Multi-thermal storage unit systems and related components

Abstract

Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A power generation system, comprising:
 a solar receiver;   a compressor;   a turbine;   a first thermal storage system;   a second thermal storage system; and   a valving subsystem configured such that:
 in a first valving position, a first fluidic pathway is present between the solar receiver and the first thermal storage system, and a second fluidic pathway is present between the compressor, the turbine, and the second thermal storage system; and 
 in a second valving position, a third fluidic pathway is present between the solar receiver and the second thermal storage system, and a fourth fluidic pathway is present between the compressor, the turbine, and the first thermal storage system. 
   
     
     
         13 . The power generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the valving subsystem comprises a plurality of three-way valves. 
     
     
         14 . The power generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the first and third fluidic pathways contain a fluid at a pressure of less than or equal to 2 atmospheres. 
     
     
         15 . The power generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the second and fourth fluidic pathways contain a fluid at a pressure of above 2 atmospheres. 
     
     
         16 . The power generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second fluidic pathways are fluidically isolated from each other. 
     
     
         17 . The power generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the third and fourth fluidic pathways are fluidically isolated from each other. 
     
     
         18 . The power generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the first and/or second thermal storage systems each comprise a single thermal storage unit. 
     
     
         19 . The power generation system of  claim 12 , wherein the first and/or second thermal storage systems each comprise a plurality of thermal storage units. 
     
     
         20 . A power generation system, comprising:
 a first fluidic pathway fluidically interconnecting a solar receiver and a first thermal storage system; and   a second fluidic pathway fluidically interconnecting a compressor, a turbine, and a second thermal storage system, wherein:
 the first thermal storage system is fluidically isolated from the second thermal storage system, and 
 the system is configured such that the solar receiver heats fluid within the first fluidic pathway during at least a portion of the time during which the turbine is used to generate power using fluid within the second fluidic pathway. 
   
     
     
         21 . The power generation system of  claim 20 , further comprising a valving subsystem configured such that:
 when the valving subsystem is in a first valving position, the first fluidic pathway transports fluid between the solar receiver and the first thermal storage system, and the second fluidic pathway transports fluid between the compressor, the turbine, and the second thermal storage system, and   when the valving subsystem is in a second valving position, a third fluidic pathway is transports fluid between the solar receiver and the second thermal storage system, and a fourth fluidic pathway transports fluid between the compressor, the turbine, and the first thermal storage system.   
     
     
         22 . The power generation system of  claim 20 , wherein the first fluidic pathway contains a fluid at a pressure of less than or equal to 2 atmospheres. 
     
     
         23 . The power generation system of  claim 20 , wherein the second fluidic pathway contains a fluid at a pressure of above 2 atmospheres. 
     
     
         24 . The power generation system of  claim 20 , wherein the first and/or second thermal storage systems each comprise a single thermal storage unit. 
     
     
         25 . The power generation system of  claim 20 , wherein the first and/or second thermal storage systems each comprise a plurality of thermal storage units. 
     
     
         26 .- 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . The power generation system of  claim 14 , wherein the fluid is a gas. 
     
     
         38 . The power generation system of  claim 22 , wherein the fluid is a gas. 
     
     
         39 . The power generation system of  claim 37 , wherein the gas is air. 
     
     
         40 . The power generation system of  claim 38 , wherein the gas is air.