Thermal Energy Storage Apparatus
AssigneeClimate Change Technologies Pty Ltd
InventorsNeil Parkinson, Patrick Joseph Glynn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thermal energy storage apparatus, including: a block of a heat-absorbing material, and a plurality of heat storage elements, the heat storage elements including a phase change material stored in a containment vessel; wherein each heat storage element is in thermal contact with the block of heat-absorbing material.
Claims30
A thermal energy storage apparatus, including:
- a block of a heat-absorbing material, and
- a plurality of heat storage elements, the heat storage elements including a phase change material stored in a containment vessel;
- wherein each heat storage element is in thermal contact with the block of heat-absorbing material.
A containment vessel for a phase change material, including:
- a substantially cylindrical sidewall, a first end and a second end;
- wherein the sidewall has a thickness which increases along its length from the first end to the second end,
- such that, on undergoing a phase change, the phase change material preferentially expands in the direction of the first end.
A method of fabricating a containment vessel for a phase change material, the containment vessel having a body including silicon carbide, the method including:
- combining particles of silicon carbide with a binder;
- and
- heating the particles in a kiln according to a kiln schedule including steps of predetermined duration and temperature;
- wherein the predetermined duration is sufficient to form bonds between the particles throughout the body of the containment vessel.
A method of storing thermal energy, including:
- providing a block of a heat-absorbing material;
- and
- placing a plurality of heat storage elements in thermal contact with the block;
- wherein the heat storage elements include a phase change material stored in a containment vessel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.