Thermal energy storage system comprising pressure exchanger

Abstract

A system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second pressure, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system also includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The system also includes a compressor. The system further comprises an electric energy generating device. The system also includes a first valve. The system also includes a processing device operably coupled to the first valve. The processing device is configured to provide a control signal to the first valve to operate the system in a first mode or a second mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to energy storage systems and, more particularly, to thermal energy storage systems including a pressure exchanger. Background Art

[0002] The system uses fluids at different pressures. The system uses a pump or compressor to increase the pressure of the fluid. The system can use the pressure changes of the working fluid to transfer energy between the various parts of the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0004] Figure 1A to Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a hydraulic energy transfer system and a thermal energy storage medium is shown according to some embodiments.

[0005] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E is an exploded perspective view of a pressure exchanger (PX) according to some embodiments.

[0006] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a thermal energy storage system including a pressure exchanger, according to some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a thermal energy storage system including a pressure exchanger, according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3C A thermal energy storage system for generating a heat sink to cool a target environment is depicted in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4A An example thermal energy storage medium management system is depicted in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 4B A thermal energy storage medium reservoir is depicted according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4C A thermal energy gradient storage system is depicted according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 4D A thermal energy storage medium system including a secondary energy transfer fluid is depicted according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for operating a thermal energy storage system in a target mode, according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for operating a thermal energy storage system in a target mode, according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Embodiments described herein relate to thermal energy storage systems (eg, fluid handling systems, heat transfer systems, pressure exchanger systems, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) refrigeration systems, etc.) that include a pressure exchanger.

[0017] Operations utilizing energy may lack flexibility in when and how to rely on energy supplies. For example, commercial operations may be conducted during regular business hours, which may be inconsistent with energy-rich times (e.g., due to wind or solar energy, low energy costs, etc.). Such operations may include systems that can use fluids under different pressures. These systems may include hydraulic fracturing (e.g., fracturing or fracturing pressure) systems, desalination systems, refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, energy generation systems, mud pumping systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste liquid systems, fluid transmission systems, thermal energy storage systems, etc. Pumps or compressors can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid used by the system.

[0018] Traditionally, refrigeration systems use pumps or compressors to increase the pressure of a fluid (e.g., a refrigeration fluid such as CO2, R-134a, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ammonia (NH3), refrigerant mixtures, R-407A, R-404A, etc.). Conventionally, a separate pump or compressor mechanically coupled to a motor is used to increase the pressure of the fluid. Pumps and compressors operating on large pressure differentials (e.g., causing a substantial increase in fluid pressure) require a large amount of energy. Therefore, conventional systems consume a large amount of energy to increase fluid pressure (via a pump or compressor driven by a motor). In addition, conventional heat pump systems (e.g., systems that transfer heat from one component to another via a working fluid) reduce the pressure of the fluid through an expansion valve. In the process of expansion through the valve, no useful work is extracted, so this process is one of the main reasons for the low energy efficiency of conventional heat pump systems. In addition, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants (such as R-134a, R-404a, etc.) that can be used in such systems are responsible for global warming and are being phased out in some countries and replaced by other refrigerants with less environmental impact (such as carbon dioxide). However, the gas cooler / condenser pressure required for a CO2-based heat pump system is much higher than that of the commonly used HFC-based heat pump system. Therefore, although the CO2 system is more climate-friendly, it consumes much more energy than the HFC system. The energy consumption of the CO2 system increases further when the system is operated at a higher gas cooler outlet temperature (i.e., a higher load return temperature) because the pressure of the gas cooler / condenser increases as the gas cooler outlet pressure increases, so the compressor needs to do more work. This is one of the key challenges associated with CO2 heat pump systems. This limitation may be the energy used to operate a conventional system (e.g., the energy used to repeatedly increase the working fluid pressure to increase or decrease the ambient temperature).

[0019] The system, device and method of the present disclosure provide a thermal energy storage system. The system, device and method of the present disclosure provide a fluid handling system (e.g., for thermal energy storage, for heat transfer systems, etc.). The thermal energy storage system can be operated to transfer heat from one medium to another medium so that the medium can be used to perform a target function later. In some embodiments, thermal energy is stored in a medium by utilizing a heat pump architecture, which extracts heat from a heat source with a lower temperature and deposits the heat energy in a radiator with a higher temperature. The stored thermal energy can be used to generate electricity later, such as by a heat engine architecture. In some embodiments, thermal energy is extracted from a low-temperature radiator, which is then used to absorb unwanted heat, such as unwanted heat in a refrigeration or air-conditioning system. In some embodiments, relatively low-temperature waste heat (e.g., low-grade waste heat from an industrial process) can be transferred to a high-temperature thermal energy storage medium via a heat pump architecture. The high-temperature thermal energy storage medium can be used to provide useful heat (e.g., high-grade high-temperature heat) for an industrial process or another industrial process, or as residential heat later.

[0020] The thermal energy storage system may include the ability to perform charging cycle and discharge cycle operations. The charging cycle may store energy and / or produce a thermal energy storage medium at a temperature state, which may be used later during the discharge cycle to perform work, generate electricity, perform industrial or other useful functions, etc. In some embodiments, the operation of the charging cycle may be performed in response to some target conditions of the thermal energy storage system. In some embodiments, the operation of the discharge cycle may be performed in response to a second target condition of the thermal energy storage system. For example, when renewable energy sources (such as solar energy, wind energy) are available, the operation of the charging cycle may be performed, and when these energy sources are not available, the operation of the discharge cycle may be performed. The operation of the charging cycle may be performed when the energy cost is low, and the operation of the discharge cycle may be performed when the energy cost is high. The operation of the charging cycle may be performed on an industrial process when low-grade waste heat is available to upgrade the low-grade heat to usable heat. In the case where waste heat is not available, the operation of the corresponding discharge cycle may be performed.

[0021] In some embodiments, a system (e.g., a fluid handling system, a thermal energy transfer system, a refrigeration system, a heat pump system, a heat transfer system, a CO2 refrigeration system, etc.) includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a high pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid in a refrigeration cycle) and a second fluid (e.g., a low pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid in a refrigeration cycle). In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger may receive a first fluid (e.g., a high pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid) via a first inlet (e.g., a high pressure inlet) and receive a second fluid (e.g., a low pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid) via a second inlet (e.g., a low pressure inlet). When entering the pressure exchanger, the first fluid may have a higher pressure than the second fluid. The pressure exchanger may exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid may leave the pressure exchanger via a first outlet (e.g., a low pressure outlet), and the second fluid may leave the pressure exchanger via a second outlet (e.g., a high pressure outlet). When leaving the pressure exchanger, the second fluid may have a higher pressure than the first fluid (e.g., due to the pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid). Various aspects of the present disclosure address the challenges of utilizing CO2 for thermal energy storage by extracting energy during the expansion of the high pressure refrigerant CO2 and using it to compress a portion of the refrigerant stream, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the main compressor of the heat pump system. This makes the charging cycle of the thermal energy storage system more efficient.

[0022] In some embodiments, one or more of the heat sink and / or heat source can be an environment near a portion of the fluid handling system, such as an environment near a heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the system also includes one or more thermal energy storage media. For example, a first portion of the fluid handling system can thermally connect the working fluid to a first thermal energy storage medium, and a second portion of the fluid handling system can thermally connect the working fluid to a second thermal energy storage medium. In some embodiments, thermal energy can be stored during the charge cycle operation (e.g., transferred from a "cold" thermal medium to a "hot" thermal medium for storage), and the system can use the thermal energy to perform useful functions during the discharge cycle. In some embodiments, thermal energy storage can include storing cold during the charge cycle, such as removing thermal energy from the storage medium, and providing heat to the storage medium during the discharge cycle (e.g., for use in a refrigeration or air conditioning system). The thermal energy storage medium may include molten salt, dry ice, water, water and ice slurry, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol / water mixture, phase change material (e.g., alkane such as octadecane, salt hydrate, fatty acid, ester, ionic liquid, gel, polymer, etc.), eutectic material (e.g., a mixture of materials with a reduced melting point compared to other components of the same material), molten metal (e.g., aluminum), molten silicon, sand, rock, brick or stone, or other medium. In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage medium may be pumped, transported or otherwise passed through a heat exchanger that is thermally connected to the working fluid. In some embodiments, the secondary fluid may be thermally connected to the main working fluid and the thermal energy storage medium. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger that is thermally connected to the working fluid may be embedded in a reservoir that includes the thermal energy storage medium.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser, a condensing unit (CU), a gas cooler, an air conditioning condenser, etc.), which is configured to provide a first fluid to the pressure exchanger (e.g., through a first inlet of the pressure exchanger), and to transfer corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) between the first fluid and a corresponding environment (e.g., a radiator, a heat reservoir, a high-temperature thermal energy storage medium, a heat source, a cold reservoir, ambient air, the ground, etc.). In some embodiments, the first fluid (e.g., a high-pressure fluid) dissipates heat to the environment and condenses in the heat exchanger. The output of the heat exchanger (e.g., a portion of the heat exchanger output, the first fluid, etc.) can be provided to the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The heat exchanger can be located upstream of the pressure exchanger on the flow path of the first fluid. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator), which is configured to transfer heat from the heat source to the working fluid of the system. The input end of the evaporator can be connected to the output end of the pressure exchanger.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a receiver (e.g., a flash tank) for receiving the first fluid output from the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The receiver can form a chamber in which the gas and liquid of the low-pressure first fluid can be separated. The supercharger can receive gas (e.g., gas of the high-pressure first fluid) from the receiver and increase the pressure of the gas to form a second fluid.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system also includes a supercharger, which is configured to receive gas (e.g., gas of a low-pressure first fluid) from a receiver, and increase the pressure of the gas (e.g., the first part of the first gas) to form a second fluid under a second pressure (e.g., a part of a refrigeration fluid under low pressure), and provide the second fluid under the second pressure to the pressure exchanger via a second inlet. The supercharger can be a pump or a compressor, and can increase the pressure of the second fluid on a relatively low pressure differential. More details about the supercharger pressure differential are described herein. The supercharger can provide a second fluid to the low-pressure inlet (e.g., the second inlet) of the pressure exchanger at a second pressure.

[0026] The system may also include one or more of an expansion valve and a compressor to perform a refrigeration cycle, a heat transfer cycle, a heat pump cycle, a heat engine cycle, etc. The working fluid may expand through an expansion valve, and the pressure and temperature may be reduced. The working fluid may receive thermal energy (e.g., heat) from another environment (e.g., a heat source, a cold storage device, etc.) via another heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator). The working fluid may be compressed in a compressor to increase the pressure of the refrigeration fluid. Heat energy may be discharged from the working fluid in the condenser, and the first fluid (e.g., at least a portion of the working fluid) may flow into a pressure exchanger and exchange pressure with a second fluid as part of a heat transfer cycle.

[0027] The system, device and method of the present disclosure have advantages over traditional solutions. Compared with traditional systems, the system of the present disclosure can use a reduced amount of energy (e.g., use less energy to run a heat pump cycle, etc.). The pressure exchanger can allow energy (e.g., pressure) that is usually lost in traditional systems. This makes the system of the present disclosure more efficient, thereby using less energy compared to traditional solutions, and the cost to the end user is lower over time. The system of the present disclosure can separate the storage of thermal energy from the utilization of the stored energy in time. The separation of energy storage and energy use in time can utilize energy availability to perform operations when energy is short. Storing thermal energy for later use can reduce the cost of operating systems, reduce the impact of operating systems on the environment, etc. In addition, compared with traditional systems, the system of the present disclosure reduces the wear of components (e.g., pumps, compressors) because the pumps or compressors of the systems disclosed herein can be operated more efficiently (e.g., the pressure exchanger performs a part of increasing fluid pressure to reduce the load of the pump and / or compressor) compared to traditional systems. In addition, some systems described herein reduce the number of moving parts (e.g., some systems use ejectors instead of superchargers). This also allows the disclosed systems to have higher reliability, less maintenance, longer component life, less system downtime, and higher production (e.g., refrigeration, cooling, heating, etc.) The disclosed systems may use pressure exchangers that allow system component life to be longer, increase system efficiency, allow the end user to choose from a wider range of pumps and / or compressors, reduce maintenance and downtime to service pumps and / or compressors, and allow new instrumentation and controls.

[0028] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to pressure exchangers, energy recovery devices, and hydraulic energy transfer systems, the present disclosure can be applied to other systems and devices (e.g., non-isobaric pressure exchangers, rotating components other than pressure exchangers, non-rotating pressure exchangers, systems that do not include pressure exchangers, etc.).

