METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATION OF VAPOUR FOR USE IN AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS

摘要

A method of generating steam for use in an industrial process is disclosed. The industrial process may for example be power generation or desalination. The method comprises: (a) pressurising a working fluid liquid comprising water to a first pressure; (b) heating the working fluid liquid to a temperature substantially equal to the saturation temperature of the working fluid liquid at the first pressure; and (c) flash evaporating the working fluid liquid to generate steam. The pressurised working fluid liquid is heated in step (b) by direct heating in a solar radiation absorption device. Also disclosed is an apparatus for generating steam for use in an industrial process. The apparatus comprises a pump (32) for pressurising a working fluid liquid comprising water to a first pressure; a heating unit (34) downstream of the pump (32) for heating the working fluid liquid to a temperature substantially equal to the saturation temperature of the working fluid liquid at the first pressure; and a cooperating throttle valve (36) and flash tank (38) downstream of the heating unit (34) for flash evaporating the working fluid liquid to generate steam. The heating unit (34) comprises a solar radiation absorption device for direct heating of the pressurised working fluid.