Recovering the potential energy of the molten salt system can effectively reduce power consumption and reduce the vibration of the molten salt pipeline. Specifically, the potential energy generated when the molten salt returns to the molten salt tank from a high place is converted into kinetic energy, forming a cycle, which is recycled between the final concentrator and the molten salt furnace. Here is an example calculation:
Taking the 100,000 tons/year solid alkali plant as an example, it is assumed that the height difference between the molten salt returning to the molten salt tank from the falling film pipe is 20 meters (21 meters – 1 meter). According to the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy (E=mgh), it is possible to calculate the electrical energy that converts the recovered potential energy into kinetic energy each time.
Electric energy = potential energy difference × mass of molten salt × acceleration due to gravity
Assuming that the mass of molten salt recovered each time is 1000 kg (1 ton), and the acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s², the electric energy recovered each time is:
Electrical energy = 20m x 1000kg x 9.8m/s² = 196,000 joules
Converted to kWh, it is about 0.0544 kWh. Assuming 100 recovery times per day and 365 days of operation in a year, the total energy recovery is:
Electric energy recovery = 0.0544 kWh/time x 100 times/day x 365 days/year = 1,988 kWh/year
For the 100,000 tons/year solid alkali plant, the electric energy recovery is 1,988,000 kWh/year. Such energy-saving measures can not only reduce the power consumption in the device, but also reduce the vibration of the molten salt pipeline.
According to the empirical data of energy conversion, assuming that the standard coal consumption per kWh of electric energy is 0.54 kg, the 100,000 tons/year solid alkali plant can save electric energy equivalent to 1,988,000 kWh × 0.54 kg by using the molten salt potential energy recovery system / kWh = 1,073,520 kilograms of standard coal.
According to the carbon dioxide emission per ton of standard coal is 2,620 kg, it can be calculated that the application of the molten salt potential energy recovery system can reduce carbon emissions:
Carbon emission reduction = 1,073,520 kg standard coal × 2,620 kg CO2/kg standard coal = 2,815,038,400 kg CO2
This value is equivalent to an emission reduction of 2,815,038.4 tons of CO2.
It should be noted that the above calculations are only examples, and the actual energy saving and emission reduction effects will also be affected by other factors, such as the process parameters, operating conditions and energy management measures of specific devices. In practical application, more detailed energy assessment and scheme design should be carried out to ensure the best energy utilization and environmental benefits.