Devices and apparatus for storing and releasing thermal energy, and energy conversion and storage plants.

Abstract

A device (1) for storing and releasing thermal energy comprises a reservoir (2) defining a containment volume (5) inside, and a solid inert material (19) disposed within the containment volume (5) and configured to allow a fluid to flow from a second opening (17) through the containment volume (5) to a first opening (13), or vice versa, wherein the solid inert material (19) is configured to retain heat released from the fluid or to release heat to the fluid. The first opening (13) is formed near the first end of the reservoir (2). A tube (16) is disposed within the containment volume (5), and a second opening (17) is formed at the end of the tube (16) located near the second end of the reservoir (2) opposite to the first end.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 (Field of the Invention) The present invention has as its object devices and apparatuses for storing and releasing thermal energy, as well as energy conversion and storage plants. 【0002】 More precisely, the present invention has as its object devices and apparatuses capable of storing and releasing energy in the form of heat, known in the English language as "Thermal Energy Storage (TES)", which can be used in various types of plants, for example, to store the heat obtained from a solar power plant for later reuse. In particular, the object of the device of the present invention is configured to store sensible heat by means of a temperature change of a thermal mass. 【0003】 (Definition) In the present specification and the appended claims, the following definitions are referred to. Thermal mass: A material for storing thermal energy in the form of sensible heat Solid inert material: A solid material that does not undergo a reversible or irreversible chemical reaction with a process fluid Non-adhesive material: A material formed by non-bonded objects / elements such as stones, gravel, or spheres / granules of metal or ceramic, the shape of which conforms to the container in which it is placed Adhesive material: A material having its own shape, in contrast to a non-adhesive material whose shape conforms to the container in which it is placed Thermocline: A transition and separation layer between a high-temperature region and a low-temperature region Thermodynamic cycle (CT): A thermodynamic transformation from point X to point Y, where X coincides with Y. CT, unlike the TTC (Periodic Thermodynamic Transformation) mentioned below, does not have a mass accumulation section (mainly for energy purposes) within the cycle, while TTC typically operates between two storage sections, one being the initial state of the working fluid and the other being the final state. Periodic thermodynamic transformation (TTC): A thermodynamic transformation from point X to point Y and from point Y to point X that does not necessarily pass through the same intermediate point Closed CT and / or TTC: No mass exchange with the atmosphere (primarily for energy purposes). Open CT and / or TTC: Those that involve mass exchange with the atmosphere (primarily for energy purposes). [Background technology] 【0004】 (Background of the invention) In the field of "thermal energy storage devices" (TES) having a heat-sensing storage section, systems are known that include one or more reservoirs containing thermal masses. The thermal masses include non-adhesive materials, i.e., materials formed from objects / elements that are not joined to each other, such as stone, gravel, or spheres / granules of metal or ceramic. The thermal masses can also include adhesive materials such as concrete, ceramic or metal. The thermal masses are surrounded by a working fluid delivered to the reservoir or each reservoir through an inlet and outlet connected to a suitable duct. When a high-temperature fluid surrounds the thermal mass, it releases heat into the thermal mass that stores the heat. When a low-temperature fluid surrounds the thermal mass, the preheated thermal mass releases heat into the low-temperature fluid being heated. 【0005】 International Publication No. 2011 / 094371 of the published document describes a device for storing heat, comprising a cylindrical container having an inner wall and an outer wall, and containing multiple elements of material for storing thermal energy. The device comprises a first opening and a second opening located on the side of the container, and a tube inside the container connected to the first opening and having an end spaced apart from the first opening. 【0006】 International Publication No. 2013 / 160650 of the published document describes a heat accumulator comprising a chamber containing multiple gas-permeable heat storage layers arranged continuously downstream between an inlet and an outlet, surrounded by an insulator, such that a gas flows from the gas inlet through these layers to the gas outlet in order to transfer thermal energy to or from the storage means. 【0007】 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-132806, a published document, shows a heat storage module comprising a series of stacked elements with uneven surfaces. 【0008】 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-038328, a published document, describes a device for storing heat, comprising a container and plate-shaped elements housed within the container and spaced apart by spacers. 【0009】 The published European Patent Application Publication No. 2058619 describes a heat accumulator formed by a liquid reservoir surrounded by a vacuum-sealed insulating layer. [Overview of the project] 【0010】 In this field, the applicant aims to realize devices and apparatus for storing and releasing thermal energy that ensure better performance than known systems, both in terms of energy and mechanical aspects, and from the standpoint of cost optimization. 【0011】 In particular, the applicant aims to realize a reservoir for containing thermal mass, or a specific structure of each reservoir, through which a pre-heated fluid flows, releasing heat to the thermal mass and lowering its temperature, and absorbing heat from the thermal mass. 【0012】 The applicant has found that the devices and / or apparatus described in the attached claims and / or in one or more of the following embodiments can achieve the purposes described above and other purposes as well. 【0013】 In a first independent aspect, the present invention relates to a device for storing and releasing thermal energy, wherein the device is A reservoir that defines the containment volume internally, A first conduit configured to fluidly connect the containment volume to a first conduit outside the reservoir, the first conduit having a first opening leading to the containment volume at a first end of the reservoir, A second conduit configured to fluidly connect the containment volume to a second conduit outside the reservoir, the second conduit having a second opening leading to the containment volume at the second end of the reservoir opposite to the first end, A solid inert material is placed within a containment volume and configured such that a fluid can flow from a first opening through the containment volume to a second opening, or vice versa. The solid inert material is configured to store / retain heat released from the fluid or to release heat to the fluid during the passage of the fluid. 【0014】 In a second embodiment according to the first embodiment, the reservoir is optionally configured to function in a vertical position such that a first end of the reservoir is located at the bottom and a second end of the reservoir is located at the top, the first conduit and the second conduit open to the outside at the first end of the reservoir, the first external conduit and the second external conduit are located near the first end, The second conduit comprises or is connected to a tube at least partially located within the containment volume, and the second opening is formed at the end of the tube located near the second end of the reservoir, so that the containment volume is defined by the radial inner surface of the reservoir and the radial outer surface of the tube. 【0015】 In one embodiment, the solid inert material is a non-adhesive material, that is, it includes multiple objects or elements that are not joined to each other, such as stones, gravel, metal spheres such as iron, or ceramics. 【0016】 In one embodiment, the solid inert material is an adhesive material having defined passages and / or cavities inside. For example, the adhesive material is a unique material block having cavities to obtain good heat exchange properties. Alternatively, the solid inert material comprises a plurality of blocks supporting one another, each block having cavities to obtain good heat exchange properties. 【0017】 In one embodiment, the solid inert material has a bio number less than 1, preferably less than 0.1. 【0018】 The Biot number is a dimensionless quantity used in heat transfer calculations and provides an indicator showing the ratio of the thermal resistance within an object to the thermal resistance of the object's surface. This ratio determines whether the temperature within the object changes significantly in space as time passes and the object's temperature rises or falls from the heat gradient applied to the surface. 