Patent ID: 10145270

Abstract:
Disclosed illustrative embodiments include systems and methods for power peaking with energy storage. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a power plant includes a thermodynamic piping circuit having a working fluid contained therein, and the working fluid has a flow direction and a flow rate. Power plant components are interposed in the thermodynamic piping circuit. The power plant components include a compressor system, a recuperator system, a heat source, a turbine system, a heat rejection system, and a thermal energy storage system. A valving system is operable to selectively couple the heat rejection system, the thermal energy storage system, and the compressor system in thermohydraulic communication with the working fluid maintaining the flow direction and the flow rate to implement a thermodynamic cycle chosen from a Brayton cycle, a combination Brayton cycle/refrigeration cycle, and a Rankine cycle.