Thermochemical energy storage unit

Abstract

The invention comprises a thermochemical energy storage unit for storing energy storage material and for thermally insulating heat sources and sinks. The thermochemical energy storage unit comprises a particle transport system (101), a device for pressure regulation (102), a device for air dehumidification (103) and at least one modular exchange chamber (104). The modular exchange chamber (104) comprises a storage volume (110) for storing energy storage material (150), a shaft (113) and a transition region (114), a particle inlet (120) and a particle outlet (121) for introducing and discharging energy storage material (150), a gas inlet (122) and a gas outlet (123) for introducing and discharging a gas mixture, a sensor for monitoring (111), and a vibration system (112). The modular exchange chamber (104) can be exchanged for a modular replacement exchange chamber (104A). The particle transport system (101) can distribute the energy storage material (150) to a plurality of different modular exchange chambers (104). The storage volume (110) can be separated into two separate regions (170A, 170B) by a flexible separating wall (115) or by a layer of separating particles.

Description

[0001] 0000001261-00010 PCT / DEflSu^|ößffiO92

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[0003] (i , HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy storage unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0004] Thermochemical energy storage unit:

[0005] Technical field

[0006] The present invention relates to a storage unit for thermochemical energy storage material.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Various thermochemical storage approaches exist for storing and releasing energy at a later time, demonstrating high economic potential for the safe, long-term storage of energy in an energy storage material. For example, energy storage materials can be charged and discharged in a closed loop, with a storage phase occurring between periods. Alternatively, modular units can be centrally charged with energy and discharged decentrally, allowing for the exchange of modular units during continuous decentralized consumption. Furthermore, a wide variety of materials can be used for thermal insulation during storage.

[0009] Description of the invention The object of the invention is to provide a thermochemical energy storage unit which, with a simple design, is able to efficiently, space-savingly and modularly store loaded or discharged energy storage material and thereby create thermal insulation from the environment.

[0010] The aforementioned problem is solved by a thermochemical energy storage unit with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a thermochemical energy storage unit for storing energy storage material. The thermochemical energy storage unit can be used as part of a 0000001261-00011 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0013] HeatlSave UG Application 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024 A thermochemical energy storage device is provided. The thermochemical energy storage device can be designed to store thermal or electrical energy long-term using a reaction, for example a gas-solid reaction, and to release it again using a corresponding reverse reaction, for example a gas-solid reverse reaction, for example as heat.

[0014] The thermochemical energy storage unit has a storage volume in which both charged and discharged energy storage material can be stored separately. The storage volume can be at least partially cylindrical or cuboidal. It can be designed to store the energy storage material as a solid and a gas mixture under long-term storage conditions, preventing contact with any potential reaction medium. The storage volume can also be designed to minimize heat conduction through it under storage conditions. Storage conditions are defined as the conditions, particularly pressures, temperatures, and gas humidity levels, that prevail within the storage volume and under which the energy storage material is prevented from reacting. Examples of storage conditions include a pressure of 0.01 bar, a temperature of 25 °C, and a relative humidity of 0.1%.

[0015] The thermochemical energy storage unit can be configured to store both charged and discharged energy storage material, which is supplied by an attached device for charging and discharging the energy storage material. The thermochemical energy storage unit can be part of a thermochemical energy storage device, in which a thermochemical energy storage reactor can perform the charging and discharging of the energy storage material.

[0016] The thermochemical energy storage device can be configured to store energy in an energy storage material through a thermochemical forward reaction with a reaction medium in the thermochemical energy storage reactor. In this process, discharged energy storage material is used in a 3 / 28

[0017] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0018] In the forward reaction, discharged energy storage material is converted into charged energy storage material. During the forward reaction, discharged energy storage material is conveyed from a thermochemical energy storage unit into a thermochemical energy storage reactor, and charged energy storage material is conveyed in the opposite direction. The thermochemical energy storage device can also be configured to release heat from an energy storage material through a thermochemical reverse reaction in the thermochemical energy storage reactor. In this reverse reaction, charged energy storage material is converted into discharged energy storage material and reaction medium. During the reverse reaction, charged energy storage material is conveyed from a thermochemical energy storage unit into a thermochemical energy storage reactor, and discharged energy storage material is conveyed in the opposite direction.

[0019] In particular, energy can be stored using a thermochemical energy storage device for safe, long-term storage and later release as heat. For example, excess electricity from photovoltaic systems on sunny summer days can be stored using a thermochemical energy storage device and released as heat for building heating in winter. Alternatively or additionally, the released heat can be at least partially converted into electrical energy. This allows peaks in the generation and use of electrical energy to be balanced.

[0020] The energy storage material can be a single substance or a composition of several substances. The energy storage material can contain substances that can absorb and release heat through a forward and a reverse reaction with the reaction medium. The forward and reverse reactions can include hydrogenation with water.

[0021] The energy storage material can, for example, contain metal oxides. Calcium oxide (CaO) is one example of an energy storage material.

