System, method and arrangement for storing energy

Abstract

A system for storing energy from at least one energy source 102 comprises a plasma source 104, a reactor vessel 108 and a pressure control device 112. The plasma source is electrically coupled to the

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates systems for storing energy from at least one energy source. The present disclosure also relates to methods for storing energy from at least one energy source. The present disclosure also relates to arrangements storing energy from a plurality of energy sources. BACKGROUND Electricity has become an integral part of modern life and is also important to global economy. Energy demand is increasing globally due to an exponential increase in population, leading to an increase in industrial activity. Herein, non-renewable energy sources (for example, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and similar) use fossil fuels to extensively supply energy in order to meet the energy demand. However, such non-renewable energy sources are limited in nature, and are hence used along with renewable energy sources to supply energy. However, the renewable energy sources supply energy in an intermittent manner with an unpredictable output, which makes such renewable energy sources unreliable in nature. Additionally, when energy is consumed less during non-peak hours, excess energy is left unconsumed and hence wasted. Similarly, the non-renewable energy sources generate excess energy during the non-peak hours, leading to wastage of said energy. Hence, the excess energy from the non-renewable energy sources and renewable energy sources are stored for later use, which improves stability and reliability of the energy supply, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite progress in storing excess energy, existing techniques and equipment for storing excess energy has several limitations associated therewith. Conventionally, lithium-ion batteries are used to store energy. However, such lithium-ion batteries are expensive with a high carbon footprint. Additionally, the lithium-ion batteries can store only a limited amount of excess energy. Presently, concentrated solar power system is used to focus electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sun to a solar radiation receiver. A phase change material (PCM) is assembled to the solar radiation receiver so as to increase a temperature of the PCM up to a predefined temperature. However, such increase in temperature occurs slowly with respect to time as the electromagnetic radiation provides a low input energy to the concentrated solar power system. Alternatively, energy is supplied from the non-renewable energy sources and renewable energy sources to a pump to pressurize a fluid, and then insert the pressurized fluid into a heat exchanger. Herein, the pressurized fluid in the heat exchanger is used to increase the temperature of the PCM up to the predefined temperature. However, a high input energy is required by the pump to pressurize the fluid so as to subsequently increase the temperature of the PCM up to the predefined temperature. Therefore, in light of aforementioned discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with storing excess energy. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the invention provides a system for storing energy from at least one energy source, the system comprising: a plasma source that is electrically coupled to the at least one energy source and is fluidically coupled to a first fluid source; a reactor vessel flu id ically coupled to the plasma source, the reactor vessel being thermally-isolated from its surrounding environment, wherein the reactor vessel is capable of holding a phase change material therein when in use; and a pressure control device connected to the reactor vessel, wherein the pressure control device is configured to control a pressure within the reactor vessel to lie within a predefined pressure range, wherein when the system is in use, the plasma source receives the energy from the at least one energy source and receives a first fluid from the first fluid source, the plasma source ionizes the first fluid using the energy to generate plasma, the plasma is incident upon the phase change material and dissipates the energy into the phase change material thereby increasing a temperature of the phase change material, wherein when the temperature of the phase change material exceeds a predefined temperature, a physical state of the phase change material changes and the energy is stored as heat in the phase change material. Advantageously, the plasma source can ionize the first fluid easily even when an amount of energy received from the at least one energy source is less. Hence, the plasma generated by the plasma source is electrical plasma. Furthermore, the temperature of the plasma increases by several thousand degrees in fractions of seconds even when the amount of energy received from the at least one energy source is less. Moreover, a physical characteristic and a chemical characteristic of the plasma ensures a rapid and efficient transition of the physical state of the phase change material when the temperature of the phase change material exceeds the predefined temperature. Additionally, the plasma can be generated quite easily and does not require large metallic structures for its generation, thereby reducing labour and cost. Hence, the aforementioned system is a modular system for storing the energy from the at least one energy source. The system, the method and the arrangement are simple, robust, fast, reliable, and can be implemented with ease. Furthermore, advantageously, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with the aforementioned system are less when compared to conventional methods (such as, for example, lead-acid batteries, nickelcadmium batteries, and similar) of storing energy. Subsequently, when using the aforementioned system, an amount of pollutants (such as, for example, Fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)) released into the surrounding environment reduces significantly. Hence, this improves air quality and consequently contributes to combatting climate change. Throughout the present disclosure, the at least one energy source is at least one of: a renewable energy source, a non-renewable energy source, a combination of the renewable energy source and the non-renewable energy source. When the at least one energy source is a combination of the renewable energy source and the non-renewable energy source, energy is received from both the renewable energy source and the non-renewable energy source simultaneously. The at least one energy source may produce energy (specifically, electricity) in form of at least one of: a direct current (DC), a single-phase alternating current (AC), a three-phase alternating current (AC). When the at least one energy source produces energy in the form of the DC, an inverter is connected to convert DC to AC. The at least one energy source produces energy in a continuous manner or in an intermittent manner. Examples of the renewable energy source may include, but are not limited to, a solar energy source (for example, such as a solar panel device), a geothermal energy source, a wind energy source, a hydro energy source (for example, such as a hydro-power plant), a tidal energy source, a biomass energy source (for example, such as a biopower plant). Examples of non-renewable energy source may include, but are not limited to, a coal-based power plant, a natural gas-based power plant, an oil-based power plant, a nuclear energy power plant, and the like. