US20090260622A1 - Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system - Google Patents
Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system Download PDFInfo
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- US20090260622A1 US20090260622A1 US12/421,129 US42112909A US2009260622A1 US 20090260622 A1 US20090260622 A1 US 20090260622A1 US 42112909 A US42112909 A US 42112909A US 2009260622 A1 US2009260622 A1 US 2009260622A1
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- solar
- steam
- standby
- fluid
- heat supply
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
- F01K3/00—Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
- F01K3/18—Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein having heaters
- F01K3/186—Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein having heaters using electric heat
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G6/00—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
- F03G6/003—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy having a Rankine cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
- F24S20/20—Solar heat collectors for receiving concentrated solar energy, e.g. receivers for solar power plants
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
- F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
- F24S23/77—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with flat reflective plates
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/46—Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to a solar steam generator, and more particularly, to a solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system.
- the present invention provides a standby heat supply system to overcome these problems associated with the cooling of the heat transfer fluid during the nocturnal period.
- a solar steam generator that includes a solar panel that heats fluid passing therethrough.
- a steam drum separates steam and fluid received from the solar panel; and then provides the fluid to the solar panel.
- a standby heat supply system heats the fluid in the steam drum during periods of low solar energy provided to the solar panel.
- a method of maintaining a fluid within a solar steam generator at a desired temperature during a nocturnal period includes heating a fluid flowing through a solar panel with standby heat, circulating the heated fluid to a steam drum that separates the steam and fluid received from the solar panel; and circulating the fluid from the steam drum back to the solar panel.
- the method further includes circulating the flow of the fluid to a standby heater when the temperature of the fluid drops below a desired temperature; and circulating the heated fluid flow from the standby heater back to the steam drum.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a solar steam power generation system in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system external to a steam drum in accordance to the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system internal to a steam drum in accordance to the present invention.
- the present invention provides a solar steam generator or solar receiver 100 that includes a standby heat supply system 109 for maintaining water 132 within the solar receiver at a relatively constant temperature during the nocturnal period (or low solar energy periods) when solar radiation 101 is unavailable. Maintaining the solar receiver 100 at a constant temperature will reduce the recovery time when solar radiation becomes available for steam generation. The constant temperature will also reduce the thermal cycling stress on thick walled steam generator components, thereby increasing the components life.
- the solar receiver 100 is shown as part of a solar power generation system 10 , however, the invention contemplates that the solar receiver 100 and standby heat supply system 109 is also applicable to industrial applications and other systems that require solar heating of a fluid.
- the solar receiver 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is shown disposed on a tower 102 among a field of solar collectors 104 , such as mirrors or heliostats.
- the solar collectors 104 are arranged approximate the tower for directing solar energy or solar radiation 101 from the sun 106 to the solar receiver 100 .
- the heliostats 104 may have a curved or flat configuration. Each heliostat can be independently adjustable in response to the relative position of the sun.
- the heliostats can de arranged in arrays, whereby the heliostats of each array being controlled separately or in combination with the other heliostats of the array by one or more control devices (not shown) configured to detect and track the relative position of the sun.
- the heliostats 104 can adjust according to the position of the sun 106 to reflect sunlight onto the receiver 100 , thereby heating the fluid (e.g., water, transfer fluid) in the receiver 100 .
- a solar receiver 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , whereby water is heated to produce steam for rotating a steam turbine generator 113 .
- the solar receiver 100 comprises at least one panel 122 of tubes (or tubing) 124 (see FIG. 2 ) that receives water (or other fluid) from an input pipe or conduit 112 .
- the solar receiver 100 may include a plurality of panels that perform different functions for transferring the radiant heat of the sun to the water and/or steam flowing through the tubes.
- the heliostats 104 direct the solar radiation of the sun onto the solar receiver 100 , and more specifically onto the panel 122 of tubes 124 having water and/or steam flowing therethrough.
- the radiant heat 101 increases the temperature of the water flowing therethrough to generate high temperature steam.