[0022] Contain calcium dihydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and the reaction medium may contain water (H2O). 0000001261-00013 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0024] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0025] The thermochemical energy storage unit can be designed to hold a constant volume of energy storage material, with the proportion of loaded or discharged energy storage material varying, since for the forward or reverse reaction, discharged or loaded energy storage material is conveyed out or in, while the other energy storage material is conveyed in or out.

[0026] The thermochemical energy storage unit can be designed to provide thermal insulation for a heat source or sink from the environment. The storage volume of the thermochemical energy storage system can contain gas and energy storage material with low thermal conductivity. The thermochemical energy storage unit surrounds the heat source or sink, thus minimizing heat loss to the environment.

[0027] The thermochemical energy storage unit has a particle inlet for introducing the energy storage material. The particle inlet can be configured to move the energy storage material, in the form of particles, from the particle transport system into the storage volume. Alternatively, the particle inlet can be configured to meter the incoming quantity of particles and decouple the storage volume from the particle transport system. The particle inlet can be located near a cover on the top, at the end of the shaft, of the storage volume. The particle inlet can also be configured to move separation particles into the storage volume, meter these separation particles into the storage volume, and isolate them from the storage volume.

[0028] The thermochemical energy storage unit has a particle outlet for releasing the energy storage material. The particle outlet can be configured to move the energy storage material in the form of particles from the storage volume into the particle transport system. Alternatively, the particle outlet can be configured to meter the outgoing particle quantity and decouple the storage volume from the particle transport system. The particle outlet can be located below the transition section. 0000001261-00014 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0a^ffiffiO92

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[0030] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0031] The thermochemical energy storage unit has a gas inlet for introducing gas into the storage volume. The gas inlet can be configured to move gas or a gas mixture from an air dehumidification device into the storage volume. Alternatively, the gas inlet can be configured to meter the incoming gas or gas mixture and decouple the storage volume from the particle transport system.

[0032] The thermochemical energy storage unit has a gas outlet for venting gas from the storage volume. The gas outlet can be configured to move a gas or gas mixture from the storage volume to a pressure regulating device. Alternatively, the gas outlet can be configured to meter the outgoing gas or gas mixture and decouple the storage volume from the particle transport system. The gas outlet can also be configured to create a pressure differential between the storage volume and the surrounding environment by connecting it to the pressure regulating device. The gas or gas mixture can consist, for example, of air or components of air. For instance, the gas mixture can contain water vapor, with the proportion of water vapor being described by the relative humidity.Relative humidity describes the actual partial pressure of a component in the gas mixture in relation to the maximum possible partial pressure of the component at the prevailing temperature (saturation vapor pressure).

[0033] The thermochemical energy storage unit includes a particle transport system for conveying particles within the storage unit. The particle transport system connects at least one particle inlet or outlet to at least one device for loading and unloading the energy storage materials, enabling the respective particles to be conveyed from the device into the storage volume and vice versa. The streams of loaded or unloaded energy storage material can be split and distributed to at least two different storage volumes, or recombined from at least two storage volumes into at least one stream. 0000001261-00015 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0a2^ / |QßffiO92

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[0035] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0036] In another embodiment, this allows multiple storage volumes to be filled, thereby increasing the total storage volume (the sum of all storage volumes). The splitting and merging of the flows can occur simultaneously, ensuring that all storage volumes receive and have the same proportion of particles removed. Alternatively, the splitting and merging of the flows can occur sequentially, with each storage volume receiving and having particles removed one after the other.

[0037] The thermochemical energy storage unit features a pressure regulation device for increasing or decreasing the pressure within the storage volume, or for circulating gas through the storage volume. This pressure regulation device allows a pressure differential to be created within the storage volume relative to the surrounding environment. Reducing the pressure relative to the environment increases thermal insulation, as less heat can be transferred within the storage volume. This reduces the proportion of heat losses to the environment from a heat source or sink surrounded by the thermochemical energy storage unit.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the pressure regulating device is connected to at least one gas outlet, allowing the gas mixture to be extracted from the storage volume. In this case, the streams containing the gas mixture can be combined and then merged again from at least two storage volumes to form at least one stream.

[0039] This allows the pressure to be regulated in multiple storage volumes. The merging of the flows can occur simultaneously, ensuring that all storage volumes receive the same proportion of the gas mixture. Alternatively, the merging of the flows can occur sequentially, with each storage volume receiving its gas mixture in turn.

