Method for storing heated particles and particle container for energy storage system

Abstract

An energy storage system utilizes solid particles heated by electricity from a renewable energy power plant. The particle container includes, for example, a cylindrical particle chamber (10) for storing particles (5) heated in a heat exchanger of the energy storage system. The particle chamber walls (11) are made of a refractory material. Between the particle chamber walls (11) and the support wall (13), there is a space (12) filled with solid particles (6). These solid particles (6) are intended to remain in the space (12), act as an insulator for the particle chamber (10), and provide flexibility to accommodate the thermal expansion of the particle chamber (10).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat storage plant using a solid heat storage material. Background Technology

[0002] Renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar power, provide energy at variable rates depending on available sunlight or wind. Peak energy consumption often occurs at a different time than peak renewable energy production. Therefore, it is important for energy storage systems to maintain a balance between power supply and demand.

[0003] Known energy storage systems include battery technologies, pumped hydroelectric reservoirs, molten salt storage systems, and storage systems using solid particles, such as sand. Sand-based thermal storage systems include a fluidized bed that aerates the sand to enable easy transfer of the sand and increase heat transfer capacity per unit area. The sand can be heated in excess of energy production. For example, electrical energy can be stored and released as thermal energy. Known energy storage systems have known disadvantages that sand-based thermal storage systems can address at least partially. However, sand-based thermal storage systems may also face certain problems.

[0004] Over time, sand particles may undergo temperature changes, which can lead to stratification within the solid particles. This can affect the overall efficiency and heat transfer capacity of the system. The selection of materials for sand particles and containment structures must consider compatibility with high temperatures and thermal cycling to prevent degradation or decomposition over time.

[0005] Designing and maintaining effective sand-based thermal storage systems can be complex. The fluidization and circulation of sand require meticulous engineering design to ensure optimal performance. Over time, sand particles can aggregate or clump together, affecting the fluidization process and reducing the efficiency of heat transfer. Over time, sand particles can aggregate or clump together, affecting the fluidization process and potentially disrupting the entire process. means of solving the problem

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the core or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that address any or all disadvantages mentioned in any part of this disclosure.

[0007] A method for heating particles in a particle container and an energy storage system is disclosed herein. The energy storage system typically receives energy from an electric power grid, or more directly, from surplus energy from a renewable energy power plant, a photovoltaic power station, or a wind farm. The energy storage system utilizes, for example, solid particles, such as sand particles, that are heated by power from a renewable energy power plant.

[0008] A particle container includes a cylindrical particle chamber for storing particles, and the particles are heated, for example, in a heat exchanger of an energy storage system. An example of the shape of a cylindrical particle chamber is a silo. In an energy storage system, solid particles, such as sand particles, are circulated through a charging phase, a hot storage phase and a release phase, and a cool storage phase. In one exemplary embodiment, the solid particles can reach a temperature in the 2200°C range. The solid particles can move between phases that are pneumatically circulated by an air flow carrying light particles, or alternatively, they can move by gravity when different phases are stacked on top of each other. In one example, the solid particles are moved by a conveyor.

[0009] The particle chamber walls are manufactured from ceramic materials. Ceramic materials are an example of a temperature-resistant refractory material used for solid particles. The outer layer of the particle container includes support walls. The support walls include insulation. Between the particle chamber walls and the support walls, there is a space filled with solid particles. These solid particles are intended to remain in the space, function as an insulator for the particle chamber, support the high-temperature refractory layer of the particle chamber, and provide flexibility to accommodate the thermal expansion of the particle chamber. The applicable temperature range of the particle chamber can exceed 2200°C from the time the particle chamber is first filled with cold solid particles until the entire process. The effect of thermal expansion can be significant.

[0010] The static solid particle layer outside the particle chamber can be the same material as the solid particles used in the energy storage cycle. The static solid particles serve as an additional insulating layer. Even if the ceramic material forming the particle chamber develops hairline cracks, the particle container will still be functional and safe.

[0011] As an example of a solid particle, sand has a high specific heat capacity, allowing it to store a large amount of thermal energy. Sand enables low heat loss to the system disclosed herein during the storage phase, thereby improving overall efficiency. The particle container disclosed herein can be designed with modular configurations, allowing for scalability based on energy storage requirements. Modular configurations enable the accommodation of solid particles from the charging phase at different temperatures. This allows for the more efficient capture of short-term, low-cost, or negative-cost electrical energy. Different storage temperatures can be used for purposes such as distillation, district heating, or other applications requiring temperatures lower than the overall target temperature of the thermal storage system. For example, excess electrical energy may be available only for a short period, allowing the thermal storage system to select the best use for smaller peak energy.

