Thermal energy storage system comprising optimal thermocline management
US8554377B2 · kind B2 · utility
6Cited by
5References
56Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/14
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods for optimizing a thermocline in a thermal energy storage fluid within a thermal energy storage tank are disclosed. The methods comprise identifying a thermocline region in the fluid, adding thermal energy to a fluid stream extracted from the thermocline region, and returning the fluid stream to the tank at a plurality of locations above the thermocline region. The methods further comprise regulating the temperature of the fluid returned to the tank at a set point temperature by modulating the flow rate of the fluid stream and by changing the location from where the fluid is extracted from the tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.