Heat storage device and method for determining a thermal charge state of a heat storage device

Abstract

Heat storage device (100), comprising - a receiving container (102) for receiving a storage medium (104), wherein the storage medium (104) is or comprises a phase-change medium; - a heat transfer device (106) for supplying and / or removing heat to / from the storage medium (104); characterized by - a coupling device (152) for mechanically coupling the heat transfer device (106) with the receiving container (102) and / or the storage medium (104) that can be arranged therein; - a measuring device (160) for measuring a charge-state-dependent parameter of the heat storage device (100), wherein a force component can be measured by means of the measuring device (160) which acts at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity (156) on the heat transfer device (106).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heat storage device comprising a receiving container for receiving a storage medium and a heat transfer device for supplying and / or removing heat to / from the storage medium.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining a thermal state of charge of a heat storage device.

[0003] From DE 10 2013 110 117 A1 a heat storage device is known which has at least one heat storage block for storing heat energy and at least one removal device for removing stored energy, wherein the heat storage block and the removal device are designed separately and displaceable relative to one another.

[0004] Furthermore, US 2011 / 0271953 A1 shows a device for storing heat, comprising a heat storage medium which absorbs heat to store heat and releases heat to use the stored heat, and a container for receiving the heat storage medium, wherein the container is closed by a gas-tight lid and the device comprises volume compensation means to compensate for an increase in volume of the heat storage medium due to a rise in temperature and an increase in volume due to a decrease in temperature. The invention is based on the object of providing a heat storage device of the type mentioned above, in which a thermal charge state of the heat storage device can be determined in a technically simple manner.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention in the heat storage device mentioned above by a coupling device for mechanically coupling the heat transfer device to the receiving container and / or the storage medium that can be arranged therein, wherein the storage medium is or comprises a phase-change medium. The heat storage device comprises a measuring device for measuring a charge-state-dependent parameter of the heat storage device, wherein a force component can be measured by means of the measuring device, which acts on the heat transfer device at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0006] The heat storage device comprises the storage medium for storing heat, wherein the storage medium is or comprises a phase-change medium. By supplying and / or removing heat to / from the storage medium, heat can be stored in the heat storage device or stored heat can be removed from it. The supply and / or removal of heat to / from the storage medium can be achieved by means of the heat transfer device.

[0007] In particular, it is provided that a thermal charge state of the storage medium of the heat storage device is determined by means of the measuring device.

[0008] In particular, components of the heat transfer device protrude into an interior space of the receiving container. This allows thermal and / or mechanical contact to be established with the storage medium when the latter is arranged in the receiving container.

[0009] In particular, the heat transfer device is in thermal and / or mechanical contact with the storage medium in an operating state and / or use state of the heat storage device.

[0010] For example, in an operating state and / or in use state of the heat storage device, the heat transfer device is at least partially immersed in the storage medium. This means that the heat transfer device is at least partially surrounded by the storage medium and / or is at least partially arranged within the storage medium and / or is at least partially mechanically contacted by the storage medium.

[0011] In particular, a heat transfer fluid can flow through the heat transfer device. The heat transfer fluid can be used to supply heat to or remove heat from the heat storage device.

[0012] The receptacle has, in particular, a wall surrounding an interior space, wherein the storage medium is arranged and / or can be arranged in the interior space. The wall of the receptacle is, in particular, designed to be at least approximately rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal central axis of the receptacle.

[0013] The receiving container is, for example, at least approximately hollow-cylindrical in shape.

[0014] Fluid guide paths of the heat transfer device run in particular through an opening of the receiving container positioned at an upper end region of the receiving container into the interior of the receiving container and / or out of the interior of the receiving container.

[0015] The upper end region of the receiving container is in particular opposite a bottom region of the receiving container.

[0016] The heat transfer device comprises, for example, one or more pipes that run through the opening of the receiving container into the interior. By means of the pipes, a heat transfer fluid flowing through the heat transfer device can be guided through the interior of the receiving container in a fluidly separated manner from the storage medium.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the heat transfer device is mechanically connected to the receiving container by means of the coupling device. Forces acting on the heat transfer device are, in particular, absorbed by the coupling device and / or transferred to the coupling device. Forces acting on the heat transfer device include, for example, gravitational forces and / or weight forces.

[0018] During a thermal discharge process, for example, storage medium accumulates on the heat transfer device. This changes the forces acting on the heat transfer device and / or the coupling device. The forces acting on the coupling device and / or the change in the forces acting on the coupling device are measured, for example, using the measuring device.

[0019] In particular, it is provided that the mechanical connection between the heat transfer device and the receiving container is established exclusively via the coupling device. For example, forces acting on the heat transfer device are transferred to the receiving container exclusively via the coupling device.

