Ultra-high temperature thermal energy storage system

Abstract

There is provided a thermal energy storage system, comprising at least two thermal storage masses, wherein an inner thermal storage mass (48) is contained within an outer thermal storage mass (49). A pump or compressor (42) forces a compressible fluid around the system. A first storage mass heat exchanger (50) has a first side in fluid communication with the pump or compressor (42), and a second side in contact with the outer thermal storage mass (49). A second storage mass heat exchanger (51) has a first side in fluid communication with the first side of the first storage mass heat exchanger (50), and a second side in contact with the inner thermal storage mass (48). A turbine (43) has a turbine inlet in fluid communication with the first side of the second storage mass heat exchanger (51), and a turbine outlet. An electrical generator is driven by the turbine (43). The system further comprises a thermal store (52) containing a thermal store medium. At least one thermal input heat exchanger (55) is located in the thermal store (52), the at least one thermal input heat exchanger having a first side adapted to receive heat from the outer thermal storage mass (49), and a second side in contact with the thermal store medium. At least one thermal output heat exchanger (53) is also located in the thermal store (52), the at least one thermal output heat exchanger having a first side in fluid communication with a hot water and/or heating supply, and a second side in contact with the thermal store medium.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.