초록 ▼

A passive thermal energy storage cell includes a container formed of suitable material. The container is filled substantially with a supercoolable material such as ethylene carbonate or a phase change material for storage of solar energy or the like. The container includes mechanical passive nucleat

A passive thermal energy storage cell includes a container formed of suitable material. The container is filled substantially with a supercoolable material such as ethylene carbonate or a phase change material for storage of solar energy or the like. The container includes mechanical passive nucleating elements such as sharp pointed asperities on the wall, cold fingers or pointed members secured within the tank in continuous activating engagement with the supercoolable material to prevent supercooling thereof. Exchange elements are coupled to the supercoolable material for introduction of heat from a solar collector and removal of heat to a load. The material may be heated by the solar energy to or above melting temperature to store heat. The passive nucleating elements tend to continually activate the supercoolable liquid such that substantially at or close to the melting temperature the material is triggered from a number of points or location, thus undergoing a transformation from a liquid to solid state, attaining its melting temperature and releasing the heat of fusion to the heat withdrawal element. The heat withdrawal continues until equilibrium temperature conditions are established. The heating and cooling of the liquid also results in the movement of the liquid over the nucleating element to further enhance the nucleation process.

대표청구항 ▼

A passive thermal storage apparatus comprising a closed container, a supercoolable material within said container and adapted to change between liquid and solid states, a continuously operable passive nucleating means secured to the container and located within the container in continuous contact wi

A passive thermal storage apparatus comprising a closed container, a supercoolable material within said container and adapted to change between liquid and solid states, a continuously operable passive nucleating means secured to the container and located within the container in continuous contact with the supercoolable material, said passive nucleating means being operable with the container stationary in response to slight disturbance of the liquid relative to the nucleating means for continuously biasing the supercoolable material into nucleation and freezing to positively suppress supercooling of material in the liquid state and to release thermal energy, and heat transfer means for transfer of heat to and from the supercoolable material and wherein said nucleating means includes a plurality of sharp pointed rods secured within the container. within the container.