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "plasma source" refers to a device that generates plasma (in other words, electrical plasma). Different plasma sources can generate plasma using different methods and techniques. Examples of such plasma sources may include, but are not limited to, a surface plasma source, a glow discharge plasma source, an arc discharge plasma source, a radio frequency discharge plasma source. The plasma source receives the energy from the at least one energy source, in a wireless and / or a wired manner. The plasma source receives the energy from the at least one energy source either continuously or intermittently. Simultaneously, the plasma source also receives a first fluid from the first fluid source. Herein, the first fluid source stores the first fluid therein. Herein, the first fluid comprises particles of either a gas, a liquid, or a combination thereof. Examples of the gas may include, but are not limited to, air, oxygen, argon, a mixture of argon and carbon monoxide, a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide, and similar. Examples of the liquid may include, but are not limited to, water, oil, a mixture of water and oil, and similar. In this regard, when in use, the plasma source operatively synchronizes in such a manner that the energy is received from the at least one energy source at the same time as the first fluid is received from the first fluid source. Moreover, the fluidic coupling between the plasma source and the first fluid source is provided using a fluidic channel. The fluidic channel facilitates a transfer of the first fluid from the first fluid source to the plasma source. The fluidic channel is made up of a high strength material which is configured to handle a pressure generated by the first fluid while transferring from the first fluid source to the plasma source. Notably, the plasma source generates the plasma by ionising the first fluid with the energy received from the at least one energy source. The plasma can be an AC plasma and / or a DC plasma, depending on the energy received at the plasma source from the at least one energy source. When the first fluid is ionised, a kinetic energy of the particles of the first fluid increases, thereby increasing a temperature of said first fluid. Consequently, the first fluid is used to trigger a physicochemical reaction of the phase change material held within the reactor vessel. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "reactor vessel" refers to a container configured to carry out chemical reactions at a predefined temperature and a predefined pressure. Herein, a material used for a construction of the reactor vessel is stainless steel, glass, high-density polyethylene, and similar. The reactor vessel is constructed in a manner so that minimal heat or no heat is transferred between the reactor vessel and its surrounding environment. This facilitates in controlling a temperature of the chemical reaction, specifically, the physicochemical reaction occurring inside the reactor vessel. Herein, the term "physicochemical reaction" refers to the chemical reaction that involves both physical change and chemical change of the phase change material. In other words, during the physicochemical reaction, properties of the phase change material are altered due to at least one of: a rearrangement of atoms of the phase change material, a change in a physical state of the phase change material. Additionally, the reactor vessel is constructed in such a manner, that the reactor vessel is hollow on the inside. In other words, there is a space inside the reactor vessel, wherein the phase change material is held, at the predefined temperature and the predefined pressure. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "phase change material" refers to a material which releases energy or absorbs energy by changing a physical state and a chemical state of the material. The phase change material can transition from any one of a solid state and a liquid state to another one of the solid state and the liquid state by adding heat or removing heat. In this regard, the phase change material is used to store the energy from the at least one energy source as heat (in other words, thermal energy). Moreover, the phase change material is capable of storing the heat for long periods of time, due to low thermal conductivity. Beneficially, the phase change material is able to store heat when the at least one energy source provides the energy intermittently. Optionally, the fluidic coupling between the reactor vessel and the plasma source may be provided using another fluidic channel. The another fluid channel facilitates a transfer of the plasma generated by the plasma source to the phase change material, held within the reactor vessel. The fluidic channel is made up of a non-corrosive and a high strength material which is configured to handle a high temperature and a high pressure generated by the plasma while flowing from the plasma source to the phase change material. Optionally, the phase change material may be at least one of: a phase change material based on salt and brines, a phase change material based on a high concentration of metals, water, sand, small rocks, gravel, concrete. The phase change material is chosen in such a manner so that the physical state of the phase change material changes within a predefined time period. As an example, when the phase change material may be based on salt and brines, the phase change material may require approximately 50 minutes to completely change the physical state. As another example, when the phase change material may be based on the high concentration of metals, the phase change material may require approximately 30 minutes to completely change the physical state. When the plasma is incident on the phase change material, the energy received from the at least one energy source is dissipated into the phase change material. Herein, the energy dissipated into the phase change material is typically converted to heat, which raises the temperature of the phase change material up to a predefined temperature. The predefined temperature depends on the phase change material used. As an example, when the phase change material may be water, a temperature of the water may be increased to 100 degrees Celsius to change a physical state of the water. Hence, at the predefined temperature, the phase change material transitions from one physical state to another physical state. Alternately, when the temperature of the phase change material does not exceed the predefined temperature, the physical state of the phase change material does not change and remains in its original state. Hence, when the plasma is incident on the phase change material, the physical state of at least a portion of the phase change material in proximity to the plasma transitions, thereby storing the energy received from the at least one energy source as heat. Optionally, the reactor vessel may have a cylindrical shape, a radius of the reactor vessel being larger than a height of the reactor vessel, and wherein the plasma source is arranged on a central portion of a top end of the reactor vessel and the phase change material is held on a central portion of a bottom end of the reactor vessel. The radius and the height of the reactor vessel are in terms of a given unit of measurement. Herein, the given unit of measurement commonly used is millimetre (mm), but could also be centimetre (cm), decimetre (dm), metre (m), and the like. As an example, the radius of the reactor vessel may be 400 mm and the height of the reactor vessel may be 84 mm. The radius of the reactor vessel may lie in a range from 3000 mm up to 5000 mm. The radius of the reactor vessel, for example, may lie in a range from 300, 320, 340, 390, or 450 mm up to 360, 410, 460, 480, or 500 mm. Similarly, the height of the reactor vessel may lie in a range from 500 mm up to 1000 mm. The height of the reactor vessel, for example, may lie in a range from 500, 550, 600, 700 or 850 mm up to 650, 800, 900, 950 or 1000 mm. Optionally, the reactor vessel may have any of: a rectangular shape, a spherical shape, a square shape. Herein, a shape of the reactor vessel is determined by a requirement (i.e., the chemical reaction) of the reactor vessel and a space available in the environment for the reactor vessel. Optionally, the plasma source may be arranged on a peripheral portion of the reactor vessel. Alternatively, optionally, the plasma source may be arranged on a central portion on a side of the reactor vessel. Alternatively, optionally, the plasma source may be arranged on a peripheral portion on the side of the reactor vessel. The central portion of the reactor vessel is hollow to hold the phase change material. The phase change material is held within the reactor vessel in a manner that an outlet of the plasma source is in close proximity to at least a portion of the phase change material. Optionally, the phase change material may be held on the central portion at a midpoint end of the reactor vessel. Optionally, a temperature of the central portion of the bottom end may be higher than a temperature of a boundary of the bottom end, a temperature gradient between the central portion and the boundary lying in a range from 500 kelvin (K) up to 2000 K. The temperature gradient between the central portion and the boundary, for example, may lie in a range from 500, 700, 900, 1200, 1500 or 1900 K up to 600, 1000, 1300, 1600, 1800 or 2000 K. Optionally, the temperature gradient between the central portion and the boundary may be with respect to a reversed arc length of the jet of the plasma. Herein, a given unit of measurement for the reversed arc length is commonly in millimetre (mm). Alternatively, the given unit of measurement for the reversed arc length can be in centimetre (cm), decimetre (dm), and similar. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "pressure control device" is at least an equipment that is used for maintaining a pressure within the predefined pressure range inside the reactor vessel to maintain safety, efficiency of operation, and long-term stability, of the reactor vessel. The pressure within the reactor vessel can affect a rate at which the physical state of the phase change material changes. In other words, the pressure within the reactor vessel can affect the rate at which the phase change material absorbs the energy dissipated into the phase change material, and the rate at which the phase change material releases the heat (i.e., the energy stored in the phase change material). The pressure control device can be implemented as a valve. In this regard, the valve is used to regulate and control the pressure within the reactor vessel. Examples of the valve may include, but are not limited to, a relief valve, an accumulator, a pressurizer. Optionally, the valve may be implemented as the relief valve to automatically open to release pressure when the pressure inside the vessel exceeds the predefined pressure range. Additionally, or alternatively, optionally, the valve may be implemented as the accumulator for maintaining or increasing the pressure (i.e., within the predefined pressure range) inside the reactor vessel by using a fluid which is stored at approximately a fluid pressure which lies within the predefined pressure range. Additionally, or alternatively, optionally, the valve may be implemented as the pressurizer for using pressurized fluid to maintain the pressure within the reactor vessel within the predefined pressure range. Optionally, the system may further comprise a pump arranged in a fluidic path between the first fluid source and the plasma source, wherein the pump moves the first fluid from the first fluid source to the plasma source by increasing a pressure of the first fluid, and wherein a pressure of the first fluid at an inlet of the plasma source lies in a range of 1 millibar (mbar) to 8 bar. In this regard, the pump controls and regulates a flow of the first fluid, by controlling a velocity of the first fluid. The pump increases the velocity of the first fluid as the first fluid moves from the first fluid source to the plasma source, and then reduces the velocity as the first fluid is at the inlet of the plasma source, which results in the increase of the pressure of the first fluid. Examples of the pump may include, but are not limited to, a centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump, a diaphragm pump, a screw pump. It will be appreciated that the pump is selected in a manner that the pressure of the first fluid is controlled within the range of 1 mbar to 8 bar. As an example, the pressure of the first fluid at the inlet of the plasma source may be 6 bar. The pressure of the first fluid at the inlet of the plasma source, for example may lie in a range from 0.001, 0.01, 1, 3, or 7 bar up to 0.09, 0.9, 2, 4, or 8 bar. Optionally, the plasma source may be implemented as a plasma torch having a concentrical configuration of two conductive surfaces extending between an inlet of the plasma torch and an outlet of the plasma torch, the two conductive surfaces having a gap therebetween and serving as two opposite electrodes, an inner conductive surface amongst the two conductive surfaces having a conical termination at an intermediate point between the inlet and the outlet, a diameter of the inlet being greater than a diameter of the outlet, and wherein when the system is in use, the first fluid is received in the gap between the two conductive surfaces, the plasma is incepted at a tip of the conical termination, and a jet of the plasma is ejected from the outlet towards the phase change material. Herein, the term "plasma torch" refers to a device that uses the energy from the at least one energy source to ionize the first fluid to generate the plasma. The two conductive surfaces are surfaces that facilitate a flow of electrical current through said conductive surfaces. Herein, a material used for a construction of the two conductive surfaces is any of a metallic material (for example, such as copper and aluminium), a plastic material, a ceramic material, and similar. The two conductive surfaces are arranged in a circular manner around an imaginary axis passing through a centre of the plasma torch. The two conductive surfaces have a gap therebetween of a predefined dimension. The inner conductive surface amongst the two conductive surfaces is a negative electrode (i.e., cathode), and an outer conductive surface from amongst the conductive surfaces is a positive electrode (i.e., anode). In an instance, a radius of the inner conductive surface may be 22 mm. In an instance, a radius of the outer conductive surface may be 47 mm. In an instance, the diameter of the outlet may be 22 mm. Optionally, the inner conductive surface from amongst the two conductive surfaces may have a conical termination, which is formed by tapering the inner conductive surface towards the intermediate point between the inlet and the outlet. Moreover, the intermediate point of the conical termination is closer to the outlet than it is to the inlet. In other words, the conical termination is in proximity to the outlet. When the system is in use, the plasma is incepted (in other words, the plasma is initiated) at the tip of the conical termination, when the first fluid is received in the gap between the two conductive surfaces. Beneficially, the conical termination of the plasma torch acts like a nozzle. A technical benefit of the conical termination acting like the nozzle of the plasma torch is that the jet of plasma is ejected in a directed manner towards the phase change material. Herein, the plasma torch allows the inception of the AC plasma and / or the DC plasma at the tip of the conical termination of the inner conductive surface under methods of non-transferred plasma, transferred plasma, hollow electrode plasma, radio frequency (R.F) inductive-coupled plasma. Such methods are well-known in the art. Optionally, a temperature of the tip of the conical termination at a time of inception of the plasma may lie in a range of 3500 Kelvin to 4000 Kelvin, and a temperature of the jet of the plasma at a time of ejection from the outlet may lie in a range of 13000 Kelvin to 25000 Kelvin. The jet of the plasma at the time of ejection from the outlet is stable in nature. In this regard, at the time of inception of the plasma, the energy received as input to the plasma source is lower than an energy when the jet of plasma is stable. Hence, at the time of inception of the plasma, less heat is generated, which results in the temperature being lower than the temperature at the time of ejection from the outlet. Additionally, there is heat loss to the surrounding environment at the time of inception of the plasma, as the plasma is yet to be fully formed, which further lowers the temperature of the tip of the conical termination at the time of inception of the plasma. Additionally, optionally, remainder of the conical termination may be cooled down with a cooling method, such as for example, a water heat exchanger. Such cooling methods are well-known in the art. Hence, the temperature of the tip of the conical termination at the time of inception of the plasma, for example, may lie in a range from 3500, 3600, 3750, or 3900 Kelvin up to 3550, 3700, 3850, 3950 up to 4000 Kelvin. The temperature of the jet of the plasma at the time of ejection from the outlet, for example, may lie in a range from 13000, 15000, 17500, 20500, or 245000 Kelvin up to 14000, 18000, 21000, 23500, or 25000 Kelvin. Optionally, a velocity of the jet of the plasma may lie in a range of 0.1 metre per second to 70 metres per second. The velocity of the jet of the plasma is attained after thermalization and ionization of the jet of the plasma. The velocity of the jet of the plasma depends on the pressure of the first fluid as increased by the pump during the movement of the first fluid from the first fluid source to the plasma source. Hence, when the pressure of the first fluid at the inlet of the pressure source lies in a range of 1 mbar to 8 bar, the velocity of the jet of the plasma, for example, may lie in a range from 0.1, 1, 10, 25, 45, or 65 metres per second up to 0.5, 20, 40, 55 or 70 metres per second. Optionally, an amount of the energy received from the at least one energy source may lie in a range of 5 kWh to 300 kWh, the