[0020] In particular, a fluid guide device of the heat transfer device is mechanically decoupled from the receiving container by means of the coupling device. The fluid guide device comprises, for example, fluid guide paths through which a heat transfer fluid can flow. The fluid guide paths are designed, for example, as pipes.

[0021] It is advantageous if the heat transfer device is arranged so as to be movable and / or displaceable and / or deflectable relative to the receiving container and / or relative to the storage medium by means of the coupling device.

[0022] For example, it may be advantageous if the heat transfer device is arranged by means of the coupling device so as to be movable and / or displaceable and / or deflectable at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity relative to the receiving container and / or relative to the storage medium.

[0023] It may be advantageous if the heat transfer device is mechanically coupled to the receiving container by means of one or more spring elements.

[0024] The coupling device comprises, for example, one or more elastic spring elements connected to the heat transfer device and / or the receiving container. This allows the heat transfer device to be arranged so that it can move relative to the storage medium.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the heat storage device, a force component can be measured by means of the measuring device, which acts on the heat transfer device and / or the receiving container at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity. The force component can be measured directly and / or indirectly by means of the measuring device, for example. The measurable force component is, for example, the weight force or a portion of the weight force acting on the heat transfer device and / or the receiving container and / or on pipes and / or on storage medium attached to pipes and / or on heat transfer fluid present in pipes.

[0026] During operation of the heat storage device, the storage medium progressively changes from a liquid to a solid state, for example during a thermal discharge process. During the thermal discharge process, storage medium is therefore deposited and / or separated on the heat transfer device. Since the solid storage medium deposited on the heat transfer device has a different mass density than the liquid storage medium surrounding the solid storage medium, the weight force acting on the heat transfer device and / or the receiving container changes during the discharge process. By measuring the weight force acting on the heat transfer device and / or the receiving container, the thermal charge state of the heat storage device can be determined.

[0027] In particular, it can be provided that the measuring device comprises at least one force measuring element which is elastically deflectable and / or deformable and / or measures an elastic deflection and / or deformation.

[0028] Elastically deflectable and / or elastically deformable means that the at least one force measuring element returns at least approximately to its original shape and / or its original position after deflection and / or deformation by means of a force and subsequent removal of the force.

[0029] The at least one force measuring element exhibits, for example, a linear elastic behavior.

[0030] The at least one force measuring element is or comprises, for example, an elastically deformable metal element.

[0031] The at least one force-measuring element comprises, for example, at least one elastic spring element whose deflection is measured. A force acting on the heat transfer device is determined, for example, using the measured deflection of the at least one spring element.

[0032] The at least one force measuring element is designed, for example, as a spring force gauge.

[0033] In particular, it can be provided that the measuring device has at least one force measuring element which is designed as an electronic force measuring element.

[0034] The measuring device comprises, for example, at least one force measuring element which is designed as a piezoelectric sensor and / or carries out a force measurement based on a piezoelectric effect.

[0035] The measuring device comprises, in particular, a plurality of force-measuring elements. The measurement of a force component is carried out, in particular, by averaging the measured values ​​recorded by the respective force-measuring elements. This allows force measurement to be carried out with particularly high accuracy.

[0036] In one embodiment, the measuring device comprises at least one distance measuring element for measuring a distance between the heat transfer device and the receiving container. Using the at least one distance measuring element, for example, a distance between a point on the heat transfer device and a point on the receiving container is measured. This allows, for example, a deflection of an elastic spring element to be measured.

[0037] In particular, a distance direction of the measured distance is oriented at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0038] It is advantageous if the measuring device comprises at least one force measuring element, which is designed as a compressive force measuring element and / or a tensile force measuring element. One or more compressive force measuring elements can be arranged, for example, in a connection area for connecting the heat transfer device to the receiving container. For example, one or more compressive force measuring elements are clamped between the heat transfer device and the receiving container within the connection area.

[0039] For example, it can be provided that several force measuring elements are arranged in a ring-shaped and / or circular manner within the connection area.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the heat transfer device is suspended, for example, by means of one or more tensile force measuring elements. The tensile force measuring elements are connected, for example, to the heat transfer device on the one hand and to a holding device on the other. This holding device is fixed, for example, to the ceiling of a room in which the heat storage device is arranged. Weight forces acting on the heat transfer device are determined, for example, based on a deflection of the tensile force measuring element.

[0041] It may be advantageous if the heat transfer device is mechanically connected to the receiving container by means of the coupling device, and if a connecting region for connecting the heat transfer device to the receiving container is arranged at an upper end region of the receiving container. Forces acting on the heat transfer device are, in particular, absorbed by the coupling device and / or transferred to the receiving container by means of the coupling device.

[0042] The heat transfer device is positioned by means of the coupling device, for example, above a bottom area of ​​the receiving container.

[0043] It may be advantageous if the measuring device comprises at least one force measuring element and / or at least one distance measuring element and if the at least one force measuring element and / or the at least one distance measuring element are arranged in a connection region for connecting the heat transfer device to the receiving container.