[0040] Reducing the pressure relative to the surroundings can cause a decrease in the partial pressure of the components in the gas mixture within the storage volume. This can reduce the driving force of mass transport of components from the 0000001261-00016 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0042] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0043] The mass transfer potential of the gas mixture into the energy storage material is reduced. According to Fick's law, this potential is essentially defined by the equalization of concentration differences, which can also be described by partial pressures. Reducing the partial pressure decreases this difference. Reduced mass transfer can minimize unwanted reactions between components of the gas mixture and the energy storage material. This limits the loss of charged or discharged energy storage material, thus increasing the efficiency of the thermochemical energy storage unit. In particular, the efficiency of the thermochemical energy storage unit is higher the more energy can be utilized and the less energy is lost through heat losses or unwanted reactions.Efficiency is understood as the ratio of the amount of energy that can actually be stored in the storage volume to the amount of energy that was stored in the storage volume in the form of the energy storage material.

[0044] The gas mixture can contain, for example, water vapor, and the energy storage material can be, for example, calcium oxide (CaO). As an example, the water vapor from the gas mixture can react with the calcium oxide to form calcium dihydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). This reaction releases stored energy and reduces the storage efficiency. Reducing the pressure in the storage volume can, for example, decrease the amount of gas mixture in the storage volume and thus the amount of water vapor in the storage volume, thereby mitigating losses in efficiency.

[0045] The thermochemical energy storage unit includes a dehumidification device to reduce the relative humidity of incoming gas mixtures into the storage volume. The dehumidification device can be connected to the gas inlet of the storage volume. The dehumidification device can remove water vapor or other condensable components from the gas mixture, thereby preventing undesirable interaction of these components with the energy storage material. This can increase the storage efficiency. For example, ambient air can be used as a gas mixture by the device. 0000001261-00017 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0a^ffiffiO92

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[0047] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0048] Air is drawn in for dehumidification and the water vapor in the gas mixture is separated by condensation, while the remaining gas mixture is forwarded to the gas inlet.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the dehumidifying device is connected to at least one gas inlet, so that the gas mixture can be conveyed into the storage volume. In this case, the gas mixture flows can be distributed to at least two storage volumes by at least two separate flows.

[0050] The distribution of the flows can occur simultaneously over time, ensuring that all storage volumes receive the same proportion of the gas mixture. Alternatively, the distribution can occur sequentially, with each storage volume receiving the gas mixture one after the other.

[0051] The thermochemical energy storage unit incorporates a vibration system for compacting or facilitating the emptying of the energy storage materials within the storage volume. The vibration system can be located outside the storage volume on the wall of the storage volume at the shaft or transition section. Alternatively, the vibration system can be located inside the storage volume on the inner wall of the storage volume. The vibration system can also be distributed across a wide area of ​​the storage volume wall.

[0052] Through vibrations, the vibration system can overcome the adhesive forces between the particles, thus breaking their adhesion to each other or to the wall of the bearing volume, resulting in either compaction or discharge of the particles. For example, the vibration system can be located on the shaft and activated when the particle outlet opens, facilitating particle discharge. The vibration system can, for instance, include a motor which, upon activation, drives an asymmetrical flywheel, thereby setting the bearing volume into vibration. Alternatively, the vibration system can be operated with compressed air, where controlled pressure pulses within or outside the bearing volume mobilize or compact the particles. 0000001261-00018 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S£^ / |ößffiO92

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[0054] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0055] The thermochemical energy storage unit has at least one sensor for monitoring relative humidity, temperature, pressure, and fill level within the storage volume. This sensor can monitor at least one, but also several, of these process parameters. It can measure absolute as well as relative values ​​to the environment. The sensor can monitor deviations of measured values ​​from the target values ​​of process parameters and output a signal accordingly.

[0056] The sensor for monitoring can be designed to influence the deviation from the target value of a process parameter itself via the output of a signal and to correct it to the desired target value itself by means of a feedback loop, thus minimizing the deviation.

[0057] For example, the sensor can measure the pressure difference between the storage volume and the environment, as well as the relative humidity within the storage volume. If a deviation from a setpoint occurs, it sends a signal to the pressure regulation device to adjust the differential pressure to the setpoint and a signal to the dehumidification device to adjust the relative humidity to the setpoint. This allows, for instance, the differential pressure and relative humidity within the storage volume to be regulated to a setpoint, thereby increasing storage efficiency.

[0058] The thermochemical energy storage unit has a storage volume that is at least partially defined by its walls. These walls can be designed to be impermeable to gas mixtures at pressure differences relative to the surroundings. For example, water vapor, as a component of a gas mixture, cannot escape from the surroundings into the storage volume from the surroundings over an extended period at a pressure difference of 0.01 bar.

[0059] The bearing walls can be divided by a shaft and a transition section arranged below it. The shaft can be located below the particle inlet, the gas inlet, and the gas outlet, and above the transition section. The shaft can have either a circular or a rectangular cross-sectional area. The transition section can be located below the shaft and above the particle outlet. The 0000001261-00019 is-os-aoes-ooo 1o6o.0o9i.2s0s25i- PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92 GGOI s

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[0061] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0062] The shaft can have either a circular or a rectangular cross-sectional area, which transitions from the shaft diameter to the diameter of the particle outlet. The angle of the transition, measured along an imaginary continuous shaft, can, depending on the energy storage material, be between 10° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 60°.

