Energy storage cell, method for manufacturing and his uses

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to energy storage cell, method for manufacturing and its uses. It is disclosed an energy storage cell comprising a thermally isolating outer shell comprising at least a part of an internal vessel, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell comprises a space, which is at least a partially empty space, between said internal vessel and an internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell, wherein the internal vessel comprises a phase change material arranged to be heated; one or more thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters arranged in said space for converting radiation emitted by the internal vessel to electrical energy.

Description

EN ERGY STORAG E CELL, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AND HIS USESTECH NICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage cell, method for manufacturing and his uses.BACKGROU ND

[0002] The interest in energy storage methods is increasing based on the need to harness the surplus energy that is produced, for example in the form of renewable energy, and provide to the grid flexibility and other ancillary services towards a more resilient and secure energy system.

[0003] In particular the most intense studies are occurring in heat energy storage, namely using silicon.

[0004] There are in particular two technologies that have been developed recently that deserve to be highlighted. The technology developed by a team from MIT - USA that proposes the accumulation of energy in silicon and subsequent conversion into electricity using multi-junction photovoltaic cells. This technical solution is described in document US11159119B2, where there are disclosed systems that may store energy as heat in a high temperature liquid, and the heat may be converted to electricity by absorbing radiation emitted from the high temperature liquid via one or more photovoltaic devices when the high temperature liquid is transported through an array of ducts.

[0005] Other important technology has been developed at the Instituto de Energia Solar - Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, proposing that the energy accumulated in silicon is converted using two alternative processes: thermophotovoltaic (TPV) and thermionic (TO). This technical solution is described in document EP3120096B1, where it is disclosed an energy storage system that includes a vessel made of a refractorymaterial and containing a phase change material, a thermally insulating cover at least partially surrounding the vessel, an emitter, made of a refractory material, having a first side arranged to be heated by the phase change material and a second side intended to radiate thermal power, at least one photovoltaic cell arranged to receive the thermal power emitted by the second side of the emitter, and electric means for heating the phase change material. One development of this technology has already been published in the document EP3790058 disclosing a thermophotovoltaic cell able of converting into electric power the practical totality of the radiant power emitted from an incandescent source and absorbed by the thermophotovoltaic cell and returning to the incandescent source a large amount of the non-absorbed radiation using a reflective surface. The technology disclosed in said document also relates to a module comprising such a thermophotovoltaic cell and a method of manufacturing such a thermophotovoltaic cell.

[0006] These facts are disclosed in order to illustrate the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure.GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage cell, method of manufacturing and his use.

[0008] The proposed technology is based on the use of a phase change material for energy storage in the form of heat. In an embodiment, such phase change material is silicon. The energy stored in this device can then be used directly in the form of heat, or converted into electricity. The conversion into electricity can be accomplished by radiative transfer for instance to TPV cells and / or TO devices disposed on an enclosing shell placed around the phase change material volume, to maximize the energy capture. In the case of using the stored energy in the form of heat, a common heat exchanger can be coupled to the vessel containing the phase change material. The working principle of this device is the use of electricity to heat the phase change material volume, through an electrical fusion method based on the specific thermoelectric properties of phase change material, such as silicon. Over time the temperature of the phase change material volume is controlled by supplying a smalleramount of electrical energy. Afterwards, when there is a need to supply the stored energy, in the case of thermal energy, it is extracted using an heat exchanger, while for direct electricity conversion, the thermal radiation emitted by the phase change material is received by the TPV and / or TO cells that convert this radiation into electricity.

[0009] The present disclosure comprises an energy storage cell comprising a thermally isolating outer shell comprising at least a part of an internal vessel, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell comprises at least a partially empty space between said internal vessel and the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell, wherein the internal vessel is made of a refractory material and comprises a phase change material arranged to be heated, the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell as a high reflectance in the infra-red spectral region to maximize the reflection of the thermal power emitted by the internal vessel.