[0044] The at least one force measuring element and / or the at least one distance measuring element are arranged, for example, between the heat transfer device and the receiving container.

[0045] It may be advantageous if the heat transfer device has at least one cover element for closing the receiving container, wherein a fluid guide device of the heat transfer device is fixed to the at least one cover element.

[0046] For example, the fluid guide device of the heat transfer device is held on the at least one cover element and / or fixed to the at least one cover element. In particular, it is provided that the fluid guide device of the heat transfer device is guided through the at least one cover element.

[0047] The heat transfer device can be connected to a connecting element of the receiving container in particular by means of the at least one cover element.

[0048] A collecting device and / or pipes of the heat transfer device are, for example, fixed to the at least one cover element. The pipes are, for example, routed through the at least one cover element.

[0049] The at least one lid element has, for example, an annular and / or circular cross-section, wherein a cross-sectional direction is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a longitudinal central axis of the receiving container.

[0050] It may be advantageous if the receiving container has at least one connecting element for securing the heat transfer device to the receiving container, wherein the at least one connecting element is connected to a wall of the receiving container that surrounds an interior space of the receiving container. For example, a cover element of the heat transfer device can be connected to the at least one connecting element of the receiving container.

[0051] The at least one connecting element forms, for example, an edge of the receiving container, wherein the edge is arranged at an upper end region of the receiving container.

[0052] In particular, it can be provided that the at least one connecting element is connected in one piece to the wall of the receiving container and / or is formed integrally on the wall of the receiving container.

[0053] The at least one connecting element is arranged in particular at an upper end region of the receiving container and / or encloses an opening of the receiving container.

[0054] In particular, it is provided that the at least one connecting element lies at least approximately in a radial plane which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a longitudinal central axis of the receiving container.

[0055] For example, the at least one connecting element extends radially outwards.

[0056] It can be provided that the at least one connecting element projects beyond the boundaries of the interior of the receiving container in the direction of the radial plane.

[0057] The at least one connecting element has, for example, a side facing away from an interior of the receiving container, wherein the side is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a longitudinal central axis of the receiving container.

[0058] The side of the at least one connecting element is positioned, for example, facing a cover element of the heat transfer device.

[0059] The side of the at least one connecting element is in particular flat.

[0060] The at least one connecting element is in particular ring-shaped and / or circular and / or designed as a circular disc.

[0061] It may be advantageous if the at least one connecting element is designed as a flange which is positioned at an upper end region of the receiving container and encloses an opening of the receiving container.

[0062] It can be provided that the measuring device comprises at least one force measuring element and / or at least one distance measuring element, that the heat transfer device is connected to at least one connecting element of the receiving container by means of a cover element, and that the at least one force measuring element and / or the at least one distance measuring element are arranged between the cover element and the connecting element. By positioning the at least one force measuring element and / or the at least one distance measuring element between the cover element and the connecting element, a force acting on the heat transfer device can be measured, for example.

[0063] In particular, the at least one force measuring element and / or the at least one distance measuring element are fixed to the cover element and / or to the at least one connecting element.

[0064] In particular, it can be provided that at least one sealing element is positioned between the at least one connecting element and the cover element. The at least one force measuring element and / or the at least one distance measuring element are in particular integrated into the at least one sealing element.

[0065] The at least one sealing element is designed, for example, as a sealing ring. This sealing ring is arranged and / or formed, for example, at least approximately rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal center axis of the receiving container.

[0066] It may be advantageous if the heat transfer device has a fluid guide device for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the heat transfer device, wherein fluid guide paths of the fluid guide device run into an interior of the receiving container through an opening in the receiving container covered by a lid element and run out of the interior through the same opening in the receiving container. For example, thermal and / or mechanical contact can be established between the fluid guide device of the heat transfer device and the storage medium. The accumulation and / or deposition of solid storage medium on the fluid guide device leads, in particular, to a change in the gravitational force acting on the heat transfer device.

[0067] Fluid guide paths are fluid-carrying components of the heat transfer device through which a heat transfer fluid can flow. The fluid guide paths are or include, for example, pipes and / or at least one heat transfer element.

[0068] For example, the heat transfer fluid can flow into the interior of the receptacle through an opening positioned at an upper end region of the receptacle, fluidly separated from the storage medium, and can flow out of the interior through the opening of the receptacle, fluidly separated from the storage medium. The heat transfer fluid can be passed, for example, through the opening positioned at the upper end region of the receptacle.

[0069] The heat transfer device comprises, in particular, at least one heat transfer element, which, in an operating state of the heat storage device, is in direct mechanical and / or thermal contact with the storage medium. The heat transfer device has, for example, a plurality of pipes that are fluidly connected to the at least one heat transfer element and that are, in particular, in direct mechanical and / or thermal contact with the storage medium.

