초록 ▼

An integrated system for storing thermal energy, for space heating and cooling and for power conversion is described which utilizes the reversible thermal decomposition characteristics of two hydrides having different decomposition pressures at the same temperature for energy storage and space condi

An integrated system for storing thermal energy, for space heating and cooling and for power conversion is described which utilizes the reversible thermal decomposition characteristics of two hydrides having different decomposition pressures at the same temperature for energy storage and space conditioning and the expansion of high-pressure hydrogen for power conversion. The system consists of a plurality of reaction vessels, at least one containing each of the different hydrides, three loops of circulating heat transfer fluid which can be selectively coupled to the vessels for supplying the heat of decomposition from any appropriate source of thermal energy from the outside ambient environment or from the spaces to be cooled and for removing the heat of reaction to the outside ambient environment or to the spaces to be heated, and a hydrogen loop for directing the flow of hydrogen gas between the vessels. When used for power conversion, at least two vessels contain the same hydride and the hydrogen loop contains an expansion engine. The system is particularly suitable for the utilization of thermal energy supplied by solar collectors and concentrators, but may be used with any source of heat, including a source of low-grade heat.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of space cooling comprising: heating a first body of a first hydride having a decomposition pressure of from about 8 to 12 atmospheres at 100°to 130°C. and 0.1 to 0.5 atmospheres at 30°to 50°C. to a temperature of 100°to 130°C. hereby the hydride decomposes to a first hydridable material an

A method of space cooling comprising: heating a first body of a first hydride having a decomposition pressure of from about 8 to 12 atmospheres at 100°to 130°C. and 0.1 to 0.5 atmospheres at 30°to 50°C. to a temperature of 100°to 130°C. hereby the hydride decomposes to a first hydridable material and hydrogen, absorbing the hydrogen on a first body of hydridable material to form a second hydride having a decomposition pressure of about 20 to 50 atmosphere at 100°to 130°C. and 1 to 7 atmospheres at 10°to 50°C. while maintaining the bed at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of said second hydride at the pressure obtaining by rejecting the heat to the outside ambient, simultaneously space cooling by utilizing the ambient heat of the space to be cooled to heat a second body of said second hydride to decomposition temperature whereby the hydride decomposes to a second hydridable material and hydrogen, absorbing the hydrogen on a second body of hydridable material to form said first hydride by maintaining the bed at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of said first hydride at the pressure obtaining by rejecting the heat to the outside ambient, and sequentially continuing the cycle to obtain continuous space cooling.