Thermocline thermal energy storage in multiple tanks
US11473852B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/14
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of optimizing thermocline zone within a thermal storage system including a plurality of storage tanks fluidly coupled to one another m series, to effectively form a single tank having an equivalent height of the combined height of the plurality of storage tanks. The method including identifying a thermocline zone, computing an average temperature (Tave) of the thermocline zone, directing thermal storage fluid from a bottom of an initial storage tank through a heat source heat exchanger, and terminating fluid flow from the bottom of the initial storage tank and directing thermal storage fluid from a bottom of a first subsequent storage tank when a temperature of the thermal storage fluid exiting the bottom of the initial storage tank reaches Tave.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.