[0070] The at least one heat transfer element is in particular connected to the pipes and / or fixed to the pipes.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment of the heat storage device, the coupling device comprises a holding device by means of which the heat transfer device is suspended. The heat transfer device is arranged, for example, freely suspended within a room by means of the holding device.

[0072] In particular, it can be provided that the heat transfer device is arranged above a bottom region of the receiving container by means of the holding device and / or is suspended in the receiving container by means of the holding device.

[0073] It may be advantageous if the heat transfer device is secured to a ceiling area of ​​a room by means of a support device. The support device is connected, for example, to the ceiling area on the one hand and the heat transfer device on the other.

[0074] Alternatively, the holding device can be a crane or comprise a crane. The heat transfer device, for example, is suspended from the crane.

[0075] According to the invention, a method is provided for determining a thermal state of charge of a heat storage device, comprising a heat transfer device which is at least partially immersed in a storage medium by means of a coupling device and / or is mechanically coupled to a receiving container for receiving the storage medium, wherein the storage medium is or comprises a phase change medium; wherein in the method, a state of charge-dependent parameter of the heat storage device is measured, wherein the state of charge-dependent parameter is a force component acting at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, which acts on the heat transfer device of the heat storage device, and a thermal state of charge of the heat storage device is determined based on the measured parameter.

[0076] The method according to the invention preferably has one or more of the features and / or advantages described in connection with the heat storage device according to the invention.

[0077] The method according to the invention is preferably carried out during a thermal discharge process of the storage medium of the heat storage device.

[0078] The state-of-charge-dependent parameter is a force component acting at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, which acts on the heat transfer device and / or on a receiving container of the heat storage device. The storage medium is preferably arranged within the receiving container. In particular, it is provided that the force component is measured during a thermal discharge process of the storage medium.

[0079] In particular, the magnitude of the measured force component during the thermal discharge process increases over time at least approximately monotonically and / or steadily and / or continuously.

[0080] For example, the thermal state of charge of the heat storage device is calculated from the measured state of charge dependent parameter using known calibration data.

[0081] Preferably, the method is used to determine a current thermal charge state of the heat storage device.

[0082] It may be advantageous if the state-of-charge-dependent parameter is the filling level of the receiving container with liquid and / or solid storage medium. The height direction of a measured filling level is, in particular, oriented at least approximately parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the receiving container.

[0083] The storage medium is or comprises a phase-change medium. The phase-change medium comprises, in particular, a nitrate salt or a mixture of different nitrate salts. It comprises, for example, sodium nitrate and / or potassium nitrate and / or lithium nitrate. By using different mixtures of the aforementioned substances, the melting point of the phase-change medium can be varied, for example.

[0084] Alternatively, the phase change medium comprises, for example, paraffin.

[0085] Pipes of the heat transfer device are made in particular of heat-resistant steel.

[0086] The heat storage device can be used in particular as a thermal heat storage device and / or heat buffer for industrial applications, such as for the efficient utilization of waste heat. The heat storage device can be used, for example, as an energy storage device in combined heat and power plants.

[0087] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0088] The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment of a heat storage device comprising a measuring device for measuring a thermal state of charge of the heat storage device; Fig. 2 a detailed view of area I according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a schematic cross section of a further embodiment of a heat storage device in which a heat transfer device of the heat storage device is arranged freely suspended by means of a holding device.

[0089] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0090] An embodiment of a heat storage device which is used in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 and designated there by 100, comprises a receiving container 102 for receiving a storage medium 104. The storage medium 104 is or comprises a phase change medium.

[0091] Heat can be stored within the heat storage device 100 by means of the storage medium 104. For supplying and / or removing heat to / from the storage medium 104, the heat storage device 100 comprises a heat transfer device 106.

[0092] The heat transfer device 106 comprises a fluid guide device 108, by means of which a heat transfer fluid 110 can flow through the heat transfer device 106. The fluid guide device 108 has fluid guide paths 112 for the heat transfer fluid 110 to flow through the heat transfer device 106.

[0093] The fluid guide paths 112 are designed, for example, as pipes 114 through which the heat transfer medium 110 can flow.

[0094] In particular, pipes 114 run through an opening 116 of the receiving container 102 into an interior space 118 of the receiving container 102 and out of the interior space 118 through the same opening 116.

[0095] The storage medium 104 is preferably arranged in the interior space 118.

[0096] The opening 116 is formed in particular at an upper end region 120 of the receiving container 102. The upper end region 120 lies opposite a bottom region 122 of the receiving container 102. This bottom region 122, for example, in an operating state of the heat storage device 100, faces a floor of a room in which the heat storage device 100 is installed.