[0063] In a further embodiment, the storage volume of the thermochemical energy storage unit is divided into at least two compartments by a flexible partition to store loaded and discharged energy storage material separately within the storage volume. The flexible partition can be designed to be impermeable to particles but permeable to gas. Depending on the filling level, the flexible partition can divide the storage volume such that preferably the entire storage volume can be allocated to one compartment. The flexible partition can be designed to adapt to the current loading state of the respective compartment. For example, when loading material is added and when discharging material is removed, the compartment containing loaded material can be increased by precisely the volume by which the compartment containing discharged material is reduced.This allows for more space-efficient use of the space required for storing the energy storage material. For example, the gas-permeable flexible partition allows for the adjustment of a differential pressure to the environment in both areas, resulting in higher storage efficiency.

[0064] In a further embodiment, the storage volume of the thermochemical energy storage unit is filled by a particle inlet for each area, which fills charged and discharged energy storage material separately into one area and the other, respectively, through the flexible partition. The particle inlet for each area can be designed analogously to the particle inlet without separate areas. The particle inlet for each area can be configured to close the particle inlet for filling the other area while one area is being filled. 0000001261-00020 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0066] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0067] In a further embodiment, the storage volume of the thermochemical energy storage unit is emptied through separate particle outlets for each area. These outlets discharge the charged and discharged energy storage material separately through the flexible partition into the respective areas. The particle outlet for each area can be configured analogously to a particle outlet without separate areas. The particle outlet for each area can also be designed to close the outlet for emptying the other area when one area is being emptied.

[0068] In another embodiment, the storage volume of the thermochemical energy storage unit is divided into at least two areas by a layer of separating particles in order to store loaded energy storage material and discharged energy storage material separately from each other in the storage volume.

[0069] Separation particles can be designed to prevent the mixing of particles from the charged and discharged energy storage material, while simultaneously allowing gas permeability. The layer of separation particles can be made as thin as possible, enabling space-saving storage and minimizing volume loss due to the storage of unusable particles.

[0070] For example, after each filling process of loaded or discharged energy storage material, a layer of separating particles can be applied to shield them from each other during the switch to the other particle.

[0071] For example, the gas-permeable layer can be used to set a differential pressure to the environment between separating particles in both areas, in order to achieve higher storage efficiency.

[0072] For example, the separating particle layer can consist of material that decomposes or evaporates during the charging or discharging reaction. For example, the separating particle layer can be made of (bio)polymers or plastics.

[0073] In another embodiment, the separating layer can consist of particles made of material that is inert during the charging or discharging reaction and remains unchanged after the reaction. For example, the separating layer can consist of zeolites or silicates. 0000001261-00021 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0075] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0076] The separating particle layer can be made of a material that has hygroscopic properties, meaning it absorbs water vapor from the gas mixture. For example, the separating particle layer can consist of zeolites.

[0077] In a further embodiment, the storage volume, particle inlet, particle outlet, gas inlet, gas outlet, and monitoring sensor can be designed as a modular exchangeable chamber to enable rapid replacement of the modular exchangeable chamber with a modular exchangeable chamber. The connections and links of the material and signal streams of the modular exchangeable chamber to and from the dehumidification device, pressure regulation device, and particle transport system are designed and arranged so that they can also be used by a modular exchangeable chamber of the same type. The connections and links of the modular exchangeable chamber can be equipped with devices to facilitate rapid replacement of a modular exchangeable chamber. For example, the connections and links can be designed as quick-release fasteners.

[0078] The modular exchange chamber can be structurally identical to a standard modular exchange chamber, differing only in its energy storage material. For example, a modular exchange chamber filled with discharged energy storage material can be replaced by one filled with charged energy storage material, thus providing the device with freshly charged energy storage material for energy release. This allows for space-saving and modular energy storage material exchange. For instance, the modular exchange chamber can be used in electrical engineering, similar to a battery.

[0079] In another embodiment, the dehumidification device, the pressure regulation device, and the particle transport system can supply several modular exchange chambers with their respective flows, either simultaneously or sequentially. 0000001261-00022 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0081] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0082] Brief description of the characters

[0083] Fig. 1 schematically shows a thermochemical energy storage unit without internal components in conjunction with a device for loading and unloading the energy storage material.

[0084] Fig. 2 schematically shows a thermochemical energy storage unit with internal components in conjunction with a device for loading and unloading the energy storage material and a modular exchange chamber according to one embodiment.

[0085] Fig. 3 schematically shows a thermochemical energy storage unit with internal components in conjunction with a device for loading and unloading the energy storage material and several linked modular exchange units according to one embodiment.

[0086] Fig. 4 schematically shows a modular exchange chamber filled with energy storage material in separate areas according to one embodiment.

[0087] Fig. 5 schematically shows a modular exchange chamber filled with energy storage material and separated by a layer of separating particles according to one embodiment.

