초록 ▼

Disclosed is a thermal storage tank for the long term storage of a thermal storage medium whose energy is available on demand for satsifying cooling or heating loads. The tank may be earth excavated and include side walls of a ligthweight, high strength concrete that retains its thermal insulating c

Disclosed is a thermal storage tank for the long term storage of a thermal storage medium whose energy is available on demand for satsifying cooling or heating loads. The tank may be earth excavated and include side walls of a ligthweight, high strength concrete that retains its thermal insulating characteristics even when exposed to groundwater. A unique inverted frustrum shape for the tank offers numerous advantages. In association with a cold storage tank, a novel submerged, single point ice introduction system provides a much improved formation of the ice mass in the tank. Also provided for the cold storage tank is a novel floating top that provides a ballast effect to keep the ice mass submerged.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of introducing ice into a thermal storage tank and building a submerged ice mass therefrom, said method comprising of steps of: maintaining the tank in a flooded state; introducing ice into the tank at a single point that is submerged in the tank; continuously building an agglomerated ice m

A method of introducing ice into a thermal storage tank and building a submerged ice mass therefrom, said method comprising of steps of: maintaining the tank in a flooded state; introducing ice into the tank at a single point that is submerged in the tank; continuously building an agglomerated ice mass from the ice emerging from the single point of introduction; and providing a ballast at the top of the tank to maintain the ice mass submerged in the water.