Heat storage device

Abstract

An electric heat storage device (1) comprising:-a thermally insulating housing (2) defining at least one main chamber (3) closed in the use state and at least thermally insulated from the external environment; -a heat accumulator (4) arranged inside the main chamber (3) and adapted to be heated by galvanic action or galvanic effect; -at least one heat exchanger (5) comprising a conduit adapted to pass a heat exchange fluid (6), the heat exchanger (5) being operatively connected with the heat accumulator (4) and being configured to receive heat from the heat accumulator (4) and to transfer heat to the heat exchange fluid (6); -a power supply group or power supply system (7) comprising at least a first and a second power supply terminal (7a, 7b) and configured to be powered in a state of use by a power source (200), preferably by a power grid and / or at least one of a generator, a photovoltaic cell or a solar panel, the power supply group or power supply system (7) being operatively coupled with the heat accumulator (4), and is configured to heat the heat accumulator (4) when power is supplied by a power supply group or a power supply system (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat storage devices, and more specifically to an electric heat storage device. Background Technology

[0002] A heat storage device is a device used to store thermal energy and release it to users when needed.

[0003] Heat storage devices accumulate thermal energy by heating an object (usually a solid or liquid, less often a gas). The ability of a material or substance to store thermal energy is reflected in its specific heat capacity; if the substance used for heat storage undergoes a phase change (for example, water changes from a liquid to a gas when it boils), its heat storage capacity will increase due to the latent heat.

[0004] Examples of thermal storage devices include conventional boiler water heaters, which are typically connected to the power grid and heat water through heat generated by resistance.

[0005] In addition, there are heat storage devices connected to fluid-driven solar panels. In the solar panels, circulating fluid absorbs solar heat, flows out of the solar panels, and is stored in the heat storage devices.

[0006] With energy costs continuing to rise, it is imperative to optimize the production methods of heating fluids, regardless of the specific application scenario. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to describe an electric thermal storage device that can store heat in an energy-optimized manner and transfer heat to a fluid.

[0008] The objectives of the present invention will now be explained through several key aspects that can be combined with each other or with specific embodiments and / or parts of the claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, an electric heat storage device (1) is first described, comprising:

[0010] - Insulating shell (2), which defines at least one main chamber (3) that is closed in use and at least thermally insulated from the external environment;

[0011] - A heat accumulator (4), which is arranged in the main chamber (3) and is adapted to be heated by electric current or electric current effect;

[0012] - At least one heat exchanger (5) including a conduit adapted to allow heat exchange fluid (6) to pass through, the heat exchanger (5) being operatively connected to the heat accumulator (4) and configured to receive heat from the heat accumulator (4) and transfer the heat to the heat exchange fluid (6).

[0013] - A power supply group or power supply system (7) including at least a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal (7a, 7b) and configured to be powered by a power source (200) in use, preferably by at least one of a power grid and / or a generator, a photovoltaic cell or a solar panel, the power supply group or power supply system (7) being operatively connected to the heat storage device (4) and configured to heat the heat storage device (4) when powered by the power supply group or power supply system (7).

[0014] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat accumulator (4) is configured to, at least during operation, preferably proportionally, transfer heat to the heat exchange fluid (6) flowing in the conduit of the heat exchanger (5).

[0015] According to another non-limiting aspect, the main chamber (3) isolates the gas present therein from the external atmosphere.

[0016] According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configured and specifically intended to constitute a module that, in use, is electrically connected to at least one of the power sources (200), preferably removably connected, and preferably electrically connected to at least one of the photovoltaic cells or at least one of the solar panels.

[0017] According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1), preferably the module, enables the conversion of the power source (200) into a heat storage source and / or a plug-and-play type.

[0018] According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is an integrated device, wherein the housing (2), the heat accumulator (4), the heat exchanger (5), and the power supply group or power supply system (7) are assembled in a single structure. According to another non-limiting aspect, the housing (2), the heat accumulator (4), the heat exchanger (5), and the power supply group or power supply system (7) are mutually constrained and can be moved, transported, or installed as a single component.

[0019] According to another non-limiting aspect, the housing (2) contains a thermally conductive fluid (8).

[0020] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat-conducting fluid (8) is placed under pressure.

[0021] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (5) is arranged at a position spaced apart from and not in contact with the heat accumulator (4).

[0022] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat transfer fluid (8) comes into contact with the heat accumulator (4) and the heat exchanger (5) in the use state and transfers heat from the heat accumulator (4) to the heat exchanger (5).

[0023] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchange fluid (6) and / or the heat conduction fluid (8) are liquids or gases.

[0024] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchange fluid (6) and / or the heat conduction fluid (8) comprises at least one of the following fluids: water, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sodium, methane derivatives, ethane derivatives, propane derivatives, butane derivatives, non-azeotropic mixtures, azeotropic mixtures, mixtures containing saturated hydrocarbons, mixtures containing inorganic compounds with a molar mass less than 100, or mixtures containing organic compounds with a molar mass greater than 100.

[0025] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) is substantially solid and / or rigid, and is made of substantially metallic material, optionally of ferrous and / or nonferrous material.

[0026] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) includes a set of granular elements, which may be made of metallic materials such as ferrous or nonferrous materials.

[0027] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) is configured to store heat using the specific heat capacity characteristics of the metallic material, optionally the ferrous material.

[0028] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) comprises a metal block that is essentially a single bulk material.

[0029] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) includes a plurality of mutually coupled elements (4e).

[0030] According to another non-limiting aspect, the element (4e) is juxtaposed.

[0031] According to another non-limiting aspect, the element (4e) is made of the metallic material, optionally an ferrous material.

[0032] According to another non-limiting aspect, each of the plurality of elements (4e) is substantially planar and / or sheet-like, and / or arranged adjacent to and separate from at least one additional element (4e) of the plurality of elements (4e).

[0033] According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of elements (4e) are aligned or juxtaposed on substantially parallel planes or on planes tilted at an angle of less than 10°, preferably 8°, to each other, specifically aligned along a direction substantially tilted to, preferably perpendicular to, each of the parallel planes.

[0034] According to another non-limiting aspect, the metal block includes at least one hole (4f) configured to allow the thermally conductive fluid (8) to pass through.

[0035] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat accumulator (4) is arranged in the main chamber (3).

[0036] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat accumulator (4) is located at a predetermined position within the main chamber (3).

[0037] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat accumulator (4) is located at a predetermined distance from the housing (2).

[0038] According to another non-limiting aspect, the housing (2) is configured to at least keep the main chamber (3) under pressure, particularly under pressure higher than ambient pressure.

[0039] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (5) includes a curved conduit.

[0040] According to another non-limiting aspect, the curved conduit is implemented as a planar serpentine tube or a basic three-dimensional shape extending substantially perpendicular to each other along at least a first direction and a second direction.

