 thermal energy to particles 119. The heat exchange generates
hot solid particles 132, cold, pressurized air 144, and entrained
particles 146 (all shown in FIG. 1). Deflector devices 163, channel
165, and projections 167 facilitate increasing the residence time
to further facilitate heat transfer between particles 119 and air
128.
[0033] Also, during the charging operation, cold, pressurized air
144 and entrained particles 146 are extracted 214 from heat
transfer cavity 114 to cyclone filter 140 that uses cyclonic action
to separate 216 air 144 from particles 146. Air 144 is directed 218
to at least one cold, pressurized air storage vessel 148. Air 144
has a temperature value within a range between approximately
20.degree. C. (68.degree. F.) and 60.degree. C. (140.degree. F.)
and within a pressure range between approximately 20 bar (2000 kPa,
290 psi) and approximately 70 bar (7000 kPa, 1015 psi).
Alternatively, air 144 is within any temperature range that enables
operation of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described
herein.
[0034] Further, during the charging operation, entrained particles
146 are directed 220 downward through cyclone filter 140 with the
assistance of gravity and are stored at sloped portion 150 (shown
in FIG. 1) of cyclone filter 140. Particles 146 have a temperature
value within a range between approximately 20.degree. C.
(68.degree. F.) and approximately 60.degree. C. (140.degree. F.).
Alternatively, particles 146 are within any temperature range that
enables operation of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as
described herein. Particles 146 are channeled to cold particle
storage source 118 for regenerative use.
[0035] Moreover, during the charging operation, hot solid particles
132 are deposited at inwardly inclined bottom discharge portion
130. Hot solid particles 132 are transferred 222 out of heat
transfer cavity 114 to TES vessel 160 with the assistance of
gravity. TES vessel 160 receives and stores hot solid particles 132
within particle storage cavity 162. Hot solid particles 132 are
maintained 224 within a predetermined temperature range between
approximately 240.degree. C. (464.degree. F.) and approximately
690.degree. C. (1274.degree. F.) through one full cycle of
regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described herein. For
example, and without limitation, hot solid particles 132 are
maintained within the exemplary temperature range for approximately
12 to approximately 24 hours. TES vessel 160 is maintained at
approximately atmospheric pressure.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second portion 170 of
regenerative thermal energy system 100. Second portion 170 includes
the components of system 100 used during a discharging operation,
i.e., when thermal energy stored within a hot solid mass (described
further below) is liberated to generate power. Many of the same
components of system 100 used in first portion 102 (shown in FIG.
1) for charging operations described above are also used for
discharging operations.
[0037] As described above, in the exemplary embodiment,
regenerative thermal energy system 100 includes at least one solids
transfer pump 166 coupled in flow communication with TES vessel
160. Solids transfer pump 166 is also coupled in flow communication
with heat transfer cavity 114 of heat exchange reactor 110 through
top entry portion 116. Solids transfer pump 166 is configured to
transfer hot particles 168 from TES vessel 160 into heat transfer
cavity 114.
[0038] Also, as described above, stored, cold, pressurized air 144
is contained in air storage vessel 148 within a pressure range
between approximately 20 bar (2000 kPa, 290 psi) and approximately
70 bar (7000 kPa, 1015 psi). Therefore, solids transfer pump 166 is
configured to inject particles 168 into heat exchange reactor 110
with sufficient pressure to overcome the pressure of air 144.
[0039] Further, as described above, cyclone filter 140 is coupled
in flow communication with heat transfer cavity 114 through air
extraction conduit 142. Cyclone filter 140 is further coupled in
flow communication with heat transfer cavity 114 through an
entrained particle return conduit 175.
[0040] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, regenerative thermal
energy system 100 includes at least one expander 180 rotatably
coupled to a machine, e.g., without limitation, a generator 182.
Expander 180 is coupled in flow communication with cyclone filter
140.
[0041] In at least some alternative embodiments, regenerative
thermal energy system 100 includes at least one combustion
apparatus 181 coupled in flow communication with cyclone filter 140
and expander 180. Combustion apparatus 181 includes a hot air
extension line 183 coupled to cyclone filter 140. Combustion
apparatus 181 also includes a fuel line 185. Combustion apparatus
181 further includes an air/fuel mixer 186 coupled to hot air
extension line 183 and fuel line 185. Combustion apparatus 181 also
includes a combustion chamber 187 coupled to air/fuel mixer 186 and
hot air extension line 183. Combustion apparatus 181 further
includes a heat exchange device 188 coupled to combustion chamber
187, hot air extension line 183, and expander 180. Combustion
apparatus 181 further includes an exhaust conduit 189 coupled to
heat exchange device 188.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 300 of discharging
regenerative thermal energy system 100 (shown in FIG. 3). During
the discharging operation, hot solid particles 132 (shown in FIG.