[0097] By means of the fluid guide device 108, the heat transfer fluid 110 can flow into the interior space 118 and out of the interior space 118. The inflow of the heat transfer fluid 110 into the interior space 118 and / or the outflow of the heat transfer fluid 110 from the interior space 118 takes place by means of the fluid guide device 108 in a fluidically separated manner from the storage medium 104.

[0098] The heat transfer fluid 110 can flow into the interior space 118 through the opening 116 by means of the fluid guide device 108 and can flow out of the interior space 118 through the same opening 116.

[0099] The fluid guide device 108 of the heat transfer device 106 has a heat transfer element 124 which is fluidly connected to the pipes 114.

[0100] The heat transfer element 124 is arranged in the interior space 118 of the receiving container 102. The heat transfer element 124 is, for example, mechanically fixed to the pipes 114 and / or held by the pipes 114 in the interior space 118 of the receiving container 102.

[0101] The pipes 114 and / or the heat transfer element 124 are at least partially immersed in the storage medium 104.

[0102] The pipes 114 and / or the heat transfer element 124 are at least partially in thermal contact with the storage medium 104. As a result, heat can be supplied to the storage medium 104 and / or heat can be removed from it by means of the heat transfer device 106.

[0103] It can be provided that the heat transfer device 106 has a collecting container 126 which is fluidly connected to the pipes 114 and which is in particular mechanically fixed to the pipes 114.

[0104] By means of the collecting container 126, heat transfer fluid 110 can be supplied to the pipes 114 and / or distributed to different pipes 114.

[0105] The pipes 114 run, for example, between the collecting tank 126 and the heat transfer element 124. By means of the pipes 114, a fluid-effective connection is established between the collecting tank 126 and the heat transfer element 124.

[0106] By means of the pipes 114, heat transfer fluid 110 can be supplied to the heat transfer element 124 and / or heat transfer fluid 110 can be removed from the heat transfer element 124. The heat transfer fluid 110 is supplied to the heat transfer element 124, for example, via the collecting device 126 and / or via the pipes 114 fluidly connected to the collecting device 126. The heat transfer fluid 110 can be removed from the heat transfer element 124, for example, through another pipe 114, which is also fluidly connected to the heat transfer element 124.

[0107] In particular, it can be provided that one or more pipelines 114 have valves 128, by means of which a flow of heat transfer fluid 110 through the pipelines 114 can be controlled and / or regulated. This allows, for example, an inflow and / or outflow of heat transfer fluid 110 to / from the heat transfer element 124 to be controlled and / or regulated.

[0108] The receiving container 102 is, for example, at least approximately hollow-cylindrical in shape. The receiving container 102 is, in particular, at least approximately rotationally symmetrical to a longitudinal central axis 130.

[0109] The interior space 118 of the receiving container 102 is surrounded by a wall 132. For example, the interior space 118 is enclosed by the wall 132 on five sides with respect to the six spatial directions.

[0110] The wall 132 comprises a floor element 134 arranged in the floor area 122, by means of which the interior space 118 in the floor area 122 is closed.

[0111] The receiving container 102 has a connecting element 136 arranged at the upper end region 120, which encloses the opening 116 of the receiving container 102, which is also positioned at the upper end region 120. The connecting element 136 is, for example, circular in shape. The connecting element 136 is, for example, designed as a flange 138.

[0112] The connecting element 136 and / or the flange 138 form, for example, an upper edge 139 and / or an upper end 140 of the receiving container 102.

[0113] The connecting element 136 is in particular a component of the wall 132 and / or is integrally connected to the wall 132.

[0114] In particular, the connecting element 136 extends radially outward. The connecting element 136 protrudes beyond the boundaries of the interior space 118, in particular along a radial plane 142. The radial plane 142 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis 130 of the receiving container.

[0115] The connecting element 136 comprises, in particular, an upper side 144, which is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis 130. The upper side 144 is, in particular, flat.

[0116] The heat storage device 100 comprises support elements 146 for supporting and / or positioning the heat storage device 100 on a floor. The support elements 146 are connected in particular to the connecting element 136 of the receiving container 102.

[0117] In particular, it is provided that the support elements 146 extend from the connecting element 136 to the bottom region 122.

[0118] For example, a plurality of support elements 146 are provided, which are arranged distributed along a circumferential direction of the receiving container 102.

[0119] The connecting element 144 has a bottom side 148 opposite the top side 144, which faces the bottom region 122 of the receiving container 102.

[0120] The support elements 146 are connected in particular to the underside 148 with the connecting element 136 and / or fixed to the connecting element 136.

[0121] The heat transfer device 106 comprises a lid element 150 for closing the receiving container 102. The receiving container 102 is closed, for example, by means of the lid element 150 at the upper end region 120.

[0122] The fluid guide device 108 and / or the pipes 114 are fixed to the cover element 150. The fluid guide device 108 and / or the pipes 114 are, for example, inserted through and / or passed through the cover element 150.