[0012] An array of moving solid particles, such as sand, functions safely under failure or process stoppage. The process can be interrupted at any point, at which point the solid particles simply stop and continue. The fluidization process can be restarted without causing damage to the thermal storage system or particle container.

[0013] Many of the accompanying features will be better understood and therefore more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description considered in relation to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below are not limited to embodiments that address any or all disadvantages of known energy storage systems or particle containers. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] This description will be better understood from the following detailed description, which is read in light of the attached drawings. FIG. 1a schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 1c schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 4a schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 4b schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 4c schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. Figure 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method for heating solid particles. FIG. 6a schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 6b schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. The same drawing number is used to designate similar parts in the attached drawings. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] The detailed description provided below in connection with the attached drawings is intended to be an illustration of the example and is not intended to represent only the forms in which the example may be configured or utilized. However, identical or any equivalent functions and sequences may be achieved by different examples.

[0016] Although described and illustrated herein as being implemented in a particle container utilizing sand as a solid particle, this is provided as an example rather than a limitation. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, this embodiment is suitable for application to various different types of solid particles suitable for operating in a temperature range for energy storage systems.

[0017] In this context, directions such as up, down, horizontal, and vertical, for example, are explained by reference to gravity and conventional directions of motion.

[0018] Energy consumption in the power grid is not constant. However, the amount of electricity supplied to the grid must always be equal to the amount consumed. Sometimes, energy production exceeds demand, and the excess electrical energy must be consumed, for example, by an energy storage system.

[0019] Renewable energy can naturally be very intermittent—solar energy may be unavailable at night, or the wind may be completely subdued. To ensure that these renewable energy systems can become viable alternatives to continuous energy production plants, energy storage systems can be used to balance peaks in energy production or consumption. One exemplary energy storage system uses solid particles, such as sand, to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. Subsequently, this thermal energy can be converted back into electrical energy by, for example, a steam turbine. The simplified process of a sand-based thermal storage system consists of three stages: charging, storage, and release.

[0020] The thermal storage stage involves heat absorption. For example, during periods of excess or low-cost renewable energy from windmills, photovoltaic cells, solar collectors, or industrial processes, a heating element provides thermal energy through a layer of sand. The electric heating element may be resistive, inductive, arced, or any other means of converting electrical energy into thermal energy. The sand absorbs and stores thermal energy. An exemplary, but not limiting, exemplary temperature range for solid particles considered cold or cool is up to 300°C. An exemplary, but not limiting, temperature range for solid particles considered hot or heated is 500°C to 2200°C, depending on the choice of solid particles used. Examples of solid particles are natural sand, aluminum oxide, quartz sand, and graphite powder. The particle size distribution is 50 to 1000 microns in one embodiment and 100 to 250 microns in another embodiment.

[0021] In the storage phase, thermally stored sand acts as a heat reservoir, retaining the absorbed energy until needed. Sand is suitable for retaining heat and providing efficient storage. The storage is insulated. The storage may be a silo extending above ground level, or the storage may be located at least partially below ground level.

[0022] In the release phase, thermal energy is recovered from the sand. For example, when electrical energy is needed at night or on cloudy days, a working fluid is circulated through tubes passing through the currently hot sand. As the fluid passes through the layer of hot sand, it absorbs stored thermal energy and becomes hot during the process. This hot fluid can then be utilized for various applications. In one embodiment, the fluid is water flowing through a pipe passing through the hot sand and is converted into superheated steam. The steam rotates a turbine generator that converts thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0023] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the same embodiment. The particle container is part of an energy storage system configured to receive heated particles (5) from an energy transfer system, such as a heat storage stage. In one embodiment, the heat storage stage comprises a fluidized layer of solid particles (5). After heating, the solid particles (5) are transferred to the particle container through an inlet (1) to a cylindrical particle chamber (10). An outlet (15) allows the heated particles (5) to move from the particle chamber (10) toward an energy transfer system, for example, a discharge stage. In one embodiment, the outlet (15) directs the flow of heated particles (5) back to the heat storage stage to further heat the solid particles (5).

