Thermal energy storage apparatus
US5054540A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/14
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for use in motor vehicles to provide immediate cooling, or for use in buildings to provide local area cooling or a reduction in peak energy demand. The apparatus comprises a reservoir which is composed of a plurality of separate containers, each containing water and a gas capable of forming a gas hydrate with the water at a transition temperature above 32.degree. F. Also, at least one movable member is positioned in each container, which serves to facilitate the formation of the gas hydrate at or below the transition temperature. In one specific embodiment, the reservoir is positioned in the circulating air duct in a motor vehicle, so as to permit immediate cooling air flow upon the entry of an occupant. In another embodiment, the reservoir is part of an air conditioning unit which is able to provide cooling in local areas of a building, and to transfer the cooling power load to off-peak hours. In still another embodiment, several reservoirs having different gas hydrates are mounted in series, which is useful when the transition temperature is close to the temperature provided by the recharging system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.