[0029] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to pressure exchangers, energy recovery devices, and hydraulic energy transfer systems, the present disclosure may also be applied to other systems and devices (e.g., non-isobaric pressure exchangers, rotating components other than pressure exchangers, non-rotating pressure exchangers, systems that do not include pressure exchangers, etc.). Fluid may refer to liquids, gases, transcritical fluids, supercritical fluids, subcritical fluids, and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second pressure, and to exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system also includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The system also includes a compressor. The system also includes an electric energy generator. The system also includes a first valve. The system also includes a processing device operably connected to the first valve. The processing device is configured to provide a control signal to the first valve so that the system operates in a first mode or a second mode. Operation in the first mode includes providing a fluid flow to the pressure exchanger, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the compressor. Operation in the second mode includes providing a fluid flow to the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the electric energy generator.

[0031] In other aspects of the present disclosure, a system includes a pressure exchanger configured to receive a first fluid, receive a second fluid, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to receive the first fluid from the pressure exchanger and exchange heat between the first fluid and a third fluid. The system also includes a thermal storage medium that is thermally connected to the third fluid. The system also includes a cooling coil that is configured to exchange thermal energy between the third fluid and the environment near the cooling coil. The system also includes a pump that is configured to circulate the third fluid between the thermal storage medium, the cooling coil, and the heat exchanger.

[0032] In other aspects of the present disclosure, a system includes a pressure exchanger configured to receive a first fluid, receive a second fluid, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system also includes a first heat exchanger configured to provide the first fluid to the pressure exchanger. The second heat exchanger is thermally connected to a heat source. The system also includes a second heat exchanger configured to receive the first fluid from the pressure exchanger. The second heat exchanger is thermally connected to the heat source. The system also includes a radiator thermally connected to a thermal storage medium. The system also includes a processing device configured to provide a control signal to operate the system in a first mode or a second mode.

[0033] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100A including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 and a thermal energy storage medium 180 is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0034] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) receives a low pressure fluid input 120 from a low pressure (LP) input system 122 (e.g., via a low pressure inlet). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 also receives a high pressure fluid input 130 from a high pressure (HP) input system 132 (e.g., via a high pressure inlet). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) exchanges pressure between the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid input 120 to provide a low pressure fluid output 140 to a low pressure fluid output system 142 (e.g., via a low pressure outlet), and to provide a high pressure fluid output 150 to a high pressure fluid output system 152 (e.g., via a high pressure outlet). The controller may adjust the flow rates of the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid output 140 via one or more flow valves, pumps, and / or compressors (not shown). The fluid handling system 100A includes one or more thermal energy storage media 180. Thermal storage medium 180 may provide a heat sink, such as a material that fluid handling system 100A uses to absorb and retain heat. Thermal storage medium 180 may provide a heat source, such as a material that fluid handling system 100A uses to provide heat and remain cool to later absorb the heat.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger to exchange pressure between the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger is substantially or partially isobaric (e.g., an isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX)). The pressure exchanger can be a device that transfers fluid pressure between the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid input 120 with an efficiency (e.g., pressure transfer efficiency, substantially isobaric) of more than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more (e.g., without using centrifugal technology) . High pressure (e.g., high pressure fluid input 130, high pressure fluid output 150) refers to a pressure that is higher than a low pressure (e.g., low pressure fluid input 120, low pressure fluid output 140). The low pressure fluid input 120 of the pressure exchanger can be pressurized and exit the pressure exchanger at a high pressure (e.g., a high pressure fluid output 150 having a pressure greater than the pressure of the low pressure fluid input 120), while the high pressure fluid input 130 can be at least partially depressurized and exit the pressure exchanger at a low pressure (e.g., a low pressure fluid output 140 having a pressure less than the high pressure fluid input 130). The pressure exchanger can operate with the high pressure fluid input 130 directly applying a force to pressurize the low pressure fluid input 120, with or without a fluid separator between the fluids. Examples of fluid separators that can be used with the pressure exchanger include, but are not limited to, pistons, bladders, diaphragms, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger can be a rotary device. Rotary pressure exchangers, such as those manufactured by Energy Recovery, Inc. of San Leandro, California, may not have any separate valves because the effective valve adjustment action is accomplished internally in the device via the relative movement of the rotor relative to the end cap. In some embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger operates with an internal piston to isolate the fluid and transfer pressure without relatively mixing each inlet fluid stream. In some embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger operates between fluids without an internal piston. A reciprocating pressure exchanger may include a piston that reciprocates in a cylinder for transferring pressure between each fluid stream. Any or multiple pressure exchangers may be used in the present disclosure, such as but not limited to a rotary pressure exchanger, a reciprocating pressure exchanger, or any combination thereof. In addition, the pressure exchanger may be disposed on a unit platform (pulley) separated from other components of the fluid treatment system 100A (e.g., in the case where the pressure exchanger is attached to an existing fluid treatment system). In some examples, the pressure exchanger may be fastened to a structure that can be moved from one location to another. The pressure exchanger may be connected to a system built on site (e.g., a pipe of the system, etc.). The structure to which the pressure exchanger is fastened may be referred to as a "unit platform".

[0036] In some embodiments, the motor 160 is coupled to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., coupled to a pressure exchanger). In some embodiments, the motor 160 controls the speed of the rotor of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to increase the pressure of the high pressure fluid output 150, decrease the pressure of the high pressure fluid output 150, etc.). In some embodiments, the motor 160 generates energy based on the pressure exchange in the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., functions as a generator).

[0037] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may include a hydraulic turbocharger or a hydraulic pressure exchanger, such as a rotary pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger may include one or more chambers and / or channels (e.g., 1 to 100) to facilitate pressure transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid (e.g., a gas, a liquid, a multiphase fluid). In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger may transfer pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a pressure exchange fluid, such as a proppant-free fluid, a substantially proppant-free fluid, a high-density fluid, a low-viscosity fluid, a fluid having a certain chemical below a threshold amount, etc.) and a second fluid, the second fluid may have a higher viscosity (e.g., highly viscous), including certain chemicals exceeding a threshold amount and / or containing solid particles (e.g., a fracturing fluid and / or a fluid containing sand, proppant, powder, debris, ceramics, contaminants, particles of a weld joint or a brazed joint, etc.).

[0038] In some embodiments, the low pressure input system 122 includes a booster (e.g., a pump and / or a compressor) to increase the pressure of the fluid to form the low pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the low pressure input system 122 includes an ejector to increase the pressure of the fluid to form the low pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the low pressure input system 122 receives gas from a low pressure output system 142. In some embodiments, the low pressure input system 122 receives fluid from a receiver (e.g., a flash tank, etc.). The receiver can receive the low pressure fluid output 140 output from the hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0039] The fluid treatment system 100A may further include one or more sensors to provide sensor data (e.g., flow data, pressure data, velocity data, etc.) associated with the fluid of the fluid treatment system 100A. One or more controllers may control one or more flow rates of the fluid treatment system 100A based on the sensor data. In some embodiments, the controller actuates one or more flow valves based on the received sensor data.

[0040] One or more components of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be used in different types of systems, such as thermal energy storage systems, fracturing systems, desalination systems, refrigeration and heat pump systems (e.g., Figure 1B), slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste liquid systems, fluid transmission systems, heat transfer systems, etc.

[0041] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100B including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 and a thermal energy storage medium 180 is shown according to certain embodiments. The fluid handling system 100B can be, for example, a thermal energy storage system, a refrigeration system, and / or a heat pump system. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 100B is a thermal energy (e.g., heat) transfer system (e.g., a heat transfer system, a heat transfer system). The fluid handling system 100B can be configured to store thermal energy for subsequent use. The fluid handling system 100B can be configured to upgrade thermal energy from low-grade (e.g., low temperature) heat to high-grade (e.g., high temperature) heat. The fluid handling system 100B can be configured to maintain one or more thermal energy storage media at a temperature different from an ambient temperature, an equilibrium temperature, etc., and later use the storage medium to perform one or more functions. The fluid handling system 100B can be configured to cool and / or heat an environment (e.g., an indoor space, a refrigerator, a freezer, etc.). In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 100B includes more Figure 1B More components, fewer components, same wiring, different wiring, and / or the like may be shown. Figure 1B The reference numerals of some features in Figure 1A Similar to the reference numerals in Figure 1A Those similar features, functions and / or structures in.

[0042] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) may receive a low pressure fluid input 120 from a low pressure input system 122 (e.g., a low pressure lift device 128, a low pressure fluid pump, a low pressure booster, a low pressure compressor, a low pressure ejector, etc.) and a high pressure fluid input 130 from a high pressure input system 132 (e.g., a first heat exchanger (HX) 138, a condenser, a gas cooler, a heat exchanger, etc.). The first heat exchanger 138 may be thermally coupled to a thermal energy storage medium 180A. The first heat exchanger 138 may be embedded in the thermal energy storage medium 180A, may be in thermal contact with a secondary fluid to provide heat transfer between the first heat exchanger 38 and the thermal energy storage medium 180A, etc. Various fluid handling systems represented by the fluid handling system 100B may include one or more thermal energy storage media, for example, a thermal energy storage medium 180A coupled to the first heat exchanger 138, a thermal energy storage medium 180B coupled to the second heat exchanger 144, etc. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) can exchange pressure between the low-pressure fluid input 120 and the high-pressure fluid input 130 to provide the high-pressure fluid output 150 to the high-pressure output system 152 (e.g., high-pressure lifting device 159, high-pressure fluid pump, high-pressure booster, high-pressure compressor, high-pressure ejector, etc.) and provide the low-pressure fluid output 140 to the low-pressure output system 142 (e.g., evaporator 144, second heat exchanger 144, heat exchanger, receiver 113, etc.). The low-pressure output system 142 (e.g., second heat exchanger 144, receiver 113) can provide fluid to the compressor 178 and the low-pressure lifting device 128. The second heat exchanger 144 can provide fluid to the compressor 178, and the receiver 113 (e.g., flash tank) can provide fluid to the low-pressure lifting device 128. The receiver 113 can form a chamber to collect and / or contain fluid. The receiver 113 can receive fluid in a two-phase state (e.g., liquid and gas). The receiver 113 can separate the phases of the fluid. The receiver 113 can enable the gas and liquid to be provided separately to other components, for example, to control the density of the fluid, ensure that the target phase reaches the target component, etc. The first heat exchanger 138 can receive fluid from the compressor 178 and the high-pressure booster 159. One or more controllers can control one or more components of the fluid processing system 100B. The high-pressure booster 159 can be a high-pressure booster, and the low-pressure booster 128 can be a low-pressure booster.

[0043] The fluid treatment system 100B may be a closed system. The low pressure fluid input 120, the high pressure fluid input 130, the low pressure fluid output 140 and the high pressure fluid output 150 may all be fluids (eg, refrigerant, the same fluid, working fluid) circulating in the closed system of the fluid treatment system 100B.

[0044] The fluid handling system 100B may further include one or more sensors configured to provide sensor data associated with the fluid. One or more flow valves may control the flow rate of the fluid based on the sensor data received from the one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the controller actuates one or more flow valves (not shown) based on the received sensor data.

[0045] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E is an exploded perspective view of a rotary PX 40 (eg, a rotary pressure exchanger, a rotary liquid piston compressor (LPC)) thermally coupled to a thermal energy storage medium 180 according to certain embodiments. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Some features in one or more of the graphs may have Figure 1A to Figure 1B The similar features, functions and / or structures in one or more of the figures herein may be used to represent the similar features, functions and / or structures in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The pressure exchanger 40 is configured to transfer pressure and / or work between a first fluid (e.g., a high pressure working fluid, a refrigerant, supercritical carbon dioxide, a high pressure fluid input 130) and a second fluid (e.g., a low pressure working fluid, a refrigerant, superheated gaseous carbon dioxide, a low pressure fluid input 120) with minimal mixing of the fluids. The rotary pressure exchanger 40 may include a generally cylindrical body portion 42 including a sleeve 44 (e.g., a rotor sleeve) and a rotor 46. The rotary pressure exchanger 40 may also include two end caps 48 and 50, which include manifolds 52 and 54, respectively. The manifold 52 includes respective inlet ports 56 and outlet ports 58, while the manifold 54 includes respective inlet ports 60 and outlet ports 62. In operation, these inlet ports 56, 60 enable the first fluid and the second fluid to enter the rotary pressure exchanger 40 to exchange pressures, while the outlet ports 58, 62 enable the first fluid and the second fluid to subsequently exit the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In operation, the inlet port 56 can receive a high pressure first fluid (e.g., high pressure fluid input 130) output from a condenser or gas cooler, and after exchanging pressure, the outlet port 58 can be used to deliver a low pressure first fluid (e.g., low pressure fluid output 140) from the rotary pressure exchanger 40 to a receiver (e.g., a flash tank) configured to receive the first fluid from the rotary pressure exchanger 40. The receiver can form a chamber configured to separate the fluid into a gas and a liquid. Similarly, the inlet port 60 can receive a low pressure second fluid (e.g., low pressure fluid input 120) from a booster configured to receive a portion of the gas from the receiver and increase the pressure of the gas, and the outlet port 62 can be used to discharge the high pressure second fluid (e.g., high pressure fluid output 150) out of the rotary pressure exchanger 40. The end caps 48, 50 include respective end caps 64, 66 (e.g., end plates) disposed within respective manifolds 52, 54, which enable fluid-tight contact with the rotor 46.