[0123] The heat transfer device 106 is mechanically coupled to the receiving container 102 and / or the storage medium 104 arranged therein by means of a coupling device 152.

[0124] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a connecting region 154 is provided in which the receiving container 102 is mechanically connected to the heat transfer device 106. The connecting region 154 is arranged in particular at the upper end region 120 of the receiving container 102.

[0125] The fluid guide device 108 of the heat transfer device 106 extends into the interior space 118 of the receiving container 102. The fluid guide device 108 is partially immersed in the storage medium 104.

[0126] Forces acting on the heat transfer device 106 are at least partially absorbed by the coupling device 152 and / or transferred to the receiving container 102.

[0127] In one embodiment of the heat storage device 100, it is provided that the heat transfer device 106 is arranged so as to be displaceable and / or deflectable relative to the receiving container 102 by means of the coupling device 152. The heat transfer device 106 is arranged, in particular, so as to be displaceable and / or deflectable relative to the storage medium 104 by means of the coupling device 152, at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity 156.

[0128] The coupling device 152 comprises, for example, one or more spring elements 158 arranged within the connecting region 154. The spring elements 158 are arranged, in particular, between the upper side 144 of the connecting element 136 and the cover element 150. The spring elements 158 are, for example, fixed both to the upper side 144 and to the cover element 150.

[0129] For example, a sealing element 159 is arranged in the connecting region 154. The sealing element 159 is arranged between the cover element 150 and the connecting element 136.

[0130] By means of the sealing element 159, the interior 118 of the receiving container 102 is fluidly sealed and / or closed at the connecting region 154.

[0131] The sealing element 159 is, for example, annular and / or circular. The sealing element 159 is, in particular, designed and / or arranged at least approximately rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal center axis 130 of the receiving container 102.

[0132] It can be provided that one or more spring elements 158 are integrated into the sealing element 159.

[0133] The heat storage device 100 comprises a measuring device 160 for determining a thermal state of charge of the heat storage device 100. The measuring device 160 measures a state-of-charge-dependent parameter of the heat storage device 100.

[0134] In an advantageous embodiment of the heat storage device 100, the measuring device 160 measures a force component acting on the heat transfer device 106, which is oriented at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity 156. For example, the measuring device 160 measures at least a portion of a weight force acting on the heat transfer device 106.

[0135] The measuring device 160 comprises at least one force measuring element 162 for measuring the force component. The force measuring element 162 is arranged, for example, in the connecting region 154.

[0136] The force measuring element 162 is designed, for example, as a spring force gauge. The force measuring element 162 comprises a spring element 158 ​​and a distance measuring element 164 for measuring a deflection A of the spring element 158.

[0137] In particular, it is provided that a distance direction 166 of a distance measured by means of the distance measuring element 164 and / or of a deflection A measured by means of the distance measuring element 164 is oriented at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity 156.

[0138] In principle, it is also possible to carry out the distance measurement for determining the deflection A of a spring element 158 ​​at a position different from the spring element 158.

[0139] To determine the deflection A of the spring element 158, for example, a change in distance between a point 168a of the wall 132 of the receiving container 102 and a point 168b of a pipe 114 of the heat transfer device 106 can be measured.

[0140] The force measuring element 162 is designed, for example, as a compressive force measuring element. The compressive force measuring element is used, for example, to measure a compressive force exerted by the cover element 150 on the connecting element 136.

[0141] In one embodiment, it may be provided that a plurality of force-measuring elements 162 are arranged in the connecting region 154 along the edge 139 of the receiving container 102. The force-measuring elements 162 surround, for example, the opening 116 at the upper end region 120 of the receiving container 102.

[0142] The force component acting on the heat transfer device 106 is determined, for example, by averaging the measured values ​​of different force measuring elements 162.

[0143] It can be provided that the force measuring element 162 and / or the distance measuring element 164 are integrated into the sealing element 159 and / or embedded in the sealing element 159.

[0144] The heat storage device 100 described above and the measuring method for measuring a thermal state of charge of the heat storage device 100 with the measuring device 160 function as follows: To store heat in the heat storage device 100, a hot heat transfer fluid 110 flows through the heat transfer device 106.

[0145] The hot heat transfer fluid 110 transfers heat to the storage medium 104 via the heat transfer device 106. The heat exchange between the heat transfer device 106 and the storage medium 104 occurs via the fluid guide device 108, which is in thermal contact with the storage medium 104.

[0146] Components of the fluid guide device 108 which are in thermal contact with the storage medium 104 are, for example, regions of the pipes 114 and / or regions of the heat transfer element 124.

[0147] The heat transfer from the hot heat transfer fluid 110 to the storage medium 104 heats the latter. In this way, heat can be stored within the storage medium 104 of the heat storage device 100.

