Abstract: A heat store comprises heat-storage bodies for storing thermal energy, a housing, in which the heat-storage bodies are accommodated; and at least one line for a heat-transfer fluid, in order to feed thermal energy to the heat-storage bodies and/or carry it away from the heat-storage bodies. Each of the heat-storage bodies comprises a metal rail of an elongated form, the cross-section of which has a web between widened ends.
Abstract: An energy storage device for storing electrical energy in the form of heat energy and a corresponding method for operating an energy storage device of this type. The energy storage device includes an electric heater for converting electrical energy into heat energy, a heat storage device for storing the heat energy of the electric heater, and a heat exchanger for emitting heat energy from the heat storage device. The heat storage device includes, at least, multiple metal rods arranged upright and serving to store heat energy from the electric heater; a base; and multiple supporting units. Each supporting unit supports one of the metal rods and is connected with the base.
Abstract: A power plant for generating electrical energy comprises at least a heat storage device (100) for storing electrical energy in heat energy, comprising: an electrical heater (10) for converting electrical energy in heat energy; a heat storage body (30, 31) for receiving and storing heat energy of the electrical heater (10); a heat exchanger (50) for receiving heat energy from the heat storage body (30, 31). The power plant further comprises a turbine (120) and a generator (123). A heat storage fluid circuit (130) connects to the heat exchanger (50) or the heat exchangers (50) and a working fluid circuit (140) connects to the turbine (120). A fluid circuit heat exchanger (131) transfers heat from the heat storage fluid to a working fluid in the working fluid circuit (140).
Abstract: An energy accumulator for storing electrical energy in the form of heat energy comprising an electric heater for converting electrical energy into heat energy, a heat accumulator for storing the heat energy of the electric heater, and a heat exchanger for emitting heat energy from the heat accumulator. The heat accumulator comprises, at least, a plurality of metal rods arranged upright and serving to store heat energy from the electric heater; a base; and multiple supporting units, wherein each supporting unit supports one of the metal rods and is connected with the base. Furthermore described is a corresponding method for operating an energy accumulator of this type.
Abstract: A power plant for generating electrical energy comprises at least a heat storage device (100) for storing electrical energy in heat energy, comprising: an electrical heater (10) for converting electrical energy in heat energy; a heat storage body (30, 31) for receiving and storing heat energy of the electrical heater (10); a heat exchanger (50) for receiving heat energy from the heat storage body (30, 31). The power plant further comprises a turbine (120) and a generator (123). A heat storage fluid circuit (130) connects to the heat exchanger (50) or the heat exchangers (50) and a working fluid circuit (140) connects to the turbine (120). A fluid circuit heat exchanger (131) transfers heat from the heat storage fluid to a working fluid in the working fluid circuit (140).
Abstract: A heat accumulator having a housing to receive a heat storage medium, a heat storage medium received in the housing, and a heat exchanger, in which a heat carrier fluid can be transported and which is arranged so that heat can be transferred from the heat storage medium to the heat carrier fluid. The heat accumulator comprises an electrical heating means which is configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy. The electrical heating means is arranged so that it heats the heat storage medium during operation, wherein the heat storage medium heated by the electrical heating means is a metal. In addition a corresponding method is disclosed.