[0024] In one embodiment, the heated particles (5) move by gravity from the particle container by causing the heated particles (5) to fall to the next step, e.g., the release step. In one example, the heated particles (5) move by gravity along an inclined plane to the next step.

[0025] In one embodiment, the heated particles (5) move along with the air moving within the pneumatic conveying system or by gravity. Air moving at high speed can transport the heated particles (5) upward. In one embodiment, the particle container includes a fluidization system for the heated particles (5) within the particle chamber (10). When transporting solid particles (5), e.g., sand, into or from the particle chamber (10), compressed air may be used in the fluidization process. The fluidization system is an example of a pneumatic conveying application that uses fluidization gas pressure to aerate the mass of the solid particles (5). An exemplary velocity for the fluidization gas is in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 m / s. In one example, the velocity is about 0.2 m / s. In one example, the pressure of the fluidization gas is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7 bar. In one example, the pressure is 0.3 bar.

[0026] The fluidization system converts granular solid particles (5) into a dynamic fluid-like state. In this embodiment, a gas, such as air, passes through the solid particles (5). When the air flow is introduced through the bottom of the bed of solid particles (5), the air flow will move upward through the bed via the empty spaces between the solid particles (5). At increased air flow velocity, the aerodynamic drag force on the solid particles (5) will begin to counteract gravity, where the upward drag force is equal to the downward gravity, causing the solid particles (5) to float within the air flow. Increasing the air flow will cause the solid particles (5) to move along with the air flow. The selection of an appropriate air flow rate causes the solid particles (5) to operate in a fluidized state, where the bed of solid particles (5) will behave like a liquid or gas.

[0027] In one embodiment, the heat storage stage is positioned above the particle container, and solid particles (5) fall from the heat storage stage into the cylindrical particle chamber (10) through the inlet (1).

[0028] One embodiment of the shape of the cylindrical particle chamber (10) is a silo. The cylindrical particle chamber (10) includes a wall (11) made of a refractory material that withstands the temperature inside the particle chamber (10). An example of a refractory material is a ceramic material, such as the ceramic brick shown in FIG. 1b. Ceramic bricks are chemically and physically stable at high temperatures. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1c, the wall (11) is composed of a cylindrical well ring made of a refractory material, such as the ceramic material. In one embodiment, the wall (11) is made of a slip-forming ceramic material.

[0029] Cylindrical shapes require less support and insulation compared to, for example, any corner shape.

[0030] The particle chamber walls (11) define the outer perimeter of the particle chamber (10). A support wall (13) is located at a distance from the particle chamber wall (11), and said distance defines a space (12) around the outer perimeter of the particle chamber (10). The support wall (13) may be made of a plate material such as steel. The space (12) surrounds the wall (11) of the cylindrical particle chamber (10). The space (12) is filled with a second set of solid particles (6). In one embodiment, the solid particles (6) present in the space (12), or the solid particles (5) present in the particle chamber (10), are not fluidized under a heat storage process. The solid particles (6) function as an insulating layer around the cylindrical particle chamber (10) and extend support from the support wall (13) to the wall (11) while accommodating the thermal expansion of the particle chamber (10). The temperature range of the particle chamber (10) from the start of the process to the buffer particle container may be greater than 2200℃.

[0031] The particle chamber (10) can be cooled and emptied for maintenance purposes. Additionally, in one embodiment, the solid particles (6) can be removed pneumatically and / or by gravity during a maintenance cycle. The solid particles (6) may be of the same material and particle size as the heated particles (5).

[0032] In one embodiment, the insulation layer (14) is the outermost layer of the particle container, and the insulation layer (14) is in contact with the outer surface of the support wall (13). The insulation layer (14) may include an additional structural outer surface visible from the outside of the particle container. The particle container may be a silo erected upright on the ground. In one embodiment, the particle container is at least partially underground.

[0033] FIG. 1c schematically illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container, wherein the particle chamber (10) and walls (11) are not concentric with the support wall (13). A second set of solid particles (6) in the space (12) provides support to the wall (11) because the solid particles (6) can move freely within the space (12). The non-concentric arrangement provides more space (12) on one side of the walls (11). In this example, the additional space (12) on one side is used for vertical devices (18). Examples of vertical devices (18) are an elevator device used to lift material through the particle container, a preheating tube for transferring thermal energy between two phases of an energy storage system, or a shaft for enabling various devices or passages inside the particle container.

