Thermal energy storage system
US4421101A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1979 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S126/91
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a sealed thermal energy storage container device including front and rear walls which together are partially absorptive and partially transmissive of visible light with a transmittance in the range between 4% and 85% and an absorptance of at least 9%. Retained within the container between the front and rear walls is an at least partially light transmissive energy storage substance that experiences a liquid-solid phase change between 45.degree. F. and 190.degree. F. After being strategically positioned for exposure to solar radiation, the energy storage substance accumulates a substantial quantity of energy when changed to a liquid state by incident sunlight and subsequently releases that energy when again freezing. In addition to sequentially and alternatively storing and releasing thermal energy, the container device transmits a predetermined level of incident sunlight. Furthermore, the partially absorptive walls are heated by sunlight and function as efficient sources of heating for the retained energy storage substance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.