[0041] According to another non-limiting aspect, the curved conduit is configured to allow the heat exchange fluid (6) to flow.

[0042] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (5) includes a first terminal and a second terminal (5i, 5o), respectively configured to connect to a heat user (100) located outside the device (1) and / or at a remote location relative to the device (1).

[0043] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat user (100) absorbs heat from the heat exchange fluid (6) in the use state.

[0044] According to another non-limiting aspect, the power supply group or power supply system (7) includes an electric regulator configured to preferably automatically regulate the heating and / or temperature of the heat storage unit (4), and / or preferably automatically regulate the current absorption of the power source (200), preferably at least one of the photovoltaic cells or at least one of the solar panels.

[0045] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) is configured to reach a temperature of at least 300°C, preferably at least 400°C, more preferably at least 500°C, 600°C, or 1000°C, and / or the device (1) is configured to heat the heat exchange fluid (6) to a temperature of at least 90°C, at least 150°C, at least 300°C, or at least 450°C.

[0046] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (5) is part of the power supply group or power supply system (7) and / or integrated into the power supply group or power supply system (7).

[0047] According to another non-limiting aspect, the power supply group or power supply system (7) includes a radio frequency inductor (9).

[0048] According to another non-limiting aspect, the radio frequency inductor (9) includes an induction coil (9c) arranged around the heat storage device (4).

[0049] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (5) is part of the induction coil (9c), and / or the induction coil (9c) at least constitutes part of the heat exchanger (5).

[0050] According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) includes at least one forced fluid circulation device (14) configured to force the heat-conducting fluid (8) to flow within the main chamber (3).

[0051] According to another non-limiting aspect, the forced fluid circulation device (14) is configured to facilitate heat exchange between the accumulator (4) and the heat exchanger (5).

[0052] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) is arranged at a first height or between the first height and the second height.

[0053] According to another non-limiting aspect, the forced fluid circulation device (14) is arranged at a height below the first height, or at a height below both the first and second heights.

[0054] According to another non-limiting aspect, the forced fluid circulation device (14) includes a fan or a pump.

[0055] According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) includes an insulation (10), which is preferably substantially rigid and optionally made of a ceramic material. According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) is arranged within the main chamber (3).

[0056] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) is located at a predetermined distance relative to the heat storage device (4).

[0057] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) at least partially surrounds the heat storage device (4).

[0058] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat storage device (4) is substantially arranged inside the insulation body (10).

[0059] According to another non-limiting aspect, the radio frequency inductor (9) is substantially arranged outside the insulation (10).

[0060] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) is located at a predetermined position relative to the heat storage device (4), preferably substantially below the heat storage device (4), preferably at a height below the first height, or at a height below both the first and second heights.

[0061] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) defines a secondary chamber (3s) that is distinct from and leads to the main chamber (3).

[0062] According to another non-limiting aspect, the induction coil (9c) is located outside the insulation body (10) and partially surrounds the insulation body (10).

[0063] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat insulation body (10) serves as a support for the induction coil (9c).

[0064] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulating body (10) is made of a material suitable for allowing substantially the electromagnetic radiation induced by the induction coil (9c) to pass through.

[0065] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) is connected to the inner wall of the housing (2).

[0066] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) includes at least one first heat exchange hole (10f) that connects the main chamber (3) to the secondary chamber (3s).

[0067] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (5) is arranged in the secondary chamber (3s) and receives heat from the heat accumulator (4) through the at least one first heat exchange hole (10f).

[0068] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) includes a first heat exchange hole (10f) and a second heat exchange hole (10f).

[0069] According to another non-limiting aspect, the first heat exchange hole (10f) is arranged on the first side of the insulation body (10), and the second heat exchange hole (10f) is arranged on the second side of the insulation body (10).

[0070] According to another non-limiting aspect, the first side is opposite to the second side.

[0071] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) forms the bottom wall of the main chamber (3).

[0072] According to another non-limiting aspect, the forced fluid circulation device (14) is arranged substantially corresponding to the secondary chamber (3s) and forces the heat-conducting fluid (8) to flow from the main chamber (3) to the secondary chamber (3s) through the at least one first heat exchange hole (10f).

[0073] According to another non-limiting aspect, the forced fluid circulation device (14) is an electrically powered forced fluid circulation device.

[0074] According to another non-limiting aspect, the forced fluid circulation device (14) is electrically connected to and operated by the power supply group or power supply system (7).

[0075] According to another non-limiting aspect, the power supply group or power supply system (7) includes a data processing unit (7a) configured to:

[0076] - Automatically adjust the current absorbed by the power source (7), and / or

[0077] - To regulate the flow of the heat exchange fluid (6) within the heat exchanger (5), and / or

[0078] - Automatically adjust the rotational speed of the forced fluid circulation device (14);

[0079] Preferably, the data processing unit is configured to automatically adjust the current absorbed by the power source (7) and the rotational speed of the forced fluid circulation device (14) in a joint and / or interdependent and / or coordinated manner.

[0080] According to another non-limiting aspect, the heat accumulator (4) is configured to heat by the Joule effect.

[0081] According to another non-limiting aspect, the power supply group or power supply system (7) includes a power supply circuit terminating at the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal (7a, 7b).

[0082] According to another non-limiting aspect, the power supply group or power supply system (7) includes a first contact terminal and a second contact terminal (7c, 7d) respectively connected to a first part and a second part of the heat storage device (4), the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal (7c, 7d) being configured to allow current to flow inside the heat storage device (4) in use.

[0083] According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of elements (4e) are electrically connected in series.

[0084] According to another non-limiting aspect, the first contact terminal (7c) is electrically connected to the first element (4e) of the plurality of elements (4e), and the second contact terminal (7d) is connected to the second element (4e) of the plurality of elements (4e).

[0085] According to another non-limiting aspect, each element (4e) has a generally curved shape, or presents at least one, preferably multiple, “V” or “U” shape sequentially connected to each other at the ends of its legs.

[0086] According to another non-limiting aspect, the connection sequence provides a curved path for the current, preferably maximizing the resistance in the element (4e).

[0087] According to another non-limiting aspect, each element (4e) includes a first terminal portion (4b) and a second terminal portion (4c) respectively arranged on a first side and a second side of the element (4e).

[0088] According to another non-limiting aspect, the first side is opposite to the second side.

[0089] According to another non-limiting aspect, the first element (4e) and the second element (4e) are directly electrically connected at the first terminal portion (4b) or alternatively at the second terminal portion (4c).

[0090] According to another non-limiting aspect, in the case where the first, second, third, and fourth elements (4e) are defined:

[0091] - The first element (4e) and the second element (4e) are directly electrically connected at the first terminal portion (4b) and insulated and separated at the second terminal portion (4c).