- the steam 127 is then provided to a power generation system, e.g. turbine generator 112 , via the output pipe or conduit 114 .
- the steam is provided to a steam turbine 126 , which powers a generator 128 to produce electricity 146 .
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the solar steam generator 100 of the present invention.
- the solar receiver comprises a solar panel 118 (or evaporator), a steam drum 119 and a standby heating supply system 109 .
- the evaporator 118 comprises at least one panel 122 of tubes 124 that receives water and/or water and steam mixture and functions to increase the temperature of the water flowing through the respective tubes.
- the evaporator 118 includes a plurality of panels.
- the steam drum 119 receives recycled water and/or a water and steam mixture 125 from the steam turbine 126 via the input conduit 112 .
- the incoming water 125 is distributed along the entire length of the drum by the water distribution header (not shown).
- Nozzles (not shown) in the distribution headers direct the incoming water in the downward direction in order to minimize turbulence and aid in circulation.
- the water 125 mixes with the water 132 in the drum 119 and is directed to the downcomers 134 .
- the downcomers 134 originate at the steam drum and terminate at the evaporator inlet 136 , directing the water to the evaporator 118 .
- a circulating pump 138 pumps the recirculated water 132 from the steam drum 119 disposed at the top of the evaporator panel(s) 118 (i.e., the water wall) to the bottom inlet 136 of the evaporator panel(s).
- This circulating pump 138 provides a constant flow of cooling water to the evaporator panel(s) for all load conditions. This permits rapid response to load changes.
- Saturated steam and water mixture 139 from the evaporator 118 enters the steam drum 119 at 137 and is directed to separators (not shown).
- Steam 127 exits the top of the steam drum 119 through the outlet conduit 114 to the turbine generator 112 .
- the drum 119 is equipped with safety valves, vent valves, a pressure transmitter, a pressure gauge, level gauges, and level indicators (not shown).
- a flow valve 160 is disposed in the input conduit 112 to control the flow of recirculated water (or feedwater) 132 to the steam drum 119 to maintain a desired level of water in the steam drum.
- the flow valve opens and closes in response to one or more control signals indicative of the level of the water in the steam drum, the flow rate of the steam 127 and the flowrate of the feedwater 125 .
- the control signals may be provided by a level sensor 162 , a flowmeter 164 measuring the steam flow rate, and a flowrate 166 measuring the feedwater flow rate.
- the control of the water level in the steam drum 119 ensures sufficient water 132 for the steam loop and prevents over filling that may result in water 132 exiting the steam drum through the output conduit 114 .
- the steam 114 provided by the output conduit 114 to the steam turbine 126 expands and rotates the turbine and the generator 128 , thus producing electricity at 146 .
- the steam exiting the turbine is fed back to the input conduit 112 to be recycled through the solar receiver 100 .
- the solar generation system contemplates having a condenser 140 disposed intermediate the turbine 126 and the input pipe 112 of the solar receiver 100 for cooling the exiting turbine steam to condense the steam into water 125 .
- the solar receiver 100 of FIG. 2 further includes a standby heat supply system 109 having an external standby heater 110 wherein the water 132 from the steam drum 119 may be pumped or circulated through the standby heater and back to the steam drum, which forms a secondary loop 148 .
- the standby heater maintains the temperature of the water 132 at approximately 500° F.
- the standby heater 110 may be any known conventional heater or heat exchanger.
- the standby heater may be a vessel having electric heating elements or heat exchange tubing disposed therein.
- the actuation of the standby heater 110 may be controlled by an electronic controller 152 that activates the standby heater in response to a control signal indicative of the temperature of the fluid 132 , 139 , the presence of sunlight, and/or a desired time period, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
- a heater isolation valve 150 is disposed within the secondary loop 148 , such as at the inlet of the standby heater 110 , to control the flow of water 132 through the standby heater. Similar to controlling the standby heater 110 , the valve 150 may be electronically controlled in response to a control signal indicative of the temperature of the fluid 132 , 139 , the presence of sunlight, and/or a desired time period. As shown in FIG. 2 , a temperature sensor 154 is disposed to measure the temperature of the fluid 139 flowing from the evaporator 118 . The present invention further contemplates that the temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the fluid in the steam drum or flowing through the downcomer 134 . The sensed temperature is used to control both the isolation valve 150 and the standby heater 110 . When the temperature drops below a desired temperature the isolation valve is opened and the standby heater activated to permit the water 132 from the steam drum to be heated by the standby heater during the nocturnal period or periods of low radiant energy.
