Thermal energy storage systems and methods
AssigneeSol Energia Inc.
InventorsJon Wade Burfitt, Dominique Claire Fourguette, David John Goorskey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Thermal energy storage systems and methods that include near-black body concentrated sunlight receivers disposed in thermal storage media for storing sunlight and extracting thermal energy for multiple end-use applications. The concentrated sunlight receivers are characterized by absorption of sunlight of at least 95%. The thermal energy storage systems are modular and transportable and can be scaled-up in capacity. Solar concentrators may be integrated with the thermal energy storage systems.
Claims30
A thermal energy storage system for storing thermal energy produced from concentrated sunlight, the thermal energy storage system including:
- a concentrated sunlight receiver disposed in thermal contact with thermal energy storage media;
- a first chamber configured to house the concentrated sunlight receiver and the thermal energy storage media;
- a second chamber substantially encapsulating the first chamber and separated from the first chamber by an insulation assembly;
- and
- a light duct disposed between a thermal energy storage system inlet and a concentrated sunlight receiver inlet.
A thermal energy storage system for storing thermal energy produced from concentrated sunlight, the thermal energy storage system including:
- a concentrated sunlight receiver disposed in thermal contact with thermal energy storage media;
- a first chamber configured to house the concentrated sunlight receiver and the thermal energy storage media;
- a second chamber substantially encapsulating the first chamber and separated from the first chamber by an insulation assembly;
- a light duct disposed between a thermal energy storage system inlet and a concentrated sunlight receiver inlet;
- and
- a light dispersing element disposed opposite to an inlet of the concentrated sunlight receiver and configured to disperse concentrated sunlight towards one or more walls of the concentrated sunlight receiver.
A thermal energy storage system for storing thermal energy produced from concentrated sunlight, the thermal energy storage system including:
- a concentrated sunlight receiver disposed in thermal contact with thermal energy storage media, wherein the concentrated sunlight receiver is in the shape of a lava lamp characterized by first truncated conical section and second truncated conical section joined at a common base;
- a first chamber configured to house the concentrated sunlight receiver and the thermal energy storage media;
- a second chamber substantially encapsulating the first chamber and separated from the first chamber by an insulation assembly;
- and
- a liquid light guide configured to transfer concentrated sunlight from a solar concentrator to the thermal energy storage system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.