Heat storage device having a high volume capacity

Abstract

The invention is a heat storage device having a high volume capacity (defined as the ratio between the volume of the heat storage medium divided by the overall volume of the device) combined with a high heat transfer surface and a low envelope material volume (‘dead volume’). The heat storage device is composed of individual storage elements which encapsulate a heat storage medium. The storage elements are stacked in a way that creates channels for the passage of a heat transfer fluid. The (air) heat transfer fluid channels are surrounded by a large heat transfer surface and embossed in a way to improve the heat transfer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a heat storage device.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Heat storage technology is well known for storing heat from a fluid into a storage medium. A heat storage device takes heat from a heat transfer fluid and stores it into a heat storage medium. An illustrative example is a system to store heat from hot air into a volume of water. In a typical design, heat transfer fluid, such as hot air, is forced through layers of metallic heat storage elements folded in a zig-zap pattern, similar in shape to a accordion bellows. The heat storage elements are typically formed from two plates of metal with a heat storage medium between the plates. The performance of a heat storage device is dependent on two important aspects, the heat exchange between a heat transfer fluid and the plates, and the heat transfer inside the heat storage medium. The state of the art for this type of system typical...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a heat storage device that has a high volume capacity, meaning the ratio of the heat storage medium to the overall volume of the device is high, combined with a high heat transfer surface and a low envelope material volume. The device is made up of individual elements that stack together to create fluid transfer channels. These channels are surrounded by a large heat transfer surface that is embossed to improve the heat transfer. The technical effect is a more efficient heat storage device that can store and transfer heat effectively.

Problems solved by technology

It is found that both metallic and coated paper materials have a limited ability to transfer the heat of a transfer fluid to a heat storage medium.

It is also found that typical heat storage devices develop a pressure drop from the input of the system to the output, which reduces the efficiency of heat transfer.

It is also found that typical heat storage devices experience corrosion of the plates and housings due to the typically harsh conditions to which they are subject.

There are additional needs for a heat storage device that is corrosion-proof, yet has economical material and production costs.

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