Heat storing and heat transfer systems incorporating a secondary chamber selectively moveable into a primary heat storage member

A heat storage and transfer system comprising:

• a) a primary heat storage chamber or body that is thermally insulated and which in use contains or comprises a heat storing liquid or solid;
• and
• b) a secondary chamber external to and adjacent the primary heat storage chamber or body through which a liquid or steam to be heated is passed in use,
• c) a heat transfer mechanism to selectively transfer thermal energy from the heat storing liquid or solid of the primary heating chamber or body to the liquid or steam to be heated in the secondary chamber, wherein the mechanism comprises a drive that moves the secondary chamber from a first position, thermally separated/spaced from the primary chamber or body, into a second position that is substantially inserted in a void or recess within the primary chamber or body;
• wherein the secondary chamber is defined in a lateral outer surface of a secondary body and the secondary body is of a substantially cylindrical, conical or frusto-conical overall form;
• and
• wherein the secondary body is positioned within a thermal insulating cover that also houses and thermally insulates the primary chamber or body and provides thermal insulation to both bodies.

A heat storage and transfer system comprising:

• a) a primary heat storage chamber or body that is thermally insulated and which in use contains or comprises a heat storing liquid or solid;
• and
• b) a secondary chamber external to and adjacent the primary heat storage chamber or body through which a liquid or steam to be heated is passed in use,
• c) a heat transfer mechanism to selectively transfer thermal energy from the heat storing liquid or solid of the primary heating chamber or body to the liquid or steam to be heated in the secondary chamber, wherein the mechanism comprises a drive that moves the secondary chamber from a first position, thermally separated/spaced from the primary chamber or body, into a second position that is substantially inserted in a void or recess within the primary chamber or body;
• wherein the system comprises a movable thermal barrier that is selectively positioned between the secondary chamber and the primary chamber or body to guard against heat transfer there-between;
• and
• wherein the thermal barrier overlies the recess or void of the primary body while the secondary chamber is in the first position, and wherein the drive is configured to move the secondary chamber/body to its second position within the recess or void.