amount of the energy being dependent on characteristics of the phase change material, a geometry of the system, and plasma inception and ejection conditions. The amount of the energy received from the at least one energy source, for example, may lie in a range from 5, 55, 155, or 255 kWh up to 10, 110, 210, 260, or 300 kWh. The characteristics of the phase change material on which the amount of energy depends are at least one two of: a phase change temperature, a latent heat of fusion, a thermal conductivity, a density, an absorption capacity, of the phase change material. Optionally, the phase change temperature may be a temperature at which the physical state (additionally, optionally, the chemical state) of the phase change material. In an instance, when the phase change temperature of the phase change material is low, the phase change material absorbs the energy at lower temperatures. In another instance, when the phase change temperature of the phase change material is high, the phase change material absorbs the energy at higher temperatures. Additionally, optionally, the latent heat of fusion may be an amount of energy required to change the physical state (additionally, optionally, the chemical state) of the phase change material. When the latent heat of fusion is high, the phase change material will store more energy per unit mass of the phase change material, than when the latent heat of fusion is low. Additionally, optionally, the thermal conductivity of the phase change material may be a measure of conductance of heat of the phase change material. When the phase change material has a low thermal conductivity, less heat is conducted away to the surrounding environment, and hence the phase change material will store more energy. Additionally, optionally, the density of the phase change material may affect the amount of energy stored and / or released in / from the phase change material. When the density of the phase change material is high (i.e., more mass per unit volume), the phase change material can store and / or release more energy per unit volume than a phase change material with a lower density. Optionally, the phrase "geometry of the system" may refer to a physical layout and arrangement of the plasma torch, the reactor vessel, the phase change material, the pressure control device of the system. This includes, a size, a shape, and location of the plasma torch, the reactor vessel, the phase change material, the pressure control device of the system. This further includes the fluidic coupling between the plasma source to the first fluid source, the fluidic coupling the reactor vessel with the plasma source, the fluidic path between the first fluid and the plasma source, and similar. Optionally, the plasma inception and ejection conditions may be determined by voltage and current provided to the plasma source. Herein, at least 65 volts (V) and at least 233 amperes (A) of current are required to reach the plasma inceptions and ejection conditions. Hence, at least a total power of 15.1 kilowatt (kW) is required. In other words, the plasma and ejection conditions are determined by an electric potential of the energy from the energy source. Optionally, the electrical potential of the energy may lie in a range from -70 V up to -0.5 V. The electrical potential of the energy, for example, may lie in a range from -70, -60, -40, or -20 V up to, -50, -30, -10, or -0.5 V. Alternatively, optionally, the electrical potential of the energy may lie in a range from 0.5 V up to 70 V. The electrical potential of the energy, for example, may lie in a range from 0.5, 10, 30, or 50 V up to 20, 40, 60, or 70 V. Optionally, the system may further comprise a heat exchanger arranged with respect to the reactor vessel such that the heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the phase change material, and wherein the heat stored in the phase change material is usable by the heat exchanger to increase a temperature of a second fluid. The heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat stored in the phase change material to the second fluid. Herein, the second fluid is a gas or a liquid that transfers the heat stored in the phase change material into or out of a target area by conduction and / or convection. Alternately, the second fluid can convert the heat stored in the phase change material into mechanical energy by phase change and / or by compression and expansion. This is achieved when the heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the phase change material. In other words, the heat exchanger and the phase change material are in direct contact with each other, thereby allowing heat to flow between the heat exchanger and the phase change material. Alternatively, the heat exchanger and the phase change material are indirectly in contact with each other, by being in close proximity to each other separated by a thermally conductive material. The second fluid is selected in a manner such it can handle high temperature of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be used in a variety of applications, such as heating, cooling, or transferring heat from one location to another. Examples of such applications may include, but are not limited to, a water boiler system, a steam boiler system, domestic cooling and heating system, industrial cooling and heating system, pasteurization process, and similar. Optionally, the thermoelectric converter may be arranged with respect to the reactor vessel such that the thermoelectric converter is in thermal communication with the phase change material, and wherein the heat stored in the phase change material is converted into electricity by the thermoelectric converter. The thermoelectric converter is in thermal communication with the phase change material in a manner similar to the manner of thermal communication of the heat exchanger with the phase change material. The thermoelectric converter is a heat to electricity converter, which is a device that converts heat into electricity. The thermoelectric converter works by using a temperature difference between a central portion of the reactor vessel (where the phase change material is held therein) and the bottom end of the reactor vessel. The temperature difference approximately gradually decreases from 6400 Kelvin at the centre of the phase change material (due to a close proximity of the phase change material to the plasma jet) to 5300 Kelvin at the bottom end of the reactor vessel. Additionally, optionally, the temperature difference approximately gradually decreases from 1500 Kelvin at the centre of the phase change material to 500 Kelvin at the bottom end of the reactor vessel. This temperature difference is converted into electric voltage based on a thermoelectric effect (such as, for example Seebeck effect). Beneficially, the electric voltage generated is used to power any electric load. Optionally, a heat exchanger may be arranged as a thermal communication interface between the phase change material and the thermoelectric converter, the heat exchanger enabling the heat stored in the phase change material to be transferred to the thermoelectric converter. In other words, the thermoelectric converter is indirectly in thermal communication with the phase change material via the heat exchanger. In this regard, the heat exchanger transfers heat from a hot fluid (for example, such as steam or hot water) to the thermoelectric converter, which then converts that heat into electricity. The heat exchanger arranged as the thermal communication interface between the phase change material and the thermoelectric converter are used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, power generation, energy recovery, temperature control, and similar. The heat exchanger and the thermoelectric converters can be used separately or in combination to harness and convert the energy from the at least one energy source into heat (in other words, thermal energy), and then further convert the heat into usable forms of energy. A second aspect of the invention provides a method for storing energy from at least one energy source, the method comprising: electrically coupling a plasma source to the at least one energy source and fluidically coupling the plasma source to a first fluid source, wherein in use, the plasma source receives the energy from the at least one energy source and receives a first fluid from the first fluid source, wherein the first fluid is ionized using the energy for generating plasma at the plasma source; arranging a phase change material in a reactor vessel fluidically coupled to the plasma source, the reactor vessel being thermally-isolated from its surrounding