Systems, apparatus and methods for thermal energy storage, coupling and transfer
US8464535B2 · kind B2 · utility
26Cited by
16References
30Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E70/30
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of phase change material to store, transfer and convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to thermal energy transfer and energy conversion are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to a containment vessel having a heat receiving region and a heat transfer region such that a plurality of phase change materials are disposed therein and a sequence of solid, liquid and vapor phases are used to transfer heat from a source to a heat receiver of a power conversion unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.