【0019】 The applicant of the present application has verified that when the inert solid is a non-sticking material, by orienting the reservoir vertically with an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top, or vice versa, the non-sticking material is arranged to occupy the entire cross-section of the reservoir, so that there is no remaining space for the fluid to move without heat exchange with the non-sticking material, and thus the thermal jump layer can be lengthened. In fact, when the reservoir is horizontally oriented such that the inlet and outlet are on opposite sides but at the same height, the non-sticking material may not occupy the entire cross-section of the reservoir with respect to the direction of fluid movement. As a result, the upper part of the reservoir becomes empty, and even if the fluid passes through this part, efficient heat exchange with the non-sticking material may not be possible. Furthermore, even if an internal buffer is provided in the horizontally oriented reservoir, this phenomenon may be alleviated in some cases but not eliminated. 【0020】 The applicant of the present application has verified that by arranging a tube within the reservoir, since the pressure of the fluid in the tube balances the pressure of the fluid within the containment volume, i.e., the pressure of the fluid surrounding the tube, a tube with such a thin wall thickness that saves materials can be realized. Furthermore, when the wall thickness is thin, the thermal inertia of the inner tube is also small. As a result, the inner tube can quickly increase in temperature with respect to the thermal mass, so that the front part can maintain a steep gradient. Arranging the tube internally prevents the hot fluid flowing through the tube from dissipating heat to the external environment. 【0021】 In a third aspect according to the first or second aspect, the reservoir includes an outer casing configured to withstand fluid pressure, an inner casing having a radially inner surface and defining a containment volume, and a thermal insulation material disposed in a cavity defined between the outer casing and the inner casing. The inner casing has a passage through which fluid can also fill the cavity. When the inert material is a solid that rises and falls in temperature, the inner casing has a thermal inertia similar to that of the solid inert material, such that the inner casing and the solid inert material rise in temperature together, or the temperature difference during heating (filling) and cooling (discharging) is limited. These passages are arranged at the same pressure level so that the cavity and the containment volume are in pressure equilibrium. This prevents the generation of fluid flow within the cavity, i.e., the fluid remains stationary within the cavity. 【0022】 The Applicant has verified that by adopting a double encapsulation container according to the third aspect, since the fluid is present in both the containment volume and the cavity, there is no need to withstand the fluid pressure, thus realizing a thin-walled inner casing that saves materials. 【0023】 The thin inner casing can also operate within the elastic deformation region even when subjected to deformation by the solid inert material. In addition, by reducing the thickness of the inner casing, the axial heat flow of the wall of the inner casing in contact with the fluid can be restricted, avoiding heat transfer from the high-temperature region to the low-temperature region, which is useful for maintaining a narrow temperature jump layer. <0*********8> By reducing the thickness of the pipe and the inner casing, the weight of the reservoir can also be reduced, thus facilitating transportation and installation. 【0025】 The Applicant has verified that the cavity with the thermal insulation material can reduce heat loss to the external environment. 【0026】 The applicant also verified that the similar thermal inertia can reduce the amount of mechanical stress due to thermal expansion between the internal casing and the solid inert material at various temperatures. 【0027】 The applicant also verified that an outer casing large enough to withstand fluid pressure is unaffected by the fluid temperature thanks to a cavity containing insulating material, and the material of the outer casing has a higher allowable stress limit, and therefore can be realized with a thinner thickness. In other words, since the allowable stress of many materials, including steel, is known to decrease with increasing temperature, the insulating cavity allows for a lower design temperature of the outer casing, and therefore, it is possible to use less high-grade materials and / or thinner thicknesses for the structure instead. 【0028】 The applicant emphasizes that the device according to the present invention may include both an inner tube and a double-sealed container, or it may include an inner tube but not a double-sealed container, or conversely, it may include a double-sealed container but not an inner tube. 【0029】 Further aspects of the present invention are described below. 【0030】 In the second embodiment, and optionally in embodiments having one or more of the other embodiments, in the step of storing thermal energy, the inflow of the hot fluid into the reservoir occurs through the second conduit and the second opening, and the discharge of the cooled fluid from the reservoir occurs through the first opening and the first conduit. 【0031】 In the second embodiment, and optionally in embodiments having one or more of the other embodiments, in the step of releasing thermal energy pre-stored in a solid inert material, the inflow of a cryogenic fluid into the reservoir occurs through a first conduit and a first opening, and the discharge of a heated fluid from the reservoir occurs through a second opening and a second conduit. 【0032】 In the storage step, the filling of the reservoir with the hot fluid and the discharge of the cooled fluid from the reservoir occur at the first end located at the bottom of the reservoir. The hot fluid flows through the entire tube and then exits through a second opening located near the second end located at the top of the reservoir. The hot fluid exiting from the second opening then passes through the solid inert material, releasing heat to the solid inert material, and exits through the first conduit located at the bottom. Note that in this way, the hot part of the reservoir is always at the top, which helps to maintain heat. In fact, conversely, if filling occurs from the bottom, in the case of partial filling, convection occurs and the thermocline is significantly lengthened. 【0033】 In the discharge step, the filling of the reservoir with cryogenic fluid and the discharge of heated fluid from the reservoir always occur at the first end located at the bottom of the reservoir. The cryogenic fluid enters through the first conduit located at the bottom and rises through the solid inert material, absorbing heat as it goes. The heated fluid enters a second opening located near the second end at the top of the reservoir, flows through the entire tube, and then exits through the second conduit. Thus, both during storage and discharge, the tube is passed through the hot fluid. 【0034】 The applicant has verified that in this configuration, the high-temperature fluid passes through the tube located inside the reservoir and then exits through the second opening, thus avoiding or suppressing heat loss to the environment that may occur if the tube is outside the reservoir. Indeed, if some of the heat of the fluid flowing through the tube passes through the walls of the tube itself, this heat is stored in the solid inert material. 【0035】 Furthermore, once the fluid flow stops, the tube will not cool rapidly if its thermal inertia is low, and therefore, in the subsequent storage or release step, the heat from the fluid inside the tube will not be used to reheat the tube (if the tube is outside the reservoir, it will cool during that time). 【0036】 In one embodiment, the reservoir has an elongated cylindrical shape with a prevailing axis of development. 【0037】 In one embodiment, the reservoir has a circular cross-section. 【0038】 In one embodiment, the tube and the reservoir are coaxial. 【0039】 In one embodiment, the ratio H / D of the reservoir length H (corresponding to the height when oriented vertically) to the reservoir outer diameter D is 2 to 15, and optionally 5 to 10. 【0040】 The applicant has verified that these ratios can optimize heat exchange and suppress pressure loss. 【0041】 In one embodiment, when the reservoir is in a vertical position, the central axis and the main axis of the pipe are vertical. 【0042】 In one embodiment, the heating curve T1 of the inner casing follows the heating curve T2 of the solid inert material, and in at least one intermediate interval between the lowest temperature Tmin and the highest temperature Tmax, the heating curve T1 of the inner casing is below the heating curve T2 of the solid inert material. 【0043】 The applicant has verified that, in this manner, the inner casing temporarily expands after (immediately after) the expansion of the solid inert material, thereby preventing a decrease in the level of the solid inert material in the reservoir due to an increase in the containment volume, especially when the solid inert material is a non-stick material. 