[0092] - The second element (4e) and the third element (4e) are directly electrically connected at the second terminal portion (4c) and insulated and separated at the first terminal portion (4b).

[0093] According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) includes at least a plurality of spacers (11) disposed between the first element (4e) and the second element (4e).

[0094] According to another non-limiting aspect, the spacer (11) is preferably disc-shaped and / or planar.

[0095] According to another non-limiting aspect, the spacer (11) is electrically insulating.

[0096] According to another non-limiting aspect, the element (4e) includes at least one through hole (12) and an insulator (13) disposed in the through hole (12).

[0097] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulator (13) has an access hole. According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulator (13) is electrically insulating.

[0098] According to another non-limiting aspect, the size of the insulator (13) is smaller than the size of the through hole (12) of the element (4e).

[0099] According to another non-limiting aspect, the ratio of the size of the insulator (13) to the size of the through hole (12) is such that the size change of the through hole (12) due to thermal expansion or contraction caused by the heating of the element (4e) can be compensated. According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulation (10) may comprise at least one of the following materials: ceramic fiber, glass fiber, rock wool, especially compacted rock wool, aluminum silicate, refractory ceramics, high-temperature polyurethane, and silica aerogel.

[0100] According to another non-limiting aspect, the insulator (13) comprises at least one of the following materials: ceramic, bakelite, mica, mica sheet, and glass.

[0101] According to another non-limiting aspect, the radio frequency inductor (9) includes an impedance adapter configured to optionally adapt in real time to the impedance presented by the induction coil (9c).

[0102] According to another non-limiting aspect, the power supply group or power supply system (7) is configured to perform a DC to AC conversion and / or a frequency conversion of the AC power received at the input or fed at the output.

[0103] According to another non-limiting aspect, the through hole (12) is configured to accommodate a pull rod for compacting and maintaining the plurality of elements (4e) in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0104] According to the present invention, the use of an apparatus (1) according to one or more aspects described herein in conjunction with at least one solar panel is described.

[0105] According to the present invention, the use of the device (1) for generating heat and / or storing heat in the heat accumulator (4), and / or for releasing at least a portion of the heat stored in the heat accumulator (4) by means of the heat exchange fluid (6) is described.

[0106] According to another non-limiting aspect, the use includes supplying power to the power supply group or power supply system (7) via a power source (200).

[0107] According to another non-limiting aspect, the power supply is selectively activated based on electricity cost standards. Attached Figure Description

[0108] The following detailed description will be based on several preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. A brief description of the drawings follows.

[0109] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device involved in the present invention.

[0110] - Figure 2 is an exploded view of a device similar to that shown in Figure 1.

[0111] Figure 3 is a partial transparent perspective view of another embodiment of the device involved in the present invention.

[0112] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the device shown in Figure 3.

[0113] Figure 5 is a detailed top view of a portion of the heat accumulator in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0114] Figure 6 is a detailed view of a pair of plates that make up the heat accumulator.

[0115] Figure 7 is an exploded view showing how the plates are spaced apart from each other by spacers and how they maintain their relative spatial positions. Detailed Implementation

[0116] The present invention relates to an electric thermal storage device; the device is indicated by reference numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings.

[0117] The device 1 firstly includes an insulating shell 2, which defines at least one main chamber 3 that is closed in use and at least thermally insulated from the external environment. As will be clearly seen from the following description, the main chamber 3 isolates the gas present therein from the external atmosphere.

[0118] The device 1 includes a heat accumulator 4, which is adapted to be heated by the action of an electric current or the effect of an electric current.

[0119] As will be clearly seen from the following description, the current can be either direct current or alternating current.

[0120] The main chamber 3 of the shell 2 can maintain ambient pressure or be pressurized at room temperature (ideally 20°C to 25°C) or due to heating by the accumulator 4.

[0121] The material of the casing 2 can be, for example, aluminum silicate. The heat accumulator 4 is located inside the main chamber 3.

[0122] As can be clearly seen from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the heating of the heat accumulator 4 is achieved directly through the effect of the current, particularly through the Joule effect, or indirectly through electromagnetic induction.

[0123] The device 1 also includes a heat exchanger 5, which includes a conduit configured to allow the passage of the heat exchange fluid 6. As can be clearly seen from the above description, the heat exchanger 5 is heated by the heat stored in the heat accumulator 4, absorbs a portion of the heat from the heat accumulator 4, and transfers this portion of heat to the heat exchange fluid 6, which circulates and is cooled outside the device 1. Therefore, in operation, the circulation of the heat exchange fluid 6 in the heat exchanger 5 reduces the heat stored in the heat accumulator 4. This heat can be regained by reheating.

[0124] Therefore, the heat exchanger 5 is operatively coupled to the heat accumulator 4 and is configured to receive heat from the heat accumulator 4 and transfer the heat to the heat exchange fluid 6. Specifically, the heat accumulator 4 is configured to transfer heat to the heat exchanger, and then to the heat exchange fluid 6, based on the amount or flow rate of the fluid flowing within the conduit of the heat exchanger 6 during operation.

[0125] The device 1 also includes a power supply group or power supply system 7, which includes at least a first power supply terminal 7a and a second power supply terminal 7b.

[0126] The power supply group or power supply system 7 is operatively coupled to the heat storage device 4, specifically, it can be directly coupled (in the case where the heat storage device 4 is heated by the Joule effect) or indirectly coupled (in the case where the heat storage device 4 is heated by electromagnetic induction).

[0127] The power supply group or power supply system 7 is configured to heat the heat storage device 4 when power is supplied.

[0128] The first power supply terminal 7a and the second power supply terminal 7b are configured to be powered by the power supply 200 in use, preferably by at least one of the power grid and / or generator, photovoltaic cell or solar panel.

[0129] While theoretically the power source 200 can be any power source, using a photovoltaic cell or at least one solar panel to power the device 1 makes it a device configured and specifically intended to constitute a module that is electrically connected, preferably removably grounded, to at least one of the photovoltaic cells or the at least one solar panel in use.

[0130] The device 1 of the present invention can be advantageously activated to store heat when electricity prices are low; in one embodiment, the data processing unit of device 1 can be configured to activate device 1 at a set time when electricity prices are low. This makes heat storage not only thermodynamically efficient but also economically efficient.

[0131] In a non-limiting embodiment, device 1 is intended to be a plug-and-play module for existing photovoltaic installations and / or configured to be powered by the grid or an external generator. In this case, device 1 can be operated simply by connecting the terminals of the photovoltaic panels to the first power supply terminal 7a and the second power supply terminal 7b, and connecting the terminals of the heat exchanger 5 to additional circuitry, thereby generating a hot fluid.