- the isolation valve 150 and the standby heater 110 are controlled by the temperature sensor 154 indicative of the water 132 and/or the water and steam mixture 139
- the isolation valve and standby heater may be controlled by any sensed signal indicative of the lack or reduction of radiant heat to the solar receiver 100 , such as a light or solar indicator (not shown) that actuates the isolation valve based upon the sensed intensity of the brightness or lack of the daylight.
- the isolation valve 150 may be controlled by a timer that actuates the isolation valve 150 at specific times.
- the present invention further contemplates having a second valve (not shown) disposed at the inlet 136 of the evaporator 118 that close when the heater isolation valve 150 opens. The closing of the second valve will minimize cooling of the fluid flowing through the evaporator 118 .
- the invention further contemplates that the water 132 may circulate naturally between the steam drum 119 and the standby heater 110 through natural convection of the water without the aid of the circulating pump 138
- FIG. 3 Another exemplary embodiment of a solar receiver 200 having an internal standby heat supply system 202 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 .
- the solar receiver 200 is substantially the same as the solar receiver 100 shown in FIG. 2 except the solar receiver includes an internal standby heat supply system 202 having heating elements 204 immersed in the steam drum 119 for direct heating of the water 132 circulated from the steam drum through the solar panels (or evaporator) 118 . Components having the same reference numerals are the same and function in a similar manner.
- the heating elements 202 may be heated using electricity or other power. Further the heating elements may be part of a heat exchanger whereby heated fluid passes through tubing that extend through the steam drum 119 .
- the electronic controller 152 is controlled such that the heater elements 204 may be activated only during the nocturnal period or period of low radiant energy. This embodiment eliminates the external piping and pressure vessel associated with the external standby heat system shown in FIG. 2 .
- the present invention further contemplates that an economizer, which is formed similarly as the evaporator, is in fluid communication between the input conduit 112 and the steam drum, whereby the feedwater 125 flows through the tubes of the economizer to the steam drum.
- the radiant heat provided by the solar collectors 104 is directed onto the panel of tubes of the economizer, which preheats the water fed through the tubes of the economizer.
- the present invention contemplates the solar receiver 100 having a superheater that superheats the steam 127 exiting the steam drum 119 and provides the superheated steam to the turbine generator 113 via output conduit 114 .
- the superheater is similar to the evaporator 118 , wherein the super heater includes a plurality of panels of tubes to enable the steam passing therethrough to be heated by the radiant heat provided by the solar collectors 104 .
- the solar steam generator 100 described herein is described as a solar receiver for a solar power generator 10
- the present invention contemplates that the solar steam generator may be used in other applications such as industrial uses needing to convert solar energy to a source of heat, such as steam. Therefore, the feed water 125 may be provided from any source in order to maintain the fluid level within the drum.
Abstract
A standby heat supply system is provided for a solar receiver steam generator to maintain the system at a relatively constant temperature during the nocturnal period when solar radiation is unavailable. An exemplary solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system includes a steam loop having at least one solar panel, a steam drum and circulating pump, whereby solar energy heats the water to generate steam which is provided to the steam drum. The standby heat supply system includes an external standby heater wherein the water from the steam drum is provided to the external standby heater. A heat isolation valve is actuated during the nocturnal period to allow the water to circulate through the standby heater. Another exemplary embodiment of a solar steam generator includes an internal standby heat supply system having heater elements immersed in the steam drum for direct heating of the water during nocturnal periods.