[0088] Fig. 6a shows a schematic of the installation in a building.

[0089] Fig. 6b shows schematically the installation in a building with a modular exchange chamber.

[0090] Fig. 6a schematically shows the application at a heat source or heat sink. 0000001261-00023 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0a^ffiffiO92

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[0092] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0093] Detailed description of the characters

[0094] Fig. 1 shows a thermochemical energy storage unit 100 without internal components according to an embodiment in conjunction with a device for loading or unloading energy storage material 200.

[0095] During the loading process, an energy flow is introduced into the device for loading or unloading energy storage material 200 to charge the energy storage material 140. This energy flow is used by the device for loading or unloading energy storage material 200 to convert discharged energy storage material 150B into charged energy storage material 150A. The discharged energy storage material 150B is supplied from the thermochemical energy storage unit 100 and returned to the thermochemical energy storage unit 100 as charged energy storage material 150A. Energy storage material 150 is then stored in the thermochemical energy storage unit 100.During the discharge process, a heat flow is discharged from the device for charging or discharging energy storage material 200 by discharging the energy storage material 141. This heat flow is released by the device for charging or discharging energy storage material 200 as charged energy storage material 150A is converted into discharged energy storage material 150B. The charged energy storage material 150A is supplied from the thermochemical energy storage unit 100 and returned to the thermochemical energy storage unit 100 as discharged energy storage material 150B.

[0096] The energy flow for charging the energy storage material 140 can be provided by surplus energy, such as excess electrical energy from photovoltaics. The heat flow from discharging the energy storage material 141 can be used for heating, e.g., buildings.

[0097] Fig. 2 schematically shows a thermochemical energy storage unit 100 with internals according to an embodiment, which is connected to the flows of energy storage material 150 in conjunction with a device for charging and discharging. 0000001261-00024 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0099] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0100] The discharge of the energy storage material 200 and a modular exchange chamber 1O4A is.

[0101] The thermochemical energy storage unit 100 comprises a dehumidifying device 103, a pressure regulating device 102, a particle transport system 101, and a modular exchange chamber 104. The modular exchange chamber can be replaced by a modular exchange chamber 104A.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the modular exchange chamber 104 includes a storage volume 110, which is defined by storage walls designed as a shaft 113 and a transition section 114. The storage volume 110 can store the energy storage material 150 for long-term storage. The shaft 113 is arranged above the transition section 114, and both can have either a round or rectangular cross-section. The shaft is bounded at the top by a cover on which a gas inlet 122, a particle inlet 120, and a gas outlet 123 are arranged. Below the shaft 113, the diameter of the transition section 114 transitions into the particle outlet 121, which is located below the transition section 114.

[0103] A vibration system 112 is attached to the bearing walls, which limit the bearing volume, and which can transmit vibrations from the outside or from the inside to the energy storage material 150 in the bearing volume 110.

[0104] A sensor 111 for monitoring is connected to the storage volume 110, which can monitor the process parameters in the storage volume 110 and regulate them by interaction with the dehumidification device 103 or the pressure regulation device 102.

[0105] The energy storage material 150 can be loaded or unloaded by the device for loading or unloading the energy storage material 200 and is conveyed by the particle transport system 101 to the storage volume 151 at the particle inlet 120 in the storage volume 110. The energy storage material flow from the storage volume 152 is also conveyed by the particle transport system 101 through the particle outlet 121 to the device for loading or unloading the energy storage material 200. Depending on whether energy 140 is being stored or heat 141 is being released, a loaded energy storage material flow 151A is conveyed into the storage volume 110.

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[0107] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy storage unit - Status 13.09.2024: pumped and discharged energy storage material flow from storage volume 110, or exactly the other way around.

[0108] The dehumidification device 103 draws in fresh air from the surroundings 160, removes its moisture, and releases dehumidified air to storage volume 161 and the separated moisture 162. The pressure regulating device 102 can draw gas from storage volume 163 and release it as exhaust air from the pressure regulating device 164 to the surroundings. Drawing gas from storage volume 163 can create a pressure difference in storage volume 110 relative to the surroundings.

[0109] The dehumidified air 161, the gas from storage volume 163, the energy storage material flow to storage volume 151, and the energy storage material flow from storage volume 152 are connections to the modular exchange chamber 104 and can be quickly disconnected and modularly connected to a modular exchange chamber 104A. In one embodiment, the modular exchange chamber 104A is structurally identical to the modular exchange chamber 104 and includes all components, materials, and signal connections that can be connected to the modular exchange chamber 104A during an exchange. For example, during an exchange, discharged energy storage material 150B in storage volume 110 of an integrated modular exchange chamber 104 can be replaced by charged energy storage material 150A in storage volume 110 of a modular exchange chamber 104A, ensuring a continuous heat flow through the discharge of the energy storage material 141.