[0034] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. In one embodiment, the particle container comprises a plurality of particle chambers (10) surrounded by a space (12) filled with solid particles (6). Various alternatives may be used to optimize the efficiency of the particle chambers (10) inside the particle container. Optimizable parameters include a target temperature, an acceptable height and radius of the particle container, a solid particle material, a solid particle size, the total number of available particle containers, or other features affecting the particle storage economy.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least one cylindrical particle chamber (10) is erected upright. The illustrated examples show that the cylindrical particle chambers (10) and particle containers are silo-shaped objects in which they are primarily standing in a vertical position. In one embodiment, the particle container standing in a vertical position includes at least one heated particle chamber (10) in a horizontal position.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of particle chambers (10) are arranged in parallel, and heated particles (5) can fall into any of the particle chambers (10). In one exemplary embodiment, the thermal storage system includes a plurality of particle containers, and the particle flow can be equally selected to at least one of the particle containers or to any one of the particle containers. In one embodiment, the plurality of particle chambers (10) are arranged sequentially. Different phases of the thermal storage system may be stacked vertically or arranged laterally.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, at least one inlet (1) of a plurality of particle chambers (10) includes an inlet valve for the flow of heated particles (5). The inlet valve allows for the selection of the temperature range and usage of the particle container. The inlet valve is not illustrated in the schematic drawing. An example of an inlet valve is an L-valve, a pinch valve, a gate valve, or a flow valve. An L-valve is a non-mechanical device capable of controlling the flow of solid particles in high-pressure, high-temperature systems. An example of an L-valve is a right-angle L-shaped pipe applied to transport solid particles between two containers using gas injection and pipe geometry to control the flow of fine solid particles. The valve provides control over the particle flow by an on / off configuration or flow rate regulation.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one outlet (15) of a plurality of particle chambers (10) includes an outlet valve for particle flow. The outlet valve is not illustrated in the schematic drawing. An example of an outlet valve is an L valve or a pinch valve. Any inlet or outlet of the present disclosure may be fitted into a flow control valve such as an L valve.

[0039] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container, wherein the space (12) surrounding the particle chamber (10) is configured to circulate cool particles (7). The particle container includes a cool particle inlet (2) and a cool particle outlet (16) controllable by a flow control valve. The particle container may be connected to a plurality of solid particle flows, inlets and outlets, and the solid particles have different temperatures applied during a specified cycle. The space (12) is suitable for accommodating the solid particles (7) of the cool circuit. In one embodiment, the solid particles (7) of the cool circuit are of a different material or size than the solid particles (5) stored in the particle chamber (10). In one embodiment, the solid particles (7) of the cool circuit are the same particles as the solid particles (5) stored in the particle chamber (10). The solid particles (7) of the cool circuit may be changed continuously or periodically. In one example, the solid particles (7) of the low-temperature circulation furnace receive thermal energy from the solid particles (5) stored in the particle chamber (10). When the solid particles (7) of the low-temperature circulation furnace reach a predetermined temperature, they are removed from the space (12) and transferred to an application suitable for the predetermined temperature, e.g., district heating, industrial processes, or other application preheating. At the same time, a new, lower-temperature batch of solid particles (7) of the low-temperature circulation furnace is transferred to the space (12) to reach the predetermined temperature. In this context, the low-temperature circulation furnace refers to a temperature range of up to 20% of the total temperature range and / or up to 400°C applied to the solid particles (56) stored in the particle chamber (10). In one embodiment, the low-temperature circulation furnace temperature is 30°C to 400°C. In one embodiment, the temperature of the hot solid particles (5) is 400°C to 2200°C. In one embodiment, the low-temperature particle (7) is a solid particle (6).

[0040] FIG. 4a schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container, wherein the space (12) surrounding the particle chamber (10) contains static solid particles (6), and a cold particle chamber (17) is arranged between the space (12) and the outermost layer of the particle container. FIG. 4b schematically illustrates a top view of the same embodiment. The space (12) is intended primarily to accommodate thermal expansion and is used to provide insulation for the particle chamber (10). The space (12) and the cold particle chamber (17) are separated by a support wall (13) of one example. The cold particle chamber (17) is configured to circulate cold particles (7) and includes a cold particle inlet (2) and a cold particle outlet (16) controllable by a flow control valve.