【0044】 In one embodiment, the inner casing can expand and contract freely relative to the outer casing. In this configuration, neither the outer nor the inner casing is subjected to mechanical stress. In some cases, the expansion of the inner casing may cause compression of the insulating material, but this does not create resistance. 【0045】 In one embodiment, the inner casing is constrained to the outer casing by a support configured to avoid thermal bridging. 【0046】 In one embodiment, the support is arranged at intervals using a rigid insulating material such as a ceramic matrix material. 【0047】 This minimizes heat transfer from the inner casing to the outer casing. 【0048】 In one embodiment, the inner casing and the solid inert material have different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the materials of the solid inert material and the inner casing are different and have different coefficients of thermal expansion, the inner casing may be deformed by the solid inert material, but as described above, it can withstand this deformation because the thin inner casing can operate within the elastic deformation region. 【0049】 In one embodiment, the thickness of the inner casing wall is 1 / 10 to 1 / 5 of the thickness of the outer casing wall. 【0050】 In one embodiment, the radial dimension of the cavity is 5 to 25 times the thickness of the outer casing wall. 【0051】 In one embodiment, the thickness of the pipe wall is 1 / 25 to 1 / 5 of the thickness of the outer casing wall. 【0052】 In one embodiment, the thickness of the inner casing wall is 1 mm to 15 mm. 【0053】 In one embodiment, the thickness of the pipe wall is 0.2 mm to 15 mm. 【0054】 In one embodiment, the thickness of the outer casing wall is 10 mm to 150 mm. 【0055】 In one embodiment, the passage in the inner casing is formed in the upper part of the inner casing. The cavity communicates with the containment volume and fluid only through such passage located at the top. 【0056】 In one embodiment, the lower part of the containment volume is sealed to the cavity. This prevents the fluid from bypassing the thermal mass and passing only through the cavity, thus preventing the high-temperature fluid bypassing the thermal mass from heating the outer casing. 【0057】 In one embodiment, the insulating material placed in the cavity comprises multiple layers, and these layers are also different from each other. In fact, some materials perform optimally at high temperatures, others at medium temperatures, and still others at low temperatures. 【0058】 In one embodiment, the insulating coating covers the pipe. 【0059】 The inner tube is insulated from the thermal mass to reduce the heat released to the thermal mass, which is useful for maintaining a narrow thermocline. 【0060】 In one embodiment, the thermal insulation coating is positioned on the radially inner or radially outer side of the pipe. 【0061】 In other words, the tube is enclosed to prevent the fluid's heat from dissipating into the solid inert material while it is still at a low temperature before reaching the second opening, and to prevent the thermocline from being destroyed. 【0062】 In one embodiment, the insulating coating can slide freely in the axial direction relative to the pipe due to thermal expansion. 【0063】 In one embodiment, the thermal insulation coating comprises a radially inward sleeve and a thermal insulation material disposed between the radially inward sleeve and the pipe. 【0064】 In one embodiment, only the radially inner sleeve, or the radially inner sleeve and the insulation material, can slide freely in the axial direction relative to the pipe due to thermal expansion. 【0065】 In one embodiment, the ratio of the heat exchange surface to the weight of the tube material is 20m 2 / ton ~ 300m 2 It is / tons. 【0066】 In one embodiment, the first conduit penetrates the outer casing and is connected to the inner casing. 【0067】 In one embodiment, the second conduit penetrates the outer casing. 【0068】 In one embodiment, the first conduit and / or the second conduit are provided with an insulating coating to prevent heat from reaching the outer casing and to reduce heat loss. 【0069】 In one embodiment, the reservoir comprises elements supporting non-adhesive material placed within the containment volume, such as perforated shelves or grids. 【0070】 In one embodiment, the element supporting the non-adhesive material comprises at least one shelf, and optionally multiple shelves. 【0071】 In one embodiment, the element supporting the non-adhesive material is placed within the non-adhesive material. 【0072】 In one embodiment, the element supporting the non-adhesive material has a thermal inertia similar to that of the non-adhesive material. 【0073】 In one embodiment, at least one filter is positioned in and / or above the first or second opening. 【0074】 In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to an apparatus for storing and releasing thermal energy, comprising at least one device as shown in one or more of the embodiments described above. 【0075】 In one embodiment, the device is A first external conduit and a second external conduit associated with at least one of the devices, wherein the first external conduit is connected to a first conduit, the second external conduit is connected to a second conduit of a reservoir, and the first external conduit and the second external conduit are configured to be connected to a high-temperature fluid source or a low-temperature fluid source, A valve that is operable in the first external conduit and the second external conduit, and / or the first conduit and the second conduit, and can be configured to allow the inflow of a hot or cold fluid through a first opening and / or the discharge through a second opening, or vice versa. To further prepare. 【0076】 In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured such that fluid flows into the reservoir through a second conduit and fluid is discharged from the reservoir through a first conduit, or vice versa. 【0077】 In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to perform the step of storing thermal energy, wherein a high-temperature fluid from a second external conduit enters a reservoir through a second conduit, flows through the conduit, exits through a second opening, passes through a solid inert material while releasing heat to the solid inert material, exits the reservoir through a first conduit, and flows through a first external conduit. 【0078】 In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to perform the steps of releasing thermal energy, in which a cryogenic fluid from a first external conduit enters a reservoir through a first conduit, passes through a solid inert material while absorbing heat from the solid inert material, enters a second opening, flows through the tube, exits the reservoir through a second conduit, and flows through a second external conduit. 【0079】 In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of such apparatuses that are in fluid communication with one another. 【0080】 In one embodiment, the devices of the plurality of devices are connected in series with each other, the second conduit of one device is connected to the first conduit of an adjacent device, and the first conduit of one device is connected to the second conduit of an adjacent device. 【0081】 In one embodiment, the devices of the plurality of devices are connected in parallel to each other, the first conduits of the devices are connected in parallel to each other, and the second conduits of the devices are connected in parallel to each other. 【0082】 In one embodiment, the plurality of devices comprises a set of devices. 【0083】 In one embodiment, each pair of devices is connected to each other in parallel, and these pairs are connected to each other in series. 【0084】 In one embodiment, each pair of devices is connected in series with respect to the others, and these pairs are connected in parallel with each other. 【0085】 A single device is characterized by the energy it can store and the optimal volumetric flow rate, which is a function of thermal output. To meet project specifications, if it is necessary to increase output, it is sufficient to arrange several devices in parallel, and to increase energy, it is sufficient to arrange several devices in series. Furthermore, by arranging at least two devices in series, the reservoir can be bypassed when it is fully heat-stored or when it is not useful (e.g., when the fluid is cooler than the previous device), and at the same time, the overall pressure loss can be reduced, thereby allowing for the selection of a reservoir shape with a larger height / diameter ratio (H / D) for the same pressure loss, and thus improving performance. 【0086】 In one embodiment, each set comprises the same number of devices or a different number of devices. 【0087】 To further reduce pressure loss, it is possible to use a central set with several devices, which is a middle set in parallel with the preceding and succeeding sets. 【0088】 In one embodiment, the plurality of devices are identical to one another. This reduces design and implementation costs and allows for the selection of the number and arrangement of such devices to suit specific project requirements. 【0089】 In one embodiment, different devices or different sets comprise different or the same solid inert material. 【0090】 In one embodiment, the reservoir is made of steel, preferably carbon steel. 【0091】 The applicant has verified that the apparatus according to the present invention provides the following overall technical, energy, and mechanical advantages. 