[0110] Fig. 3 schematically shows a thermochemical energy storage unit 100 with internal components in conjunction with a device for loading and unloading the energy storage material 200. In the thermochemical energy storage unit 100, several modular exchange units 104 without internal components are linked together according to one embodiment. Linking the modular exchange units 104 increases the total storage volume. The modular exchange units 104 comprise energy storage material 150 in the respective storage volumes 110 (not shown here) and can be replaced by modular exchange units 104A. 0000001261-00026 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0112] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0113] The dehumidified air 161, the gas from storage volume 163, the energy storage material flow to storage volume 151, and the energy storage material flow from storage volume 152 are connections to the respective modular exchange chambers 104 and are distributed or combined among the respective modular exchange chambers. This distribution or combination can occur in parallel or consecutively. For example, storage volume 110 of one modular exchange chamber 104 can be filled or emptied with energy storage material 150 first, followed by the next storage volume 110 of another modular exchange chamber 104. Alternatively, all storage volumes 110 of all modular exchange chambers can be filled or emptied simultaneously.

[0114] Fig. 4 schematically shows a modular exchange chamber 104 according to an embodiment, which has a storage volume 110 (not shown) that is divided into at least two separate areas by a flexible partition 115. The particle inlet 120 and the particle outlet 121 are also divided for the separate areas.

[0115] For the loading of the energy storage material 150 by the device (not shown) used for loading or unloading the energy storage material 200, discharged energy storage material 150B is simultaneously conveyed from storage volume 110 and charged energy storage material 150A is conveyed into storage volume 110. The particle inlet for charged energy storage material 120A feeds the charged energy storage material stream to storage volume 151A into the separate area for charged energy storage material 170A. Simultaneously, the discharged energy storage material stream from storage volume 152B is conveyed from the separate area for discharged energy storage material 170B through the particle outlet for discharged energy storage material 121B.

[0116] For the discharge of the energy storage material 150 by the device (not shown) used for loading or unloading the energy storage material 200, simultaneously loaded energy storage material 150A is conveyed from storage volume 110 and discharged energy storage material 150B is conveyed into storage volume 110. The particle inlet for discharged energy storage material 120B fills the discharged energy storage material stream to storage volume 151B into the separate area for discharged energy storage material 170B. Simultaneously 0000001261-00027 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92

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[0118] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024: The loaded energy storage material flow from storage volume 152A is conveyed from the separate area for loaded energy storage material 170A through the particle outlet for loaded energy storage material 121A. The dehumidified air 161, the gas from storage volume 163, the energy storage material flow to storage volume 151, and the energy storage material flow from storage volume 152 are connections from the modular exchange chamber 104 to the thermochemical energy storage unit 100 (not shown here).

[0119] Fig. 5 schematically shows a modular exchange chamber 104 according to an embodiment, which has a storage volume 110 (not shown) divided into at least two separate areas by a layer of separating particles 171. Depending on the loading state, the layer of separating particles 171 is arranged above or below the loaded energy storage material 170A or the separate area for discharged energy storage material 170B. The layer of separating particles 171 behaves like the particles of the energy storage material 150 and is introduced through the particle inlet 120 and discharged through the particle outlet 121. During the changeover from filling with loaded energy storage material 150A to discharged energy storage material 150B, or vice versa, the layer of separating particles 171 is introduced into the storage volume 153 by the separating particle flow.

[0120] For the loading of the energy storage material 150 by the device (not shown) used for loading or unloading the energy storage material 200, discharged energy storage material 150B is simultaneously conveyed from storage volume 110 and charged energy storage material 150A is conveyed into storage volume 110. Through the particle inlet 120, the charged energy storage material flow to storage volume 151A fills the separate area for charged energy storage material 170A. Simultaneously, through the particle outlet 120, the discharged energy storage material flow from storage volume 152B is conveyed out of the separate area for discharged energy storage material 170B. For the discharge of the energy storage material 150 by the device not shown, which is used for loading or unloading the energy storage material 200, simultaneously loaded energy storage material 150A is taken from the storage volume 110 and discharged energy storage material 150B is taken into the storage volume 110 0000001261-00028 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92.

[0121] 19 / 28 HeatlSave UG Application 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024. The particle inlet 120 fills the discharged energy storage material stream into the storage volume 151B in the separate area for discharged energy storage material 170B. Simultaneously, the charged energy storage material stream from storage volume 152A is conveyed through the particle outlet 121 from the separate area for charged energy storage material 170A.

[0122] The dehumidified air 161, the gas from the storage volume 163, energy storage material flow to the storage volume 151 and the energy storage material flow from the storage volume 152 are connections from the modular exchange chamber 104 to the thermochemical energy storage unit 100, which is not shown here.