[0041] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the wall (11) is lined with a sheet (19) made of metal or other suitable material that withstands applied heat. In one embodiment, the sheet (19) material is a composite material. Thermal expansion of the wall (11) in both horizontal and vertical directions can cause the wall (11) segments to become entangled with aggregates of solid particles (6). The sheet (19) prevents the solid particles (6) from entering into possible seams within the wall (11) ceramic component blocks, which could later cause the separation of the blocks.

[0042] In one embodiment, air is injected into the bottom, sidewall, or bottom-part sidewall of the particle chamber (10). In one embodiment, air is injected into the bottom, sidewall, or bottom-part sidewall of the space (12). In one embodiment, air is injected into the bottom, sidewall, or bottom-part sidewall of the low-temperature particle chamber (17). The injected air detaches heated particles (5) that may be attached to the wall (11) of the particle chamber (10), breaks up aggregated clumps, or removes arching with the mass of the solid particles (5). Air or other suitable gas may be injected through an air injection nozzle by a rapid pulse or burst. The pulse provides sufficient pressure to cause movement on a single solid particle (5).

[0043] FIG. 4c schematically illustrates a plan view of an embodiment in which the outer walls (13') and the insulation layer (14) of the low-temperature particle chamber (17) are rectangular. In one embodiment, the particle container is configured to fit inside the outer dimensions of a shipping container or ISO container.

[0044] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of the steps of a method for storing heated particles (5) in an energy storage system. In step 50 of the method, heated particles (5) are received from an energy transfer system into a particle chamber (10) through an inlet (1). Step (51) of the method includes the step of moving heated particles (5) into an energy transfer system through an outlet (15). Step (52) of the method includes the step of filling the space (12) with solid particles (6) to accommodate the thermal expansion of the particle chamber (10).

[0045] FIG. 6a schematically illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a particle container. FIG. 6b schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the same embodiment. The particle container is part of an energy storage system configured to receive heated particles (5) from an energy transfer system, such as a heat storage stage. In one embodiment, the heat storage stage comprises a fluidized layer of solid particles (5). After heating, the solid particles (5) are transferred to the particle container through an inlet (1) to a cylindrical particle chamber (10). An outlet (15) allows the heated particles (5) to move from the particle chamber (10) into the energy transfer system, for example, toward a discharge stage. In one embodiment, the outlet (15) directs the flow of heated particles (5) back to the heat storage stage to further heat the solid particles (5).

[0046] One embodiment of the cylindrical particle chamber (10) is shaped similarly to a silo. The cylindrical particle chamber (10) includes walls (11) made of a refractory material that withstands the temperature inside the particle chamber (10). An example of a refractory material is a ceramic material, such as the ceramic brick shown in FIG. 6b. Ceramic bricks are chemically and physically stable at high temperatures. In one embodiment, the walls (11) consist of cylindrical well rings made of a refractory material, such as the ceramic material. In one embodiment, the walls (11) are made of a slip-molded ceramic material.

[0047] In one embodiment, the insulation layer (14) is divided into two insulation layers (14, 65); the second insulation layer (65) is the outermost layer of the particle container. An insulation chamber (61) is formed at least partially between the inner insulation layer (14) and the second insulation layer (65). The insulation chamber (61) may be filled with a fluid such as air or water. In this embodiment, an insulation fluid inlet (62) is located in the lower part of the insulation chamber (61) to allow a fluid such as air to flow into the chamber. An insulation fluid outlet (63) is included in the upper part of the insulation chamber (61) in this embodiment and provides a passage for the heated fluid from the insulation chamber (61). The particle container is prone to allowing a small portion of thermal energy to leak through the insulation layer (14). The insulation chamber (65) enables capturing that energy and sending it to the fluid passing through for further use.

[0048] The insulation chamber (61) forms a complete separation layer between the inner insulation layer (14) and the second insulation layer (65). In one embodiment, the insulation chamber (61) exists only partially between the inner insulation layer (14) and the second insulation layer (65), allowing parts of these layers to come into direct contact. The inner insulation layer (14) and the second insulation layer (65) may be made of the same material, for example, a high-performance insulating polymer or ceramic, and contact in the area where the insulation chamber (61) is not present may provide additional structural or thermal properties.

[0049] The insulation chamber (61) enables the use of less expensive insulating materials for the inner insulation layer (14) and the second insulation layer (65). Alternatively, or additionally, the insulation layers (14, 65) can be made thinner without the risk of losing thermal energy. This arrangement enables a lighter structure, which can reduce the need for load-carrying components, such as steel, to withstand high temperatures. The thermal energy returned by the fluid exiting through the insulation fluid outlet (63) is moderate and suitable for continuous heat consumption, such as residential heating. The insulation chamber (61) enables steps for a method of transferring residual thermal energy for further use.