【0092】 Energy advantages High heat transfer coefficient and high thermal conductivity, i.e., low Biot coefficient. Reduction of fluid pressure loss when crossing thermal mass Reducing heat loss to the environment Reduction of thermal inertia, and therefore reduction of irreversibility. The high thermocline in the front of the reservoir, where there is no heat flow due to conduction, thus reducing irreversibility. 【0093】 Mechanical advantages, and therefore cost advantages. Reducing reservoir stress through a combination of medium and high pressure. Increase in the allowable stress limit of reservoir material(s) Resistance to high thermal gradients Mitigation of the problem of thermal mass filling due to temperature difference / thermal expansion difference in the reservoir. 【0094】 The present invention also relates to an energy conversion and storage plant comprising at least one device according to one or more of the embodiments described above. 【0095】 In one embodiment, the plant further comprises a high-temperature fluid source and a low-temperature fluid source, and the plant is configured to connect at least one of the devices to the high-temperature fluid source or the low-temperature fluid source, so that the high-temperature fluid or the low-temperature fluid passes through the containment volume of one or more reservoirs and a solid inert material. 【0096】 In one embodiment, the plant is of the type described in one of the international publications, International Publication No. 2021 / 191786 and International Publication No. 2021 / 255578, represented by the same applicant, and the apparatus of the present invention is used as a thermal energy storage (TES) in these plants. 【0097】 In one embodiment, this plant is Working fluids other than the atmosphere, A gas container or other storage system configured to store the working fluid in the gas phase and in pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere under all operating conditions / steps of the plant, which is slightly overpressurized or not overpressurized, A reservoir configured to store the working fluid in a liquid or supercritical phase at a temperature close to its critical temperature, wherein the critical temperature is close to the ambient temperature, preferably 0°C to 100°C. This plant is configured to operate a closed-circulation thermodynamic conversion between the sealed container and the reservoir, first in one direction in a storage configuration, and then in the opposite direction in a discharge configuration. In the storage configuration, the plant stores heat and pressure, and in the discharge configuration, it generates energy. The device is configured to store heat in a storage configuration and release heat in a discharge configuration. 【0098】 Examples of slightly overpressurized or not overpressurized storage systems are double or triple-membrane gas containers, in which there is a cavity between the inner membrane containing the working fluid and the outer membrane that is in contact with the environment. The cavity is usually filled with outside air by a fan and a constant pressure of several mbars, for example 1 to 200 mbars, preferably 2 to 50 mbars, is maintained. The outer membrane maintains its shape at all times, with only minor changes, for the purpose of protecting the inner membrane from external environmental and meteorological conditions such as sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. 【0099】 Other examples of gas containers in equilibrium with the atmosphere include pressure balloons or single-membrane gas containers, in which the membrane containing the working fluid is in direct contact with the atmosphere. 【0100】 The membrane is typically constructed from a PVC-coated polyester fabric, or by combining several materials, such as one material to strengthen the membrane and another to make it waterproof. Various additives can also be used to provide resistance to aging while maintaining the high flexibility of the material. 【0101】 In one embodiment, this plant is Working fluids other than the atmosphere, A sealed container configured to store a working fluid in the gas phase at a substantially constant pressure, wherein the working fluid inside the sealed container is in pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere, and is slightly overpressurized or not overpressurized. A reservoir configured to store the working fluid in a liquid phase or supercritical phase at a temperature close to the critical temperature, wherein the critical temperature of the reservoir is close to the ambient temperature. At least one compressor, At least one inflator, A heat exchanger configured to store thermal energy released from a working fluid, or to release pre-stored thermal energy into the working fluid. Equipped with, The sealed container is in fluid communication with the compressor inlet or the expander outlet, and the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the compressor outlet or the expander inlet. This plant is configured to operate a closed-circulation thermodynamic conversion between the sealed container and the reservoir, first in one direction in the storage configuration, and then in the opposite direction in the discharge configuration. In the storage configuration, this plant stores heat and pressure, and in the discharge configuration, it generates energy. Heat exchangers are A first heat exchanger, determined by at least one of the aforementioned devices, is positioned between the reservoir and the compressor, and between the reservoir and the expander. A second heat exchanger which operates operably between the at least one device and the reservoir, or operates operably within the reservoir. It is equipped with. 【0102】 In one embodiment, the plant can be configured as a storage configuration or a discharge configuration by means of pipelines and control devices such as valves and pumps. 【0103】 In one embodiment, the at least one device is connected such that the working fluid of the plant passes through the containment volume of the reservoir of the at least one device, and in a storage configuration, through the at least one compressor which defines a high-temperature fluid source, and in a discharge configuration, through the second heat exchanger which defines a low-temperature fluid source. 【0104】 Alternatively, the at least one device is connected such that the working fluid of the plant exchanges heat with a fluid heat carrier, and the fluid heat carrier passes through the containment volume of the reservoir of the at least one device. 【0105】 In one embodiment, the working fluid is in the gas phase. 【0106】 In one embodiment, the working fluid is selected from the group including CO2, SF6, N2O, or mixtures thereof. 【0107】 In one embodiment, the heat carrier is a liquid, selected from the group including diathermic oil, molten salt, and general liquids used as heat carriers. 【0108】 The applicant has verified that the above-mentioned plant can improve the overall efficiency of the system by storing heat in a storage configuration, and that the device according to the present invention (TES) is highly efficient, thereby increasing the efficiency and round trip efficiency (RTE) of the plant into which such device is inserted. 【0109】 Further features and advantages will become clearer from the detailed description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the devices, apparatus, and plants according to the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0110】 This specification is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not limited thereto, as shown below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a diagram of a device for storing and releasing thermal energy according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram of the device in Figure 1 for each operating configuration. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic diagram of the device in Figure 1 for each operating configuration. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram of a device for storing and releasing thermal energy, equipped with numerous devices, in each operating configuration. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram of a device for storing and releasing thermal energy, equipped with numerous devices, in each operating configuration. [Figure 4A] These are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of the apparatus shown in Figures 3A and 3B, corresponding to each operating configuration. [Figure 4B] These are schematic diagrams of different embodiments of the apparatus shown in Figures 3A and 3B, corresponding to each operating configuration. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of a further embodiment of a device for storing and releasing thermal energy. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of a further embodiment of a device for storing and releasing thermal energy. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a further embodiment of a device for storing and releasing thermal energy. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of an energy conversion and storage plant according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0111】 (Detailed explanation) Referring to the attached figure, a device for storing and releasing thermal energy according to the present invention is shown overall using reference numeral 1. The device according to the present invention is of the packed bed type (packed bed at atmospheric pressure or packed bed pressurized at a low pressure) and comprises a thermal mass configured to be surrounded by a fluid, the fluid releasing heat to or removing heat from the thermal mass. 【0112】 Device 1 comprises a reservoir 2. The reservoir 2 comprises an outer casing 3 configured to withstand the pressure of the fluid and an inner casing 4 defining a containment volume 5 within itself. The fluid can be in a gaseous or liquid phase state. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 2 has an elongated cylindrical shape with a central axis YY and a circular cross-section. The outer casing 3 and the inner casing 4 are identical or similar in shape but have different dimensions from each other. 【0113】 When properly installed for operation, reservoir 2 is oriented vertically, i.e., its central axis YY is vertical, and is mounted on the ground or a suitable base by feet 6 connected to the outer casing 3. If H is the height of reservoir 2 and D is its diameter, the H / D ratio is 2 to 15, and optionally 5 to 10, to optimize heat exchange and suppress pressure loss. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, this H / D ratio is approximately equal to 5. By increasing the height / diameter (H / D) ratio, performance can be improved with the same pressure drop. 【0114】 The inner casing 4 is constrained to the outer casing 3 by supports 7 configured to avoid thermal bridging and prevent or minimize heat transfer from the inner casing 4 to the outer casing 3. Figure 1 shows two supports 7 located near the first end of the reservoir 2 at the bottom. The supports 7 are spaced apart by a rigid insulating material, such as a ceramic matrix material. 【0115】 The inner casing 4 and the outer casing 3 are coaxial and are positioned relative to each other, defining a gap 8 between them that is similar in shape to one of the reservoirs 2. The cavity 8 is filled with insulating material 9 to reduce heat loss to the external environment. The outer casing is largely unaffected by the fluid temperature due to the cavity containing the insulating material. The insulating material 9, although not visible in Figure 1, consists of multiple layers made of different materials, concentric with each other, such as rock wool, glass wool, ceramic material, rigid and flexible microporous material, and calcium silicate. 【0116】 Furthermore, the compatibility of the support 7 and the thermal insulation material 9 is such that the inner casing 4 can expand freely relative to the outer casing 3 due to temperature changes. In this way, neither the outer casing 3 nor the inner casing 4 is subjected to high mechanical stress. The expansion of the inner casing 4 may cause compression of the thermal insulation material 9, but this does not create high resistance. 【0117】 The containment volume 5 is in fluid communication with the cavity 8 through a passage 10 (e.g., a hole) formed in the upper part of the internal casing 4, and as a result, the cavity 8 can also be filled with fluid. However, in other places, the containment volume 5 and the cavity 8 are sealed off from each other, and as a result, fluid is prevented from entering or leaving. In particular, the lower part of the containment volume 5 is sealed off from the cavity 8. 【0118】 The first conduit 11 penetrates the outer casing 3, penetrates the cavity 8, and connects to the inner casing 4, so as to fluidize the containment volume 5 to the outside of the reservoir 2 and in particular to the first conduit 12 outside the reservoir 2, and to prevent fluid from the first conduit 11 from flowing directly into the cavity 8. The first conduit 11 has a first opening 13 at the bottom, near the foot 6, at the first end of the reservoir 2, which leads to the containment volume 5. 【0119】 The second conduit 14 also penetrates the outer casing 3, penetrates the cavity 8, and connects to the inner casing 4, so as to fluidize the containment volume 5 to the outside of the reservoir 2 and in particular to the second conduit 15 outside the reservoir 2, and to prevent fluid from the second conduit 14 from flowing directly into the cavity 8. 【0120】 The second conduit 14 includes a pipe 16 extending within the containment volume 5, or is connected to the pipe 16. 【0121】 In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the pipe 16 and the reservoir 2 are coaxial, i.e., the central axis YY of the reservoir 2 coincides with the principal axis of the pipe 16. The pipe 16 extends vertically to a second end of the reservoir 2 located at the top, and ends with a second opening 17 leading to a containment volume 5, i.e., into the inner casing 4. The second opening 17 is formed at the end of the pipe 16, spaced from the top of the inner casing 4, and facing the top of the inner casing 4, through which a passage is formed, so that fluid can be discharged from or into the pipe 16. Filters can be placed in the first opening 13 and the second opening 17. In Figure 1, a filter 17a of the second opening 17 is visible. The containment volume 5 is defined by the radially inner surface of the inner casing 4 and the radially outer surface of the pipe 16. 【0122】 Within the inner casing 4 are support elements 18, configured, for example, as shelves with through-openings. These shelves are perforated or shaped like a grid. The first shelf 18 is positioned near the bottom of the containment volume 5 and directly above the first opening 13. Further shelves 18 are spaced along the vertical direction of the reservoir 2. The shelves 18 are supported by the inner casing 4. 【0123】 The outer casing 3 and the inner casing 4 are further provided with doors configured to allow access to the containment volume 5 when the device 1 is not in operation, in order to replace the non-stick material 19 and / or perform maintenance, thereby filling the device 1 with the non-stick material 19 or discharging the non-stick material 19. For this purpose, the shelf 18 is also removable. 【0124】 The non-adhesive material 19 is a solid inert material comprising multiple objects or elements that are not joined to each other, such as stone, gravel, metal spheres such as iron, or ceramics, and is configured to retain heat released from the fluid or release heat to the fluid during the passage of the fluid, according to the process described below. 【0125】 The non-adhesive material has a Biot number less than 1, preferably less than 0.1. The ratio of the heat exchange surface of the tube 16 to the weight of the material of the tube 16 is preferably 20 m 2 / ton ~ 300m 2 It is / tons. 【0126】 The elements of the non-stick material 19 are on the shelf 18 and completely fill the cross-section of the containment volume 5, but still, thanks to the gaps defined between the elements of the non-stick material 19, the fluid can move from the first opening 13 through the containment volume 5 to the second opening 17, or vice versa. The non-stick material 19 determines the thermal mass of the packing layer as described above. 【0127】 The filter 17a positioned at the second opening 17 prevents the fluid flow from dragging the non-stick material into the tube during the discharge step detailed below, thus allowing the inner casing 4 to occupy the upper part of the containment volume 5. As a result, the containment volume 5 can be better utilized, and the ratio of non-stick material to inner casing 4 can be improved. 【0128】 In modified embodiments not shown, the solid inert material is an adhesive material with internally defined passages and / or cavities, such as a single block of material having cavities, to achieve good heat exchange properties. The tube 16 is provided with an insulating coating 20, i.e., the tube is covered. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the insulating coating 20 is located radially inward of the wall of the tube 16. The insulating coating 20 comprises a radially inward case and an insulating portion that adheres to the radially inward case and is sandwiched between the case and the tube 16. The insulating coating 20 is configured to slide axially relative to the tube 16 in case of thermal expansion. In modified embodiments, the insulating portion of the insulating coating 20 adheres to the tube 16, and the radially inward case can slide freely axially relative to the insulating portion and the tube 16. 【0129】 Furthermore, the first conduit 11 and / or the second conduit 14 are each provided with an insulating cover to prevent heat from reaching the outer casing and to limit heat loss. 【0130】 The inner casing 4, outer casing 3, and pipe 16 are made of carbon steel. 【0131】 The outer casing 3 is large enough to withstand the pressure of the fluid filling both the inner casing 4 and the cavity 8. On the other hand, the inner casing 4 does not need to withstand the fluid pressure because the fluid is present in both the containment volume 5 and the cavity 8. Therefore, the inner casing 4 can be made thinner than the outer casing 3. For example, the wall thickness of the inner casing 4 is 1 / 10 to 1 / 5 of the wall thickness of the outer casing 3. Also, the wall of the pipe 16 is thin, for example, its wall thickness is 1 / 25 to 1 / 5 of the wall thickness of the outer casing 3. For example, the wall thickness of the inner casing 4 is 1 mm to 15 mm, the wall thickness of the pipe 16 is 0.2 mm to 15 mm, and the wall thickness of the outer casing 3 is 10 mm to 150 mm. The radial dimension of the cavity 8 is 5 to 25 times the wall thickness of the outer casing 4. 