[0010] The main innovation of this storage cell is the electrical fusion of the phase change material, created by injecting an electric current into the volume of the phase change material that is thus heated and finally fused by Joule effect. This kind of method has never been applied in the context of energy storage, it involves a positive feedback mechanism generated by the increase of the electrical conductivity of the phase change material with temperature in concomitance with the reduction of its thermal conductivity. This effect will tend to concentrate the electric current and heat generated in the centre of the volume, making the energy injection process easily controllable and energy efficient. This mechanism is also used to actively manage the charging and discharging of the energy storage cell by controlling the electric current injection.

[0011] The electric fusion technique has been used for crystallisation and purification of semiconductor materials for several decades in the photovoltaic and microelectronic industries. However, its use in the context of energy accumulation is original. The positive feedback mechanism, inherent to this technique, which promotes the concentration of energy in the phase change material volume, has the potential to generate high -efficient energy storage control method.

[0012] The main attraction of a system based on this technology is that it enables the storage of thermal energy at a very competitive cost due to its simplicity and the low cost of the materials used, in particular when the phase change material is the silicon and their associated costs. The abundance of silicon and relatively low-grade purity requirement when compared with other silicon-based industries make it a cost- effective phase change material.

[0013] The current electricity market organization seeks for more flexible and low carbon solutions to increase the adoption of distributed renewable energy resources in the power systems, which makes energy storage technologies a highly attractive option, particularly the modular and scalable storage system for decentralized applications, such as the technology described here.

[0014] The proposed innovative energy storage technology is especially suitable for space application as for low density atmosphere environments scenarios, e.g., Moon and Mars, since convective energy losses are suppressed or highly attenuated improving the energy efficiency of the storage system. In a terrestrial application, particularly in the case of the conversion of heat into electricity using TPV and / or TO cells, the radiative absorption is minimized controlling the atmosphere surrounding the phase change material vessel, i.e., either using vacuum or a noble gas, enclosed by the outer wall. In contrast, space or low-density atmosphere environments don't require the atmospherical control, reducing the overall system costs.

[0015] In this disclosure it is described an energy storage cell comprising a thermally isolating outer shell comprising at least a part of an internal vessel, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell comprises a space, which is at least a partially empty space, between said internal vessel and an internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell, wherein the internal vessel comprises a phase change material arranged to be heated; one or more thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters arranged in said space for converting radiation emitted by the internal vessel to electrical energy.

[0016] In an embodiment, the phase change material in the energy storage cell is arranged to be electrically melted by Joule effect.

[0017] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises electrodes for injecting electrical current in the phase change material for melting the phase change material by Joule effect.

[0018] In an embodiment, the phase change material used in the energy storage cell is selected from a list consisting of pure silicon, or silicon alloys resulting of the combination with other elements including boron and carbon, or their combinations.

[0019] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises at least one electric means for heating the phase change material.

[0020] In an embodiment, the at least one electric means for heating the phase change material of the energy storage cell is an electrically resistive heater.

[0021] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises at least one thermal means for heating the phase change material.

[0022] In an embodiment, the thermally isolating outer shell of the energy storage cell comprises a circular cross-section and is concentric with the internal vessel which also has a circular cross-section.

[0023] In an embodiment, the thermally isolating outer shell of the energy storage cell is made of a material selected from a list consisting of high melting point metallic alloys, ceramics, and any other material with structural mechanical and thermal endurance, ortheir combinations.

[0024] In an embodiment, the internal vessel of the energy storage cell is made of a refractory material that can be coated with other materials for better results.

[0025] In an embodiment, the refractory material used in the internal vessel of the energy storage cell is selected from a list consisting of quartz, silicon carbide, graphite, tungsten or their combinations.

[0026] In an embodiment, the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell of the energy storage cell comprises a reflective foil arranged to reflect radiation emitted by the internal vessel.

[0027] In an embodiment, the reflective foil used in the energy storage cell is made of a material with a reflectance above 0.7 in the infrared region, preferably selected from a list consisting of aluminium, silver, gold or their combinations.

[0028] In an embodiment, the thermophotovoltaic converters of the energy storage cell comprises at least one photovoltaic cell arranged to receive thermal power radiation emitted by the internal vessel.