[0047] One or more components of the pressure exchanger 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, and / or the end cap 66, can be constructed of a wear-resistant material (e.g., carbide, cemented carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness value of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250, or more). In some examples, tungsten carbide can be more durable and can provide improved wear resistance to abrasive fluids compared to other materials such as alumina ceramics. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more components of the pressure exchanger 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, the end cap 66, and / or other sealing surfaces of the pressure exchanger 40, can include inserts. In some embodiments, the insert may be formed of one or more wear-resistant materials (e.g., carbide, cemented carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness value of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250 or more) to provide improved wear resistance.

[0048] The rotor 46 may be cylindrical and may be disposed within the sleeve 44, which enables the rotor 46 to rotate about the axis 68. The rotor 46 may have a plurality of passages 70 (e.g., ducts, rotor ducts) extending substantially longitudinally through the rotor 46, with openings 72 and 74 (e.g., rotor ports) at each end symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis 68. The openings 72 and 74 of the rotor 46 are arranged to be hydraulically connected to inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) and inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) in the end caps 64, 66, so that the passages 70 are exposed to fluids at high pressure and fluids at low pressure during rotation. As shown, the inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 and the inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 may be designed in the form of arcs or segments of a circle (e.g., C-shaped).

[0049] In some embodiments, a controller using sensor data (e.g., revolutions per minute measured by a tachometer or optical encoder or volume flow measured by a flow meter) can control the degree of mixing between the first fluid and the second fluid in the rotary pressure exchanger 40, which can be used to improve the fluid handling system (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1BThe fluid handling system 100A to 100B of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 is operable to improve the operability of the fluid handling system 100A to 100B. In some examples, varying the volumetric flow rate of the first fluid and / or the second fluid entering the rotary pressure exchanger 40 allows an operator (e.g., a system operator, a plant operator) to control the amount of fluid that is mixed within the pressure exchanger 40. In addition, varying the rotational speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., via a motor) also allows the operator to control mixing. Three features of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 that affect mixing are: (1) the aspect ratio of the rotor channel 70; (2) the duration of exposure between the first fluid and the second fluid; and (3) the formation of a barrier (e.g., a fluid barrier, a piston, an interface) between the first fluid and the second fluid within the rotor channel 70. First, the rotor channel 70 (e.g., a pipe) is typically long and narrow, which stabilizes the flow within the rotary PX 40. In addition, the first fluid and the second fluid can move through the channel 70 in a piston flow state with minimal axial mixing. Second, in some embodiments, the speed of the rotor 46 reduces the contact between the first fluid and the second fluid. In some examples, the speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., a rotor speed of about 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM)) can reduce the contact time between the first fluid and the second fluid to less than about 0.15 seconds, 0.10 seconds, or 0.05 seconds. Third, the rotor channel 70 (e.g., a small portion of the rotor channel 70) is used for pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0050] In the thermal energy storage system, the operation of the pressure exchanger 40 can be performed as follows: the low-pressure gaseous CO2 flow provided to the low-pressure inlet (low pressure-in) of the pressure exchanger 40 enters the pipeline and is sealed in the pipeline when the pipeline rotates through the low pressure-inlet port. Then, when the pipeline is exposed to the high pressure outlet, a pressure wave may be generated, compressing this low-pressure gaseous CO2 to high pressure, and raising its temperature in the process. Therefore, the low-pressure gaseous CO2 is converted to a high-pressure, high-temperature supercritical CO2 state. Then, when the high-pressure medium-temperature supercritical CO2 enters the pipeline from the other end (e.g., the high-pressure-inlet port) and pushes the now compressed fluid part out of the high-pressure-outlet port, this high-pressure, high-temperature supercritical CO2 is discharged through the high-pressure outlet (high pressure-out). When the pipeline continues to rotate through the high-pressure-inlet port, the high-pressure-inlet fluid part is sealed in the pipeline. Subsequently, the pipeline is exposed to the low pressure-outlet port, and an expansion wave may propagate through the pipeline, converting the high-pressure medium-temperature supercritical CO2 into a low-pressure, low-temperature two-phase liquid-gas mixture, which is then discharged from the low pressure-outlet port.

[0051] In some embodiments, a volume of fluid is retained in the channel 70 to act as a barrier between the first fluid and the second fluid. All of these mechanisms can limit mixing within the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In addition, in some embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 can be designed to operate with an internal piston or other barrier that completely or partially isolates the first fluid from the second fluid while enabling pressure transfer.

[0052] The pressure exchanger 40 may be located in a system (e.g., a thermal energy storage system) that also includes a thermal energy storage medium 180. The thermal energy storage medium may provide heat to the working fluid of the pressure exchanger 40. The thermal energy storage medium may receive heat from the working fluid of the pressure exchanger 40. The thermal energy storage medium may be thermally connected to the working fluid of the pressure exchanger 40. The thermal energy storage medium may be thermally connected via one or more other components of the subsystem, such as one or more heat exchangers, secondary heat transfer fluids, etc. The fluid handling system may have a thermal energy storage system, for example, for storing heat that is later provided to a target area or process, for receiving heat later to cool a target area or component, etc. The fluid handling system may have multiple thermal energy storage systems, for example, for transferring heat between storage systems. For example, a fluid handling system including a pressure exchanger 40 may include a first "hot" thermal energy storage medium 180 maintained at a high temperature (compared to ambient temperature, a second energy storage medium, etc.) and a second "cold" thermal energy storage medium 180 maintained at a low temperature. The fluid handling system can operate in cycles, for example, a charging cycle (e.g., in which work is performed on a working fluid to act as a heat pump) and a discharge cycle (e.g., in which the storage state of the thermal energy storage medium 180 is utilized to perform a target function). In some embodiments, the charging cycle can store thermal energy, and the discharge cycle can extract energy from the thermal energy storage medium 180, such as via a generator of a heat engine system. In some embodiments, the charging cycle can produce cold thermal energy storage medium 180, and the discharge cycle can use the thermal energy storage medium 80 as a heat sink to cool a target location, component, material, etc. In some embodiments, the charging cycle can increase the temperature of the thermal energy storage medium 180 (e.g., by transferring heat from a lower temperature heat source), and the discharge cycle can use the high temperature heat for a target process (e.g., an industrial process). In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 40 can be used for one cycle of the fluid handling system, but not for another cycle. For example, the pressure exchanger 40 can be used during the charging cycle and not used during the discharge cycle. The fluid handling system can include a variety of architectures, for example, to accommodate charging and discharge cycles. The fluid handling system architecture may have some overlapping components (eg, thermal energy storage medium 180 ), and may have some dedicated components (eg, pressure exchanger 40 , main working fluid compressor, generator, etc.).

[0053] FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is an exploded view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 showing the sequence of positions of a single rotor channel 70 in the rotor 46 as the channel 70 rotates through a complete cycle. Note that FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is a simplified diagram of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 showing one rotor channel 70, and the channel 70 is shown as having a circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 may include multiple channels 70 having the same or different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.). Thus, FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is simplified for illustrative purposes, and other embodiments of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 may have the same FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E . As described in detail below, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 promotes the pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid (e.g., high-pressure refrigerant and low-pressure refrigerant, etc.) by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to contact each other briefly in the rotor 46. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger promotes the pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to contact the opposite side of the barrier (e.g., reciprocating barrier, piston, not shown). In some embodiments, the exchange occurs at a certain speed, which causes limited mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid. The speed of the pressure wave traveling through the rotor channel 70 (once the channel is exposed to the orifice 76), the diffusion speed of the fluid and / or the rotation speed of the rotor 46 can determine whether any mixing occurs and the degree of mixing. The pressure exchanger 40 can be included in a thermal energy storage system that also includes a thermal energy storage medium 180, for example.

[0054] Figure 2B FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2B, the channel opening 72 is in a first position. In the first position, the channel opening 72 is in fluid communication with the orifice 78 in the end cap 64, and is therefore in fluid communication with the manifold 52, while the opposite channel opening 74 is in fluid communication with the orifice 82 in the end cap 66, and is in fluid communication with the manifold 54 through the extension. The rotor 46 can rotate in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow 84. In operation, a low-pressure second fluid 86 (e.g., a low-pressure slurry fluid) passes through the end cap 66 and enters the channel 70, where the low-pressure second fluid 86 contacts the first fluid 88 at the dynamic fluid interface 90. The second fluid 86 then drives the first fluid 88 to leave the channel 70, pass through the end cap 64, and leave the rotary pressure exchanger 40. However, due to the short duration of contact, mixing between the second fluid 86 (e.g., a slurry fluid) and the first fluid 88 (e.g., a particle-free fluid) is minimal. In some embodiments, the low pressure second fluid 86 contacts a first side of a barrier (e.g., a piston, not shown) disposed in the passage 70, which contacts (e.g., on the opposite side of the barrier) the first fluid 88. The second fluid 86 drives the barrier, which pushes the first fluid 88 out of the passage 70. In such embodiments, there is negligible mixing between the second fluid 86 and the first fluid 88.

[0055] Figure 2C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2C , the passage 70 has been rotated clockwise through an arc of approximately 90 degrees. In this position, the opening 74 (e.g., outlet) is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 80 and 82 of the end cap 66, and the opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 76 and 78 of the end cap 64. Thus, the low pressure second fluid 86 is temporarily contained within the passage 70.

[0056] Figure 2D is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2D In the channel 70, Figure 2B The position shown is rotated through an arc of approximately 60 degrees. The opening 74 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 80 in the end cap 66, and the opening 72 of the passage 70 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 76 of the end cap 64. In this position, the high pressure first fluid 88 enters and pressurizes the low pressure second fluid 86, thereby driving the second fluid 86 out of the rotor passage 70 and through the orifice 80.

[0057] Figure 2E is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2E In the channel 70, Figure 2BThe position shown is rotated through an arc of approximately 270 degrees. In this position, opening 74 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 80 and 82 of end cap 66, and opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 76 and 78 of end cap 64. Thus, first fluid 88 is no longer pressurized and is temporarily contained within passage 70 until rotor 46 rotates another 90 degrees to begin the cycle again.

[0058] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of a thermal energy storage system 300A-300C (eg, a refrigeration system, a heat pump system, a power generation system, an energy transfer system, an energy storage system, etc.) including a pressure exchanger according to some embodiments. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C One or more of the components may be Figure 1A to Figure 1B and / or FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E The components of a system share one or more characteristics, properties, functions, or structures. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C and / or Sections 3A to Figure 3C One or more graphs in the system can be used to perform Figures 5 and 6 The operations of method 500 and / or 600 are described in detail.

[0059] Figure 3A310 is a schematic diagram of a thermal energy storage system 300A including a pressure exchanger 310 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage system 300A is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. The thermal energy storage system 300A can circulate a working fluid, such as a refrigerant, propane, ammonia, CO2, etc., for performing energy storage operations. The thermal energy storage system 300A includes a first architecture 302 and a second architecture 304. The first architecture 302 can be configured to perform the operation of a charging cycle. The second architecture 304 can be configured to perform the operation of a discharge cycle. The charging cycle can be a heat pump cycle. The charging cycle can transfer heat from a lower temperature area (e.g., a low temperature heat exchanger 318) to a higher temperature area (e.g., a high temperature heat exchanger 329). Transferring heat from a lower temperature area to a higher temperature area can be performed at the expense of energy to perform work on the system, such as performed by a compressor 322. The pressure exchanger 310 can reduce the energy requirements of the system by reducing the amount of working fluid that must be compressed by the compressor 322, by performing a more efficient form of compression and / or expansion of the working fluid, and the like. The pressure exchanger 310 performs expansion work recovery, for example, it recovers pressure energy from the high-pressure refrigerant fluid leaving the high-temperature heat exchanger 329 and uses it to compress a portion of the low-pressure refrigerant vapor leaving the low-temperature heat exchanger 318. Without the pressure exchanger 310, this pressure energy would be lost through the expansion of the high-pressure valve in the standard heat pump system. Therefore, the pressure exchanger 310 reduces the amount of low-pressure working fluid that needs to be compressed by the compressor 322, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the compressor 322. This makes the charging cycle of the architecture 302 of the thermal energy storage system 300A more efficient. The discharge cycle can transfer thermal energy from a higher temperature area to a lower temperature area. The discharge cycle can be used to generate energy for use (for example, as a heat engine) or store (for example, electricity) for use.