environment; and controlling a pressure within the reactor vessel to lie within a predefined pressure range, using a pressure control device connected to the reactor vessel, wherein when the plasma is incident upon the phase change material and dissipates the energy into the phase change material, a temperature of the phase change material is increased, and when the temperature of the phase change material exceeds a predefined temperature, a physical state of the phase change material changes and the energy is stored as heat in the phase change material. In this regard, various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned first aspect, apply mutatis mutandis to the method. Advantageously, the first fluid can be ionized using intermittent or low energy provided by the at least one energy source. The arrangement of the reactor vessel in a thermally-isolated manner prevents exchange of heat of the reactor vessel with its surroundings, thereby storing energy in the form of heat for long periods of time. Furthermore, changing of the physical state of the phase change material is quick and rapid due to the generation of plasma. Furthermore, in the aforementioned method, the phase change material is low thermally conductive in nature, thereby retaining the heat for longer periods of time. A third aspect of the invention provides an arrangement for storing energy from a plurality of energy sources, the arrangement comprising a plurality of systems according to the first aspect. In this regard, various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned first aspect, apply mutatis mutandis to the arrangement. Advantageously, the arrangement is easy to implement, easy to construct, and modular. Optionally, the arrangement may further comprise a plurality of heat exchangers arranged with respect to reactor vessels of the plurality of systems such that the plurality of heat exchangers are in thermal communication with phase change materials employed in the plurality of systems, and wherein the heat stored in the phase change materials is usable by the plurality of heat exchangers to increase a temperature of at least one second fluid. Herein, at least two heat exchangers from amongst the plurality of heat exchangers can be used simultaneously, or consecutively. Furthermore, the at least two heat exchangers from amongst the plurality of heat exchangers can be in direct contact with the phase change material. Alternatively, the at least two heat exchangers from amongst the plurality of heat exchangers can be in an indirect contact with the phase change material via a plurality of thermally conductive materials, in a manner similar to the manner as described above. Optionally, the arrangement may further comprise a plurality of thermoelectric converters arranged with respect to reactor vessels of the plurality of systems such that the plurality of thermoelectric converters are in thermal communication with phase change materials employed in the plurality of systems, and wherein the heat stored in the phase change materials is converted into electricity by the plurality of thermoelectric converters. The plurality of thermoelectric converters of the plurality of systems works in a manner similar to the manner as described above. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this invention it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGs 1A, IB, IC, ID and IE illustrate block diagrams of an architecture of a system for storing energy from at least one energy source, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 illustrate a temperature profile and a velocity profile in a cross-sectional view of an exemplary plasma source implemented as a plasma torch, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a reactor vessel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system for storing energy as heat in a phase change material, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical representation of a temperature gradient between a central portion of a reactor vessel and boundary of the reactor vessel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 6 illustrates steps of a method for storing energy from at least one energy source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGs. 1A, IB, IC, ID and IE, illustrated are block diagrams of an architecture of a system 100 for storing energy from at least one energy source (depicted as an energy source 102), in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIGs. 1A-1E, the system 100 comprises a plasma source 104, the energy source 102, a first fluid source 106, a reactor vessel 108, a phase change material 110, and a pressure control device 112. The plasma source 104 is electrically coupled (as shown by a solid line arrow) to the energy source 102 and is fluidically coupled (as shown by a dashed line arrow) to the first fluid source 106. The reactor vessel 108 is fluidically coupled to the plasma source 104. The reactor vessel 108 is thermally-isolated (as shown by a square dotted rectangle) from its surrounding environment. Furthermore, the reactor vessel 108 is capable of holding the phase change material 110 therein when in use. The pressure control device 112 is connected to the reactor vessel 108. When the system 100 is in use, the plasma source 104 receives the energy from the energy source 102 and receives a first fluid from the first fluid source 106. Subsequently, the plasma source 104 ionizes the first fluid using the energy to generate plasma. Then the plasma is incident upon the phase change material 110 and dissipates the energy into the phase change material 110 thereby increasing a temperature of the phase change material 110, wherein when the temperature of the phase change material 110 exceeds a predefined temperature, a physical state of the phase change material 110 changes and the energy is stored as heat in the phase change material 110. In FIG. IB, the system 100 further comprises a pump 114 arranged in a fluidic path between the first fluid source 106 and the plasma source 104. When the system 100 is in use, the pump 114 moves the first fluid from the first fluid source 106 to the plasma source 104 by increasing a pressure of the first fluid. In FIG. IC, the system 100 further comprises a heat exchanger 116. The heat exchanger 116 is arranged with respect to the reactor vessel 108 such that the heat exchanger 116 is in thermal communication (as shown by round dotted arrow line) with the phase change material 110. When the system 100 is in use, the heat stored in the phase change material 110 is usable by the heat exchanger 116 to increase a temperature of a second fluid. In FIG. ID, the system 100 further comprises a thermoelectric converter 118. The thermoelectric converter 118 is arranged with respect to the reactor vessel 108 such that the thermoelectric converter 118 is in thermal communication with the phase change material 110. When the system 100 is in use, the heat stored in the phase change material 110 is converted into electricity by the thermoelectric converter 118. In FIG IE, a heat exchanger 120 is arranged as a thermal communication interface between the phase change material 110 and the thermoelectric converter 118. When the system 100 is in use, the heat exchanger 120 enables the heat stored in the phase change material 110 to be transferred to the thermoelectric converter 118. It may be understood by a person skilled in the art that the FIGs. 1A-1E includes an architecture of the system 100 for sake of clarity, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific implementations of the system 100 are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting it to specific numbers or types of cameras. The person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the system 100 may comprise more than one plasma source 104, more than one energy source 102, more than one first fluid source 106, more than one reactor vessel 108, more than one phase change material 110, more than one pressure control device 112. Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary implementation of a plasma source, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. Herein, the plasma source is implemented as a plasma torch 202. In FIGs. 2A and 2B, the plasma torch 202 has a concentrical configuration of two conductive surfaces, wherein the two conductive surfaces comprise an inner conductive surface 204A and an outer conductive surface 204B. The two conductive surfaces extend between an inlet 206A of the plasma torch 202 and an outlet 206B of the plasma torch 202. The two conductive surfaces have a gap 208 therebetween and serve as two opposite electrodes. Herein, the inner conductive surface 204A has a conical termination at an intermediate point between the inlet 206A and the outlet 206B. Furthermore, a diameter of the inlet 206A is greater than a diameter of the outlet 206B. When the plasma torch 202 is in use, plasma is incepted at a tip 210 of the conical termination, and a jet 212 of the plasma is ejected from the outlet 206B towards a phase change material. In FIG. 2A, there is shown a temperature profile of the tip 210 of the conical termination at a time of inception of the plasma and a temperature profile of the jet 212 of the plasma at a time of ejection from the outlet 206B. Herein, the vertical axis 214 represents values of temperature in Kelvin in descending order of values from top to bottom. The temperature of a tip 210 of the conical termination at the time of inception of the plasma lies in a range from 3500 Kelvin to 4000 Kelvin. Moreover, the temperature profile of the jet 212 of the plasma at the time of ejection from the outlet 206B lies in a range from 13000 Kelvin to 25000 Kelvin. In FIG. 2B, there is shown a velocity profile of the jet 212 of the plasma at a time of ejection from the outlet 206B. Herein, the vertical axis 216 represents values of velocity in metres per second (m / s) in descending order of values from top to bottom. The velocity of the jet of the plasma lies in a range of 0.1 m / s to 70 m / s. FIGs. 2A and 2B are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific implementations of the plasma source are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting it to specific arrangements of the two conductive surfaces, the inlet 206A, the outlet 206B, the gap 208 between the two conductive surfaces, or the conical termination at the intermediate point between the inlet 206A and the outlet 206B. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a cross-sectional view of a reactor vessel 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reactor vessel 302 has a cylindrical shape. Herein, a radius of the reactor vessel 302 is larger than a height of the reactor vessel 302. The reactor vessel 302 is fluidically coupled to a plasma source 304. The plasma source 304 is arranged on a central portion of a top end 306A of the reactor vessel 302. The reactor vessel 302 is capable of holding a phase change material 308 therein when in use. The phase change material 308 is held on a central portion of a bottom end 306B of the reactor vessel 302. Herein, the vertical axis 310 represents values of temperature in Kelvin in descending order of values from top to bottom. FIG. 3 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific implementations of the plasma source are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting it to specific arrangements of the reactor vessel 302, the plasma source 304, or the phase change material 308. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is an exemplary system 400 for storing energy as heat in a phase change material 402, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 400 comprises a plasma source 404, a reactor vessel, and the phase change material 402. The plasma source 404 is arranged on a central portion of a top end of the reactor vessel and the phase change material 402 is held on a central portion of a bottom end of the reactor vessel. Herein, dimensions of the phase change material 402 is represented in a graphical manner. In this regard, the horizontal axis 406A represents a width of the phase change material 402, and the vertical axis 406B represents a length of the phase change material 402. When the system 400 is in use, the plasma source 404 ionizes a first fluid using energy from at least one energy source to generate plasma 408. The plasma 408 is incident upon the phase change material 402 and dissipates energy into the phase change material 402 thereby increasing a temperature of the phase change material 402. In this regard, an amount of energy stored at the at least one energy source is dependent on characteristics of the phase change material 402, a geometry of the system 400, and plasma inception and ejection conditions. Herein, the plasma inception and ejection conditions are determined an electric potential of the energy from the at least one energy source. In this regard, another vertical axis 406C represents values of electric potential in volts (V) of energy from at least one energy source, in descending order of values from top to bottom. Herein, the electrical potential of the energy may lie in a range from -70 V up to -0.5 V. FIG. 4 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific implementations of the system 400 are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting it to specific arrangements of the phase change material 402, the plasma source 404, or the reactor vessel. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a graphical representation 500 of a temperature gradient between a central portion of a reactor vessel and boundary of the reactor vessel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis 502A represents length of a radius of the reactor vessel in millimetres (mm), and the vertical axis 502B represents temperature in Kelvin. Herein, the temperature is represented along the radius of the reactor vessel at a bottom end of the reactor vessel after the plasma has dissipated energy into a phase change material. The reactor vessel holds the phase change material in the central portion therein. Hence, a temperature of the central portion of the reactor vessel is higher than a temperature of the boundary of the reactor, a temperature gradient between the central portion and the boundary lying in a range from 500 kelvin (K) up to 2000 K. FIG. 5 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific implementations of the graphical representation 500 are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting it to specific arrangements of the central portion of the reactor vessel and the boundary of the reactor vessel. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated are steps of a method for storing energy from at least one energy source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 602, a plasma source is electrically coupled to the at least one energy source, and the plasma source is flu id ically coupled to a first fluid source. When in use, the plasma source receives the energy from the at least one energy source and receives a first fluid from the first fluid source, wherein the first fluid is ionized using the energy for generating plasma at the plasma source. At step 604, a phase change material is arranged in a reactor vessel fluidically coupled to the plasma source, the reactor vessel being thermally-isolated from its surrounding environment. At step 606, a pressure is controlled within the reactor vessel to lie within a predefined pressure range, using a pressure control device connected to the reactor vessel. When the plasma is incident upon the phase change material and dissipates the energy into the phase change material, a temperature of the phase change material is increased, and when the temperature of the phase change material exceeds a predefined temperature, a physical state of the phase change material changes and the energy is stored as heat in the phase change material. The aforementioned steps are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. A system for storing energy from at least one energy source, the system comprising:a plasma source that is electrically coupled to the at least one energy source and is fluidically coupled to a first fluid source;a reactor vessel flu id ically coupled to the plasma source, the reactor vessel being thermally-isolated from its surrounding environment, wherein the reactor vessel is capable of holding a phase change material therein when in use; anda pressure control device synchronised with a plasma source and connected to the reactor vessel, wherein the pressure control device is configured to control a pressure within the reactor vessel to lie within a predefined pressure range, wherein when the system is in use, the plasma source receives the energy from the at least one energy source and receives a first fluid from the first fluid source, the plasma source ionizes the first fluid using the energy to generate plasma, the plasma is incident upon the phase change material and dissipates the energy into the phase change material thereby increasing a temperature of the phase change material, wherein when the temperature of the phase change material exceeds a predefined temperature, a physical state of the phase change material changes and the energy is stored as heat in the phase change material.