Description
- This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/045,361, filed Apr. 16, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/057,460, filed May 30, 2008; and which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a solar steam generator, and more particularly, to a solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system.
- It is known to use solar energy to heat working fluids which function to provide thermal energy to industrial processes or to generate electric power. In power generation applications, radiant energy from the sun is focused onto a solar receiver to heat a working fluid whereby the heat is used to generate steam to power a turbine which rotates a generator to provide electricity. During the daylight period, the radiant energy is available to heat the working fluid. However during the nocturnal period, the heat transfer fluid cools down, resulting in energy loss and increased recovery time to heat the transfer fluid come the daylight period. When daylight returns, the solar energy once again heats up the working fluid, which can take a significant period of time before the power generation is functioning at optimal levels. Furthermore, the repetitive thermal cycling of the components in the solar receiver increases the stresses on these components which may result in cracking, reduced component life, or component failure.
- Accordingly, a need exists to reduce the effect of the thermal cycling of the components of the solar receiver resulting from the repetitive cooling and heating. Furthermore, a need exists to reduce the startup time of the solar generator once daylight arrives.
- The present invention provides a standby heat supply system to overcome these problems associated with the cooling of the heat transfer fluid during the nocturnal period.
- According to the aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a solar steam generator that includes a solar panel that heats fluid passing therethrough. A steam drum separates steam and fluid received from the solar panel; and then provides the fluid to the solar panel. A standby heat supply system heats the fluid in the steam drum during periods of low solar energy provided to the solar panel.
- According to the other aspects illustrated herein, there is a method of maintaining a fluid within a solar steam generator at a desired temperature during a nocturnal period. The method includes heating a fluid flowing through a solar panel with standby heat, circulating the heated fluid to a steam drum that separates the steam and fluid received from the solar panel; and circulating the fluid from the steam drum back to the solar panel. The method further includes circulating the flow of the fluid to a standby heater when the temperature of the fluid drops below a desired temperature; and circulating the heated fluid flow from the standby heater back to the steam drum.
- The above described and other features are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description.
- Referring now to the Figures, which are exemplary embodiments, and wherein the like elements are numbered alike:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a solar steam power generation system in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system external to a steam drum in accordance to the present invention; and -
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system internal to a steam drum in accordance to the present invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the present invention provides a solar steam generator orsolar receiver 100 that includes a standbyheat supply system 109 for maintainingwater 132 within the solar receiver at a relatively constant temperature during the nocturnal period (or low solar energy periods) whensolar radiation 101 is unavailable. Maintaining thesolar receiver 100 at a constant temperature will reduce the recovery time when solar radiation becomes available for steam generation. The constant temperature will also reduce the thermal cycling stress on thick walled steam generator components, thereby increasing the components life. Thesolar receiver 100 is shown as part of a solarpower generation system 10, however, the invention contemplates that thesolar receiver 100 and standbyheat supply system 109 is also applicable to industrial applications and other systems that require solar heating of a fluid. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , thesolar receiver 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is shown disposed on atower 102 among a field ofsolar collectors 104, such as mirrors or heliostats. Thesolar collectors 104 are arranged approximate the tower for directing solar energy orsolar radiation 101 from thesun 106 to thesolar receiver 100. Theheliostats 104 may have a curved or flat configuration. Each heliostat can be independently adjustable in response to the relative position of the sun. For example, the heliostats can de arranged in arrays, whereby the heliostats of each array being controlled separately or in combination with the other heliostats of the array by one or more control devices (not shown) configured to detect and track the relative position of the sun. Thus, theheliostats 104 can adjust according to the position of thesun 106 to reflect sunlight onto thereceiver 100, thereby heating the fluid (e.g., water, transfer fluid) in thereceiver 100. - In one embodiment of the invention, a