[0060] The pressure exchanger 310 may be included in the first architecture (e.g., it may be used in the charging cycle of the thermal energy storage system 100A). The pressure exchanger 310 may be a rotary pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is an isobaric or substantially isobaric pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger 310 may be configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The pressure exchanger 310 may be configured to receive a high-pressure first fluid via a high-pressure inlet (high-pressure-in), and receive a low-pressure second fluid via a low-pressure inlet (low-pressure-in). The pressure exchanger 310 may be configured to exchange pressure between a high-pressure fluid and a low-pressure fluid. The pressure exchanger 310 may be configured to provide a low-pressure first fluid through a low-pressure outlet (low-pressure-out), and provide a high-pressure second fluid through a high-pressure outlet (high-pressure-out). In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is coupled to a motor (e.g., the rotation of the rotor of the pressure exchanger 310 is controlled by a motor). In some embodiments, the motor controls the speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The mass flow rate (e.g., of the first fluid and / or the second fluid) through the pressure exchanger 310 may be related to the rotational speed of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the pressure of the fluid (e.g., the first fluid) in one or more other components (e.g., the high temperature heat exchanger 329, the low temperature heat exchanger 318, etc.) may be related to the rotational speed of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the controller receives sensor data from one or more sensors of the motor thermal energy storage system 300A.

[0061] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 receives a high-pressure first fluid (eg, Figure 1A to Figure 1B In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 receives a low-pressure second fluid (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B 120). Although there are references to "high pressure" and "low pressure", "high pressure" and "low pressure" may be relative to each other and do not imply a specific pressure value (e.g., the pressure of the high pressure fluid input 130 is higher than the pressure of the low pressure fluid input 120). The pressure exchanger 310 may exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The pressure exchanger 310 may provide a first fluid via a low pressure outlet (e.g., the low pressure fluid output 140) and may provide a second fluid via a high pressure outlet (e.g., the high pressure fluid output 150). In some embodiments, the first fluid provided via the low pressure outlet is at a low pressure, and the second fluid provided via the high pressure outlet is at a high pressure.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A includes a high temperature heat exchanger 329 (e.g., a gas cooler, a condenser), a low temperature heat exchanger 318 (e.g., an evaporator), and a compressor 322. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A is a thermal energy storage system. In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 is a heat exchanger that provides heat from a working fluid (e.g., a first fluid, a refrigerant, CO2) to an environment. In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can be coupled to a thermal energy storage medium. Heat can be discharged from the working fluid in the high temperature heat exchanger 329 to be absorbed by the thermal energy storage medium. Heat discharged from the thermal energy storage medium can be absorbed by the working fluid in the high temperature heat exchanger 329. In combination FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Some variations of thermal energy storage media are discussed.

[0063] In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can act as a condenser that condenses the fluid flowing through the high temperature heat exchanger 328 (e.g., while cooling the fluid). For example, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can cool the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system 300A during a charging cycle, while the first architecture 302 is operating, etc. The phase of the working fluid can change from gas to liquid (e.g., condense) within the high temperature heat exchanger 329.

[0064] In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 is a heat exchanger that does not condense the fluid flowing through the high temperature heat exchanger 328 (e.g., cools the fluid without condensing the fluid). For example, during the charging cycle, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can cool the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system 300A without condensing the fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid pressure in the high temperature heat exchanger 329 is higher than the critical pressure of the fluid. In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 is a gas cooler and does not condense the fluid (e.g., gaseous state). The high temperature heat exchanger 329 can provide heat from the fluid (e.g., gas) to the corresponding environment. In some embodiments, the temperature of the fluid in the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can be reduced, but the fluid may not condense (e.g., the fluid does not change from a gas phase to a liquid). In some embodiments, above the critical pressure of the fluid (e.g., refrigerant), the thermodynamic distinction between the liquid phase and the gas phase of the fluid in the high temperature heat exchanger 329 disappears, and there is only one fluid state called a supercritical state.

[0065] In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can provide heat to the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system 300A (e.g., during the discharge cycle). The high temperature heat exchanger 329 can act as an evaporator, for example, the working fluid can undergo a phase change to a gas based on the absorbed heat. In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 may not act as an evaporator during the discharge cycle (e.g., the working fluid may not undergo a phase change in the high temperature heat exchanger 328 during the discharge cycle).

[0066] The thermal energy storage system 300A includes a low temperature heat exchanger 318 (e.g., thermally connected to a thermal energy storage medium or an environment that is maintained within a lower temperature range than the environment or thermal energy storage medium associated with the high temperature heat exchanger 329). The low temperature heat exchanger 318 can provide heat absorbed by the system 300A from a heat source (e.g., a cold reservoir) to the working fluid during the charging cycle. (e.g., when the thermal energy storage system 300A acts as a heat pump during the charging cycle, when the system is operating in a first mode, etc.) The heat can be discharged to a heat sink (e.g., a hot reservoir) via the high temperature heat exchanger 329. In some embodiments, the working fluid promotes heat transfer from the environment associated with the evaporator to the environment associated with the condenser during the charging cycle. In some embodiments, during the charging cycle, the working fluid promotes heat transfer from the environment or thermal energy storage medium associated with the low temperature heat exchanger 318 to the environment or thermal energy storage medium associated with the high temperature heat exchanger 329. The compressor 322 of the thermal energy storage system 300A can increase the corresponding pressure of the working fluid along the flow path between the low temperature heat exchanger 318 and the high temperature heat exchanger 329. The compressor 322 can be active during the charging cycle. The compressor 322 can also be used during the discharge cycle, or another device (e.g., pump 323) can be used during the discharge cycle. In some embodiments, different components (e.g., compressors, pumps, etc.) can be used for different operating modes, operating conditions, etc. For example, during the charging cycle, a compressor (e.g., for supercritical and / or gaseous working fluids) can be used, and during the discharge cycle, a pump (e.g., for liquid working fluids) can be used. In some embodiments, the working fluid is CO2 or another refrigeration fluid. The working fluid can flow substantially in one cycle (e.g., from the high temperature heat exchanger 329 to the pressure exchanger 310, then to the low temperature heat exchanger 318, then to the compressor 322, and finally to the high temperature heat exchanger 328, etc.). In some embodiments, the cycle can be associated with operation in a first mode, such as a charge cycle, while a different cycle (e.g., a different set of components, a different flow path, a different architecture, etc.) can be used for a second mode. The first architecture 302 can be associated with the first mode (e.g., the charge mode or the charge cycle), and the second architecture 304 can be associated with operation in a second mode (e.g., the drain mode or the drain cycle).

[0067] The thermal energy storage system 300A may include a turbine 324 for operation during the discharge cycle. During the discharge cycle, heat may be transferred from the high temperature heat exchanger 329 (or the associated environment, thermal energy storage medium, etc.) to the low temperature heat exchanger 318. Energy may be extracted from the heat flow, for example, the thermal energy storage system 300A may operate as a heat engine (e.g., in a heat engine mode, a discharge mode, a discharge cycle, etc.). The turbine 324 may be coupled to a generator 325 to generate electricity, or to another component to extract energy, work, etc. from the thermal energy storage system 300A. The turbine 324 may be configured to convert the energy of the working fluid into electrical energy.

[0068] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A includes a low-pressure supercharger and / or a high-pressure supercharger (not shown). Both the low-pressure supercharger and the high-pressure supercharger can be configured to increase (e.g., "supercharge") the pressure of the working fluid, for example, before providing the fluid to the low-pressure-in and high-pressure-in ports of the pressure exchanger 310, respectively. For example, the low-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the working fluid output from the low-temperature heat exchanger 318 (e.g., received from the pressure exchanger 310). The high-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the working fluid output from the pressure exchanger 310. The working fluid can be provided (e.g., by the high-pressure supercharger) to combine with the fluid output from the compressor 322 (e.g., upstream of the inlet of the high-temperature heat exchanger 329) to provide to the high-temperature heat exchanger 328. The low-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure to less than a threshold amount (e.g., can operate at a pressure difference less than a threshold amount). In some examples, the low-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the working fluid by about 10 to 60 psi. When the second fluid flows from the low-pressure supercharger to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310, the working fluid may experience a pressure loss (e.g., due to fluid friction loss in the pipeline). The high-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the working fluid between the second outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and the inlet of the high-temperature heat exchanger 329. The high-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure to less than a threshold amount (e.g., it can operate at a pressure difference less than a threshold amount). In some examples, the high-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the second fluid by about 10 to 60 psi. The high-pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the working fluid to a pressure that substantially matches the pressure of the fluid output from the compressor 322 (e.g., the pressure of the high-temperature heat exchanger 329). Compared to any supercharger, the compressor 322 can increase the pressure of the fluid by more than a threshold amount (e.g., the compressor 322 can operate at a pressure difference greater than a threshold amount). In some examples, the compressor 322 can increase the pressure of the fluid by more than about 200 psi. In some embodiments, one or more controllers control the flow rate of the fluid through the pressure exchanger 310 by controlling the flow rate of a booster pump such as a low-pressure supercharger.

[0069] In some embodiments, the low temperature heat exchanger 318 is a heat exchanger that exchanges (e.g., provides) corresponding heat energy from the environment (e.g., the medium of the environment) to the working fluid during the charging cycle. In some examples, the low temperature heat exchanger 318 can receive heat (e.g., thermal energy) from the ambient air and provide the heat to the working fluid. In some embodiments, during the charging cycle, the low temperature heat exchanger 318 can receive heat from the thermal energy storage medium and provide the heat to the working fluid. In some embodiments, the low temperature heat exchanger 318 can provide the opposite function during the discharge cycle. For example, during the discharge cycle, the low temperature heat exchanger 318 can provide thermal energy from the working fluid to the environment, the thermal energy storage medium, etc. In some embodiments, the environment is a refrigerated space, such as the inside of a refrigerator or freezer, an interior space (e.g., of a building or vehicle), or any other space to be kept cool. In some examples, the environment can be the inside of a freezer or a refrigerated area of ​​a supermarket or warehouse. In some embodiments, the environment is a thermal energy storage medium configured to provide heat to the high temperature heat exchanger 329 for storage and later use, or used as a heat sink later to absorb heat from the target material or environment to keep cool, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 is a heat exchanger that transfers corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) between the working fluid and the environment. In some embodiments, during operation in a first mode (e.g., a charging cycle), the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can provide heat from the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system 300A to the environment or the thermal energy storage medium, and when operating in a second mode (e.g., a discharge cycle), the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can absorb heat from the environment or the thermal energy storage medium and provide the heat to the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system 300.

[0071] The thermal energy storage system 300A may include one or more controllers. The controller may control the booster, various valves and / or compressor of the system 300A. The controller may receive sensor data from one or more sensors of the system 300A. The sensor may include a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor and / or a temperature sensor. The controller of the thermal energy storage system 300A may perform operations to determine whether the thermal energy storage system 300 is operated in a first mode (e.g., a charging mode) or in a second mode (e.g., a discharge mode). Determining which mode to operate in may be based on many factors. For example, thermal energy may be stored when there is sufficient power to operate the compressor 322 (e.g., above a threshold amount), and when there is a power shortage (e.g., below a threshold amount), thermal energy may be consumed by the generator 325 to generate electricity. The time of day, the price of electricity, the availability of renewable energy, etc. may help determine whether to operate the thermal energy storage system 300A in the first mode or the second mode. In addition, the conditions of the thermal energy storage medium (e.g., temperature, the percentage of material in the target phase, etc.) may be used to determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode. Additionally, the requirements of the process (eg, heat requirements of an industrial process, cooling or heating requirements of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, etc.) may be used to determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode.