3) are maintained 302 within a predetermined temperature range
between approximately 240.degree. C. (464.degree. F.) and
approximately 690.degree. C. (1274.degree. F.) through one full
cycle of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described
herein. For example, and without limitation, hot solid particles
132 are maintained within the exemplary temperature range for 12 to
24 hours. TES vessel 160 (shown in FIG. 3) is maintained at
approximately atmospheric pressure. Hot particles 168 (shown in
FIG. 3) are transferred from TES vessel 160 into heat transfer
cavity 114 (shown in FIG. 3) through top entry portion 116 (shown
in FIG. 3) within a similar temperature range.
[0043] Also, during the discharging operation, and as described
above, cold, pressurized air 144 is contained 304 in air storage
vessel 148 (shown in FIG. 3). Air 144 has a temperature value
within a range between approximately 20.degree. C. (68.degree. F.)
and 60.degree. C. (140.degree. F.) and within a pressure range
between approximately 20 bar (2000 kPa, 290 psi) and approximately
70 bar (7000 kPa, 1015 psi). Stored, cold, pressurized air 144 is
discharged 306 into heat transfer cavity 114. Air 144 is directed
308 upward through heat transfer cavity 114. Solids transfer pump
166 (shown in FIG. 3) injects 310 particles 168 into heat exchange
reactor 110 with sufficient pressure to overcome the pressure of
air 144.
[0044] Further, during the discharging operation, since particles
168 and air 144 flow counter to each other, particles 168 and air
144 come into direct contact with each other within heat transfer
cavity 114. Such direct contact between air 144 and particles 168
facilitates heat exchange therebetween such that particles 168
transfers 312 thermal energy to air 144. The heat exchange
generates hot, pressurized air 172, entrained particles 174, and
cold particles 190 (all shown in FIG. 3).
[0045] Moreover, during the discharging operation, hot, pressurized
air 172 and entrained particles 174 are extracted 314 from heat
transfer cavity 114 to cyclone filter 140 (shown in FIG. 3) that
uses cyclonic action to separate 316 air 172 from particles 174.
Hot, pressurized air 172 and entrained particles 174 are within a
temperature range of approximately 240.degree. C. (464.degree. F.)
and approximately 690.degree. C. (1274.degree. F.).
[0046] Also, during the discharging operation, entrained particles
174 are directed 318 downward through cyclone filter 140 with the
assistance of gravity and are stored at sloped portion 150 (shown
in FIG. 3) of cyclone filter 140. Some reusable, i.e., still
transferable, thermal energy may reside within particles 174.
Therefore, such particles 174 within a temperature range between
approximately 240.degree. C. (464.degree. F.) and approximately
690.degree. C. (1274.degree. F.) are reinjected 320 into heat
transfer cavity 114 for further thermal energy transfer to air 144.
Alternatively, particles 174 are reinjected into heat transfer
cavity 114 within any temperature range that enables operation of
regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described herein. As the
temperatures of particles 174 attains a value within a
predetermined range between approximately 20.degree. C. (68.degree.
F.) and approximately 60.degree. C. (140.degree. F.), particles 174
are transferred 322 to cold particle storage source 118 for
regenerative use. Alternatively, particles 174 are channeled to
cold particle storage source 118 within any temperature range that
enables operation of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as
described herein.
[0047] Further, during the discharging operation, some cold
particles 190 that have been substantially exhausted of
transferrable thermal energy are deposited at inwardly inclined
bottom discharge portion 130 (shown in FIG. 3). Particles 190 are
transferred 324, with the assistance of gravity, out of heat
transfer cavity 114 to TES vessel 160 in a manner that reduces a
probability of cannibalizing thermal energy stored in hot particles
132. TES vessel 160 receives and stores cold particles 190 within
particle storage cavity 162. Cold particles 190 are transferred 326
to cold particle storage source 118 for regenerative use.
[0048] Moreover, during the discharging operation, hot, pressurized
air 172 having a temperature value within a range between
approximately 240.degree. C. (464.degree. F.) and approximately
690.degree. C. (1274.degree. F.) and within a pressure range
between approximately 20 bar (2000 kPa, 290 psi) and approximately
70 bar (7000 kPa, 1015 psi) is directed 328 to expander 180 (shown
in FIG. 3). Alternatively, air 172 is within any temperature range
and any pressure range that enables operation of regenerative
thermal energy system 100 as described herein. Expander 180 (shown
in FIG. 3) drives 330 generator 182 (shown in FIG. 3) and expended
air 184 (shown in FIG. 3) is discharged to any place that enables
operation of regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described
herein.