solar receiver 100 is shown inFIG. 1 , whereby water is heated to produce steam for rotating asteam turbine generator 113. Thesolar receiver 100 comprises at least onepanel 122 of tubes (or tubing) 124 (seeFIG. 2 ) that receives water (or other fluid) from an input pipe orconduit 112. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, thesolar receiver 100 may include a plurality of panels that perform different functions for transferring the radiant heat of the sun to the water and/or steam flowing through the tubes. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theheliostats 104 direct the solar radiation of the sun onto thesolar receiver 100, and more specifically onto thepanel 122 oftubes 124 having water and/or steam flowing therethrough. Theradiant heat 101 increases the temperature of the water flowing therethrough to generate high temperature steam. Thesteam 127 is then provided to a power generation system,e.g. turbine generator 112, via the output pipe orconduit 114. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 1 , the steam is provided to asteam turbine 126, which powers agenerator 128 to produceelectricity 146. -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of thesolar steam generator 100 of the present invention. As shown, the solar receiver comprises a solar panel 118 (or evaporator), asteam drum 119 and a standbyheating supply system 109. As described hereinbefore, theevaporator 118 comprises at least onepanel 122 oftubes 124 that receives water and/or water and steam mixture and functions to increase the temperature of the water flowing through the respective tubes. Typically, theevaporator 118 includes a plurality of panels. - As shown, the
steam drum 119 receives recycled water and/or a water andsteam mixture 125 from thesteam turbine 126 via theinput conduit 112. In thesteam drum 119, theincoming water 125 is distributed along the entire length of the drum by the water distribution header (not shown). Nozzles (not shown) in the distribution headers direct the incoming water in the downward direction in order to minimize turbulence and aid in circulation. Thewater 125 mixes with thewater 132 in thedrum 119 and is directed to thedowncomers 134. Thedowncomers 134 originate at the steam drum and terminate at theevaporator inlet 136, directing the water to theevaporator 118. - A circulating
pump 138 pumps the recirculatedwater 132 from thesteam drum 119 disposed at the top of the evaporator panel(s) 118 (i.e., the water wall) to thebottom inlet 136 of the evaporator panel(s). This circulatingpump 138 provides a constant flow of cooling water to the evaporator panel(s) for all load conditions. This permits rapid response to load changes. - Saturated steam and
water mixture 139 from theevaporator 118 enters thesteam drum 119 at 137 and is directed to separators (not shown). Steam 127 exits the top of thesteam drum 119 through theoutlet conduit 114 to theturbine generator 112. Thedrum 119 is equipped with safety valves, vent valves, a pressure transmitter, a pressure gauge, level gauges, and level indicators (not shown). - A
flow valve 160 is disposed in theinput conduit 112 to control the flow of recirculated water (or feedwater) 132 to thesteam drum 119 to maintain a desired level of water in the steam drum. The flow valve opens and closes in response to one or more control signals indicative of the level of the water in the steam drum, the flow rate of thesteam 127 and the flowrate of thefeedwater 125. As shown inFIG. 2 , the control signals may be provided by alevel sensor 162, aflowmeter 164 measuring the steam flow rate, and aflowrate 166 measuring the feedwater flow rate. The control of the water level in thesteam drum 119 ensuressufficient water 132 for the steam loop and prevents over filling that may result inwater 132 exiting the steam drum through theoutput conduit 114. - The
steam 114 provided by theoutput conduit 114 to thesteam turbine 126 expands and rotates the turbine and thegenerator 128, thus producing electricity at 146. The steam exiting the turbine is fed back to theinput conduit 112 to be recycled through thesolar receiver 100. The solar generation system contemplates having acondenser 140 disposed intermediate theturbine 126 and theinput pipe 112 of thesolar receiver 100 for cooling the exiting turbine steam to condense the steam intowater 125. - As described hereinbefore, the
solar receiver 100 ofFIG. 2 further includes a standbyheat supply system 109 having anexternal standby heater 110 wherein thewater 132 from thesteam drum 119 may be pumped or circulated through the standby heater and back to the steam drum, which forms a secondary loop 148. The standby heater maintains the temperature of thewater 132 at approximately 500° F. Thestandby heater 110 may be any known conventional heater or heat exchanger. For example, the standby heater may be a vessel having electric heating elements or heat exchange tubing disposed therein. The actuation of thestandby heater 110 may be controlled by anelectronic controller 152 that activates the standby heater in response to a control signal indicative of the temperature of the fluid 132, 139, the presence of sunlight, and/or a desired time period, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. - A