2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a pump arranged in a fluidic path between the first fluid source and the plasma source, wherein the pump moves the first fluid from the first fluid source to the plasma source by increasing a pressure of the first fluid, and wherein a pressure of the first fluid at an inlet of the plasma source lies in a range of 1 mbar to 8 bar.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plasma source is implemented as a plasma torch having a concentrical configuration of two conductive surfaces extending between an inlet of the plasma torch and an outlet of the plasma torch, the two conductive surfaces having a gap therebetween and serving as two opposite electrodes, an inner conductive surface amongst the two conductive surfaces having a conical termination at an intermediate point between the inlet and the outlet, a diameter of the inlet being greater than a diameter of the outlet,and wherein when the system is in use, the first fluid is received in the gap between the two conductive surfaces, the plasma is incepted at a tip of the conical termination, and a jet of the plasma is ejected from the outlet towards the phase change material.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein a temperature of the tip of the conical termination at a time of inception of the plasma lies in a range of 3500 Kelvin to 4000 Kelvin, and a temperature of the jet of the plasma at a time of ejection from the outlet lies in a range of 13000 Kelvin to Z 25000 Kelvin.

5. A system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a velocity of the jet of the plasma lies in a range of 0.1 metre per second to 70 metres per second.

6. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an amount of the energy received from the at least one energy source lies in a range of 7.55 kWh to 30.2 kWh, the amount of the energy being dependent on characteristics of the phase change material, a geometry of the system, and plasma inception and ejection conditions.

7. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reactor vessel has a cylindrical shape, a radius of the reactor vessel being larger than a height of the reactor vessel, and wherein the plasma sourceis arranged on a central portion of a top end of the reactor vessel and the phase change material is held on a central portion of a bottom end of the reactor vessel.

8. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a heat exchanger arranged with respect to the reactor vessel such that the heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the phase change material, and wherein the heat stored in the phase change material is usable by the heat exchanger to increase a temperature of a second fluid.

9. A system according to any of claims 1-7, further comprising a thermoelectric converter arranged with respect to the reactor vessel such that the thermoelectric converter is in thermal communication with the phase change material, and wherein the heat stored in the phase change material is converted into electricity by the thermoelectric converter.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein a heat exchanger is arranged as a thermal communication interface between the phase change material and the thermoelectric converter, the heat exchanger enabling the heat stored in the phase change material to be transferred to the thermoelectric converter.

11. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the phase change material is at least one of: a phase change material based on salt and brines, a phase change material based on a high concentration of metals, water, sand, small rocks, gravel, concrete.

12. A method for storing energy from at least one energy source, the method comprising:electrically coupling a plasma source to the at least one energy source and fluidically coupling the plasma source to a first fluid source, wherein in use, the plasma source receives the energy from the at leastone energy source and receives a first fluid from the first fluid source, wherein the first fluid is ionized using the energy for generating plasma at the plasma source;arranging a phase change material in a reactor vessel fluidically coupled to the plasma source, the reactor vessel being thermally-isolated from its surrounding environment; andcontrolling a pressure within the reactor vessel to lie within a predefined pressure range, using a pressure control device synchronised with a plasma source and connected to the reactor vessel, wherein when the plasma is incident upon the phase change material and dissipates the energy into the phase change material, a temperature of the phase change material is increased, and when the temperature of the phase change material exceeds a predefined temperature, a physical state of the phase change material changes and the energy is stored as heat in the phase change material.

13. An arrangement for storing energy from a plurality of energy sources, the arrangement comprising a plurality of systems according to any of claims 1-11.

14. An arrangement according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of heat exchangers arranged with respect to reactor vessels of the plurality of systems such that the plurality of heat exchangers are in thermal communication with phase change materials employed in the plurality of systems, and wherein the heat stored in the phase change materials is usable by the plurality of heat exchangers to increase a temperature of at least one second fluid.

15. An arrangement according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a plurality of thermoelectric converters arranged with respect to reactor vessels of the plurality of systems such that the plurality of thermoelectric converters are in thermal communication with phase change materials employed in the plurality of systems, and wherein the heat stored in thephase change materials is converted into electricity by the plurality of thermoelectric converters.24 01 24

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