Thermal storage unit and methods for using the same to heat a fluid
AssigneeActive Power, Inc.
InventorsRobert Hudson, David Perkins, Donald Hudson, David Beatty, Donald Stamets, Joseph Pinkerton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.
Claims34
A thermal storage unit comprising:
- a fluid conducting conduit having an inlet, an outlet, and a body;
- and
- a cast that envelops at least the body and that has predetermined external dimensions.
The backup energy system of claim 20 further comprising a heating system for heating the thermal storage unit.
The backup energy system of claim 23, wherein the compressed air system is a storage tank that contains the compressed air.
A method for making a thermal storage unit comprising:
- providing a fluid conducting conduit;
- applying thermal storage material over at least a portion of the conduit to provide a cast that envelops that portion;
- and
- modifying the cast such that the thermal storage unit has predetermined external dimensions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.