Steam storage system for artificial solar island
US8225609B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/50
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system [500] for producing solar energy at a desired temperature and pressure range includes a primary energy source [501] that is used in a Clausius Rankine cycle, with the primary energy source connected to and proximate to a plurality of solar collectors [520]. More particularly, at least one steam storage tank [501] feeds the expansion step of the Clausius Rankine cycle. This enables the system [500] to reliably supply energy during times when the solar collectors receive little or no radiation. According to one aspect of the invention, the solar collectors [520] reside on an artificial island [510a, 510b, 510c], preferably sea-based, or offshore, so that the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c] can be located well below sea level. This enables the use of compressive forces from the sea water to counteract the outwardly directed pressure caused by the steam contained in the steam storage tank [501a, 501b, 501c]. Moreover, this storage tank [501c] may have a dual-walled structure [501d, 501e], for insulation purposes, and may be operatively connected to a sea level condenser [501i] to produce sweet water. Still further, steam from the steam storage tank [501] can be used to d…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.