heater isolation valve 150 is disposed within the secondary loop 148, such as at the inlet of thestandby heater 110, to control the flow ofwater 132 through the standby heater. Similar to controlling thestandby heater 110, thevalve 150 may be electronically controlled in response to a control signal indicative of the temperature of the fluid 132, 139, the presence of sunlight, and/or a desired time period. As shown inFIG. 2 , atemperature sensor 154 is disposed to measure the temperature of the fluid 139 flowing from theevaporator 118. The present invention further contemplates that the temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the fluid in the steam drum or flowing through thedowncomer 134. The sensed temperature is used to control both theisolation valve 150 and thestandby heater 110. When the temperature drops below a desired temperature the isolation valve is opened and the standby heater activated to permit thewater 132 from the steam drum to be heated by the standby heater during the nocturnal period or periods of low radiant energy. - As suggested, while the
heater isolation valve 150 and thestandby heater 110 are controlled by thetemperature sensor 154 indicative of thewater 132 and/or the water andsteam mixture 139, the isolation valve and standby heater may be controlled by any sensed signal indicative of the lack or reduction of radiant heat to thesolar receiver 100, such as a light or solar indicator (not shown) that actuates the isolation valve based upon the sensed intensity of the brightness or lack of the daylight. Further, theisolation valve 150 may be controlled by a timer that actuates theisolation valve 150 at specific times. - The present invention further contemplates having a second valve (not shown) disposed at the
inlet 136 of theevaporator 118 that close when theheater isolation valve 150 opens. The closing of the second valve will minimize cooling of the fluid flowing through theevaporator 118. The invention further contemplates that thewater 132 may circulate naturally between thesteam drum 119 and thestandby heater 110 through natural convection of the water without the aid of the circulatingpump 138 - Another exemplary embodiment of a
solar receiver 200 having an internal standbyheat supply system 202 in accordance with the present invention is shown inFIG. 3 . Thesolar receiver 200 is substantially the same as thesolar receiver 100 shown inFIG. 2 except the solar receiver includes an internal standbyheat supply system 202 havingheating elements 204 immersed in thesteam drum 119 for direct heating of thewater 132 circulated from the steam drum through the solar panels (or evaporator) 118. Components having the same reference numerals are the same and function in a similar manner. Theheating elements 202 may be heated using electricity or other power. Further the heating elements may be part of a heat exchanger whereby heated fluid passes through tubing that extend through thesteam drum 119. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , theelectronic controller 152 is controlled such that theheater elements 204 may be activated only during the nocturnal period or period of low radiant energy. This embodiment eliminates the external piping and pressure vessel associated with the external standby heat system shown inFIG. 2 . - While the
solar receiver 100 shows anevaporator 118, the present invention further contemplates that an economizer, which is formed similarly as the evaporator, is in fluid communication between theinput conduit 112 and the steam drum, whereby thefeedwater 125 flows through the tubes of the economizer to the steam drum. The radiant heat provided by thesolar collectors 104 is directed onto the panel of tubes of the economizer, which preheats the water fed through the tubes of the economizer. - Furthermore, the present invention contemplates the
solar receiver 100 having a superheater that superheats thesteam 127 exiting thesteam drum 119 and provides the superheated steam to theturbine generator 113 viaoutput conduit 114. The superheater is similar to theevaporator 118, wherein the super heater includes a plurality of panels of tubes to enable the steam passing therethrough to be heated by the radiant heat provided by thesolar collectors 104. - While the
solar steam generator 100 described herein is described as a solar receiver for asolar power generator 10, the present invention contemplates that the solar steam generator may be used in other applications such as industrial uses needing to convert solar energy to a source of heat, such as steam. Therefore, thefeed water 125 may be provided from any source in order to maintain the fluid level within the drum. - While the invention has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A solar steam generator comprising:
a solar panel that heats fluid passing therethrough;
a steam drum that separates steam and fluid received from the solar panel; the steam drum providing the fluid to the solar panel;
a standby heat supply system that heats the fluid in the steam drum during periods of low solar energy provided to the solar panel.