[0123] Fig. 6a schematically shows the installation of a thermochemical energy storage unit 100 and a device for loading and unloading energy storage material 200 in one embodiment within a building 183. The thermochemical energy storage unit 100 comprises a particle transport system 101, a pressure regulation device 102, a dehumidification device 103, and a modular exchange chamber 104. The modular exchange chamber 104 is mounted outside the building 183 by means of a connecting structure 182 to provide thermal insulation of the building 183 from the environment. The device for loading and unloading energy storage material 200 loads or unloads energy storage material 150 and stores it in the thermochemical energy storage unit 100.The particle transport system 101 conveys the energy storage material flow to and from storage volume 151 and the energy storage material flow from storage volume 152 to and from the modular exchange chamber 104. The dehumidification device 103 draws in fresh air from the environment 160 and delivers dehumidified air to storage volume 161 in the modular exchange chamber 104. The pressure regulation device 102 draws gas from storage volume 163 out of the modular exchange chamber 104 and releases it as exhaust air from the pressure regulation device 164 into the environment. 0000001261-00029 PCT / DEflS^|ößffiO92.

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[0125] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0126] Fig. 6b schematically shows the installation of several modular exchange chambers 104 in one embodiment in and on a building 183. The modular exchange chambers 104 are part of a thermochemical energy storage unit 100 (not shown). The several modular exchange chambers 104 are connected to the building 183 by a connecting structure 182. Due to their low thermal conductivity, the modular exchange chambers 104 thermally insulate a heat source or sink 180 from the environment. The modular exchange chambers 104 can be exchanged and replaced by modular replacement exchange chambers 104A.

[0127] Fig. 6c schematically shows the installation of a thermochemical energy storage unit 100 and a device for loading and unloading energy storage material 200 in one embodiment at a heat source or sink 180. The thermochemical energy storage unit 100 comprises a particle transport system 101, a pressure regulation device 102, an air dehumidification device 103, and at least one modular exchange chamber 104. The modular exchange chambers 104 are attached to the enclosure outside the heat source or sink 180 by means of a connecting structure 182 to provide thermal insulation of the heat source or sink 180 from the environment. The device for loading and unloading energy storage material 200 loads or unloads energy storage material 150 and stores it in the thermochemical energy storage unit 100.The particle transport system 101 conveys the energy storage material flow to and from storage volume 151 and the energy storage material flow from storage volume 152 to and from the modular exchange chambers 104. The dehumidification device 103 draws in fresh air from the environment 160 and delivers dehumidified air to storage volume 161 in the modular exchange chamber 104. The pressure regulation device 102 draws gas from storage volume 163 out of the modular exchange chamber 104 and releases it as exhaust air from the pressure regulation device 164 into the environment. 0000001261-00030 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S£^|ößffiO92.

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[0129] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0130] Reference symbol list

[0131] 100 Thermochemical Energy Storage Units

[0132] 101 Particle transport system

[0133] 102 Pressure regulating device

[0134] 103 Dehumidification system

[0135] 104 Modular Exchange Chamber

[0136] 104A Modular Exchange Chamber

[0137] 110 storage volume

[0138] 111 Sensor

[0139] 112 Vibration device

[0140] 113 Shaft (bearing walls)

[0141] 114 Transition section (storage walls)

[0142] 115 Flexible partition

[0143] 120 particle intake

[0144] 120A particle inlet for loaded energy storage material (150A)

[0145] 120B Particle inlet for discharged energy storage material (150B)

[0146] 121 Particle outlet

[0147] 121A Particle outlet for loaded energy storage material (150A)

[0148] 121B Particle outlet for discharged energy storage material (150B)

[0149] 122 Gas inlet

[0150] 123 Gas outlet

[0151] 140 Energy flow for storage in energy storage material

[0152] 141 Heat flow due to the discharge of the energy storage material

[0153] 150 energy storage materials

[0154] 150A loaded energy storage material

[0155] 150B discharged energy storage material

[0156] 151 Energy storage material flow to storage volume (110)

[0157] 151A loaded energy storage material flow to storage volume (110)

[0158] 151B discharged energy storage material flow to storage volume (110)

[0159] 152 Energy storage material flow from the storage volume (110)

[0160] 152A loaded energy storage material flow from the storage volume (110)

[0161] 152B discharged energy storage material flow from storage volume (110)

[0162] 153 Separation particle flow to storage volume (110) 0000001261-00031 16.09.2025 PCT / DE0S£ / |ößffiO92

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[0164] HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024

[0165] 160 Fresh air from the surrounding area

[0166] 161 Dehumidified air to storage volume (110)

[0167] 162 Separated moisture

[0168] 163 Gas from the storage volume (110)

[0169] 164 Exhaust air from the pressure regulating device (102)

[0170] 170A Separate area for charged energy storage material (150A)

[0171] 170B Separate area for discharged energy storage material (150B)

[0172] 171 separation particles

[0173] 180 Heat source or sink

[0174] 181 Enclosure (house wall or wall of the heat source or sink)

[0175] 182 Connecting structure interchangeable module (104) with housing (181)

