Method and apparatus for the storage of energy in power plants

US4129004A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Deutsche Babcock Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Franz Thelen · Mülheim, DE
• Henning Weber · Mülheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 4, 1977
• Grant date: Dec 12, 1978
• Expiry date: Feb 4, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01K3/004
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An arrangement for the storage of energy in power plants to cover peak-load conditions. Hot water is heated in the feed water preheaters and is stored in a hot water storage tank. The tank is filled and emptied alternately, with a tank receiving cold water. The stored hot water is kept at feed water temperature, so that the temperature is uniform throughout the storage tank level. During peak load, the hot water is fed directly into the feed water line behind the high-pressure water preheaters. A steam cushion is maintained above the water surface in the hot-water storage tank to provide pressure and volume balance. The hot-water line leading to the hot-water storage tank, discharges into the feed water line behind the pressure feed water preheaters. A high-pressure feed pump is located behind this junction, and the hot-water storage tank is located underground in a cavern. The steam cushion and the hot-water storage tank may be connected to one of the bleeder lines of the turbine.