Abstract: An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability.

Abstract: A Stirling engine provides a means to use the thermal energy in the sealed containment environment of a nuclear reactor building to provide emergency cooling. Acting as the prime mover in a coupled heat exchanger system, a Stirling engine could develop fluid flow thereby resulting in forced convection vice natural circulation and would not rely on an external power source during an unusual accident event where no electric power is available.

Abstract: A shower caddy system includes a tension pole, a number of shelves and a number of clips for attaching and reattaching the shelves to the tension pole. The clips are opened and closed when attaching and reattaching the shelves to the tension pole. Repositioning a shelf to a new location on the tension pole therefore does not require the removal of the tension pole from a shower stall or bathtub/shower area, thereby saving a user a significant amount of time and effort.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for generating and superheating steam.