【0132】 Since the non-stick material 19 also expands, even if the inner casing 4 is deformed by the non-stick material 19, the inner casing 4 can operate within its elastic deformation range due to its limited thickness. Furthermore, the thinness of the inner casing 4 limits the heat flow across the walls of the inner casing 4 that come into contact with the fluid. 【0133】 The inner casing 4 is designed to have a thermal inertia similar to that of the non-stick material 19, so that the inner casing 4 and the non-stick material 19 heat up together. This similar thermal inertia helps to avoid mechanical stress. Furthermore, the inner casing 4 is designed such that, as shown in Figure 1A, the heating curve T1 of the inner casing 4 follows the heating curve T2 of the non-stick material 19, and in at least one intermediate interval between the lowest temperature Tmin and the highest temperature Tmax, the heating curve T1 of the inner casing 4 is below the heating curve T2 of the non-stick material 19. Figure 1A shows the heating curves T1 and T2 in a "time (t) vs. temperature (T)" graph. The temperature is also substantially proportional to the thermal expansion of the inner casing 4 and the non-stick material 19. At time "ti", the temperature of the non-stick material 19 is ΔT higher than the temperature of the inner casing 4, so that the inner casing 4 temporarily expands after (immediately after) the expansion of the non-stick material 19, and as a result the containment volume 5 increases (also due to the temperature rise) before the expansion of the non-stick material (also due to the temperature rise), preventing the non-stick material 19 from dropping in level within the containment volume 5 of the reservoir 2. 【0134】 Furthermore, the inner casing 4 and the non-stick material 19 may have different coefficients of thermal expansion. If the coefficient of thermal expansion of the non-stick material is greater than that of the inner casing 4, the inner casing 4 may be deformed by the non-stick material 19 as the temperature of the non-stick material 19 and the inner casing 4 rises, but the inner casing 4 can withstand this deformation because it is thin and can operate within its elastic range. 【0135】 The various elements of device 1 are designed to operate within the elastic range of the material of device 1, and as a result, permanent deformation "hysteresis" does not occur over various cycles. 【0136】 Device 1 having a first conduit 12 and a second conduit 15 can itself constitute a device 100 for storing and releasing thermal energy. 【0137】 The first outer conduit 12 and the second outer conduit 15 are configured to be connected to a high-temperature fluid source 101 or a low-temperature fluid source 102, as schematically shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Valves, though not shown, are known to operate, for example, in the first outer conduit 12 and / or the second outer conduit 15 and / or the first conduit 11 and / or the second conduit 14, and can be configured to allow high-temperature fluid to flow in through the first opening 13 and out through the second opening 17, or vice versa. 【0138】 The apparatus 100 is configured to perform the step of storing thermal energy contained in the high-temperature fluid coming from the high-temperature fluid source 101, or to perform the step of releasing thermal energy previously stored in the non-stick material 19 of the reservoir 2 into the low-temperature fluid coming from the low-temperature fluid source 102. 【0139】 In the step of storing thermal energy in the non-stick material 19, as shown in Figure 2A, the high-temperature fluid from the high-temperature fluid source 101 flows through the second outer conduit 15, enters the reservoir 2 through the second conduit 14, flows through the pipe 16, exits through the second opening 17, moves downward through the non-stick material 19 while releasing heat to the non-stick material 19, exits the reservoir 2 through the first opening 13 and the first conduit 11, and flows through the first outer conduit 12 to the low-temperature fluid storage section 102'. 【0140】 In the step of releasing thermal energy from the non-stick material 19, as shown in Figure 2B, the low-temperature fluid from the low-temperature fluid source 102 flows through the first outer conduit 12, enters the reservoir 2 through the first conduit 11, moves upward through the non-stick material 19 while absorbing heat from it, enters the second opening 17, flows through the pipe 16, exits the reservoir 2 through the second conduit 14, and flows through the second outer conduit 15 to the high-temperature fluid storage section 101'. 【0141】 As can be observed, a hot fluid passes through tube 16 in both the storage and release steps. Therefore, by placing tube 16 within the containment volume 5, heat loss to the environment outside reservoir 2 (which could occur if the tube were placed outside the reservoir) can be avoided or at least suppressed. Furthermore, once the fluid flow through tube 16 stops, tube 16 does not cool rapidly, and as a result, in the subsequent storage or release step, the heat from the fluid passing through tube 16 is not spent reheating tube 16, which would have cooled during that time if tube 16 were outside the reservoir. 【0142】 Furthermore, in the step of storing thermal energy in the non-stick material 19, the hot fluid fills the containment volume 5 from the top (if the second opening 17 is at the top) and exits from the bottom through the first opening 13. This configuration helps the non-stick material function correctly and optimizes its ability to store heat, as heat always tends to rise. 【0143】 In a modified embodiment, the aforementioned apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of fluid-communicating devices 1. These devices 1 may be identical or different from each other, and the non-stick materials 19 housed in each reservoir 2 may also be the same or different. 【0144】 Figures 3A and 3B show a device 100 comprising three identical devices 1 connected in series with one another. 【0145】 The first conduit 11 and first pipeline 12 of the left-hand device 1 are connected to the second pipeline 15 and second conduit 14 of the central device 1. The first conduit 11 and first pipeline 12 of the central device 1 are connected to the second pipeline 15 and second conduit 14 of the right-hand device 1. The second pipeline 15 and second conduit 14 of the left-hand device 1 are connected to a high-temperature fluid source 101 (not shown). The first conduit 11 and first pipeline 12 of the left-hand device 1 are connected to a low-temperature fluid source 102 (not shown). 【0146】 Bypass conduits 120, each having a bypass valve 130, allow the reservoir to be bypassed when it is sufficiently heated or when it is not useful. 【0147】 In the step of storing thermal energy in the non-stick material 19, as shown in Figure 3A, the high-temperature fluid from the high-temperature fluid source 101 passes through the three devices 1 in succession, releasing heat into each of the non-stick materials 19 in the reservoir 2. 【0148】 In the step of releasing thermal energy from the non-stick material 19, as shown in Figure 3B, the cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic fluid source 102 passes through the three devices 1 in succession, absorbing heat from each of the non-stick materials 19 in the reservoir 2. 【0149】 Figures 4A and 4B show a device 100 comprising three identical devices 1 connected in parallel. 【0150】 The first conduit 11 and the first pipeline 12 of the three devices 1 are connected in parallel, that is, they are all directly connected to the cryogenic fluid source 102. 【0151】 The second conduits 14 and second pipelines 15 of the three devices 1 are connected in parallel, that is, they are all directly connected to the high-temperature fluid source 101. 【0152】 In the step of storing thermal energy in the non-stick material 19, as shown in Figure 4A, the high-temperature fluid from the high-temperature fluid source 101 passes through the three devices 1 simultaneously, releasing heat into each of the non-stick materials 19 in the reservoir 2. 【0153】 In the step of releasing thermal energy from the non-stick material 19, as shown in Figure 4B, the cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic fluid source 102 passes through the three devices 1 simultaneously, absorbing heat from each of the non-stick materials 19 in the reservoir 2. 【0154】 Connecting several devices 1 in parallel can increase the output, and connecting several devices 1 in series can increase the energy. Using identical devices 1 can reduce design and implementation costs. 【0155】 Figure 5 shows a device 100 in which devices 1 are arranged in series and parallel. In particular, the device 100 in Figure 5 comprises five sets 110 of devices 1. Each set 110 comprises four devices 1 connected in parallel with each other (similar to those in Figures 4A and 4B). The sets 110 are connected in series with each other. Each set 110 further comprises a bypass conduit 120 with its respective bypass valve 130, which can bypass one or more sets 110 if necessary. 