Systems and methods of thermal transfer and/or storage
AssigneeBluelagoon Technologies Ltd.
InventorsXiaoDong Xiang, Rong Zhang
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Abstract
Systems, methods, and computer-implemented embodiments consistent with the inventions herein are directed to storing and/or transferring heat. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a system for transferring/storing heat comprised of a heat exchange/storage apparatus including a chamber, and a heat input device adapted to heat/provide a vapor into the chamber. Other exemplary implementations may include one or more features consistent with a heat output device through which a working medium/fluid passes, a thermal storage medium located within the chamber, and/or a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage medium.
Claims41
A system for transferring and storing heat comprising:
- a first heat exchange and storage apparatus including:
- a first closed chamber;
- a heat output device, through which a working medium passes, having heat output device surfaces that pass through and are exposed within the first closed chamber;
- a heat input device that carries a heat transfer fluid (HTF) from a heat source or collector external to said first closed chamber and injects a vapor form of the heat transfer fluid through a valve into the first closed chamber;
- a thermal storage medium located within the first closed chamber and having defined thermal storage surfaces, wherein said thermal storage medium comprises a solid-liquid phase change material;
- a heat exchange system configured to deliver a heat exchange medium from a storage reservoir external to said first closed chamber to the thermal storage surfaces inside said first closed chamber;
- wherein, during thermal storage, the first heat exchange and storage apparatus is configured to contact the vapor form of the HTF produced by said heat source or collector with the thermal storage surfaces and condense the HTF on said thermal storage surfaces delivering latent heat from the vapor form to the thermal storage medium via phase change from vapor to liquid HTF and to recirculate the liquid HTF back to the heat source or collector where said HTF is converted back to a vapor form;
- and
- wherein, during thermal release, the first heat exchange and storage apparatus is configured to deliver a liquid phase heat exchange medium from said storage reservoir to the thermal storage surfaces which convert the heat exchange medium to a vapor phase that contacts the surfaces of said heat output device that are exposed within the first closed chamber and heats the working medium in said heat output device while condensing back to a liquid phase heat exchange medium and to recirculate said liquid heat exchange medium back to said storage reservoir.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.