Thermal energy storage system

The thermal energy storage system addresses inefficiencies by using multiple energy storage blocks with varying phase-change temperatures and counter-flow fluid circulation to enhance storage capacity and efficiency, reducing electrical consumption and improving performance.

US20260146803A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-28CARRIER CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
CARRIER CORP
Filing Date
2025-11-24
Publication Date
2026-05-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing thermal energy storage systems face inefficiencies due to the inability of heat pumps to provide high enough temperatures for phase-change materials, leading to increased electrical consumption and reduced coefficient of performance, as they often require additional heating elements to elevate heat transfer fluids to required levels.

Method used

A thermal energy storage system with multiple energy storage blocks of varying phase-change temperatures, arranged ordinally, and fluid lines circulating fluids in opposite directions to optimize heat exchange and reduce reliance on resistive heating, enhancing efficiency and performance.

Benefits of technology

The system increases thermal energy storage capacity and efficiency by utilizing multiple phase-change materials with different melting points, allowing for cascaded heat absorption and reduced electrical consumption, thereby improving the coefficient of performance.

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Abstract

Disclosed herein is a thermal energy storage (TES) system. The TES includes two or more energy storage blocks comprising a phase-change material, the energy storage blocks being arranged ordinally with respect to a corresponding nominal phase change temperature of the energy storage blocks, and two or more fluid lines routed through the one or more energy storage blocks. A first fluid line and a second fluid line from the two or more fluid lines are configured to circulate a corresponding fluid in opposite directions with respect to the one or more energy storage blocks. The ordinal arrangement provides increased efficiency for heat storage and / or transfer, as a fluid circulated through the first fluid line incrementally / decrementally rejects heat to the energy storage blocks.
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