[0029] In an embodiment, the thermophotovoltaic converters of the energy storage cell comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

[0030] In an embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic cells of the energy storage cell are axially distributed covering the maximum as possible the inner surface outer shell.

[0031] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises at least one heat sink.

[0032] In an embodiment, the heat sink of the energy storage cell comprises an exterior heat dissipator arranged outside the outer shell and a heat collector arranged on said thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters, in particular the heat collector being a support of said thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters.

[0033] In an embodiment, the partially empty space between said internal vessel and the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell of the energy storage cell comprises an atmosphere in vacuum or an atmosphere with a noble gas, preferably argon.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention is an energy storage system comprising a plurality of energy storage cells.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the energy storage cell comprising the following steps: a bottom electrode is coupled to an internal vessel; the internal vessel is filled with a phase change material, that should be in granular form or powder to occupy all the inner volume; a top electrode is coupled to the internal vessel, closing it and forming the energy storage cell; the energy storage cell is submitted at least to the phase change material melting temperature to create a single and homogeneous distribution of the molten material in the internal vessel; the energy storage cell is cooled down at a rate below 200 K / min to create a compact and homogeneous solid phase change material volume contactingboth electrodes and the inner walls of the internal vessel; an outer shell is thermally insulated by covering the inner walls with the refractory material, which exposed surface is covered by the reflective foil; both upper and bottom lids of the outer shell are thermally insulated by using the refractory material, which the internally exposed surfaces are covered by the reflective foil; the bottom lid of the outer shell is placed closing one of the openings of the tubular shape; the energy storage cell is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell, and the bottom electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the bottom lid; the top lid of the outer shell is placed closing the second opening of the tubular shape, and the upper electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the top lid; the electrode's electric conductors are connected to an electric current supply.

[0036] In an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps after the step of thermal insulation of the upper and bottom lids of the outer shell: thermal bridges and respective heat sinks are coupled to the outer shell in a way that the heat sinks are exposed to the exterior and the thermal bridges connected to them; thermophotovoltaic cells are mechanically connected to the thermal bridges, exposing their active surfaces to the inner axis of the outer shell.

[0037] In an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps after the step of thermal insulation of the upper and bottom lids of the outer shell: the heat exchanger is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell; the inlet and outlet tubes are coupled to the outer shell in a way that can connect the heat exchanger in the appropriated connection points.

[0038] In an embodiment, the method comprises the following step after the concentrically introduction of the energy storage cell: the energy storage cell is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell, contacting the inner wall of the heat exchanger, and the bottom electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the bottom lid.

[0039] Another aspect of this invention is the use of the energy storage cell in the storage of energy sourced from renewable energy production technologies.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention is the use of the energy storage cell for the storage of energy captured in the outer space.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention is the use of the energy storage cell for the storage of energy captured in other celestial bodies then planet earth, such as Moon, Mars and asteroids.BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF TH E DRAWINGS

[0042] The following figures provide preferred embodiments for illustrating the disclosure and should not be seen as limiting the scope of invention.

[0043] Figure 1: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the energy storage cell: left - cut view; right - perspective view.

[0044] Figure 2: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the energy storage cell with heat exchanger.

[0045] Figure 3: Schematic representation of an embodiment of the energy storage cell with TPV / TO cells and heat sinks.

[0046] Figure 4: Schematic representation of the top view of an embodiment of the energy storage cell with TPV / TO cells and heat sinks and detail of the TPV / TO cells and respective heat sinks.

[0047] Throughout the figures indicated above, the following elements are indicated with the respective references:1 - electrode;2 - phase change material;3 - casing wall;4 - refractory material;5 - TPV / TO cells;6 - thermal bridge;7 - heat sink;8 - reflector sheet;9 - thermal insulator;10 - chamber wall;11 - heat exchanger outlet;12 - heat exchanger;13 - heat exchanger inlet.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage cell, method for manufacturing and his uses.