[0072] In some embodiments, the direction of the heat transfer (e.g., heat transfer) of the system 300A can be reversible. For example, in the refrigeration / air conditioning / air cooling implementation of the system 300A, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 placed outdoors dissipates heat (e.g., provides the corresponding heat energy from the refrigeration fluid to the corresponding environment), and the low temperature heat exchanger 318 absorbs heat (e.g., provides the corresponding heat energy to the refrigeration fluid from the corresponding environment). In the heat pump implementation of the system 300A, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 placed indoors discharges heat to its indoor environment, and the low temperature heat exchanger 318 absorbs heat from its outdoor environment. In some embodiments, the system 300A includes one or more valves (e.g., a reversing valve, one or more diverter valves, etc.) to reverse the function of the system 300A (e.g., reverse the heat energy flow promoted by the system 300A). In some embodiments, one or more workflows can be reversed and / or transferred. In some examples, one or more reversing valves or steering valves included in the system 300A can direct the fluid from the compressor 322 to the outdoor unit. Similar valves can direct the fluid from the compressor 322 to the indoor unit.

[0073] The thermal energy storage system 300A can be used in a first mode (e.g., using components of the first architecture 302) or a second mode (e.g., using components of the second architecture 304). Operation in the first mode (e.g., charging cycle) can include utilizing sufficient electricity to store thermal energy. Storing thermal energy can include providing heat to the thermal energy storage medium through the high temperature heat exchanger 329.

[0074] In the first mode of operation, sufficient power may be utilized to operate the compressor 322. During the compression process, the temperature of the working fluid may increase. A portion of the working fluid not provided to the compressor 322 may be provided to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to reach a higher pressure by pressure exchange with another fluid flow of the pressure exchanger 310. The temperature of the fluid compressed in the pressure exchanger 310 may also increase.

[0075] When operating in the first mode, the output fluid of the compressor 322 and the high-pressure output fluid of the pressure exchanger 310 may be provided to the high-temperature heat exchanger 329. The high-temperature working fluid (e.g., gas, supercritical fluid, etc.) discharges heat to a lower temperature thermal energy storage medium. The thermal energy storage medium may store heat by increasing the temperature and / or performing a phase change depending on the temperature, storage medium, etc.

[0076] When operating in the first mode, after dissipating heat to the thermal energy storage medium, the working fluid loses thermal energy and the temperature may also decrease. In the first mode, the output of the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can be provided to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 for exchanging pressure with the low pressure fluid flow of the pressure exchanger 310. The working fluid is present at the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0077] When operating in the first mode, the fluid output from the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 may be provided to the low-temperature heat exchanger 318. The low-pressure fluid (e.g., a two-phase gas-liquid mixture) may absorb heat from the thermal energy storage medium that is thermally connected to the low-temperature heat exchanger 318. The working fluid may be vaporized in the low-temperature heat exchanger 318, for example, it may become a working gas. The first portion of the low-pressure low-temperature gas may be provided to the compressor 322, and the second portion of the low-pressure low-temperature gas may be provided to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the thermal energy storage medium (e.g., high-temperature thermal energy storage medium) that is connected to the high-temperature heat exchanger 329 and the thermal energy storage medium (e.g., low-temperature thermal energy storage medium) that is connected to the low-temperature heat exchanger 318 may be large. The operating efficiency in the second mode may depend on the temperature difference between the two thermal energy storage media.

[0078] Operation in the first mode of the system 300A may include operation of a charging cycle. During the charging cycle, the system may receive a low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant (e.g., working fluid, CO2, etc.) vapor from the outlet of the low-temperature heat exchanger 318 and compress it to a high pressure, increasing its temperature in the process. The resulting high-pressure refrigerant may be in a subcritical vapor state (pressure below the critical pressure of the refrigerant) or a supercritical state (pressure and temperature above the critical point of the refrigerant). The resulting high-pressure, high-temperature vapor may exchange heat with a thermal energy storage medium (e.g., such as a high-temperature heat exchanger 329) via the high-temperature heat exchanger 329. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D). A thermal energy storage medium configured to be thermally connected to the high temperature heat exchanger 329 may store such high temperature heat as sensible heat (i.e., via an increase in temperature) or latent heat (i.e., via a phase change from a solid to a liquid or from a liquid to a gas). After discharging heat to the thermal storage medium, the high pressure refrigerant vapor may cool and condense into a liquid state (if subcritical) or remain in a supercritical state (if supercritical) but at a lower temperature. This cooler high pressure refrigerant may then enter the pressure exchanger 310 through the high pressure-inlet port and expand to a low pressure. As it expands, the temperature of the working fluid may drop and change phase to a two-phase liquid-gas mixture. This cold two-phase liquid-gas mixture may leave the low pressure-outlet port of the pressure exchanger 310, enter the low temperature heat exchanger 318, and absorb heat from a low temperature thermal storage medium that is thermally connected to the low temperature heat exchanger 418, such as water or a water / ice slurry, which may take the form of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Any one or more of the forms shown in . As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the low-temperature heat storage medium, the low-temperature medium can change its phase (for example, the liquid gradually becomes more and more ice slurry as the ice mass fraction increases). After absorbing heat, the refrigerant liquid evaporates at the outlet of the low-temperature heat exchanger 318 and may become pure vapor. Then, the refrigerant vapor can leave the low-temperature heat exchanger and be divided into two streams. One stream can enter the low-pressure-inlet port of the pressure exchanger 310, and the other stream can enter the inlet of the compressor 322. The pressure exchanger 310 compresses a portion of the low-pressure low-temperature refrigerant vapor entering the low-pressure-inlet port in the port of the pressure exchanger 310 and converts it into a high-pressure high-temperature vapor or a supercritical fluid. The compressor 322 compresses the remaining part of the refrigerant vapor into a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor or a supercritical fluid. Two high-pressure and high-temperature streams (one from the pressure exchanger 310 and the other from the compressor 322) merge and discharge heat to the high-temperature thermal energy storage medium via the high-temperature heat exchanger 329. Then the cycle can be repeated to continue to charge the thermal energy storage unit.

[0079] The thermal energy storage system 300A can also operate in a second mode. In the second mode, the temperature difference between the hot reservoir (e.g., the hot thermal energy storage associated with the high temperature heat exchanger 329) and the cold reservoir (e.g., the low temperature thermal energy storage associated with the low temperature heat exchanger 318) can be used to extract energy from the system, perform work, perform a target function, etc.

[0080] In some embodiments, when power (eg, electricity) is scarce, the thermal energy storage system 300A may operate in a second mode. The second mode may discharge the thermal energy storage to perform one or more target functions.

[0081] During operation in the second mode, a low pressure working fluid, which may be a gas, liquid, or supercritical fluid, may be compressed or pumped to a high pressure, such as by pump 323. The working fluid may then be provided to a high temperature heat exchanger 329.

[0082] During operation in the second mode, the working fluid may absorb heat from the high temperature thermal energy storage medium in the high temperature heat exchanger 329. The temperature of the working fluid may increase. The enthalpy of the working fluid may increase.

[0083] The high pressure and high temperature working fluid may be provided to the turbine 324. At the turbine, the high pressure and high temperature working fluid may expand on the turbine and reduce the pressure. The turbine 324 may extract mechanical work from the working fluid through this process. The extracted work may cause the rotor of the turbine to rotate, and a target function may be performed, such as using the movement of the rotor to drive the generator 325 to generate electricity. In some embodiments, the generator 325 may generate more electricity than the pump 323 consumes, resulting in a net increase in the electricity stored or generated during operation in the second mode (e.g., during the discharge cycle).

[0084] During operation in the second mode, the temperature of the working fluid leaving the turbine may be higher than the temperature of the cold / low temperature thermal energy storage medium connected to the low temperature heat exchanger 318. When the working fluid passes through the low temperature heat exchanger 318, the working fluid can dissipate heat to the thermal energy storage medium. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be condensed into a liquid state. Determining whether to operate at a temperature at which the working fluid condenses can take into account the target performance of the thermal energy storage system 300A, such as target efficiency, target cycle optimization level, etc. The size (e.g., thermodynamic energy capacity) of one or more thermal energy storage media can be determined based on a target power generation target, a target power generation time span, etc. In some embodiments, the high temperature heat exchanger 329 can represent more than one physical heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger used during the discharge cycle is different from the heat exchanger used during the charging cycle. Similarly, in some embodiments, the low temperature heat exchanger 318 can represent more than one physical heat exchanger. This configuration allows two different working fluids (e.g., refrigerants) to be used in the charging cycle and the discharge cycle. In some embodiments, both the charging and exhaust cycles can use CO2 as the working fluid, while in other embodiments, the charging cycle can use CO2 as the working fluid and the exhaust cycle can use air or an organic Rankine fluid (e.g., butane, pentane, hexane, silicone oil, etc.) as the working fluid.

[0085] Figure 3Bis a schematic diagram of a thermal energy storage system 300B including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage system 300B is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with reference numerals similar to reference numerals in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the thermal energy storage system 300B have similar Figure 3A The thermal energy storage system 300A may have similar characteristics, structure and / or functions.

[0086] Thermal energy storage system 300B may include the ability to operate in a first operating mode 301 and a second operating mode 303 (eg, a charging mode and a discharging mode). First operating mode 301 may correspond in one or more functions to Figure 3A The second operation mode 303 can be Figure 3A The second architecture 304 shares one or more features.

[0087] The thermal energy storage system 300B includes a controller 326, a three-way valve 328, and a flow control valve 330. The controller 326 can receive input. The input can include sensor data, user input, time data, etc. For example, the controller 326 can be connected to a device that accepts user input to determine whether to operate the thermal energy storage system 300B in a first mode or a second mode. The controller 326 can receive sensor data (e.g., related to the condition of one or more thermal energy storage media, related to energy availability / scarcity, etc.), and determine whether to operate the thermal energy storage system 300B in a first mode or a second mode based on the input data.

[0088] Upon determining that the thermal energy storage system 300B is to operate in the first mode, the controller 326 may provide control signals to one or more components. For example, the three-way valve 328 and / or the flow control valve 330 may be operably coupled to the controller 326 to actuate based on the control signals received from the controller 326.

[0089] To operate the thermal energy storage system 300B in the first mode, the controller 326 can actuate the three-way valve 328 to enable flow from the high temperature heat exchanger 329 to the pressure exchanger 310 and disable flow from the high temperature heat exchanger 329 to the turbine 324 (e.g., during a charging cycle, as shown by the dashed fluid flow path). During operation in the first mode, energy can be input into the thermal energy storage system 300B (e.g., through the compressor 322) rather than being extracted via the turbine 324. To operate the thermal energy storage system 300B in the first mode, the controller 326 can also provide a control signal to the flow control valve 330. The signal provided to the flow control valve 330 can determine the portion of the fluid output by the low temperature heat exchanger 318 that is provided to the pressure exchanger 310 and the portion that is provided to the compressor 322. The determination of the portion of the fluid flow provided to the compressor 322 and the pressure exchanger 310 during operation in the first mode may be determined by the capacity and / or capability of the pressure exchanger 310, the capacity of the compressor 322, fluid system conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure), heat source and / or heat sink conditions (e.g., temperature, quality, heat absorption, etc. of various thermal energy storage media), environmental conditions, optimized energy efficiency or heat transfer rate, or other parameters of interest. A portion of the fluid output from the cryogenic heat exchanger 318 may be compressed to a higher pressure by the compressor 322, while a portion of the fluid output from the cryogenic heat exchanger 318 may be compressed by exchanging pressure with another fluid flow in the pressure exchanger 310.

[0090] Upon determining that the thermal energy storage system 300B is to operate in the second mode, the controller 326 may provide further control signals to one or more components. The three-way valve 328, the flow control valve 330 and other components of the thermal energy storage system 300B may be provided with control signals by the controller 326.

[0091] To operate the thermal energy storage system 300B in the second mode, the controller 326 may actuate the three-way valve 328 to provide flow to the turbine 324 and disable flow to the pressure exchanger 310 (eg, Figure 3B 320). The working fluid may be permitted to flow to turbine 324, which may cause turbine 324 to rotate to perform a target function (e.g., generate electricity). In a second mode, thermal energy may be consumed from storage (e.g., via a thermal energy storage medium in thermal communication with high temperature heat exchanger 329) to perform a target function, such as rotating turbine 324. To operate thermal energy storage system 300B in the second mode, controller 326 may actuate flow control valve 330 to inhibit fluid flow to pressure exchanger 310. The working fluid may be supplied by compressor 322 (or a device different from that used in the first mode, such as Figure 3AThen, during operation in the second operating mode of the thermal energy storage system 300B, the compressed working fluid is provided to the high temperature heat exchanger 329.

