Patent · US Active

Installation for storing thermal energy

US9829254B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
2References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 24, 2012
Grant dateNov 28, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 3, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P80/10
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An installation for storing thermal energy is provided. The storage is carried out by the compression and relaxation of a working gas, wherein pump and compressor can be driven by, for example, electric motors which temporarily absorb excess power generated in the power grid. The generated thermal energy is temporarily stored in a cold accumulator and a heat accumulator. According to the invention, a vapor circuit is provided to connect to the heat accumulator and the cold accumulator for discharging the installation, by which a turbine for generating electrical energy can be driven by a generator. Said circuit is implemented by means of another conduit system distinct from the circuit for charging the installation. Advantageously, thermal energy generated from overcapacities in the power grid can thus be reconverted with high yield into electrical energy via a vapor circuit.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.