Method and apparatus for storing thermal energy
AssigneeHighview Enterprises Limited
InventorsRobert Morgan, Michael Dearman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for storing thermal energy are disclosed. The thermal energy may be hot or cold. The methods and apparatus allow the thermal store to be charged and discharged at different rates. The methods and apparatus also allow the thermal store to be charged and discharged with multiple and/or interrupted phases.
Claims51
A thermal energy storage device comprising:
- a first thermal mass having a first aspect ratio;
- a second thermal mass having a second aspect ratio;
- a third thermal mass having a third aspect ratio;
- wherein:
- the aspect ratios of at least two of the first, second and third thermal masses are different from one another;
- and
- an arrangement of conduits and valves configured to direct a heat transfer fluid to pass through a combination of one or more of the thermal masses,
- wherein the arrangement of conduits and valves is such that the thermal masses can be isolated from one another.
The thermal energy storage device of claim 51 wherein the thermally insulating material is applied to the inside of the support structure and/or thermal breaks are provided between a base of each thermal mass and the support structure.
The thermal energy storage device of claim 51 wherein the thermally insulating material comprises a double skin design in which the support structure is isolated from each thermal mass by a layer of insulation and a thin inner skin in contact with each thermal mass.
A method of storing energy comprising:
- providing a thermal energy storage device comprising:
- a first thermal mass having a first aspect ratio,
- a second thermal mass having a second aspect ratio, and
- a third thermal mass having a third aspect ratio,
- wherein:
- the aspect ratios of at least two of the first, second and third thermal asses are different to one another;
- and
- providing an arrangement of conduits and valves configured to direct a heat transfer fluid to pass through a combination of one or more of the thermal masses, wherein the arrangement of conduits and valves is such that the thermal masses can be isolated from one another;
- charging the thermal energy storage device with thermal energy by directing a heat transfer fluid through the first, second and third thermal masses;
- then
- storing the thermal energy in the thermal energy storage device for a period of time;
- and then
- discharging at least a portion of the thermal energy from the thermal energy storage device by directing a heat transfer fluid through the first, second and third thermal masses, wherein
- the step of charging and/or the step of discharging comprises a multi-stage process.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.