[0092] The controller 326 may also provide additional control signals to additional components. For example, in some embodiments, the compressor 322 may operate differently at different speeds or otherwise in the first mode and the second mode. The controller 326 may provide one or more control signals to adjust the operation of the compressor 322. In some embodiments, the operation of the compressor 322 may actually be performed by multiple devices, such as a group of compressors, pumps, etc., and different devices may be used for different operating conditions, different target working fluid conditions, different target applications, different operating modes, etc. As part of the operation in the first operating mode or the second mode, the controller 326 may provide control signals to any of these devices and any valves for regulating the flow paths in and out of these devices. In some embodiments, additional components may be included in the thermal energy storage system, and the controller 326 provides additional control. It should be understood that the controller 326 may represent a single device or multiple devices, each of which performs a single function, or a combination of these descriptions. The controller 326 may be a dedicated device, a general-purpose computing system, a microcontroller, a processing device connected to a reservoir, or any other device capable of providing a control signal to one or more components based on receiving one or more inputs.

[0093] The controller 326 may also provide control signals to one or more thermal energy storage medium systems. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal energy storage medium or related heat transfer fluid of the hot thermal energy storage system 380 may be pumped through the high temperature heat exchanger 329 to be in thermal contact with the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system 300B. The thermal energy storage medium or related heat transfer fluid of the cold thermal energy storage system 381 may be pumped through the low temperature heat exchanger 318 to be in thermal contact with the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system 300B. The controller 326 may provide control signals to the thermal energy storage medium systems to determine the transfer speed, direction, etc. of the thermal energy storage medium (e.g., between a hot storage and a cold storage). FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D An example of a thermal energy storage medium system is described. In some embodiments, separate high temperature heat exchangers 329 and / or low temperature heat exchangers 318 can be used to operate in charge and discharge modes. In some embodiments, separate charge and discharge architectures can be included in a system such as thermal energy storage system 300B, where the thermal energy storage medium is in thermal communication with a first heat exchanger associated with the charge architecture and a second heat exchanger associated with the discharge architecture.

[0094] Figure 3CA thermal energy storage system 300C is depicted for generating a heat sink to cool a target environment according to some embodiments. The thermal energy storage system 300C may share one or more features with the thermal energy storage systems 300A and / or 300B. For example, components labeled with the same reference numerals may perform similar functions, share similar features, etc.

[0095] Thermal energy storage system 300C includes several optional components, which may also be included in other thermal energy storage systems. For example, thermal energy storage system 300C may include flash tank 313 (e.g., receiver). In some embodiments, flash tank 313 is a receiver configured to receive a fluid flow (e.g., first fluid) output from the low pressure outlet of pressure exchanger 310. Flash tank 313 may form a chamber so as to collect the first fluid from the first outlet of pressure exchanger 310. Flash tank 313 may receive a first fluid in a two-phase state (e.g., liquid and gas). In some embodiments, flash tank 313 is a tank made of welded metal sheets. Flash tank 313 may be made of steel (e.g., steel sheet metal, steel plate, etc.). The first fluid (under low pressure) may be separated into gas and liquid in flash tank 313. The liquid of the first fluid may settle at the bottom of flash tank 313, and the gas of the first fluid may rise to the top of flash tank 313. Liquid can flow from flash tank 313 to cryogenic heat exchanger 318 (e.g., via expansion valve 316). The chamber of flash tank 313 can be maintained at a set pressure. The pressure can be set by a user (e.g., an operator, a technician, an engineer, etc.) and / or by a controller (e.g., controller 380). In some embodiments, the pressure of flash tank 313 is controlled by one or more valves (e.g., flash gas valve 320, a pressure regulating valve, a safety valve, etc.). In some embodiments, flash tank 313 includes at least one pressure sensor (e.g., a pressure transducer).

[0096] The thermal energy storage system 300B may include an expansion valve 316. In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is arranged along the flow path between the flash tank 313 and the low-temperature heat exchanger 318. The expansion valve 316 may be an adjustable valve (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a poppet valve, etc.). The expansion valve 316 may be controlled by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.) and / or by a controller 380. In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is actuated by the controller 380 based on sensor data (e.g., pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, temperature sensor data, etc.). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is a thermal expansion valve. The expansion valve 316 may be actuated (e.g., opened and / or closed) based on temperature data associated with the low-temperature heat exchanger 318 (e.g., temperature data of the refrigeration fluid leaving the evaporator). In some examples, a sensing bulb (e.g., a temperature sensor, a temperature-dependent pressure sensor, etc.) of the expansion valve 316 can increase or decrease the pressure on the diaphragm of the expansion valve 316, causing a poppet valve coupled to the diaphragm to open or close, thereby causing more or less fluid to flow to the cryogenic heat exchanger 318, thereby causing more or less fluid to expand. The sensing bulb of the expansion valve can be positioned near the downstream end of the cryogenic heat exchanger 318 (e.g., near the fluid outlet of the cryogenic heat exchanger 318), and can be fluidly coupled to the diaphragm via a sensing capillary (e.g., a conduit between the sensing bulb and the cryogenic heat exchanger valve 316). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is controlled and actuated entirely based on electronic commands (e.g., from the controller 380).

[0097] Thermal energy storage system 300B may include a flash gas valve 320 to adjust the gas flow on the flash gas bypass flow path. In some embodiments, the flash gas valve 320 is a bypass valve that adjusts the gas flow from the gas outlet of the flash tank 313 to combine with the output of the low-pressure heat exchanger 318. In some embodiments, the gas flow from the flash tank 313 flows along the flash gas bypass flow path to bypass the low-temperature heat exchanger 318. In some embodiments, the flash gas flow path is between the flash tank 313 and the position downstream of the outlet of the low-temperature heat exchanger 318. The gas flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path can be combined with the output of the low-temperature heat exchanger 318. As the gas flows to the compressor 320, the flash gas valve 322 can expand the gas collected in the flash tank 313 (for example, the pressure is reduced). In some embodiments, the flash gas valve 320 can be a regulating valve. In some embodiments, the flash gas valve 320 is actuated by the controller 380 based on sensor data, time / date data, user input, energy availability data, environmental data, etc.

[0098] In some embodiments, Figure 3CAs shown, the low-pressure booster 314 receives a fluid flow from the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 314 receives a gas flow from the flash tank 313. In some examples, the low-pressure booster 314 receives a portion of the gas flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path between the flash tank 313 and the flash gas valve 320. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 314 receives a fluid and increases the pressure of the fluid to form a second fluid (e.g., at a second pressure). The fluid under the increased pressure (e.g., the second pressure) is provided to the second inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 as the second fluid. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 314 is a compressor or pump that operates on a low pressure difference to "boost" the pressure of the gas received from the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the high-pressure booster 385 is a compressor or pump that operates on a low pressure difference to "boost" the pressure of the fluid (e.g., the second fluid) received from the second outlet of the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the compressor is configured to increase the pressure of a fluid consisting essentially of a gas, and the pump is configured to increase the pressure of a fluid consisting essentially of a liquid.

[0099] The thermal energy storage system 300C also includes a secondary loop of components that are thermally connected to the main working fluid loop via a low temperature heat exchanger 318. The thermal energy storage system 300C can be configured to remove heat from the storage medium 342 (e.g., in a first operating mode, when energy is sufficient, during a charging cycle, etc.) and deposit the heat in a high temperature heat exchanger 329 (e.g., a gas cooler or condenser in an outdoor environment for removing heat from the storage medium 344). The secondary loop can include a second energy transfer fluid, which can be the same or different from the fluid used in the loop including the pressure exchanger 310. For example, the secondary working fluid can be CO2, ethylene glycol, a water / ethylene glycol mixture, or another fluid for transferring thermal energy between the low temperature heat exchanger 318 and the storage medium 342.

[0100] When operating in the second mode, the thermal energy storage system 300C can be configured to utilize the heat sink generated at the storage medium 342 during operation in the first mode to remove thermal energy from the target location. In some embodiments, the cooling coil 344 connected to the fan 350 can be used to provide a cool air flow during operation in the second mode, for example, for cooling a building or other interior space. In some embodiments, operation of the charge cycle can occur at a first time (e.g., when the outside temperature around the high temperature heat exchanger 329 is low, when energy costs are low, when the target area to be cooled is not occupied, etc.), and the discharge cycle can occur at a second time (e.g., when energy prices are high, when the target area is occupied, etc.).

[0101] The storage medium 342 may provide a means for exchanging heat between the secondary working fluid of the secondary loop and the storage medium 342. For example, a reservoir containing the storage medium 342 may include one or more channels through the reservoir through which the secondary working fluid flows for exchanging thermal energy with the storage medium 342. In some embodiments, the storage medium may be a phase change material. The storage medium may be water, ice and an ice / water mixture or slurry, or another type of thermal energy storage medium.

[0102] One or more valves may be included in the thermal energy storage system 300C, such as a temperature regulating valve 348, one or more three-way valves 346, and the like. During operation in a first mode (e.g., a charging mode, an ice making mode, etc.), the flow of the secondary working fluid may be directed through the storage medium 342, for example, to maximize the energy transfer between the secondary working fluid and the storage medium 342. During operation in the first mode, the flow bypassing the storage medium 342 may be restricted or prohibited, for example, by actuating the temperature regulating valve 348. During operation in the first mode, an air handling unit, an air conditioning unit, a cooling unit, and the like (e.g., a cooling coil 344) may be bypassed. During operation in the first mode, the cooling coil 344 may be bypassed by actuating the three-way valve 346.

[0103] During operation in a second mode (e.g., exhaust mode, air conditioning mode, air cooling mode, etc.), the three-way valve 346 can be operated to provide a secondary working fluid flow to the cooling coil 344. In some embodiments, the three-way valve 346 can be replaced with a flow control valve, for example, to provide control of the flow rate of the fluid through the cooling coil 344. During operation in the second mode, the temperature regulating valve 348 can be operated. The temperature regulating valve 348 can be operated to provide a target mix of the secondary working fluid that has and has not passed through the storage medium 342. The temperature regulating valve 348 can be operated to provide the secondary working fluid to the cooling coil 344 at a target temperature, for example, to improve the operation of the air conditioning or cooling function of the thermal energy storage system 300C.

[0104] The controller 380 may provide control signals to one or more components of the thermal energy storage system 300C. The controller 380 may provide control signals to components of the thermal energy storage system 300C to determine the operating mode of the system. In some embodiments, the primary loop including the pressure exchanger 310 may operate only in the first mode, the charging cycle, etc. In some embodiments, the pump 340 may circulate the secondary working fluid in the charging mode and the discharge mode. In some embodiments, the cooling coil 344 and / or the fan 350 may operate only in the discharge mode.

[0105] To operate in the first mode, the controller 380 can provide a control signal to the temperature regulating valve 348 to cause the secondary working fluid to flow through the storage medium 342, thereby transferring heat from the storage medium 342 to the secondary working fluid. To operate in the first mode, the controller 380 can provide a control signal to the three-way valve 346 to bypass the cooling coil 344. The controller 380 can also provide a control signal to cause the operation of the high-pressure supercharger 385, the compressor 322, the low-pressure supercharger 314, the flash gas valve 320, the expansion valve 316, etc. to operate in the first mode. For example, during operation in the first mode, these components can be operated to perform various functions on the main working fluid. The operation adjustment of one or more components can be performed by providing a control signal to the component via the controller 380, for example, based on the input data of the controller 380.

[0106] To operate in the second mode, the controller 380 may provide a control signal to the thermostatic valve 348 so that a portion of the secondary working fluid flows through the storage medium 342 and another portion bypasses the storage medium 342. The portion may be determined based on data generated by the temperature sensor, which is provided as an input to the controller 380. The portion may be determined to maintain the temperature of the fluid leaving the thermostatic valve 348, entering the cooling coil 344, etc. To operate in the second mode, the controller 380 may provide a control signal to the three-way valve 346, for example, to provide a flow of the secondary working fluid to the cooling coil 344. To operate in the second mode, the controller 380 may provide a control signal to the fan 350, for example, to provide more heat transfer between the environment near the cooling coil 344 and the secondary working fluid of the cooling coil 344. The controller 380 may also provide a control signal to the pump 340 (e.g., based on a target energy transfer characteristic) to adjust the operation of the pump 340.

[0107] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D A system for managing a thermal energy storage medium is depicted, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The system depicted in can be associated with a high temperature thermal energy storage system. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The system depicted in can be associated with a low temperature thermal energy storage system. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Any system described in can include FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D One or more thermal energy storage medium systems depicted in. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Any of the thermal energy storage solutions shown can be used with FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Any of the high temperature or low temperature heat exchangers shown are in thermal communication.

[0108] Figure 4AAn example thermal energy storage medium management system 400A is depicted according to some embodiments. The thermal energy storage medium management system 400A may include a plurality of reservoirs, for example, a high temperature reservoir 402 and a low temperature reservoir 404. The thermal energy storage system 400A may be configured to place the thermal energy storage medium in thermal contact with a heat exchanger 406, for example, for exchanging energy with a working fluid of the thermal energy storage system including a pressure exchanger, such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The thermal energy storage system 400A may be thermally connected to the high temperature heat exchanger 329, the low temperature heat exchanger 318, and the like.