2. The solar steam generator of claim 1 , wherein the standby heat supply system includes is external to the steam drum.
3. The solar steam generator of claim 2 , wherein the standby heat supply system includes a standby heater comprising a vessel having heating elements disposed therein.
4. The solar steam generator of claim 2 , wherein the standby heat supply system includes a standby heater comprising a vessel having a heat exchanger disposed therein.
5. The solar steam generator of claim 1 , wherein the standby heat supply system includes a valve for providing fluid from the steam drum to the standby heat supply during periods of low solar energy.
6. The solar steam generator of claim 1 , wherein the standby heat supply system includes a valve for providing fluid from the steam drum to the standby heat supply in response to a drop in temperature of the fluid.
7. The solar steam generator of claim 1 , wherein the standby heat supply system includes a valve for providing fluid from the steam drum to the standby heat supply in response to desired time of day.
8. The solar steam generator of claim 1 , wherein the standby heat supply system is internal to the steam drum.
9. The solar steam generator of claim 8 , wherein the standby heat supply system includes a standby heater comprising heating elements disposed in the steam drum.
10. The solar steam generator of claim 9 , wherein the heating elements are electric heating elements and/or heat exchange tubing.
11. A method of maintaining a fluid within a solar steam generator at a desired temperature during a nocturnal period, the method comprising:
heating a fluid flowing through a solar panel with radiant heat;
circulating the heated fluid to a steam drum that separates the steam and fluid received from the solar panel;
circulating the fluid from the steam drum back to the solar panel;
circulating the flow of the fluid to a standby heater when the temperature of the fluid drops below a desired temperature; and
circulating the heated fluid flow from the standby heater back to the steam drum.
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/421,129 US20090260622A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-04-09 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system |
PCT/US2009/040334 WO2009129169A2 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-04-13 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system |
CN2009801141004A CN102007293B (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-04-13 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system |
EP09733154.0A EP2289150B1 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-04-13 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system |
ES09733154.0T ES2556355T3 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-04-13 | Solar steam generator that has a backup heat supply system |
IL208226A IL208226A0 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2010-09-19 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system |
EG2010101720A EG26143A (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2010-10-13 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supplysystem |
MA33248A MA32228B1 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2010-10-15 | Solar steam generator with standby power supply system |
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US4536108P | 2008-04-16 | 2008-04-16 | |
US5746008P | 2008-05-30 | 2008-05-30 | |
US12/421,129 US20090260622A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-04-09 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system |
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US20090260622A1 true US20090260622A1 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
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US12/421,129 Abandoned US20090260622A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-04-09 | Solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system |
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Cited By (17)
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US20110126824A1 (en) * | 2009-05-15 | 2011-06-02 | Areva Solar, Inc. | Systems and methods for producing steam using solar radiation |
US20110146280A1 (en) * | 2009-12-22 | 2011-06-23 | General Electric Company | System and method for heating feedwater using a solar heating system |
US20110182755A1 (en) * | 2010-01-27 | 2011-07-28 | Abdullah Mohammad A | System for raising water from an underground source |
WO2012028512A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar-thermal once-through steam generator for direct evaporation, in particular in a solar-tower power plant |
WO2012028517A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar-thermal continuous flow evaporator |
WO2012028494A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar thermal continuous evaporator heating surface with local cross-sectional narrowing on the inlet thereof |
WO2012028495A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method for operating a solar-heated continuous flow steam generator and solar-thermal continuous flow steam generator |
WO2012028502A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-28 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar-thermal continuous flow steam generator comprising a steam separator and star distributor which is connected downstream for solar tower power stations with direct evaporation |
