초록 ▼

A system for ice storage provides time offset cooling to a cooling system. A tank defines a storage chamber including inlet and outlet ports through which circulates a heat transfer medium, and a plurality of buoyant panels filled with a storage medium are arranged for receiving, storing, and releas

A system for ice storage provides time offset cooling to a cooling system. A tank defines a storage chamber including inlet and outlet ports through which circulates a heat transfer medium, and a plurality of buoyant panels filled with a storage medium are arranged for receiving, storing, and releasing thermal energy carried by the heat transfer medium. As the phase of the storage medium changes, flow paths past the panels are progressively occluded or widened. In a preferred embodiment, each panel is formed of a thin film material, such as a PVC plastic, with opposing sides of the panel fused together at discrete points to define a quilted bag-like structure having a defined maximum thickness and a generally undulating outer surface which allows passage of the transfer medium between adjacent bags. Granular ballast at the bottom of each bag maintains alignment and prevents thermal creeping. Bouyant spacers at the top define a self-aligning array. Time offset primary and supplemental cooling systems are described.

대표청구항 ▼

A thermal storage system for providing time offset cooling to the cooling system of a building or the like, comprising, a tank defining a storage chamber including inlet and outlet ports through which circultes a heat transfer medium, a thermally insulative liner defining a thermal barrier between t

A thermal storage system for providing time offset cooling to the cooling system of a building or the like, comprising, a tank defining a storage chamber including inlet and outlet ports through which circultes a heat transfer medium, a thermally insulative liner defining a thermal barrier between the interior of said tank and a surrounding environment, a plurality of thermal storage panels substantially filling said tank and located for circulation of said heat transfer medium therebetween, for absorbing heat energy from and transferring heat energy to said heat transfer medium, and flotation means holding said panels bouyantly suspended in a substantilly self-aligning array in said tank.