[0050] A particle container for an energy storage system is disclosed herein. The particle container comprises: a cylindrical particle chamber for storing heated particles; an inlet for receiving heated particles from an energy transfer system into the particle chamber; an insulating layer outside the particle chamber; and an outlet that allows particles to move into the energy transfer system. The particle chamber comprises walls made of a ceramic material. A supporting wall outside the outer perimeter of the particle chamber defines a space around the particle chamber. The insulating layer is outside the supporting wall, and the space is filled with solid particles to accommodate the thermal expansion of the particle chamber. In one embodiment, the particle container comprises a plurality of particle chambers surrounded by a space filled with solid particles. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the supporting wall is lined with a sheet. In one embodiment, the plurality of particle chambers are in parallel. In one embodiment, at least one inlet of the plurality of particle chambers includes an inlet valve for particle flow. In one embodiment, at least one outlet of the plurality of particle chambers includes an outlet valve for particle flow. In one embodiment, the particle container includes an air injection nozzle in the particle chamber, the space wall, or the cold particle chamber to provide high-speed gas pulses to separate aggregated solid particles. In one embodiment, the particle chamber wall comprises ceramic bricks, ceramic well rings, or slip-formed ceramic material. In one embodiment, the cold particle chamber is located around the space and includes a cold particle inlet and a cold particle outlet, and the cold particle chamber is configured to receive cold particles of a cold circuit. In one embodiment, the insulation layer is divided at least partially into two insulation layers, and the second insulation layer is the outer layer of the particle container; the insulation chamber is located at least partially between the inner insulation layer and the second insulation layer and is configured to be filled with a fluid configured to transfer thermal energy from the inner insulation layer and the second insulation layer.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, a method for storing heated particles in an energy storage system is disclosed. The system comprises a cylindrical particle chamber for storing heated particles; and a particle container having an insulating layer outside the particle chamber. The method comprises the steps of receiving heated particles from an energy transfer system into the particle chamber through an inlet; and allowing the particles to move to the energy transfer system through an outlet. The particle chamber comprises walls made of a ceramic material; a support wall outside the outer perimeter of the particle chamber defines a space around the particle chamber, and the insulating layer is outside the support wall. The method further comprises the step of filling the space with solid particles to accommodate the thermal expansion of the particle chamber. In one embodiment, the particle container comprises a plurality of particle chambers surrounded by a space filled with solid particles. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of selecting particle flow through at least one inlet of the plurality of particle chambers by an inlet valve. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of selecting particle flow through at least one outlet of the plurality of particle chambers by an outlet valve. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of fluidizing particles within the particle container by a fluidization system. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving cold particles from a cold circulation path into a space around a particle chamber through a cold particle inlet, storing cold circulation path particles in the space; and discharging cold particles from a cold circulation path through a cold particle outlet. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of separating aggregated solid particles by a high-speed gas pulse or burst through an air injection nozzle in the particle chamber, the space wall, or the cold particle chamber. In one embodiment, the insulation layer is divided into two insulation layers, and the second insulation layer is the outer layer of the particle container. The insulation chamber is at least partially located between the inner insulation layer and the second insulation layer and transfers thermal energy along a fluid from the inner insulation layer and the second insulation layer.

[0052] Any range or device value given in this specification may be extended or changed without losing the desired effect.

[0053] Although at least part of the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or operations, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or operations described above. Rather, the specific features and operations described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and operations are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0054] It will be understood that the aforementioned advantages and benefits may relate to one embodiment or to multiple embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the mentioned problems or those that have any or all of the mentioned advantages. Any reference to an item will be further understood to refer to one or more of these items.

[0055] The steps of the method described herein may be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be omitted from any methods without departing from the scope of the spirit and subject matter described herein. Any embodiment of any of the examples described above may be combined with any embodiment of other examples described above to form additional examples without losing the desired effect.

[0056] The term 'comprising' means including the method blocks or elements identified in this specification, but such blocks or elements do not include an exclusive list, and the method or device may include additional blocks or elements.