[0109] The thermal energy storage management system 400A may include one or more pumps (e.g., pump 408) for transferring thermal energy storage medium between reservoirs. In some embodiments, multiple pumps, multiple flow paths, etc. may be utilized to facilitate transfers between reservoirs in multiple directions. In some embodiments, more than two reservoirs may be included, for example, any number of high temperature storage reservoirs and low temperature storage reservoirs may be included. The thermal energy storage management system 400A may be based on one or more controllers (e.g., Figure 3C The controller 380) provides control signals to control pumps, valves, etc. that determine the flow path of the thermal energy storage material between the reservoirs.

[0110] During operation in a mode where the thermal energy storage medium absorbs heat from the working fluid, the pump 408 can transfer the storage medium from the low temperature reservoir 404 to the high temperature reservoir 402. In the context of a thermal energy storage system, the use of "high" and "low" temperatures is relative, for example, the entire storage system can be maintained above or below a certain temperature, such as ambient conditions, a target temperature of the system, etc., and the temperature of the low temperature reservoir 404 is lower than that of the high temperature reservoir 402. During operation in a mode where thermal energy is transferred from the storage medium to the working fluid through the heat exchanger 406, the pump 408 can transfer the thermal energy medium from the high temperature reservoir 402 to the low temperature reservoir 404 through the heat exchanger 404, transfer heat to the working fluid in the heat exchanger 406, and reduce the temperature of the thermal energy storage medium. The pump 408 can be included in a fluid delivery system, a fluidized sand delivery system, etc.

[0111] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 406 may be a high temperature heat exchanger, such as the high temperature heat exchanger 329. During operation in a first mode (e.g., charging mode), the pump 408 may transfer the thermal energy storage medium from the low temperature reservoir 404 to the high temperature reservoir 402, increasing the temperature of the thermal energy storage medium through thermal communication with the working fluid of the thermal energy storage system in the heat exchanger 406. If the heat exchanger 406 is a high temperature heat exchanger, during operation in a second mode (e.g., discharge mode), the pump 408 may transfer the thermal energy storage medium from the high temperature reservoir 402 to the low temperature reservoir 404, thereby increasing the temperature of the working fluid through thermal interaction in the heat exchanger 406.

[0112] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 406 may be a low temperature heat exchanger, such as the low temperature heat exchanger 318. During operation in a first mode (e.g., a charge cycle), the pump 408 may transfer the thermal storage medium from the high temperature reservoir 402 to the low temperature reservoir 404, providing heat to the working fluid in the heat exchanger 406. If the heat exchanger 406 is a low temperature heat exchanger, during operation in a second mode (e.g., a discharge cycle), the pump 480 may transfer the thermal energy storage medium from the low temperature reservoir 404 to the high temperature reservoir 402, absorbing heat from the working fluid in the heat exchanger 406.

[0113] Various thermal energy storage media may be used in conjunction with systems such as thermal energy storage management system 400A. The thermal energy storage medium may include molten salt (e.g., a mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate). The molten salt may be maintained in cryogenic storage 404, at least to the melting temperature of the salt (e.g., about 220° C.). The thermal energy storage medium may be or include sand. Pump 408 may be replaced, enhanced, etc. with a pneumatic sand transport system. Heat exchanger 406 may be configured to support fluidized sand transport, heat exchange between fluidized sand and working fluid, etc.

[0114] Figure 4B A thermal energy storage medium reservoir 400B is depicted according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a heat exchanger 410 (e.g., a high temperature heat exchanger 329, a low temperature heat exchanger 318) can be embedded in a thermal energy storage medium 412. The thermal energy storage medium 412 can include one or more materials for storing heat, for creating a heat sink, etc. By contacting a working fluid with a heat exchanger embedded in the thermal energy storage medium 412, heat can be transferred between the working fluid and the thermal energy storage medium. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger can be a pillow plate embedded in a tank that includes a thermal energy storage medium 412 (e.g., water). The working fluid can be fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger such as a heat exchanger. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The system shown in the system, for example, includes a heat energy transfer system of a pressure exchanger.

[0115] The thermal energy storage medium 412 can be any material that stores heat or from which heat can be extracted (e.g., "storing cold" or generating a heat sink). In some embodiments, the thermal energy storage medium 412 can be a material that changes phase during a target temperature transition for heat storage. For example, the thermal energy storage medium 412 can be water (e.g., a mixture of water and ice, a water / ice slurry, etc.), which, for example, surrounds a low-temperature heat exchanger. The thermal energy storage medium 412 can be a high-temperature phase change material (e.g., paraffin, octadecane, salt hydrates, fatty acids, esters, ionic liquids, etc.), which, for example, surrounds a high-temperature heat exchanger. The thermal energy storage medium 412 can be or include a phase change heat storage medium. The use of high-temperature phase change materials can be used to upgrade industrial waste heat to high-temperature (e.g., high-grade) heat stored in the thermal energy storage medium 412. The high-temperature heat stored in the thermal energy storage medium 412 can be transferred to a target process (e.g., a high-temperature industrial process) through a heat transfer system to use the high-temperature heat in the process.

[0116] Figure 4C A thermal energy gradient storage system 400C is depicted in accordance with some embodiments. The thermal energy gradient storage system 400C includes a temperature gradient reservoir 414. The temperature gradient reservoir 414 may include or contain a thermal energy storage medium (e.g., solid or liquid) capable of maintaining a temperature gradient, such as from the top to the bottom of the storage reservoir. For example, the temperature gradient reservoir 414 may include sand having a different temperature depending on the height of the reservoir. Hot and cold regions of the storage medium are separated by a thermocline, such as a temperature gradient. In the case of a liquid-based storage medium, the density difference between the hot and cold portions of the storage medium creates a thermal layer in the fluid within the tank and helps stabilize and maintain the thermocline. The thermal energy gradient storage system 400C may be configured such that the thermal energy storage medium is in thermal communication with a heat exchanger 416, which may also be in thermal communication with a working fluid of a thermal energy transfer system including a pressure exchanger, such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C shown.

[0117] In a first mode, a cold thermal storage medium may be provided to the heat exchanger 416 to absorb heat from a working fluid also provided to the heat exchanger 416. For example, during a charge cycle, a cold thermal reservoir may be in thermal communication with the working fluid to increase the temperature of the storage medium. In a second mode, a hot storage medium may be provided to the heat exchanger 416 to provide heat to the working fluid in the heat exchanger 416. For example, during a discharge cycle, a hot thermal reservoir may be in thermal communication with the working fluid in the heat exchanger 416 to increase the temperature of the working fluid.

[0118] In some embodiments, a pump 418 (e.g., a pneumatic pump for conveying fluidized sand) can convey the thermal energy storage medium from the bottom of the temperature gradient reservoir 414 to the top of the temperature gradient reservoir 404. The temperature gradient reservoir 414 can be gravity fed, for example, the position of the thermal storage medium in the reservoir can be adjusted by gravity. The pump 418 can be replaced or enhanced with a conveyor belt or other mechanical device to transfer the thermal energy storage medium to the top of the reservoir. The pump 418 can be included in a fluid delivery system, a fluidized sand delivery system, etc.

[0119] In some embodiments, the temperature gradient reservoir 414 can be filled with or substantially filled with a low temperature thermal storage medium. The storage medium can be provided to the heat exchanger 416 from the bottom of the temperature gradient reservoir 414. The temperature of the storage medium can be increased by the interaction with the working fluid in the heat exchanger 416 (e.g., during the charging cycle). Then, the high temperature storage medium can be replaced at the top of the temperature gradient reservoir 414. The process can continue until the temperature gradient reservoir 414 is filled with or substantially filled with hot thermal energy storage medium, such as for storing thermal energy. During operation in the second mode, the hot thermal energy storage medium that fills or substantially fills the temperature gradient reservoir 414 can be provided to the heat exchanger 416. The thermal energy storage medium can interact with the working fluid in the heat exchanger 416, transferring heat to the working fluid (e.g., during the discharge cycle). Then, the cold thermal energy storage medium can be replaced at the top of the temperature gradient reservoir 414. The process can continue until the temperature gradient reservoir 414 is filled or substantially filled with a cold thermal energy storage medium.

[0120] Figure 4D A thermal energy storage medium system 400D including a secondary energy transfer fluid is depicted according to some embodiments. The thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 may include a storage medium through which the secondary heat transfer fluid passes, such as by a pump 424. The thermal energy storage medium system 400D may be configured to place the secondary heat transfer fluid in thermal communication with a heat exchanger 422. The heat exchanger 422 may also be in thermal communication with a working fluid of a system for transferring and / or storing thermal energy, the system including a pressure exchanger, such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 may include a solid phase thermal energy storage medium. For example, the thermal energy storage medium reservoir may include natural stone (e.g., high heat capacity rock, lava, extrusive igneous rock, volcanic ash, etc.), artificial stone (e.g., brick, concrete), sand, etc.

[0121] The thermal energy storage medium system 400D includes a pump 424 for conveying a secondary heat transfer fluid through the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 so that the secondary heat transfer fluid is in thermal communication with the thermal energy storage medium. The secondary heat transfer fluid may be provided to a heat exchanger 422 where it may exchange thermal energy with a primary working fluid of the thermal energy storage system. The pump 424 may be included in a fluid delivery system, a fluidized sand delivery system, or the like.

[0122] In a mode in which the temperature of the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 is to be increased (e.g., a charging cycle if the heat exchanger 422 is a high temperature heat exchanger, and a discharge cycle if the heat exchanger 422 is a low temperature heat exchanger), the secondary fluid may circulate through the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420, thermally contact with the high temperature working fluid in the heat exchanger 422, and return to the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 to transfer heat to the thermal energy storage medium, thereby increasing the temperature of the storage medium. In a mode in which the temperature of the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 is to be decreased (e.g., a charging cycle if the heat exchanger 422 is a low temperature heat exchanger, and a discharge cycle if the heat exchanger 422 is a high temperature heat exchanger), hot secondary fluid may be provided from the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 to the heat exchanger 422 to provide thermal energy to the working fluid, and then the cooled secondary fluid may be provided to the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420 by the pump 424, thereby decreasing the temperature of the thermal energy storage medium reservoir 420. The secondary heat transfer fluid may be any fluid capable of exchanging heat with the thermal energy storage medium. The secondary heat transfer fluid may be selected to optimize cost, heat exchange with the thermal energy storage medium within a target temperature range, etc. The secondary heat transfer fluid may be a liquid, a gas, a supercritical fluid, a mixture, etc. In some embodiments, the secondary heat transfer fluid may be air or water.

[0123] In some systems, a high temperature heat transfer fluid may flow into the top of the thermocline and out the bottom. This causes the thermocline (e.g., temperature boundary, temperature gradient, etc.) to move downward and store thermal energy in the storage medium. During the discharge cycle, a cold fluid may flow into the cold bottom of the thermocline and out the hot top, thereby taking heat from the thermocline and moving the thermocline upward.

[0124] Figures 5 and 6is a flow chart of methods 500 and 600 associated with controlling a thermal energy storage system according to some embodiments. Methods 500 and 600 may be performed by processing logic including hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing devices, etc.), software (such as instructions running on a processing device, a general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, methods 500 and 600 may be performed at least in part by a controller, such as controller 326, controller 380, or one or more other controllers. In some embodiments, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform one or more of methods 500 and / or 600.

[0125] For simplicity of description, methods 500 and 600 are depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations according to the present disclosure may occur in various orders and / or simultaneously with other operations not presented and described herein. In addition, not all of the operations shown may be performed to implement methods 500 and / or 600 according to the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that methods 500 and 600 may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states by state diagrams or events.

[0126] Figure 5 is a flow chart 500 of a method for operating a thermal energy storage system in a target mode according to some embodiments. The target mode may be a charging mode, a charging cycle, a heat pump mode, an energy storage mode, a heat sink generation mode, etc. The target mode may be a discharge mode, a discharge cycle, a heat engine mode, an energy consumption mode, an ambient cooling mode, etc. Operating in a target mode may include performing operations to configure a system operating in a different mode to change to operate in the target mode.

[0127] At block 502, processing logic (e.g., of a controller) receives input indicating that a thermal energy storage system is to operate in a target mode. The input may include sensor data. The input may include time / date data. The input may include an indication of a user input.

[0128] At block 504, processing logic generates a control signal. The control signal may be based on the input, the target mode, the operation in the target mode, or the like.