[0148] In the heat storage process described above, the storage medium 104, which is a phase change medium, undergoes a phase change. For example, in the discharged state of the heat storage device 100, the storage medium 104 is in a solid state. Upon thermal loading of the heat storage device 100 with heat, the storage medium 104 transitions into a liquid state. In the fully thermally loaded state of the heat storage device 100, the storage medium 104 is at least approximately in a completely liquid state.

[0149] The measuring method for measuring the thermal state of charge of the heat storage device 100 by means of the measuring device 160 is preferably carried out during a thermal discharge process of the storage medium 104 of the heat storage device 100.

[0150] For thermal discharge of the heat storage device 100, i.e., to remove stored heat from the heat storage device 100, a cold heat transfer fluid 110 flows through the heat transfer device 106. This cools, for example, the pipes 114 and the heat transfer element 124. Heat is transferred from the storage medium 104 to the cold heat transfer fluid 110, which is thus heated.

[0151] When heat is transferred from the storage medium 104 to the heat transfer device 106, the storage medium 104 solidifies and changes from a liquid to a solid state.

[0152] During the thermal discharge process of the heat storage device 100, solidified storage medium 104 increasingly accumulates on the fluid guide device 108 of the heat transfer device 106. Solid storage medium 104 accumulates, in particular, on the pipes 114 and on the heat transfer element 124 of the heat transfer device 106.

[0153] Solid storage medium 104 has, in particular, a higher mass density than liquid storage medium 104. The increasing deposition and / or deposition of the solid storage medium 104 on the fluid guide device 108 of the heat transfer device 106 therefore leads to an increase in the effective weight of the heat transfer device 106.

[0154] For example, the change in mass density of the storage medium 104 during a transition from a liquid to a solid state is approximately 4 to 14%.

[0155] By means of the measuring device 160, in particular, the weight force acting on the heat transfer device 106 and / or the effective weight of the heat transfer device 106 is measured. For example, an increase in the weight of the heat transfer device 106 results in the spring element 158 ​​being compressed, thereby reducing the deflection A of the spring element 158. In this way, for example, according to the principle of a spring force meter, the effective weight force acting on the heat transfer device 106 and / or a change in the effective weight force acting on the heat transfer device 106 can be measured based on the deflection A.

[0156] The effective weight force acting on the heat transfer device 106 increases at least approximately monotonously and / or steadily and / or continuously during a thermal discharge process, for example due to the increasing deposition of solid storage medium 104 on the heat transfer device 106.

[0157] The thermal state of charge of the heat storage device 100 can be calculated, for example, from the measured weight force using known calibration data.

[0158] One in Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a heat storage device 100 which differs from that shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 essentially in that the coupling device 152 has a holding device 170 by means of which the heat transfer device 106 is suspended.

[0159] The holding device 170 and / or the heat transfer device 106 are arranged above the bottom region 122 of the receiving container 102.

[0160] In particular, the heat transfer device 106 and / or the lid element 150 are not connected to the receiving container 102.

[0161] The heat transfer device 106 is secured to the holding device 170. For example, the cover element 150 is connected to the fluid guide device 108 of the heat transfer device 106 on the one hand and to the holding device 170 on the other.

[0162] In particular, it can be provided that the holding device 170 has at least one force-measuring element 162a. The force-measuring element 162a can be used, for example, to measure a tensile force acting on the holding device 170 and / or the heat transfer device 106. The force-measuring element 162a can be used, for example, to measure a weight force acting on the heat transfer device 106.

[0163] For example, by means of the at least one force measuring element 162a, an amount of solid storage medium 104 can be determined which is deposited and / or adhered to the heat transfer device 106.

[0164] Alternatively or additionally, one or more force-measuring elements 162b are provided for measuring a force component acting on the receiving container 102. For example, a force-measuring element 162b is integrated into at least one of the support elements 146. For example, a weight force acting on the receiving container 102 can be measured using the force-measuring elements 162b.

[0165] By means of the at least one force measuring element 162b, for example, a quantity of liquid storage medium 104 and / or a quantity of storage medium 104 not deposited and / or adhering to the heat transfer device 106 can be determined.

[0166] For example, a difference and / or a proportion of solid and liquid storage medium 104 within the receiving container 102 can be determined by means of the at least one force measuring element 162a and / or by means of the at least one force measuring element 162b.

[0167] The holding device 170 is, for example, connected to a ceiling area (not shown) of a room or is part of a ceiling area of ​​a room. Alternatively, the holding device 170 can be connected to a crane or be part of a crane.