[0176] 183 buildings

[0177] 200 Device for loading or unloading the energy storage material

Claims

0000001261-00033 09 / 16 / 2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92 23 / 28 HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024 1. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) for long-term Storage of energy storage materials (150) with simultaneous thermal insulation of buildings (183), other heat sources or heat sinks (180), wherein the thermochemical energy storage storage unit (100) comprises: a storage volume (110) in which both loaded Energy storage material (150A, 170A), as well as discharged Energy storage material (150B, 170B) can be stored separately, a particle inlet (120) for introducing the energy storage material (150), a particle outlet (121) for removing the energy storage material (150), a gas inlet (122) for introducing gas into the storage volume (110), a gas outlet (123) for releasing gas from the storage volume (HO), a particle transport system (101) to and from at least one thermochemical energy storage unit (100) for connection with a particle inlet (120) and particle outlet (121) to convey the energy storage material (150) into the storage volume (110), a pressure regulation device (102) for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the storage volume or for gas flowing through the storage volume (110), a dehumidification device (103) for reducing the relative humidity of the gas in the thermochemical energy storage unit (100), a vibration system (112) for compacting or facilitating the emptying of the energy storage materials (150) in the storage volume (110), at least one sensor for monitoring (111) relative humidity, temperature, pressure, and fill level in the storage volume (110), 2. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that 0000001261-00034 September 16, 2025 PCT / DE0a^ffiffiO92 24 / 28 HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024 the stored energy storage materials (150) both as charged energy storage material (150A, 170A) and as discharged Energy storage material (150B, 170B) may be present, the conversion of charged energy storage material (A) to discharged energy storage material (B) is carried out by a device for charging and discharging (200) the energy storage materials (150) connected to the thermochemical energy storage storage unit (100), and the stored energy storage materials (150) have low thermal conductivity properties for thermal insulation.

3. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage volume (110) is at least partially defined by storage walls (113, 114) which have a shaft (113) and a transition section (114) arranged below it, the thermochemical energy storage unit (100) has the particle outlet (121) close to a lower side of the transition section (114), and a diameter of the transition section (114) from the shaft (113) towards the particle outlet (121) transitions from the diameter of the shaft (113) to the diameter of the particle outlet (121).

4. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the storage walls (113, 114) are designed in such a way that water or water vapor is sealed off from the environment to the storage volume (110).

5. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the storage volume (110) is divided into at least two areas (170A, 170B) by a flexible partition (115) in order to store loaded 0000001261-00035 09 / 16 / 2025 PCT / DE0S^|ößffiO92 25 / 28 HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024 Energy storage material (150A, 170A) and discharged energy storage material (150B, 170B) are stored separately from each other in the storage volume (110), wherein the flexible partition (115) is adapted to be impermeable to particles and permeable to gas.

6. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the storage volume (110) is divided into at least two separate areas (170A, 170B) by a layer of separating particles (171) in order to store charged energy storage material (150A, 170A) and discharged energy storage material (150B, 170B) separately from each other in the storage volume (110).

7. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating particles (171) are adapted to adsorb moisture from the gas in the storage volume (110) by means of hygroscopic properties, to prevent a reaction with the energy storage materials (150) by means of thermal and chemical stability, and to prevent mixing of the particles by means of material densities similar to those of the energy storage materials (150).

8. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one particle inlet (120) is provided for each loaded energy storage material (150A, 170A) and discharged energy storage material (150B, 170B) in order to realize separate filling. 0000001261-00036 September 16, 2025 PCT / DE0a^ffiffiO92 26 / 28 HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024 9. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one particle outlet is provided for each loaded energy storage material (150A, 170A) and discharged energy storage material (150B, 170B) in order to convey these from the separate areas (170A, 170B) in the storage volume (110).

10. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor for monitoring (111) is adapted to achieve suitable parameters for the humidity in the gas, the pressure and the temperature in the storage volume (110) by controlling the device for pressure regulation (102) and the device for air dehumidification (103).

11. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage volume (110), the particle inlet (120), the particle outlet (121), the gas inlet (122), the gas outlet (123) and the sensor (111) are designed as a modular exchange chamber (104); wherein the modular exchange chamber (104) is arranged to enable a rapid exchange of the modular exchange chamber (104) with a modular exchange chamber (104A).

12. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the particle transport system (101) is configured to fill or empty loaded energy storage material (150A, 170A) or discharged energy storage material (150B, 170B) into the storage volume (110) of more than one modular exchange chamber (104) in order to 0000001261-00037 09 / 16 / 2025 PCT / DE0S£ / |ößffiO92 27 / 28 HeatlSave UG Registration 3 - Energy Storage Unit - Status 13.09.2024 To expand the total storage volume of the thermochemical energy storage unit (100) with modular exchangeable chambers (104).

13. Thermochemical energy storage unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure regulation device (102) and the air dehumidification device (103) are designed to fill or empty gas into the storage volume (110) of more than one modular exchange chamber (104) in order to increase the total storage volume of the thermochemical energy storage unit (100) with modular exchange chambers (104).

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