[0129] At block 506, processing logic actuates a valve of the thermal energy storage system. The valve may be an on-off valve. The valve may be a control valve. The valve may be a valve that controls the diversion of a fluid flow between a plurality of flow paths. Actuating the valve includes providing a control signal to the valve. Actuating the valve includes configuring the thermal energy storage system to operate in the target mode. Actuating the valve may include configuring the thermal energy storage system to no longer operate in the second mode.

[0130] For example, Figure 3A The illustrated system may operate in a first mode or a second mode, a charge mode or a drain mode, etc. Operation in the first mode may include providing a working fluid to components included in the first architecture 302. Operation in the second mode may include providing a working fluid to components included in the second architecture 304. To convert a system such as the system 300A from a drain mode to a charge mode, a control signal may be generated and provided to one or more components to convert flow from the second architecture 304 to the first architecture 302. To convert the system 300A from a drain mode to a charge mode, one or more valves may be actuated to direct fluid through the pressure exchanger 310 and the compressor 322, and to direct fluid away from the turbine 324. To convert a system such as the system 300A from a drain mode to a drain mode, one or more valves may be actuated to direct fluid away from the pressure exchanger 310 and through the turbine 324.

[0131] As another example, a Figure 3B The system shown in the system 300B can be operated in a first mode or a second mode, a charging mode or a draining mode, etc. Operation in the charging mode may include actuating one or more valves (e.g., three-way valve 328, flow control valve 330) to direct the working fluid to flow through components including pressure exchanger 310. Operation in the draining mode may include actuating one or more valves of system 300B to direct the working fluid to flow through components including turbine 324.

[0132] Figure 6 600 is a flow chart of a method for operating a thermal energy storage system in a target mode according to some embodiments. At block 610, processing logic (e.g., of a controller) receives an input indicating that the thermal energy storage system is to operate in a target mode. The input may be combined with Figure 5 The associated inputs of block 502 share one or more characteristics.

[0133] At block 612, processing logic generates one or more control signals. The control signals may be used to control various components of the thermal energy storage system, such as components that operate based on a thermal energy storage system operating mode.

[0134] At block 614, the processing logic provides one or more control signals to one or more components of the thermal energy storage system. The one or more components may include any components that operate differently in a first mode of the thermal energy storage system and in a second mode (e.g., in a target mode and in another operating mode). One or more components may include one or more valves. Based on the actuation of one or more valves, the flow of the working fluid may be directed to a different set of components. One or more components may include one or more pumps or compressors that may be activated, deactivated, or change operating speeds based on a transition to a first operating mode of the thermal energy transfer system. One or more components may include a motor operably coupled to a pressure exchanger. One or more components may include other transfer devices of a pump, compressor, or secondary heat transfer medium, such as a thermal energy storage medium (e.g., molten salt, fluidized sand, etc.), a secondary heat transfer fluid (e.g., ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol / water mixture, air, water, etc.), etc. One or more components are configured to operate the thermal energy storage system in the first mode in response to receiving one or more control signals.

[0135] For example, Figure 3C The system shown can be operated in a first mode or a second mode, a charging mode or a discharge mode, etc. After determining that the system will operate in the charging mode, one or more valves (e.g., a temperature regulating valve 348, a three-way valve 346, etc.) can be actuated. After determining that the system will operate in the charging mode, the fluid flow can be directed away from the cooling coil 344 by providing a control signal to the three-way valve 346. After determining that the system will operate in the charging mode, the fluid flow can be directed through the storage medium 342 by actuating the temperature regulating valve 348. After determining that the system will operate in the charging mode, control signals can be provided to other components, including the pump 340, the compressor 322, the motor of the pressure exchanger 310, the high-pressure supercharger 385, the low-pressure supercharger 314, the flash gas valve 320, the fan 350, etc. After determining that the system will operate in the discharge mode, one or more control signals can be provided to the temperature regulating valve 348 for mixing fluids of different temperatures to achieve target performance. The three-way valve 346 can be actuated to provide a fluid flow to the cooling coil 344. After determining that the system is to operate in exhaust mode, fan 350 may be provided with one or more control signals to enable air to flow through cooling coil 344 .

[0136] Figure 7 700 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 700 is a client device. In some embodiments, the computer system 700 is a controller device (e.g., a server, Figure 3B Controller 326, Figure 3C Controller 380).

[0137] In some embodiments, the computer system 700 is connected to other computer systems (e.g., via a network such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet). The computer system 700 operates in the capacity of a server or client computer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments, the computer system 700 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a network appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any device capable of executing a group of instructions (sequential or otherwise) specifying the action to be taken by the device. In addition, the term "computer" should include any collection of computers that execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described herein, either individually or in combination.

[0138] In some embodiments, the computer system 700 includes a processing device 702, a volatile memory 704 (e.g., a random access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 706 (e.g., a read-only memory (ROM) or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and / or a data storage device 716, which communicate with each other via a bus 708.

[0139] In some embodiments, the processing device 702 is provided by one or more processors, such as a general-purpose processor (such as, in some examples, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor that implements other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor that implements a combination of various instruction sets) or a special-purpose processor (such as, in some examples, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor). In some embodiments, the processing device 702 is provided by one or more of a single processor, multiple processors, a single processor with multiple processing cores, and / or the like.

[0140] In some embodiments, the computer system 700 further includes a network interface device 722 (e.g., coupled to the network 774). In some embodiments, the computer system 700 includes one or more input / output (I / O) devices. In some embodiments, the computer system 700 further includes a video display unit 710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), an alphanumeric input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 714 (e.g., a mouse), and / or a signal generating device 720. According to embodiments described herein, the computer system 700 may be a controller and may utilize the signal generating device 720 to transmit control signals to components of the thermal energy storage system.

[0141] In some embodiments, the data storage device 718 (e.g., disk drive storage, fixed and / or removable storage, fixed disk drives, removable memory cards, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS), and / or storage area network (SAN)) includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium 724 on which are stored instructions 726 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, as well as instructions 526 for implementing the methods described herein. For example, in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6 The described functional methods may be stored as instructions 726 .

[0142] In some embodiments, the instructions 526 also reside, in whole or in part, within the volatile memory 702 and / or within the processing device 700 during execution of the instructions 726 by the computer system 704, and thus, in some implementations, the volatile memory 704 and the processing device 702 also constitute machine-readable storage media.

[0143] Although the computer-readable storage medium 724 is shown as a single medium in the illustrative example, the term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of executable instructions. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall also include any tangible medium that can store or encode a set of instructions for execution by a computer, which instructions cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include, but is not limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0144] The methods, components and features described herein may be implemented by decentralized hardware components, or may be integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented by firmware modules or functional circuits within a hardware device. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components or in a computer program.

[0145] Unless otherwise specifically stated, terms such as "actuate", "adjust", "cause", "control", "determine", "identify", "provide", "receive", "adjust", etc. refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by a computer system that manipulate data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within computer system registers and memories and convert them into physical quantities similarly represented within computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used herein are intended to be labels for distinguishing between different elements and may not have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0146] The examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. The apparatus may be specially configured to perform the methods described herein, or it may include a general-purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.

[0147] The methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general purpose systems may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized equipment to perform the methods described herein and / or their respective functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Architectural examples of various such systems are set forth in the description above.

[0148] The foregoing description presents many specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, etc., in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known components or methods are not described in detail, or are presented in a simple block diagram format to avoid unnecessary confusion of the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Specific embodiments may differ from these exemplary details and may still be expected to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0149] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics associated with the description of the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". When the terms "approximately", "substantially" or "approximately" are used herein, this means that the nominal values ​​presented are accurate to within ±10%. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used herein are meant to be labels that distinguish between different elements and do not necessarily have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0150] As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "between," "disposed on," and "on" refer to the relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. In some examples, a layer disposed on, over, or below another layer may be in direct contact with the other layer, or may have one or more intervening layers. Additionally, a layer disposed between two layers may be in direct contact with the two layers, or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless expressly stated otherwise, a feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent feature, or may have one or more intervening layers.

[0151] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method can be changed so that certain operations can be performed in reverse order, or so that certain operations can be performed at least partially simultaneously with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of different operations can be performed in an intermittent and / or alternating manner. In one embodiment, multiple metal bonding operations are performed as a single step.

[0152] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate rather than to limit. After reading and understanding the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full range of equivalents covered by each claim.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid, receive a second fluid, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid; a first heat exchanger configured to provide the first fluid to the pressure exchanger; a second heat exchanger configured to receive the first fluid from the pressure exchanger; a compressor configured to compress at least a portion of the first fluid output by the second heat exchanger; an electric energy generating device, the electric energy generating device being configured to convert energy of the first fluid outputted by the first heat exchanger into electric energy; First valve; as well as a processing device operably coupled to the first valve, wherein the processing device is configured to: in response to determining that the system is to operate in a first mode, causing the first valve to provide fluid flow to the pressure exchanger, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the compressor; as well as In response to determining that the system is to operate in a second mode, the first valve is caused to provide fluid flow to the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the electrical energy generating device.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a thermal energy storage medium in thermal communication with the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The thermal energy storage medium includes one or more of the following: Molten salt; sand; Natural or artificial rock; silicon; aluminum; Phase change materials; or Eutectic material.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that Further including: a first reservoir comprising a first portion of the thermal energy storage medium at a first temperature; a second reservoir comprising a second portion of the thermal energy storage medium at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; as well as A transfer system configured to transfer the second portion of the thermal energy storage medium from a second reservoir to the first reservoir, wherein the thermal energy storage medium is in thermal communication with the first heat exchanger while the second portion of the thermal energy storage medium is transferred via the transfer system.

5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: a reservoir, the reservoir comprising the thermal energy storage medium; A fluid transfer system includes a third fluid, wherein the fluid transfer system is configured to transfer heat between the first heat exchanger and the reservoir via the third fluid.

6. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The thermal energy storage medium includes one or more of the following: carbon dioxide; water; or Phase change material.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: a first reservoir comprising a first portion of the thermal energy storage medium at a first temperature; a second reservoir comprising a second portion of the thermal energy storage medium at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; as well as A transfer system configured to transfer the first portion of the thermal energy storage medium from a first reservoir to a second reservoir, wherein the thermal energy storage medium is in thermal communication with the second heat exchanger while the first portion of the thermal energy storage medium is transferred via the transfer system.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system in the first mode will operate as a heat pump; and The system in the second mode will operate as a heat engine.

9. A system comprising: a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid, receive a second fluid, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid; a heat exchanger configured to receive the first fluid from the pressure exchanger and exchange heat between the first fluid and a third fluid; a thermal storage medium in thermal communication with the third fluid; a cooling coil configured to exchange thermal energy between the third fluid and an environment proximate the cooling coil; as well as A pump is configured to circulate the third fluid between the thermal storage medium, the cooling coil, and the heat exchanger.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a gas cooler in thermal communication with the first fluid, wherein the system is configured to transfer heat from the thermal storage medium to an environment proximate the gas cooler when operating in the first mode.

11. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The thermal energy storage medium includes a water reservoir.

12. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a temperature sensor, wherein the system is configured to selectively operate the system in a first mode including operation of the pressure exchanger or a second mode including operation of the cooling coil based on data generated by the temperature sensor.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that Operation in the first mode includes actuating a valve to provide flow of the third fluid to bypass the cooling coil.

14. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a thermostatic valve, wherein operation in the second mode includes actuating the thermostatic valve to determine a first portion of the third fluid that exchanges thermal energy with the thermal storage medium.

15. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that Operation of the system in the first mode includes a charge cycle that reduces the temperature of the thermal storage medium, wherein operation of the system in the second mode includes a discharge cycle that transfers heat from the environment near the cooling coil to the thermal storage medium.

16. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The third fluid includes a water-ethylene glycol mixture.

17. A system comprising: a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid, receive a second fluid, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid; a first heat exchanger configured to provide the first fluid to the pressure exchanger, wherein the first heat exchanger is in thermal communication with a thermal storage medium; a second heat exchanger configured to receive the first fluid from the pressure exchanger, wherein the second heat exchanger is in thermal communication with a heat source; a heat sink in thermal communication with the thermal storage medium; and A processing device is configured to provide a control signal to cause the system to operate in a first mode or a second mode.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that Operation in the first mode includes a charge cycle that transfers heat from the heat source to the thermal storage medium, and operation in the second mode includes a discharge cycle that transfers heat from the thermal storage medium to the heat sink.

19. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that The thermal storage medium includes a phase change thermal storage medium.

20. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that Operation in the second mode includes circulating a heat transfer fluid to transfer heat from the thermal storage medium to the heat sink.

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