[0049] The energy storage cell disclosed in this disclosure comprises an internal vessel, the internal vessel comprises a phase change material arranged to be heated, two electrodes connected to the top and bottom end of the vessel to introduce the current that heats and fuses the phase change material by Joule effect (Fig. 1).

[0050] The energy storage cell disclosed in this disclosure also comprises a thermally isolating outer shell comprising, at least a part of refractory material a casing wall, and another outer material, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell comprises a space, which is at least a partially empty space, between the internal vessel already described and an internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell. Also comprised a heat exchanger component arranged in contact with the outer surface of the internal vessel for heat extraction, such as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0051] The energy storage cell disclosed in this disclosure also comprises a thermally isolating outer shell comprising, at least a part of refractory material a casing wall, and another outer material, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell comprises a space, which is at least a partially empty space, between the internal vessel already described and an internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell. Also comprised is one or more TPV or TO converters arranged in the internal surface of the outer shell for converting radiation emitted by the internal vessel to electrical energy, and one or more heat sinks, such as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0052] In an embodiment, the phase change material used in the energy storage cell is arranged to be electrically melted by Joule effect, for better results.

[0053] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises electrodes for passing electrical current through the phase change material for melting the phase change material by Joule effect, for better results.

[0054] In an embodiment, the phase change material used in the energy storage cell is selected from a list consisting of pure silicon or silicon alloys resulting of the combination with other elements including boron and carbon for better results.

[0055] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises at least one electric mean for heating the phase change material, for better results.

[0056] In an embodiment, the at least one electric mean for heating the phase change material used in the energy storage cell uses resistive heating, for better results.

[0057] In an embodiment, the at least one electric mean for heating the phase change material used in the energy storage cell is an electrically resistive heater, for better results.

[0058] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises at least one thermal mean for heating the phase change material, for better efficiency.

[0059] In an embodiment, the thermally isolating outer shell has a circular crosssection and is concentric with the internal vessel which also has a circular crosssection, for better results.

[0060] In an embodiment, the thermally isolating outer shell of the energy storage cell is made of a material selected from a list consisting of high melting point metallic alloys, ceramics, and any other material with structural mechanical and thermal endurance, or their combinations, for better results.

[0061] In an embodiment, the internal vessel used in the energy storage cell is made of a refractory material, for better results.

[0062] In an embodiment, the refractory material used in the internal vessel of the energy storage cell is selected from a list consisting of quartz, silicon carbide, graphite, tungsten or their combinations, for better results.

[0063] In an embodiment, wherein the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell used in the energy storage cell comprises a reflective foil arranged to reflect radiation emitted by the internal vessel, for better results.

[0064] In an embodiment, the reflective foil used in the energy storage cell comprises a material with a reflectance above 0.7 in the infrared region, preferably selected from a list consisting of aluminium, silver, gold or their combinations, for better results.

[0065] In an embodiment, the thermophotovoltaic converters used in the energy storage cell comprises at least one photovoltaic cell arranged to receive thermal power radiation emitted by the internal vessel, for better results.

[0066] In an embodiment, the thermophotovoltaic converters used in the energy storage cell comprises an arrangement of six photovoltaic cells in a hexagonal radial position in relation to the internal vessel, for better results.

[0067] In an embodiment, the thermophotovoltaic converters used in the energy storage cell comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells, for better results.

[0068] In an embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic cells are axially distributed covering the maximum as possible the inner surface outer shell, for better results.

[0069] In an embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises at least one heat sink, for better efficiency in the heat conduction, for better results.

[0070] In an embodiment, the heat sink used in the energy storage cell comprises an exterior heat dissipator arranged outside the outer shell and a heat collector arranged on said thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters, in particular the heat collector being a support of said thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters, for better results.

[0071] In an embodiment, the partially empty space between said internal vessel and the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell of the energy storage cell comprises an atmosphere in vacuum or an atmosphere with a noble gas, preferably with argon, for better efficiency.

[0072] The present disclosure also foresees the possibility of use an energy storage system comprising a plurality of energy storage cells, for better results.

