Thermal energy storage system connected to both a nuclear reactor and a power generator
US12176117B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P80/20
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An integrated energy system includes a nuclear thermal plant situated on a nuclear site. The nuclear thermal plant produces thermal energy that is transported to a thermal energy storage system located outside the nuclear site. The thermal storage system is thermally coupled to a power generation system which is also remote to the nuclear site. By this arrangement, the nuclear thermal plant is isolated and decoupled from the power generation system. The nuclear thermal plant may supply thermal energy upwards of 800° C. or more to be stored at the thermal energy storage system until needed such as for industrial heat, power generation, or other uses. The thermal storage system is source agnostic, and one or more additional thermal energy generators, such as additional nuclear reactors, solar thermal plants, or other thermal energy generators can be coupled to a common thermal storage system and power generation system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.