Electrically conductive firebrick system

A method of storing thermal energy, the method comprising:

• providing a firebrick layout having one or more conductive firebrick layers, each conductive firebrick layer comprising a plurality of electrically conductive semiconductor-doped metal oxide firebricks;
• forming one or more channels to allow airflow through the firebrick layout;
• coupling a first electrode to the one or more conductive firebrick layers, the first electrode comprising one or more electrode firebrick layers, each electrode firebrick layer comprising a plurality of electrode firebricks, the first electrode configured to receive electrical power from a source;
• in response to electrical power, heating the one or more conductive firebrick layers;
• and
• heating an air flow through the one or more channels formed in the firebrick layout.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a first electrode;
• a second electrode;
• electrically conductive firebricks;
• and
• wherein the electrically conductive firebricks are disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and electrically connected in a predetermined pattern, each of the electrically conductive firebricks including a semiconductor-doped metal oxide material configured to generate heat based on an electric potential applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

A method, comprising:

• providing a first electrode;
• providing a second electrode;
• disposing a plurality of electrically conductive firebricks between the first electrode and the second electrode;
• each of the electrically conductive firebricks including a semiconductor-doped metal oxide material configured to generate heat based on an electric potential applied between the first electrode and the second electrode;
• and
• electrically connecting the plurality of conductive firebricks between the first electrode and the second electrode in a predetermined pattern.