[0049] In at least some alternative embodiments, the hot air from
cyclone filter 140 is channeled to combustion apparatus 181 through
conduit 183. Some of the hot air and fuel are channeled to air/fuel
mixer 186 through conduit 183 and fuel line 185, respectively,
where they are mixed. The air/fuel mixture is channeled to
combustion chamber 187 and additional hot air in injected into
combustion chamber 187 from conduit 183. Hot gases are generated
and are channeled to heat exchange device 188. Heat transfer from
the gases to hot air channeled from conduit 183 further increases
the temperature of air 172 prior to expander 180. The combustion
gases are channeled through exhaust conduit 189
[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary power generation
facility 500 that uses regenerative thermal energy system 100. In
the exemplary embodiment, power generation facility 500 includes a
plurality of power generators 502, including, without limitation,
steam turbine generators, gas turbine generators, water turbine
generators, wind turbine generators, gasoline combustion
engine-driven generators, and diesel engine generators, and any
combination thereof.
[0051] One example, without limitation, of operating power
generation facility 500 includes storing thermal energy during
non-peak periods and expending the stored thermal energy during
peak periods. During non-peaking generation periods, an
own/operator of power generation facility anticipates a need for
additional power generation during a future peaking period. Power
generators 502 transmit electric power to electric motors 124 of
air compressors 122 (shown in FIG. 1) and thermal energy is stored
in regenerative thermal energy system 100 as described above.
During peaking periods, regenerative thermal energy system 100
substantially recovers the stored thermal energy and electric power
that is generated by generators 182 is added to the electric power
generated by power generators 502 for transmission. Such
regenerative operation, including a charging and discharging
operations, represents a full cycle of regenerative thermal energy
system 100. As an example, without limitation, such cycles may
occur twice on weekdays, i.e., discharging operations are performed
between approximately 5:00 AM and approximately 9:00 AM, and again
approximately 5:00 PM and approximately 10:00 PM. Charging
operations are performed between those two time periods when
discharging operations are not in progress. Alternatively, some
embodiments of power generation facility 500 may include multiple
iterations of regenerative thermal energy system 100 such that one
system 100 is charging and feeding a second system 100 that is
discharging.
[0052] The above-described regenerative thermal energy system
provides a cost-effective method for generating and storing thermal
energy for later use. The embodiments described herein facilitate
storing thermal energy in a thermal energy storage vessel during
low power usage periods for future use during peak power usage
periods. Specifically, the devices, systems, and methods described
herein facilitate transferring heat from hot compressed air to and
the assistance of gravity small, cold, solid particles through
direct contact. More specifically, the devices, systems, and
methods described herein facilitate using a power generation
facility to use at least some of the power generated therein to
drive air compressors during low power usage periods. The thermal
energy now contained in the hot, small particles is stored with the
particles in an insulated vessel configured to maintain the
particles within a specific temperature range for a certain period
of time at atmospheric pressure. The cold, pressurized air is
channeled to a storage vessel. During periods of high power usage,
the hot particles are channeled to mix with the stored, cold,
pressurized air to transfer the thermal energy back into the air.
The reheated air is channeled to an expander coupled to a
generator. Therefore, since the small hot particles are stored in a
smaller vessel than that use to store the air, use of more robust
structural materials and insulation for air storage is no longer
required. Moreover, since the particles and air are in direct
contact, equipment necessary to facilitate indirect thermal energy
transfer is not required.
[0053] An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and
apparatus described herein includes at least one of: (a) decreasing
the volume of a vessel used to store thermal energy; and (b)
directly contacting cold particles with hot air and hot particles
with cold air to regeneratively transfer thermal energy
therebetween.
[0054] Exemplary embodiments of regenerative thermal energy system
for power generation facilities and methods for operating are
described above in detail. The regenerative thermal energy system,
power generation facilities, and methods of operating such systems
and facilities are not limited to the specific embodiments
described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of
the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other
components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods
may also be used in combination with other systems requiring
thermal energy storage and methods, and are not limited to practice
with only the regenerative thermal energy system, power generation
facilities, and methods as described herein. Rather, the exemplary
embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many
other thermal energy storage and transfer applications.
[0055] Although specific features of various embodiments of the
invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is
for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the
invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or
claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
[0056] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal language of the claims.
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