[0132] Photovoltaic panels are highly sophisticated devices; to operate at their highest efficiency, they need to be connected to a circuit capable of absorbing at least a portion of the ideal current-generating circuitry. Photovoltaic panels must not be in a substantially open-circuit connection, especially under intense sunlight.

[0133] Solar panels can encounter various problems, including those caused by open circuits or overcurrent. An open circuit occurs when there is an interruption or disconnection in the solar panel's circuitry. In other words, solar energy is collected by the panel but cannot flow through the circuitry to be used or stored.

[0134] In an open-circuit state, current cannot flow, so the solar panel cannot generate electricity. The solar cells on the panel will continue to attempt to generate current, but this current cannot be consumed by any load. As a result, the solar panel will overheat. This can cause irreparable damage to the solar cells and the panel itself.

[0135] As a device for absorbing current that is not absorbed by the main load 300, device 1 can be well integrated into the existing system and can be connected in parallel with the main load 300.

[0136] The device 1 can be operated by induction heating of the heat storage 4 through the power supply group or power supply system 7, and heat is collected through the circulation of heat exchange fluid 6 in the heat exchanger 5.

[0137] Generally, for the purposes of this invention, the heat exchange fluid 6 or the heat conduction fluid 8 can be a fluid or a gas, such as water, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or sodium; more generally, the heat exchange fluid 6 and / or the heat conduction fluid 8 can be:

[0138] - Methane derivatives (R000).

[0139] - Ethane derivatives (R100).

[0140] - Propane-derived compounds (R200).

[0141] - Butane derivatives (R300).

[0142] - Non-azeotropic mixture (R400).

[0143] - Azeotropic mixture (R500)

[0144] - A mixture containing saturated hydrocarbons (R600).

[0145] - A mixture containing inorganic compounds with a molar mass of less than 100 (R700).

[0146] - A mixture containing organic compounds with a molar mass greater than 100 (R800).

[0147] According to the common features of the main design embodiments, the heat accumulator 4 is essentially solid and rigid, and is made primarily of a metallic material, preferably a ferrous material, more preferably stainless steel such as AISI 304, or a non-ferrous material, and is configured to store heat using the specific heat capacity characteristics of the metallic material. The heat accumulator can be implemented using a set of granular elements, which may be metallic, preferably ferrous or non-ferrous materials. These granular elements may be substantially the same size, or conversely, vary in size. These granular elements are enclosed in a single housing.

[0148] The heat accumulator 4 is further properly fixed inside the main chamber 3 and located at a predetermined specific position inside the main chamber, spaced apart from the wall of the housing 2.

[0149] Although not to be construed as a limitation, the heat accumulator 4 is configured to reach a temperature of at least 300°C, preferably at least 400°C, more preferably at least 500°C, 600°C, or 1000°C.

[0150] The apparatus 1 of the present invention is configured to heat the heat exchange fluid 6 to a temperature of at least 90°C, or at least 150°C, or at least 300°C, or at least 450°C.

[0151] The heat exchanger 5 can be implemented in various forms. However, it preferably includes a curved duct, particularly implemented as a serpentine tube arranged in a planar manner or in a basic three-dimensional shape extending substantially perpendicular to each other along at least a first direction and a second direction.

[0152] The conduit is configured to allow the heat exchange fluid 6 to flow.

[0153] The heat exchanger 5 includes a first terminal 5i and a second terminal 5o. These two terminals 5i and 5o are respectively configured to connect to a heat user 100 located outside the device 1 and / or at a remote location relative to the device 1, which absorbs heat from the heat exchange fluid 6 in operation.

[0154] Non-limiting examples of the heat user 100 include conventional water heaters, industrial heaters, underground environment heaters, air heaters, and passive heaters with fins.

[0155] The embodiment of device 1 described herein does not employ a flame to heat the metal block constituting the heat accumulator 4. Therefore, device 1 of the present invention can be used in a closed environment because it does not produce combustion products. Device 1 of the present invention can regulate the heat introduced into the heat accumulator 4 with extremely precise control. Furthermore, device 1 can rapidly heat the heat accumulator 4.

[0156] The size of device 1 and the amount of heat that the heat storage device 4 can store are easily scalable, both in design and in practice. Therefore, device 1 described herein can be used in small-scale domestic applications as well as larger-scale industrial applications.

[0157] The device 1 involved in this invention is an integrated device. Specifically, the housing 2, the heat accumulator 4, the heat exchanger 5, and the power supply group or power supply system 7 are assembled in a single structure, mutually constrained, and can be moved, transported, or installed as a single component.

[0158] First preferred embodiment and its variations

[0159] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in the first preferred embodiment, heat storage device heating is achieved through electromagnetic induction. For this purpose, the power supply unit or power supply system 7 includes a radio frequency inductor 9.

[0160] The radio frequency inductor 9 includes a control circuit 9a and an induction coil 9c arranged around the heat storage device 4.

[0161] Preferably, in this embodiment, the heat accumulator 4 comprises a metal block essentially formed from a single solid, which can be perforated as shown in FIG. 1. These holes are indicated by reference numeral 4f. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but in which the heat accumulator is formed from multiple juxtaposed metal blocks.

[0162] Specifically, the holes in the heat accumulator 4 are roughly aligned horizontally, allowing the heat-conducting fluid 8 to flow even inside the metal block structure; this technical feature makes heat exchange more uniform.

[0163] As can be clearly seen from Figure 2, the heat exchanger 5 is part of the induction coil 9c; it can be said that the induction coil constitutes at least part of the heat exchanger 5.

[0164] In practice, the heat exchanger 5 is made of a conductive metal material, preferably a hollow copper tube. Copper allows alternating current to pass through, thereby enabling electromagnetic induction on the heat storage 4, and copper is an excellent thermal conductor, thus allowing the heat exchange fluid 6 to pass through due to its cavity. It is sufficient that the first and second portions of the conduit are powered by the terminals of the radio frequency generator. These first and second portions are not necessarily the ends of the conduit; as shown in Figure 2, they extend beyond the radio frequency inductor 9, becoming the actual terminals of the heat exchanger 5 from which the heat exchange fluid 6 enters or exits in operation.

[0165] Observations revealed that using the hollow heat exchanger 5 as the induction coil 9c does not have a negative impact on electromagnetic induction. In fact, due to the well-known skin effect, the current density in the center of the conductor decreases with increasing frequency. Therefore, the absence of material in the center of the conduit does not have a significant adverse effect on the inductance efficiency.

[0166] The embodiments described herein preferably include an insulation 10, which is preferably substantially rigid and optionally made of a ceramic material.

[0167] Ceramic material was chosen because it does not significantly interfere with the radio frequency radiation acting on the metal block of the heat storage unit 4. This material can be equivalently replaced by any other material that allows radio frequency electromagnetic radiation to pass through without being significantly absorbed, while also ensuring adequate insulation.

