초록 ▼

A process and apparatus is provided for storing thermal energy and subsequently releasing and extracting the stored thermal energy upon demand. At least one sealed container of salt hydrate is agitated continually and is positioned in heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange liquid which is p

A process and apparatus is provided for storing thermal energy and subsequently releasing and extracting the stored thermal energy upon demand. At least one sealed container of salt hydrate is agitated continually and is positioned in heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange liquid which is passed between a thermal energy source and a container enclosing or partially enclosing the sealed container(s) for the salt hydrate. Agitation of the container(s) of salt hydrate prevents or minimizes salt separation and supercooling so that the latent heat of fusion of the salt hydrate can be stored and extracted by the heat exchange liquid upon demand, in addition to the sensible heat of the salt hydrate composition.

대표청구항 ▼

A process for storing thermal energy for subsequent use which comprises: exposing a heat exchange liquid to heat to increase the thermal energy in said liquid, passing the heated liquid into a first container in heat exchange relationship with a composition including a salt hydrate enclosed in at le

A process for storing thermal energy for subsequent use which comprises: exposing a heat exchange liquid to heat to increase the thermal energy in said liquid, passing the heated liquid into a first container in heat exchange relationship with a composition including a salt hydrate enclosed in at least one sealed container, said salt hydrate having a heat of fusion of at least about 50 BTU/lb, the volume ratio of the heat exchange liquid in said first container to salt hydrate being between about 1 to 20 and 2 to 1. each sealed container being continually agitated to prevent or minimize supercooling and irreversible separation of said salt hydrate, monitoring the pressure within at least one of said sealed containers thereby to determine the latent heat stored in the salt hydrate within said containers, and periodically passing said heat exchange liquid from indirect heat exchange relationship with said salt hydrate to extract heat from said liquid.