Abstract: A continuous power system accumulator assembly is provided that stores thermal energy as sensible heat and minimizes the amount of thermal energy wasted by the system. The assembly includes an accumulator at its core. A preheater assembly is wrapped around the accumulator such that it may absorb heat radiated and conducted from the accumulator. An evaporator is wrapped around the preheater so that most of the heat that is radiated and conducted from the preheater is utilized to heat the vaporizer. The outer housing of the assembly may be a double-walled housing having a layer of insulation located between the two walls. This configuration minimizes heat losses by the assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 2001
Date of Patent:
June 25, 2002
Assignee:
Active Power, Inc.
Inventors:
William D. Batton, Kevin Hotton, Gary Frey, Gail Roberts