[0168] As can be clearly seen from Figure 2, the insulation 10 is arranged in the main chamber 3 at a predetermined distance from the heat storage device 4.

[0169] The insulation 10 is surrounded by the inner sub-chamber 3i of the main chamber, particularly enclosing the heat accumulator 4, so that the heat accumulator is basically arranged inside the insulation 10.

[0170] Preferably, but not limitingly, the insulation 10 may be made of ceramic fiber (typically capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1400°C), or glass fiber, or rock wool (especially compacted rock wool), aluminosilicate, or refractory ceramic. High-temperature polyurethane may also be used to achieve the insulation 10, as it can withstand temperatures even higher than 500°C.

[0171] For specific applications, the insulation 10 may include silica aerogel, a material with a three-dimensional porous structure of silica nanoparticles. This silica aerogel can be incorporated into other types of materials, particularly robust materials, as silica aerogels are known to be brittle.

[0172] The radio frequency inductor is arranged outside the insulation 10. Specifically, the induction coil 9c surrounds the insulation 10 (and is therefore arranged outside the insulation 10), and the insulation 10 can serve as a support for the induction coil 9c. In the embodiment shown in FIG2, the insulation 10 includes a generally box-shaped structure having a parallelepiped or cubic shape (this is obviously not limiting) and having removable front and rear sidewalls 10r for inserting the heat accumulator 4.

[0173] The heat insulation body 10 is maintained at a predetermined distance from the housing 2; an external sub-cavity is formed between the housing 2 and the heat insulation body 10, and the induction coil 9c is arranged in the external sub-cavity.

[0174] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the induction coil 9c has a plurality of coils spaced apart from each other and axially aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the extension direction of the heat storage 4.

[0175] The installation of the insulation 10 (as mentioned above, not necessary but preferred) is based on the fact that temperatures close to or even higher than 1000°C can be generated on the metal block through electromagnetic induction; since the conduits of the heat exchanger 5 are preferably made of a metal material containing copper, the use of the insulation 10 can prevent the heat exchanger 5 from overheating without affecting the heat accumulator's ability to withstand extremely high heat loads.

[0176] Obviously, if the temperature of the heat accumulator 4 is compatible with the temperature of the heat exchanger 5 through appropriate limited electromagnetic induction, or if the manufacturing material of the heat exchanger 5 is compatible with the high temperature that the heat accumulator 4 can reach, then the installation of the insulation 10 may not be necessary, although this may mean that the production cost of the heat exchanger 5 is higher.

[0177] The shell 2 is made of a generally rigid material, and at least one of its inner walls is made of a highly heat-reflective material.

[0178] The outer portion of the shell 2 can be made of, for example, glass fiber or other basic rigid materials, thus forming a structure that is essentially thermally insulated and lightweight.

[0179] The remainder of the RF inductor 9 is arranged below the main chamber 3, and in a preferred embodiment, it is located outside the housing 2.

[0180] In operation, the current collected by the power supply 200 is appropriately processed by the radio frequency generator circuit and then fed into the induction coil 9c, thereby generating heat inside the heat storage unit 4. Specifically, if the power supply 200 generates direct current, the radio frequency generator will convert the direct current into alternating current. The frequency of the induced current in the induction coil 9c can be varied as needed, particularly through conversion.

[0181] Specifically, the designer is responsible for selecting a suitable power supply frequency for the induction coil 9c based on the materials used to manufacture the accumulator 4 and the achievable induction depth at a given frequency (especially before or after the Curie point). Typically, induction heating of small components requires higher operating frequencies (>50 kHz), while lower frequencies are more effective for induction heating of large components.

[0182] Although this technical solution is not shown in the figure, a forced fluid circulation device 14 may optionally be provided, which is configured to force the heat transfer fluid 8 to flow within the main chamber 3 and promote heat exchange between the heat accumulator 4 and the heat exchanger 5. The forced fluid circulation device 14 may be a fan (suitable for cases where the heat transfer fluid is a gas) or a pump (suitable for cases where the heat transfer fluid is a liquid or gel).

[0183] The forced fluid circulation device 14 is an electric forced fluid circulation device and is electrically connected to and operated by the power supply group or power supply system 7.

[0184] The RF inductor 9 may have an impedance matching circuit to match the impedance of the induction coil 9c according to the operating frequency of the RF generator; this reduces coupling losses and enables more efficient energy transfer from the RF inductor to the heat storage device.

[0185] Specifically, the impedance matching circuit can operate under the following conditions:

[0186] - Before the RF inductor 9 is energized, especially before the voltage inverter of the RF inductor 9 is energized, ensure that the impedance observed from the latter is adapted to the specific electrical characteristics presented by the induction coil 9c.

[0187] - During the energization of the RF inductor 9, the impedance observed from the voltage inverter is matched to the impedance of the induction coil 9c, which varies with the temperature of the induction coil 9c and the heat storage 4. Therefore, impedance matching can be performed essentially in real time.

[0188] Second preferred embodiment and its variations

[0189] Referring to Figures 3 and 4. In the second embodiment, heating of the heat accumulator 4 is achieved through the Joule effect. Heating of the heat accumulator is based on the fact that the power supply group or power supply system 7 includes a power supply circuit terminating at the first power supply terminal 7a and the second power supply terminal 7b, and further includes a first contact terminal 7c and a second contact terminal 7d respectively connected to the first part and the second part of the heat accumulator 4, the first contact terminal 7c and the second contact terminal 7d being configured to allow current to flow inside the heat accumulator 4 in the use state.

[0190] In one embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the heat accumulator 4 may include a metal block that is essentially a single, perforated body. In this case, it is sufficient to place the first power supply terminal 7a and the second power supply terminal 7b on a first and a second portion of the heat accumulator 4 body, respectively, which are far apart from each other, for example, two opposing portions (e.g., the upper left portion of the front section and the lower right portion of the rear section).

[0191] However, preferably, as shown in FIG3, the heat accumulator 4 includes a plurality of mutually coupled, particularly juxtaposed, elements 4e. The elements 4e are made of the metallic material, optionally an ferrous material.

[0192] Each of the plurality of elements 4e is substantially planar in shape and substantially sheet-like.

[0193] Each of the plurality of elements 4e is arranged adjacent to and separate from at least one additional element 4e among the plurality of elements 4e.

[0194] In the specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, a plurality of elements 4e are aligned or juxtaposed on substantially parallel planes or on planes tilted at an angle of less than 10°, preferably 8°, to each other, specifically aligned along a direction substantially tilted to, preferably perpendicular to, each of the parallel planes.

[0195] Component 4e is a modular component; the more of it there is, the larger the overall size of the heat storage 4 becomes. If all components 4e are of the same size, and each component has its own heat capacity determined by its own specific heat capacity, then the overall heat capacity available to the heat storage 4 is easy to adjust and can be adapted.