[0168] Furthermore, the Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment of the heat storage device 100 in terms of structure and function with the one shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, so that reference is made to the above description thereof. List of reference symbols 100 heat storage device 102 receptacles 104 Storage medium 106 Heat transfer device 108 Fluid guide device 110 Heat transfer fluid 112 Fluid guide path 114 Pipeline 116 Opening 118 Interior 120 end area 122 floor area 124 Heat transfer element 126 collection containers 128 valve 130 Longitudinal center axis 132 wall 134 floor element 136 connecting element 138 flange 139 Rand 140 upper end 142 radial plane 144 Top 146 Support element 148 subpage 150 cover element 152 Coupling device 154 Connection area 156 Direction of gravity 158 spring element 159 Sealing element 160 measuring device 162 force measuring element 162a Force measuring element 162b Force measuring element 164 Distance measuring element 166 Distance direction 168a point 168b point 170 Holding device A deflection

Claims

[1] Heat storage device (100) comprising - a receiving container (102) for receiving a storage medium (104), wherein the storage medium (104) is or comprises a phase change medium; - a heat transfer device (106) for supplying and / or removing heat to / from the storage medium (104); characterized by - a coupling device (152) for mechanically coupling the heat transfer device (106) to the receiving container (102) and / or the storage medium (104) that can be arranged therein; - a measuring device (160) for measuring a state-of-charge-dependent parameter of the heat storage device (100), wherein a force component can be measured by means of the measuring device (160), which force component acts on the heat transfer device (106) at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity (156). [2] Heat storage device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the heat transfer device (106) is arranged to be movable and / or displaceable and / or deflectable relative to the receiving container (102) and / or relative to the storage medium (104) by means of the coupling device (152) and in particular that the heat transfer device (106) is arranged by means of the coupling device (152) so as to be movable and / or displaceable and / or deflectable at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity (156) relative to the receiving container (102) and / or relative to the storage medium (104). [3] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized by that the measuring device (160) comprises at least one force measuring element (162) which is elastically deflectable and / or deformable and / or measures an elastic deflection and / or deformation. [4] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the measuring device (160) comprises at least one distance measuring element (164) for measuring a distance between the heat transfer device (106) and the receiving container (102). [5] Heat storage device (100) according to claim 4, characterized by that a distance direction (166) of the measured distance is oriented at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity (156). [6] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the measuring device (160) comprises at least one force measuring element (162) which is designed as a compressive force measuring element and / or as a tensile force measuring element. [7] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the heat transfer device (106) is mechanically connected to the receiving container (102) by means of the coupling device (152) and that a connecting region (154) for connecting the heat transfer device (106) to the receiving container (102) is arranged at an upper end region (120) of the receiving container (102). [8] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the measuring device (160) comprises at least one force measuring element (162) and / or at least one distance measuring element (164) and that the at least one force measuring element (162) and / or the at least one distance measuring element (164) are arranged in a connecting region (154) for connecting the heat transfer device (106) to the receiving container (102). [9] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the heat transfer device (106) has at least one cover element (150) for closing the receiving container (102), wherein a fluid guide device (108) of the heat transfer device (106) is fixed to the at least one cover element. [10] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the receiving container (102) has at least one connecting element (136) for fixing the heat transfer device (106) to the receiving container (102), wherein the at least one connecting element (136) is connected to a wall (132) of the receiving container (102) which surrounds an interior space (118) of the receiving container (102) and in particular that the at least one connecting element (136) forms an edge (139) of the receiving container (102), which edge is arranged at an upper end region (120) of the receiving container (102). [11] Heat storage device (100) according to claim 10, characterized bythat the at least one connecting element (136) is designed as a flange (138) which is positioned at an upper end region (120) of the receiving container (102) and encloses an opening (116) of the receiving container (102). [12] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized by , that the measuring device (160) comprises at least one force measuring element (162) and / or at least one distance measuring element (164), that the heat transfer device (106) is connected to at least one connecting element (136) of the receiving container (102) by means of a cover element (150) and that the at least one force measuring element (162) and / or the at least one distance measuring element (164) are arranged between the cover element (150) and the connecting element (136). [13] Heat storage device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized byin that the heat transfer device (106) has a fluid guide device (108) for flowing through the heat transfer device (106) with a heat transfer fluid (110), wherein fluid guide paths (112) of the fluid guide device (108) run through an opening (116) of the receiving container (102) covered by a cover element (150) into an interior space (118) of the receiving container (102) and run out of the interior space (118) through the same opening (116) of the receiving container (102). [14] Method for determining a thermal state of charge of a heat storage device (100), comprising - a heat transfer device (106) which is at least partially immersed in a storage medium (104) by means of a coupling device (152) and / or mechanically coupled to a receiving container (102) for receiving the storage medium (104), wherein the storage medium (104) is or comprises a phase change medium; wherein in the method - a charge-state-dependent parameter of the heat storage device (100) is measured, wherein the charge-state-dependent parameter is a force component acting at least approximately parallel to the direction of gravity (156) which acts on the heat transfer device (106) of the heat storage device (100); - a thermal charge state of the heat storage device (100) is determined on the basis of the measured parameter.

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