Device and system for storing thermal energy

Abstract

A device is provided for the temporary storage of thermal energy with a solid storage medium and a pipe system made of individual pipes. The pipe system extends through the solid storage medium and an energy transfer medium flows through the pipe system. The solid storage medium and the pipe system being mechanically decoupled from one another.

Description

[0001]This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to German Patent Application Nos. 10 2008 026 017.7, which was filed in Germany on May 30, 2008, and to 10 2008 047 557.2, which was filed in Germany on Sep. 16, 2008 and which are both herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to a device and system for storing thermal energy.[0004]2. Description of the Background Art[0005]In view of the dwindling primary raw materials worldwide as resources for energy production, regenerative or alternative concepts are becoming more and more important. Examples are the use of solar energy in solar thermal power plants or the use of waste heat from industrial manufacturing processes. Because these alternative forms of energy are coupled to solar radiation or to certain industrial processes, however, their continuous availability is not guaranteed. Their practical usability therefore depends grea...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a thermal storage medium with as high a heat capacity as possible and a high charging and discharging capacity, which permits both reliable and economic storage of thermal energy.

Problems solved by technology

Because these alternative forms of energy are coupled to solar radiation or to certain industrial processes, however, their continuous availability is not guaranteed.

A disadvantage, however, is the rapid increase in vapor pressure at temperatures above 100° C., which necessitates costly pressure vessels.

For this reason, liquids with a higher boiling point are used for higher temperature ranges, such as, for example, oils, which is associated with a considerable increase in cost, however.

Whereas in the case of steel and cast iron the high cost for the storage material is a disadvantage, the other solids have only a limited available performance due to the low heat conductivity.

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