[0073] The present disclosure also indicates the method of manufacturing the energy storage cell comprising the following steps: a bottom electrode is coupled to an internal vessel; the internal vessel is filled with a phase change material, that should be in granular form or powder to occupy all the inner volume; a top electrode is coupled to the internal vessel, closing it and forming the energy storage cell; the energy storage cell is submitted at least to the phase change material melting temperature to create a single and homogeneous distribution of the molten material in the internal vessel; the energy storage cell is cooled down at a rate below 200 K / min to create a compact and homogeneous solid phase change material volume contacting both electrodes and the inner walls of the internal vessel; an outer shell is thermally insulated by covering the inner walls with the refractory material, which exposed surface is covered by the reflective foil; both upper and bottom lids of the outer shell are thermally insulated by using the refractory material, which the internally exposed surfaces are covered by the reflective foil; the bottom lid of the outer shell is placed closing one of the openings of the tubular shape; the energy storage cell is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell, and the bottom electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the bottom lid; the top lid of the outer shell is placed closing the second opening of the tubular shape, and the upper electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the top lid; the electrode's electric conductors are connected to an electric current supply.

[0074] In an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps after the step of thermal insulation of the upper and bottom lids of the outer shell: thermal bridges and respective heat sinks are coupled to the outer shell in a way that the heat sinks are exposed to the exterior and the thermal bridges connected to them; thermophotovoltaic cells are mechanically connected to the thermal bridges, exposing their active surfaces to the inner axis of the outer shell, for better results.

[0075] In an embodiment, the method comprises the following steps after the step of thermal insulation of the upper and bottom lids of the outer shell: the heat exchanger is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell; the inlet and outlet tubes are coupled to the outer shell in a way that can connect the heat exchanger in the appropriated connection points, for better results.

[0076] In an embodiment, the method comprises the following step after the concentrically introduction of the energy storage cell: the energy storage cell is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell, contacting the inner wall of the heat exchanger, and the bottom electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the bottom lid, for better results.

[0077] It is also disclosed the use of the energy storage cell in the storage of energy sourced from renewable energy production technologies.

[0078] It is also disclosed the use of the energy storage cell for the storage of energy captured in the outer space.

[0079] It is also disclosed the use of the energy storage cell for the storage of energy captured in other celestial bodies then planet earth, such as Moon, Mars and asteroids.

[0080] The physical space between the outer shell and the vessel aims to limit, as much as possible, the energy transfer to the radiative exchange, and can be considered a vacuum or be occupied by a noble gas, which does not absorb infrared radiation, such as argon.

[0081] The term "comprising" whenever used in this document is intended to indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, components, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0082] The disclosure should not be seen in any way restricted to the embodiments described and a person with ordinary skill in the art will foresee many possibilities to modifications thereof. The above-described embodiments are combinable.

[0083] The following dependent claims further set out particular embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

C L A I M S1. An energy storage cell comprising: a thermally isolating outer shell comprising at least a part of an internal vessel, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell comprises a space, which is at least a partially empty space, between said internal vessel and an internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell, wherein the internal vessel comprises a phase change material arranged to be heated; one or more thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters arranged in said space for converting radiation emitted by the internal vessel to electrical energy.

2. The energy storage cell according to the previous claim, wherein the phase change material is arranged to be electrically melted by Joule effect.

3. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, comprising electrodes for injecting electrical current in the phase change material for melting the phase change material by Joule effect.

4. The energy storage cell according to the previous claim, wherein the phase change material is selected from a list consisting of pure silicon, or silicon alloys resulting of the combination with other elements including boron and carbon, or their combinations.

5. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one electric means for heating the phase change material.

6. The energy storage cell according to the previous claim, wherein the at least one electric means for heating the phase change material is an electrically resistive heater.

7. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims 1 to 2, comprising at least one thermal means for heating the phase change material.

8. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell comprises a circular cross-section and is concentric with the internal vessel which also has a circular cross-section.

9. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, wherein the thermally isolating outer shell is made of a material selected from a list consisting of high melting point metallic alloys, ceramics, and any other material with structural mechanical and thermal endurance, or their combinations.

10. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, wherein the internal vessel is made of a refractory material that can be coated with other materials for better results.

11. The energy storage cell according to the previous claim, wherein the refractory material of the internal vessel is selected from a list consisting of quartz, silicon carbide, graphite, tungsten or their combinations.

12. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, wherein the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell comprises a reflective foil arranged to reflect radiation emitted by the internal vessel.

13. The energy storage cell according to the previous claim, wherein the reflective foil is made of a material with a reflectance above 0.7 in the infrared region, preferably selected from a list consisting of aluminium, silver, gold or their combinations.

14. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, wherein the thermophotovoltaic converters comprise at least one photovoltaic cell arranged to receive thermal power radiation emitted by the internal vessel.

15. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, the thermophotovoltaic converters comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

16. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, wherein the plurality of photovoltaic cells is axially distributed covering the maximum as possible the inner surface outer shell.

17. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, comprising at least one heat sink.

18. The energy storage cell according to the previous claim, wherein the heat sink comprises an exterior heat dissipator arranged outside the outer shell and a heat collector arranged on said thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters, in particular the heat collector being a support of said thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic converters.

19. The energy storage cell according to any of the previous claims, wherein the partially empty space between said internal vessel and the internal wall of the thermally isolating outer shell comprises an atmosphere in vacuum or an atmosphere with a noble gas, preferably argon.

20. An energy storage system comprising a plurality of energy storage cells described in any of the previous claims.

21. A method of manufacturing the energy storage cell described in any of the claims 1 to 19 comprising the following steps: a bottom electrode is coupled to an internal vessel; the internal vessel is filled with a phase change material, that should be in granular form or powder to occupy all the inner volume; a top electrode is coupled to the internal vessel, closing it and forming the energy storage cell; the energy storage cell is submitted at least to the phase change material melting temperature to create a single and homogeneous distribution of the molten material in the internal vessel;the energy storage cell is cooled down at a rate below 200 K / min to create a compact and homogeneous solid phase change material volume contacting both electrodes and the inner walls of the internal vessel; an outer shell is thermally insulated by covering the inner walls with the refractory material, which exposed surface is covered by the reflective foil; both upper and bottom lids of the outer shell are thermally insulated by using the refractory material, which the internally exposed surfaces are covered by the reflective foil; the bottom lid of the outer shell is placed closing one of the openings of the tubular shape; the energy storage cell is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell, and the bottom electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the bottom lid; the top lid of the outer shell is placed closing the second opening of the tubular shape, and the upper electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the top lid; the electrode's electric conductors are connected to an electric current supply.

22. The method according to the previous claim, comprising the following steps after the step of thermal insulation of the upper and bottom lids of the outer shell: thermal bridges and respective heat sinks are coupled to the outer shell in a way that the heat sinks are exposed to the exterior and the thermal bridges connected to them; thermophotovoltaic cells are mechanically connected to the thermal bridges, exposing their active surfaces to the inner axis of the outer shell.

23. The method according to the previous claim 21, comprising the following steps after the step of thermal insulation of the upper and bottom lids of the outer shell: the heat exchanger is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell; the inlet and outlet tubes are coupled to the outer shell in a way that can connect the heat exchanger in the appropriated connection points.

24. The method according to the previous claims 21 and 23, comprising the following step after the concentrically introduction of the energy storage cell: the energy storage cell is introduced concentrically with the central axis of the outer shell, contacting the inner wall of the heat exchanger, and the bottom electrode is connected to an electrical conductor in the exterior face of the bottom lid.

25. Use of the energy storage cell described in any of the claims 1 to 19 in the storage of energy sourced from renewable energy production technologies.

26. Use of the energy storage cell described in any of the claims 1 to 19 for the storage of energy captured in the outer space.

27. Use of the energy storage cell described in any of the claims 1 to 19 for the storage of energy captured in other celestial bodies then planet earth, such as Moon, Mars and asteroids.

Images