【0156】 In modified embodiments not shown, the devices 1 of each set 110 are connected in series with each other, and the sets 110 are connected in parallel with each other. Figure 6 shows an apparatus 100 similar to the apparatus of Figure 5, in which a single device 1 of different sets 110 is connected in series. This arrangement allows the fluid to be mixed when it leaves one set and the mixture to be redistributed in the next set. 【0157】 Figure 7 shows a device 100 similar to the device in Figure 5, where three sets 110 are connected in series. The first and last sets 110 each have three devices 1, and the middle set 110 has six devices 1. Pressure loss can be reduced by using a middle set 110 with several devices in parallel with the front and rear sets 110. 【0158】 For example, the temperature of the high-temperature fluid entering one or more initial reservoirs 2 is 300°C to 500°C, for example, about 400°C, and the temperature of the fluid exiting one or more final reservoirs 2 is 5°C to 150°C. 【0159】 Figure 8 shows a plant 200 for energy processing and storage, comprising the apparatus 100 described above. This plant 200 may be one of the embodiments described in International Publication Nos. 2021 / 191786 and International Publication Nos. 2021 / 255578 of the published documents, on behalf of the same applicant. The apparatus 100 according to the present invention is used as a thermal energy storage device (TES) in plant 200. The illustrated plant 200 operates with a working fluid other than air, selected from the group including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The plant 200 is configured to operate a closed-circulation thermodynamic conversion (TTC) in one direction first in a storage configuration / step, and then in the opposite direction in a discharge configuration / step, where the plant 200 stores heat and pressure in the storage configuration and generates electrical energy in the discharge configuration. 【0160】 Referring to Figure 8, the plant 200 includes an expander, such as a turbine 202 and a compressor 203, which are mechanically connected to the motor-generator shaft 204. 【0161】 Plant 200 comprises a sealed container 205 defined by a double-membrane gas container having an inner membrane 301 containing the working fluid and an outer membrane 302 in contact with the environment. The gas container is positioned on the surface and in contact with the atmosphere on its outer surface. The inner membrane 301 of the gas container defines a volume within itself configured to contain the working fluid at atmospheric pressure or substantially atmospheric pressure, i.e., in pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere. The outer membrane 302 maintains its shape at all times, with only slight changes, for the purpose of protecting the inner membrane from external environmental and meteorological conditions such as sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. The cavity defined between the inner membrane 301 and the outer membrane 302 is filled with outside air by a fan and a constant pressure of several mbar is maintained. The sealed container 205 can also be realized like any other gas storage system, slightly overpressurized or not overpressurized, so that the pressure remains constant or substantially constant even if the volume of the working fluid changes. 【0162】 The first duct 206 extends between the sealed container 205 and the inlet 203a of the compressor 203, and between the sealed container 205 and the outlet 202b of the turbine 202, thereby fluidly connecting the internal volume of the sealed container 205 to the compressor 203 and the turbine 202. A valve or valve system (not shown) can be operably positioned in the first duct 206 to either fluidly connect the sealed container 205 to the inlet 203a of the compressor 203, or to fluidly connect the sealed container 205 to the outlet 202b of the turbine 202. 【0163】 The plant 200 includes a primary heat exchanger 100 that can selectively communicate fluidly with the outlet 203b of the compressor 203 or the inlet 202a of the turbine 202. For this purpose, a second duct 208 extends between the inlet 202a of the turbine 202 and the primary heat exchanger 100, and between the outlet 203b of the compressor 203 and the primary heat exchanger 100. 【0164】 The primary heat exchanger 100 is defined by the device for storing and releasing thermal energy as described above and is the subject of the present invention. A valve or valve system, not shown, is operably positioned in the second duct 208 to either fluidly connect the primary heat exchanger 100 to the inlet 202a of the turbine 202 or to fluidly connect the outlet 203b of the compressor 203 to the primary heat exchanger 100. 【0165】 The reservoir 209 is in fluid communication with the primary heat exchanger 100 and is configured to store the working fluid in liquid or supercritical phase at a temperature close to its critical temperature. The critical temperature of the working fluid is close to the ambient temperature, preferably 0°C to 100°C. The secondary heat exchanger 210 operates upstream of the reservoir 209 and is configured to operate with respect to the working fluid of the step stored in the reservoir 209. 【0166】 The third duct 212 extends between the primary heat exchanger 100 and the reservoir 209, and fluidly connects the primary heat exchanger 100 to the reservoir 209 and the secondary heat exchanger 210. 【0167】 In the schematic diagram of Figure 8, the plant 200 further includes additional heat exchangers 213 that are movably placed between the sealing vessel 205 and the compressor 202, and between the sealing vessel 205 and the turbine 202. 【0168】 A tank 2000 containing a liquid, typically water, is connected to a heat exchanger and an additional heat exchanger 213, and coupled to a radiator 223 equipped with an impeller 224. 【0169】 A heat exchanger is configured to store thermal energy released from the working fluid in the thermal mass and the liquid in the tank, or to release pre-stored thermal energy into the working fluid. 【0170】 The plant is configured to operate a closed-circulation thermodynamic conversion between the sealed container 205 and the reservoir 209, first in one direction in the storage configuration and then in the opposite direction in the discharge configuration, as described in the published documents, International Publication Nos. 2021 / 191786 and International Publication Nos. 2021 / 255578. 【0171】 In a storage configuration, plant 200 stores energy in the form of heat and pressure. In an emission configuration, plant 200 generates mechanical energy and, if necessary, converts it into electrical energy. 【0172】 In the storage configuration, the working fluid coming from the sealed container 205 is compressed in the compressor 203, causing its temperature to rise. The working fluid then flows through the primary heat exchanger 100, which acts as a cooler, removing heat from the compressed working fluid, lowering its temperature, and storing the thermal energy removed from the working fluid as heat in the non-stick material of the reservoir 2. The working fluid releases heat into the liquid in the tank 2000 in the secondary heat exchanger 210, where it condenses and is stored in the reservoir 209. 【0173】 In the discharge configuration, the working fluid coming from the reservoir 209 and already heated in the secondary heat exchanger 210 passes through the primary heat exchanger 100, which now acts as a heater, releasing additional heat previously stored in the non-stick material 19 into the working fluid, raising the temperature of the working fluid, and then supplying it to the turbine 202. 【0174】 In the embodiment of plant 200 shown above, the working fluid of plant 200 passes through the containment volume 5 of reservoir 2 of device 100 in the gas phase and directly exchanges heat with the non-stick material 19 inside reservoir 2. Therefore, in the storage configuration, the compressor 203 defines the high-temperature fluid source 101 of device 100 as generally shown in Figure 2A, and in the discharge configuration, the second heat exchanger 210 defines the low-temperature fluid source 102 as generally shown in Figure 2B. 【0175】 In alternative embodiments not shown, the apparatus 100 is connected to the rest of the plant 200 such that the working fluid of the plant 200 exchanges heat with a fluid heat carrier, such as diathermic oil, and the fluid heat carrier passes through the containment volume 5 of the reservoir 2 of the apparatus 100 to directly exchange heat with the non-stick material 19 of the reservoir 2. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0176】 1. Device for storing and releasing thermal energy 2 Reservoirs 3. Outer casing 4. Inner casing 5. Containment volume 6 Foot 7 Support 8 hollow 9. Insulation materials 10 aisles 11 First conduit 12. First pipeline 13 First opening 14. Second conduit 15. Second pipeline 16 tubes 17. Second opening 18 shelves 19 Solid inert materials 20. Insulating coating 100 Apparatus for storing and releasing thermal energy 101 High temperature fluid source 101' High-temperature fluid storage section 102 Cryogenic fluid source 102' Low-temperature fluid storage section 110 pairs 120 Bypass conduit 130 Bypass valve 200 plants 202 Turbine 202a Turbine Inlet 202b Turbine outlet 203 Compressor 203a Compressor inlet 203b Compressor outlet 204 Motor Generator 205 Enclosed container 206 First duct 208 Second duct 209 Reservoir 210 Secondary heat exchanger 212 Third duct 213 Additional heat exchangers 213a cooler 223 Radiator 224 Impeller 301 Inner membrane 302 Outer membrane 2000 tanks Main axis of XX pipe YY center axis

