Thermal storage unit and methods for using the same to heat a fluid
AssigneeActive Power, Inc.
InventorsRobert S. Hudson, David E. Perkins, Donald M. Hudson, David J. Beatty, Donald L. Stamets, Joseph F. 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.
Claims24
A thermal storage unit comprising:
- a fluid conducting conduit having an inlet, an outlet, and a body;
- a cast that envelops at least the body and that has predetermined external dimensions;
- a support, wherein the cast hangs from the support, and wherein the cast can freely expand;
- and
- at least one heat source for heating the cast, wherein the at least one heat source comprises induction heating circuitry for causing current to circulate through the cast, whereby the circulating current heats the cast.
A thermal storage unit comprising:
- a fluid conducting conduit having an inlet, an outlet, and a body;
- a cast that envelops at least the body and that has predetermined external dimensions;
- and
- a support, wherein the cast hangs from the support, and wherein the cast can freely expand,
- wherein the conduit is a network.
A method for making a thermal storage unit comprising:
- providing a fluid conducting conduit network;
- applying thermal storage material over at least a portion of the conduit to provide a cast that envelops that portion;
- attaching the cast to a support such that the cast hangs from the support and can freely expand;
- and modifying the cast such that the thermal storage unit has predetermined external dimensions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.