WO2011091885A3 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2012-06-28 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Suppression of static and dynamic instabilities in forced flow steam generators in solar thermal plants by expanding the heating surface pipes |
WO2012110346A1 (en) * | 2011-02-17 | 2012-08-23 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar-thermal continuous evaporator having a local reduction in the cross-section on its inlet |
US20130049368A1 (en) * | 2011-08-31 | 2013-02-28 | Brightsource Industries (Israel) Ltd. | Solar thermal electricity generating systems with thermal storage |
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US20140138952A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2014-05-22 | Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar Heat Boiler and Solar Heat Electric Power Generation Plant |
US20160025383A1 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2016-01-28 | Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. | Solar heat collection system |
US9541071B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 | 2017-01-10 | Brightsource Industries (Israel) Ltd. | Concentrated solar power plant with independent superheater |
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EP0526816A1 (en) * | 1991-08-06 | 1993-02-10 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Power plant with gas and steam turbines with solar steam generator |
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US20110146280A1 (en) * | 2009-12-22 | 2011-06-23 | General Electric Company | System and method for heating feedwater using a solar heating system |
US20110182755A1 (en) * | 2010-01-27 | 2011-07-28 | Abdullah Mohammad A | System for raising water from an underground source |
US8337170B2 (en) * | 2010-01-27 | 2012-12-25 | Abdullah Mohammad A | System for raising water from an underground source |
WO2011091885A3 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2012-06-28 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Suppression of static and dynamic instabilities in forced flow steam generators in solar thermal plants by expanding the heating surface pipes |
CN103080648A (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2013-05-01 | 西门子公司 | Method for operating a solar-heated continuous flow steam generator and solar-thermal continuous flow steam generator |
WO2012028502A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-28 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar-thermal continuous flow steam generator comprising a steam separator and star distributor which is connected downstream for solar tower power stations with direct evaporation |
WO2012028494A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar thermal continuous evaporator heating surface with local cross-sectional narrowing on the inlet thereof |
WO2012028517A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Solar-thermal continuous flow evaporator |
WO2012028495A3 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-06-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method for operating a solar-heated continuous flow steam generator and solar-thermal continuous flow steam generator |
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US20140138952A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2014-05-22 | Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha | Solar Heat Boiler and Solar Heat Electric Power Generation Plant |
US9605662B2 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2017-03-28 | Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. | Solar heat boiler and solar heat electric power generation plant |
US20130049368A1 (en) * | 2011-08-31 | 2013-02-28 | Brightsource Industries (Israel) Ltd. | Solar thermal electricity generating systems with thermal storage |
US9038387B2 (en) * | 2011-08-31 | 2015-05-26 | Brightsource Industries (Israel) Ltd | Solar thermal electricity generating systems with thermal storage |
CN103946644A (en) * | 2011-11-16 | 2014-07-23 | 巴布科克和威尔科克斯能量产生集团公司 | Freeze protection system for solar receiver |
EP2780645A4 (en) * | 2011-11-16 | 2015-07-01 | Babcock And Wilcox Power Generation Group Inc | Freeze protection system for solar receiver |
WO2013074767A1 (en) | 2011-11-16 | 2013-05-23 | Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. | Freeze protection system for solar receiver |
WO2013098798A3 (en) * | 2011-12-30 | 2013-08-29 | Alstom Technology Ltd | Steam power plant with integrated solar receiver |
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US9726154B2 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2017-08-08 | General Electric Technology Gmbh | Steam power plant with integrated solar receiver |
US9541071B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 | 2017-01-10 | Brightsource Industries (Israel) Ltd. | Concentrated solar power plant with independent superheater |
US20160025383A1 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2016-01-28 | Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. | Solar heat collection system |
US9903613B2 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2018-02-27 | Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. | Solar heat collection system |
CN115183211A (en) * | 2022-08-25 | 2022-10-14 | 云南电网有限责任公司电力科学研究院 | Steam supply system |
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