Steam generation system

Shell and tube molten salt steam generator is a key equipment in solar thermal power generation system and high temperature industrial thermal system. It uses high temperature molten salt as heat transfer medium to transfer heat to water and generate high temperature and high pressure steam. The following is a detailed introduction to its structure, working principle, characteristics and application.

1. Basic structure

Shell and tube molten salt steam generator usually consists of the following main components:

1.1.Shell:

External pressure vessel, which contains molten salt and maintains high pressure environment.

Material mostly uses alloy steel resistant to high temperature and high pressure.

1.2.Heat transfer tube bundle:

Contains a group of parallel U-shaped or straight tubes, and the water flowing inside evaporates into steam by absorbing the heat transferred by molten salt.

Tubes are mostly made of corrosion-resistant alloys to adapt to high temperature molten salt.

1.3.Inlet and outlet:

Molten salt inlet and outlet: Connect molten salt storage tank or circulation pump, and molten salt flows through the outer space of the shell.

Water/steam inlet and outlet: Cold water enters the heat transfer tube from the inlet, and steam flows out from the outlet.

1.4.Baffle and support structure:

Used to fix the tube bundle and guide the flow of molten salt to optimize heat transfer performance.

1.5.Insulation layer:

Installed outside the shell to reduce heat loss.

2. Working principle

2.1.Molten salt flow:

High-temperature molten salt enters the shell side space of the shell and tube steam generator from the heat storage tank and flows through the circulating pump.

The molten salt wraps the heat transfer tube outside the tube and transfers heat through the wall.

2.2.Evaporation of water:

Cold water flows through the heat transfer tube, absorbs heat from the molten salt, gradually heats up and evaporates into saturated steam.

According to the design, the water flow rate and molten salt temperature can be adjusted to control the steam quality.

2.3.Heat energy conversion:

The heat energy is transferred from molten salt to water through efficient heat transfer, and finally high-temperature and high-pressure steam is output for use in industrial equipment or power generation turbines.

3. Main parameters

4. Features

4.1.Efficient heat transfer:

The shell and tube design ensures efficient heat exchange capacity and can quickly transfer the heat of molten salt to water.

4.2.Strong stability:

It can withstand high temperature and high pressure environment, operates stably and reliably, and is suitable for long-term continuous operation.

4.3.High flexibility:

Multiple configurations can be designed according to the characteristics of the molten salt system (such as single-stage steam generator or multi-stage superheater combination).

4.4.Easy maintenance:

The modular structure design is easy to disassemble and maintain.

4.5.Good safety:

Multiple protection systems are designed, including pressure relief valves and molten salt anti-freezing systems to ensure safe operation.

5. Application areas

5.1.Solar thermal power generation:

In tower and trough CSP systems, molten salt heat storage is converted into high-pressure steam to drive steam turbines for power generation.

5.2.Chemical production:

Provide stable high-temperature steam for chemical reactions or refining processes.

5.3.Energy storage system:

Used for peak and valley power regulation and support large-scale energy storage systems.

5.4.Other high-temperature thermal needs:

Such as food processing, pharmaceutical production, material processing, etc.

6. Advantages

6.1.High energy utilization: Molten salt as a heat medium can store heat for a long time and reduce energy waste.

6.2.Strong compatibility: Suitable for a variety of heat transfer needs and different working conditions.

6.3.Environmentally friendly: No fuel combustion link, reducing carbon emissions.

7. China. Dunhuang 100MW photovoltaic project