Direct solar steam generation
US8752542B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P80/20
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.