[0196] Furthermore, through the above configuration, the overall structure of the heat accumulator 4 is particularly complex, yet also particularly compact.

[0197] Since Joule heating is related to resistance, the embodiments described herein preferably include multiple elements 4e connected in series. The series connection ensures that the total resistance of the multiple elements 4e is equal to the sum of the resistances of each individual element.

[0198] Observations have shown that Joule-effect heating can be achieved not only with direct current but also with intermittent current, particularly sinusoidal alternating current. In this case, heating is caused by the average power supplied to the electrical load represented by the metal block, calculated using the following formula:

[0199] P = Veffleffcosφ

[0200] Where φ represents the phase shift angle between voltage and current.

[0201] In this case, assuming that the plurality of elements 4e includes only two elements, the first contact terminal 7c is electrically connected to the first element 4e of the plurality of elements 4e, and the second contact terminal 7d is connected to the second element 4e of the plurality of elements 4e (and more generally, the last element).

[0202] In order to maximize the resistance of each element 4e on its extended plane, each element 4e has a basically curved shape, or presents at least one, preferably multiple, “V” or “U” shapes that are sequentially connected to each other at the ends of its legs, so as to provide a curved path for the current, thereby maximizing the resistance between the two ends of the element 4e.

[0203] Notches 4k are provided in the “V” or “U” shaped grooves. These notches facilitate the proper flow of the heat transfer fluid 8, thereby optimizing the heat transfer from each element 4e to the heat exchanger 5, even when there is no contact between the element 4e and the heat exchanger 5.

[0204] As shown in Figure 4, each element 4e includes a first terminal portion 4b (left side) and a second terminal portion 4c (right side) respectively arranged on a first side and a second side of the element 4e. The first side is opposite to the second side.

[0205] The special configuration of the series connection of element 4e allows the first element 4e and the second element 4e to be directly electrically connected at the first terminal portion 4b or alternatively at the second terminal portion 4c. Refer to Figures 5, 6 and 7.

[0206] More precisely, given the definition of the first, second, third, and fourth elements 4e:

[0207] The first element 4e and the second element 4e are directly electrically connected at the first terminal portion 4b, and are insulated and separated at the second terminal portion 4c.

[0208] The second element 4e and the third element 4e are directly electrically connected at the second terminal portion 4c, and are insulated and separated at the first terminal portion 4b.

[0209] The third element 4e and the fourth element 4e are directly electrically connected at the first terminal portion 4b and are insulated and separated at the second terminal portion 4c.

[0210] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the direct connection between elements 4e is achieved by welding or bonding using a suitable highly conductive adhesive.

[0211] This special connection configuration allows the current to flow from left to right in the first element 4e when viewed from a perspective view of the heat storage 4, and from right to left in the second element 4e due to the direct connection, and then from left to right again in the third element 4e due to the direct connection, and so on.

[0212] To ensure that the component group has appropriate robustness, in a non-limiting embodiment, the device 1 includes a plurality of spacers 11 disposed between the components 4e, particularly between the first component 4e and the second component 4e.

[0213] As shown in Figure 4, the spacer 11 is generally disc-shaped and / or planar. The spacers 11 are made of electrically insulating materials, such as ceramic, bakelite, mica, mica board or glass, so as not to affect the aforementioned series connection, and also because they will contact the two adjacent elements even if they are in different positions from the parts that are directly electrically connected to the two adjacent elements 4e.

[0214] Component 4e includes a through-hole 12, and an insulator 13 is provided in the through-hole 12. The insulator 13 is in the form of a planar disk, but obviously this configuration should not be considered limiting.

[0215] The insulators 13 are electrically insulating, and they may also be made of materials such as ceramics, bakelite, mica, mica sheets or glass.

[0216] In a preferred embodiment, the insulator 13 is provided with an inspection hole, which is preferably circular.

[0217] In addition, the spacer 11 is also provided with corresponding access holes. Pull rods 18 are inserted into the access holes of the spacer 11 and the insulator 13. These pull rods are used to make the structure formed by the multiple elements 4e substantially compact and fixed, and in particular to keep the multiple elements 4e in a predetermined positional relationship.

[0218] The applicant observed that, due to heating caused by the current flow, element 4e can reach the aforementioned temperature range, which in turn causes a change in the size of element 4e, and consequently a change in the size of its through-hole. Therefore, the size of insulator 13 is smaller than the size of through-hole 12 of element 4e (see gap G in Figure 5).

[0219] The ratio of the size of the insulator 13 to the size of the through hole 12 allows the size change of the through hole 12 caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the element 4e due to heat to be compensated.

[0220] Observations revealed that the special positional relationship of element 4e allows the heat-conducting fluid 8 to flow even in the vertical direction, thereby promoting heat transfer through convection.

[0221] In one embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the heat exchanger 5 is disposed directly inside the main chamber 3, maintaining an appropriate distance from the plurality of elements 4e. Even in this case, the heat exchanger may include a hollow conduit made of, for example, copper or an equivalent material with excellent thermal conductivity, to ensure optimal heat transfer to the heat exchange fluid 6.

[0222] However, a preferred variation of the second embodiment is to use an insulation 10 located at a predetermined position relative to the heat accumulator 4, and preferably substantially below the heat accumulator 4.

[0223] The characteristics of the insulation 10 have been described above, so they will not be repeated here.

[0224] Since the heat accumulator is arranged between the first (lowest) height and the second (highest) height, the insulation 10 is arranged at a height lower than the first height and the second height.

[0225] The insulation 10 preferably forms a supporting plane below the heat accumulator 4, defining a secondary chamber 3s that is distinct from the main chamber 3 and leads to the main chamber 3.

[0226] The heat transfer fluid 8 can flow from the main chamber 3 to the secondary chamber 3s to transfer heat to the heat exchanger 5.

[0227] The insulation 10 is connected to the inner wall of the shell 2 and forms the bottom wall of the main chamber 3.

[0228] To facilitate the flow of the heat-conducting fluid 8, the insulation body 10 includes at least one first heat exchange hole 10f, which connects the main chamber 3 with the secondary chamber 3s.

[0229] The heat exchange hole 10f can be located on the side or periphery of the insulation body 10, or at the center of the insulation body 10.

[0230] The heat exchanger 5 is arranged in the secondary chamber 3s. In operation, it receives heat from the heat accumulator 4 through the heat exchange hole 10f via the heat-conducting fluid 8.

[0231] Specifically, when viewed from below, the insulation 10 has a distinctly concave profile, which allows the heat exchanger 5 to be housed within it, preferably housing the main body portion.

[0232] Figures 3 and 4 show a variant in which the insulation 10 includes a first heat exchange hole 10f and a second heat exchange hole 10f.