Claims

[Claim 1] A reservoir (2) defines the containment volume (5) internally, A first conduit (11) configured to fluidly connect the containment volume (5) to a first conduit (12) outside the reservoir (2), wherein the first conduit (11) has a first opening (13) at the first end of the reservoir (2) that leads to the containment volume (5), A second conduit (14) configured to fluidly connect the containment volume (5) to a second conduit (15) outside the reservoir (2), wherein the second conduit (14) has a second opening (17) leading to the containment volume (5) at the second end of the reservoir (2) opposite to the first end, The device comprises a solid inert material (19) placed within the containment volume (5) and configured such that a fluid can flow through the containment volume (5) from the second opening (17) to the first opening (13), or vice versa, The solid inert material (19) is configured to retain heat released from the fluid during the movement of the fluid, or to release heat to the fluid. The reservoir (2) is configured to function in a vertical position such that the first end of the reservoir (2) is positioned at the bottom and the second end of the reservoir (2) is positioned at the top. The first conduit (11) and the second conduit (14) open to the outside at the first end of the reservoir (2), and the first external conduit (12) and the second external conduit (12) are located near the first end. The second conduit (14) comprises a tube (16) at least partially located within the containment volume (5), and the second opening (17) is formed at the end of the tube (16) located near the second end of the reservoir (2), so that the containment volume (5) is defined by the radial inner surface of the reservoir (2) and the radial outer surface of the tube (16). The reservoir (2) comprises an outer casing (3) configured to withstand fluid pressure, an inner casing (4) having a radially inner surface and defining the containment volume (5), and a thermal insulation material (9) placed in a cavity (8) defined between the outer casing (3) and the inner casing (4), A device for storing and releasing thermal energy, wherein the inner casing (4) has a passage (10) that can fill the cavity (8) with the fluid and bring the cavity (8) into pressure equilibrium with the containment volume (5). [Claim 2] The device according to claim 1, wherein the inner casing (4) has a thermal inertia similar to that of the solid inert material (19). [Claim 3] The device according to claim 1, wherein, in a time (t) versus temperature (T) graph, the heating curve (T1) of the inner casing (4) follows the heating curve (T2) of the solid inert material (19), and in at least one intermediate interval between the lowest temperature (Tmin) and the highest temperature (Tmax), the heating curve (T1) of the inner casing (4) is below the heating curve (T2) of the solid inert material (19). [Claim 4] The device according to claim 1, wherein the inner casing (4) can expand freely with respect to the outer casing (3) due to thermal expansion. [Claim 5] The device according to claim 1, wherein the inner casing (4) is constrained to the outer casing (3) by a support (7) configured to avoid thermal bridging. [Claim 6] The device according to claim 1, wherein the inner casing (4) and the solid inert material (19) have different coefficients of thermal expansion. [Claim 7] The device according to claim 1, wherein the wall thickness of the inner casing (4) is 1 / 10 to 1 / 5 of the wall thickness of the outer casing (3), the radial dimension of the cavity (8) is 5 to 25 times the wall thickness of the outer casing (3), and the wall thickness of the pipe (16) is 1 / 25 to 1 / 5 of the wall thickness of the outer casing (3). [Claim 8] The device according to claim 1, comprising a heat insulating coating (20) covering the pipe (16), wherein the heat insulating coating (20) is disposed on the radially inward or radially outward side of the pipe (16). [Claim 9] The device according to claim 8, wherein the heat insulating coating (20) can slide freely in the axial direction relative to the tube (16) due to thermal expansion. [Claim 10] The device according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir (2) has an elongated cylindrical shape with a central axis (Y-Y), and in the vertical state of the reservoir (2), the central axis (Y-Y) and the main axis (X-X) of the pipe (16) are vertical. [Claim 11] A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A first external conduit (12) and a second external conduit (12) associated with at least one device (1), wherein the first external conduit (12) is connected to the first conduit (11), the second external conduit (12) is connected to the second conduit (14), and the first external conduit (12) and the second external conduit (12) are configured to be connected to a high-temperature fluid source (101) or a low-temperature fluid source (102), A valve that is operable in the first external conduit (12) and the second external conduit (12), and / or the first conduit (11) and the second conduit (14), and that can be configured to allow the inflow of a high-temperature or low-temperature fluid through the second opening (17) and the discharge through the first opening (13), or vice versa. A device for storing and releasing thermal energy, comprising the following features. [Claim 12] The apparatus according to claim 11, comprising a plurality of devices (1) that are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the devices (1) of the plurality of devices (1) are connected to each other in series and / or in parallel. [Claim 13] The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of devices (1) comprises a set (110) of devices (1), the devices (1) of each set (110) are connected in parallel to one another, and the sets (110) are connected in series to one another. [Claim 14] High-temperature fluid source (101), Low-temperature fluid source (102), The invention comprises at least one device (100) as described in claim 11, An energy conversion and storage plant configured such that at least one of the devices (100) is connected to either the high-temperature fluid source (101) or the low-temperature fluid source (102), and as a result, the high-temperature fluid or the low-temperature fluid passes through the containment volume (5) of one or more reservoirs (2) and the solid inert material (19). [Claim 15] Working fluids other than the atmosphere, A sealed container (205) configured to store the working fluid in the gas phase at a constant pressure, wherein the working fluid inside the sealed container (205) is in pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere, and is slightly overpressurized or not overpressurized. A reservoir (209) configured to store the working fluid in a liquid phase or supercritical phase at a temperature close to the critical temperature, wherein the critical temperature of the reservoir (209) is close to the ambient temperature, At least one compressor (203) and At least one inflator (202), The system includes a heat exchanger (210, 100) configured to store thermal energy released from the working fluid or to release pre-stored thermal energy to the working fluid, The sealed container (205) is in fluid communication with the inlet (203a) of the compressor (203) or the outlet (202b) of the expander (202), and the heat exchangers (210, 100) are in fluid communication with the outlet (203b) of the compressor (203) or the inlet (202a) of the expander (202), The plant (200) is configured to operate a closed-circulation thermodynamic conversion (TTC) between the sealed container (205) and the reservoir (209), first in one direction in a storage configuration, and then in the opposite direction in a discharge configuration. In the storage configuration, the plant (200) stores heat and pressure, and in the discharge configuration, energy is generated. The aforementioned heat exchanger (201, 100) A first heat exchanger, determined by the at least one device (100), is located between the reservoir (209) and the compressor (203), and between the reservoir (209) and the expander (202), A second heat exchanger (210) that operates operably between the at least one device (100) and the reservoir (209), or operates operably within the reservoir (209) Equipped with, The working fluid of the plant (200) passes through the containment volume (5) of the reservoir (2) of the at least one device (100), and in the storage configuration, the at least one device (100) is connected to pass through the at least one compressor (202) which defines the high-temperature fluid source, and in the discharge configuration, the at least one device (100) is connected to pass through the second heat exchanger (210) which defines the low-temperature fluid source. Alternatively, the plant according to claim 14, wherein the at least one device (100) is connected such that the working fluid of the plant (200) exchanges heat with a fluid heat carrier, and the fluid heat carrier passes through the containment volume (5) of the reservoir (2) of the at least one device (100).

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