[0057] The foregoing description is provided merely as an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made. The foregoing specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with some degree of specificity or by reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art may make numerous modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

Claims

Claim 1 A particle container for an energy storage system comprising: a cylindrical particle chamber (10) for storing heated particles (5); an inlet (1) for receiving heated particles (5) from an energy transfer system into the particle chamber (10); an insulation layer outside the particle chamber (10); and an outlet (15) for moving the heated particles (5) into the energy transfer system; wherein the particle chamber (10) comprises walls made of a ceramic material; a support wall (13) outside the outer perimeter of the particle chamber (10) defines a space (12) around the particle chamber (10); and the insulation layer (14) is outside the support wall (13); and the space (12) is filled with solid particles (6) that accommodate the thermal expansion of the particle chamber (10). Claim 2 A particle container according to claim 1, characterized by including a plurality of particle chambers (10) surrounded by the space (12) filled with the solid particles (6). Claim 3 A particle container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer surface of the support wall (11) is lined with a sheet (19). Claim 4 A particle container according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the particle chambers (10) are arranged in parallel. Claim 5 A particle container characterized in that, in any one of claims 2 to 4, at least one inlet (1) of the plurality of particle chambers (10) includes an inlet valve for particle flow. Claim 6 A particle container characterized in that, in any one of claims 2 to 5, at least one outlet (15) among the plurality of particle chambers (10) includes an outlet valve for particle flow. Claim 7 A particle container characterized by including an air injection nozzle in the particle chamber (10), the wall of the space (12), or the low-temperature particle chamber (17) to provide a high-speed gas pulse for separating aggregated solid particles (5, 6, 7) in any one of claims 1 to 6. Claim 8 A particle container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wall of the particle chamber (10) comprises a ceramic brick, a ceramic well ring, or a slip-formed ceramic material. Claim 9 A particle container characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 8, a cool particle chamber (17) including a cool particle inlet (2) and a cool particle outlet (16) is located around the space (12), and the cool particle chamber (17) is configured to receive cool particles (7) of a cool circuit. Claim 10 A particle container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insulating layer (14) is at least partially divided into two insulating layers (14, 65), and the second insulating layer (65) is an outer layer of the particle container; and the insulating chamber (61) is at least partially located between the inner insulating layer (14) and the second insulating layer (65), and is configured to be filled with a fluid configured to transfer thermal energy from the inner insulating layer (14) and the second insulating layer (65). Claim 11 A method for storing heated particles (5) in an energy storage system, wherein the system has a particle container, the particle container comprises: a cylindrical particle chamber (10) for storing heated particles (5); and an insulating layer (14) outside the particle chamber (10); the method comprises the steps of: receiving heated particles (5) from the energy transfer system into the particle chamber (10) through an inlet (1); and moving the heated particles (5) into the energy transfer system through an outlet (15); wherein the particle chamber (10) comprises a wall (11) made of a ceramic material; a support wall (13) outside the outer perimeter of the particle chamber (10) defines a space (12) around the particle chamber (10); and the insulating layer (14) is outside the support wall (13); and the method comprises the step of filling the space (12) with solid particles (6) to accommodate thermal expansion of the particle chamber (10). Claim 12 A method according to claim 11, wherein the particle container comprises a plurality of particle chambers (10) surrounded by the space (12) filled with solid particles (6). Claim 13 A method according to claim 12, characterized by selecting a particle flow through at least one inlet (1) of a plurality of particle chambers (10) by means of an inlet valve. Claim 14 A method characterized by selecting a particle flow through at least one outlet (15) of a plurality of particle chambers (10) through an outlet valve in any one of claims 11 to 13. Claim 15 A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that solid particles (5, 6, 7) aggregated by a high-speed gas pulse or burst through an air injection nozzle in the particle chamber (10), in the space wall (11), or in the low-temperature particle chamber (17). Claim 16 A method characterized in that, in any one of claims 11 to 15, the low-temperature particles (7) of the low-temperature circulation path are received into the space (12) surrounding the particle chamber (10) through the low-temperature particle inlet (2), the low-temperature circulation path particles (7) are stored in the space (12), and the low-temperature particles (7) of the low-temperature circulation path are discharged through the low-temperature particle outlet (16). Claim 17 A method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the insulating layer (14) is divided into two insulating layers (14, 65), and the second insulating layer (65) is an outer layer of a particle container; and the insulating chamber (61) is at least partially located between the inner insulating layer (14) and the second insulating layer (65), and is characterized by transferring thermal energy from the inner insulating layer (14) and the second insulating layer (65) along a fluid.

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