[0233] A first heat exchange hole 10f is arranged on a first side of the insulation body 10, and a second heat exchange hole 10f is arranged on a second side of the insulation body 10. The first side and the second side are opposite to each other.

[0234] In this case, the function of the insulation 10 is also to prevent the heat exchanger 5 from overheating.

[0235] A second embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention preferably includes a forced fluid circulation device 14, which is configured to force the heat-conducting fluid 8 to flow within the main chamber 3 and the secondary chamber 3s, and to promote heat exchange between the heat accumulator 4 and the heat exchanger 5. The forced fluid circulation device 14 can be a fan (suitable for cases where the heat-conducting fluid is a gas) or a pump (suitable for cases where the heat-conducting fluid is a liquid or gel). Figure 4 shows a configuration where the fan is a tangential flow fan. The forced fluid circulation device 14 is arranged at a height lower than the first height, or at a height lower than both the first height and the second height.

[0236] The forced fluid circulation device 14 is arranged substantially corresponding to the secondary chamber 3s, and forces the heat-conducting fluid 8 to flow from the main chamber 3 to the secondary chamber 3s through at least one first heat exchange hole 10f. In operation, after the heat-conducting fluid 8 transfers heat to the heat exchange fluid 6 flowing in the heat exchanger 5, it flows back to the main chamber 3 from the secondary chamber 3s through the second heat exchange hole 10f.

[0237] The forced fluid circulation device 14 is an electric forced fluid circulation device and is electrically connected to and operated by the power supply group or power supply system 7.

[0238] Preferably, but not limitingly, the power supply group or power supply system 7 includes a data processing unit 7a, which is configured to:

[0239] - Automatically adjust the current absorbed by the power supply 7, and / or

[0240] - To regulate the flow of the heat exchange fluid 6 within the heat exchanger 5, and / or

[0241] - Automatically adjust the rotational speed of the forced fluid circulation device 14.

[0242] Preferably, the data processing unit is configured to automatically adjust the current drawn from the power source 7 and the rotational speed of the forced fluid circulation device 14 in a joint and / or interdependent and / or coordinated manner.

[0243] This feature allows for the adjustment of the heat ultimately transferred to the heat exchange fluid in a particularly efficient and flexible manner, as it can compensate for rapid changes in current absorption demand, especially when the power source 200 is a solar cell or solar panel, and / or when the integral metal block constituting the heat storage unit 4 has thermal inertia.

[0244] The data processing unit or control unit may be a general-purpose processor specifically configured by software or firmware to perform one or more processing steps described herein; or it may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a dedicated processor, or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) specifically programmed to perform at least a portion of the process described herein.

[0245] The storage medium can be non-transitory and can be located inside or outside the processor, control unit, or data processing unit; specifically, it can be memory geographically distant from the electronic processor. The storage medium can also be physically divided into multiple parts or take the form of a "cloud," and the software or firmware can be physically located in or provided to geographically separated memory portions.

[0246] As described above, it is obvious that device 1 is an integrated module that can convert the power source 200 into a heat storage source, and is preferably plug-and-play; in fact, the device described herein can be put into operation simply by connecting the terminals 5i and 5o of the heat exchanger 5 to the power supply terminals of the user and the power supply group or power supply system 7.

[0247] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the reference numerals and markings in the following claims are only for the purpose of making the claims easier to understand and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0248] Finally, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can add to, modify or mutate the subject matter of this invention, but such additions, modifications or mutations still fall within the protection scope provided by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric thermal storage device (1), characterized in that, include: - Insulating shell (2), which defines at least one main chamber (3) that is closed in use and at least thermally insulated from the external environment; - A heat accumulator (4), which is arranged in the main chamber (3) and is adapted to be heated by electric current or electric current effect; - At least one heat exchanger (5) including a conduit adapted to allow heat exchange fluid (6) to pass through, the heat exchanger (5) being operatively connected to the heat accumulator (4) and configured to receive heat from the heat accumulator (4) and transfer the heat to the heat exchange fluid (6). - A power supply group or power supply system (7) including at least a first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal (7a, 7b) and configured to be powered by a power source (200) in use, preferably by at least one of a power grid and / or a generator, a photovoltaic cell or a solar panel, the power supply group or power supply system (7) being operatively coupled to the heat storage device (4) and configured to heat the heat storage device (4) when powered by the power supply group or power supply system (7).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main chamber (3) isolates the gas present therein from the external atmosphere. The device (1) is configured and specifically intended to form a module that, in use, is electrically connected to at least one of the power sources (200), preferably removably connected, and preferably electrically connected to at least one of the photovoltaic cells or at least one of the solar panels, to convert the power source (200) into a heat storage source and / or a plug-and-play type. The device (1) is an integrated device, wherein the housing (2), the heat accumulator (4), the heat exchanger (5) and the power supply group or power supply system (7) are assembled in a single structure, mutually constrained and capable of being moved, transported or installed as a single component; The housing (2) contains a heat-conducting fluid (8), the heat exchanger (5) is arranged at a position spaced apart from and not in contact with the accumulator (4), and the heat-conducting fluid (8) contacts the accumulator (4) and the heat exchanger (5) in use and transfers heat from the accumulator (4) to the heat exchanger (5). And the heat exchange fluid (6) and / or the heat conduction fluid (8) are liquids or gases, specifically including at least one of the following fluids: water, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, sodium, methane derivatives, ethane derivatives, propane derivatives, butane derivatives, non-azeotropic mixtures, azeotropic mixtures, mixtures containing saturated hydrocarbons, mixtures containing inorganic compounds with a molar mass less than 100, or mixtures containing organic compounds with a molar mass greater than 100.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat storage device (4) is substantially solid and / or rigid, and is made primarily of a metallic material, optionally of a ferrous and / or non-ferrous material, and is configured to store heat using the specific heat capacity characteristics of the metallic material, optionally of a ferrous material, wherein: - The heat storage device (4) comprises a metal block that is essentially a single solid piece, or - The heat storage device (4) includes a plurality of mutually coupled, particularly juxtaposed elements (4e), said elements (4e) being made of said metallic material, optionally an iron-based material; Optionally, each of the plurality of elements (4e) is substantially planar and / or sheet-like, and / or arranged adjacent to and separate from at least one additional element (4e) of the plurality of elements (4e), and / or the plurality of elements (4e) are aligned or juxtaposed on substantially parallel planes or on planes inclined at an angle of less than 10°, preferably 8° to each other, specifically aligned along a direction substantially inclined to, preferably perpendicular to, each of the parallel planes. Optionally, the metal block includes at least one hole (4f) configured to allow the thermal fluid (8) to pass through.

4. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (5) includes a curved conduit, preferably implemented as a planar serpentine tube or in a generally three-dimensional shape extending substantially perpendicular to each other along at least a first direction and a second direction, and wherein the curved conduit is configured to allow the heat exchange fluid (6) to flow. The heat exchanger (5) includes a first terminal and a second terminal (5i, 5o), which are respectively configured to connect to a heat user (100) located outside the device (1) and / or at a remote location relative to the device (1), the heat user (100) absorbing heat from the heat exchange fluid (6) in operation. Furthermore, the power supply group or power supply system (7) includes an electric regulator configured to preferably automatically regulate the heating and / or temperature of the heat storage unit (4), and / or preferably automatically regulate the current absorption of the power supply (200), preferably at least one of the photovoltaic cells or at least one of the solar panels. And the heat storage device (4) is configured to reach a temperature of at least 300°C, preferably at least 400°C, more preferably at least 500°C, 600°C, or 1000°C, and / or the device (1) is configured to heat the heat exchange fluid (6) to a temperature of at least 90°C, or at least 150°C, or at least 300°C, or at least 450°C.

5. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (5) is part of the power supply group or power supply system (7) and / or integrated into the power supply group or power supply system (7). The power supply group or power supply system (7) includes a radio frequency inductor (9), and the radio frequency inductor (9) includes an induction coil (9c) arranged around the heat storage device (4). The heat exchanger (5) is part of the induction coil (9c), and / or the induction coil (9c) at least constitutes part of the heat exchanger (5).

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Includes at least one forced fluid circulation device (14), which is configured to force the heat-conducting fluid (8) to flow within the main chamber (3) and promote heat exchange between the heat accumulator (4) and the heat exchanger (5); Among them, the following are preferred: - The heat storage device (4) is arranged at a first height or between the first height and the second height, and - The forced fluid circulation device (14) is arranged at a height below the first height, or at a height below both the first and second heights; and preferably the forced fluid circulation device (14) includes a fan or a pump.

7. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Includes an insulation body (10), which is preferably substantially rigid and optionally made of a ceramic material. The insulation (10) is arranged in the main chamber (3) and located at a predetermined distance relative to the heat accumulator (4); in: - The insulation (10) at least partially surrounds the heat storage device (4) and / or wherein the heat storage device (4) is substantially disposed inside the insulation (10) and the radio frequency inductor (9) is substantially disposed outside the insulation (10). or - The insulation (10) is located at a predetermined position relative to the heat storage device (4), preferably substantially below the heat storage device (4), preferably at a height below the first height, or at a height below the first height and the second height, and the insulation (10) defines a secondary chamber (3s) that is distinct from the main chamber (3) and leads to the main chamber (3). Preferably, the induction coil (9c) is located outside the heat insulation body (10) and partially surrounds the heat insulation body (10), and / or the heat insulation body (10) serves as a support for the induction coil (9c), and / or the heat insulation body (10) is made of a material suitable for allowing electromagnetic radiation induced by the induction coil (9c) to pass substantially through.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The insulation (10) is connected to the inner wall of the shell (2) and includes at least one first heat exchange hole (10f), which connects the main chamber (3) to the secondary chamber (3s). And the heat exchanger (5) is arranged in the sub-chamber (3s) and receives heat from the accumulator (4) through the at least one first heat exchange hole (10f); Preferably, the heat insulation body (10) includes a first heat exchange hole (10f) and a second heat exchange hole (10f). The first heat exchange hole (10f) is arranged on a first side of the heat insulation body (10), and the second heat exchange hole (10f) is arranged on a second side of the heat insulation body (10). Preferably, the first side is opposite to the second side, and the heat insulation body (10) constitutes the bottom wall of the main chamber (3). Preferably, the forced fluid circulation device (14) is arranged substantially corresponding to the secondary chamber (3s) and forces the heat-conducting fluid (8) to flow from the main chamber (3) to the secondary chamber (3s) through the at least one first heat exchange hole (10f). Preferably, the forced fluid circulation device (14) is an electric forced fluid circulation device, and is electrically connected to the power supply group or power supply system (7) and operated and controlled by it. Preferably, the power supply group or power supply system (7) includes a data processing unit (7a), which is configured to: - Automatically adjust the current absorbed by the power source (7), and / or - To regulate the flow of the heat exchange fluid (6) within the heat exchanger (5), and / or - Automatically adjust the rotational speed of the forced fluid circulation device (14); Preferably, the data processing unit is configured to automatically adjust the current absorbed by the power source (7) and the rotational speed of the forced fluid circulation device (14) in a joint and / or interdependent and / or coordinated manner.

9. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein when claim 3 is referenced, it is characterized in that: - The heat accumulator (4) is configured to heat via the Joule effect. - The power supply group or power supply system (7) includes a power supply circuit terminating at the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal (7a, 7b), and further includes a first contact terminal and a second contact terminal (7c, 7d) respectively connected to the first part and the second part of the heat storage device (4), the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal (7c, 7d) being configured to allow current to flow inside the heat storage device (4) in the use state. - The plurality of elements (4e) are electrically connected in series, the first contact terminal (7c) is electrically connected to the first element (4e) of the plurality of elements (4e), and the second contact terminal (7d) is connected to the second element (4e) of the plurality of elements (4e). Furthermore, each of the elements (4e) has a generally curved shape, or exhibits at least one, preferably multiple, "V" or "U" shapes sequentially connected to each other at the ends of its legs, in order to provide a curved path for the current, preferably maximizing the resistance in the element (4e). Each element (4e) includes a first terminal portion (4b) and a second terminal portion (4c) respectively arranged on a first side and a second side of the element (4e), the first side being opposite to the second side. The first element (4e) and the second element (4e) are directly electrically connected at the first terminal portion (4b) or alternatively at the second terminal portion (4c). Furthermore, in the case where the first, second, third, and fourth elements (4e) are defined: - The first element (4e) and the second element (4e) are directly electrically connected at the first terminal portion (4b) and insulated and separated at the second terminal portion (4c). - The second element (4e) and the third element (4e) are directly electrically connected at the second terminal portion (4c) and insulated and separated at the first terminal portion (4b).

10. The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, when claim 3 is referenced, it is characterized in that, It includes at least a plurality of spacers (11) disposed between the first element (4e) and the second element (4e). The spacer (11) is preferably disc-shaped and / or planar, and is electrically insulating; And / or the element (4e) therein includes at least one through hole (12) and an insulator (13) disposed in the through hole (12); The insulator (13) has an inspection hole and is electrically insulating. The size of the insulator (13) is smaller than the size of the through hole (12) of the element (4e). The ratio of the size of the insulator (13) to the size of the through hole (12) allows the size change of the through hole (12) caused by thermal expansion or contraction of the element (4e) due to heat to be compensated.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat storage device (4) is basically made of iron-based materials.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat storage device (4) is made of steel.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat storage device (4) is made of stainless steel.

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