Abstract: A thermal-storage container used in thermal systems to exchange heat by fluid flow though phase-changing material disposed inside the thermal-storage container, including a thermal-storage container housing, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and one or more capsules containing the phase-change material, and defining a plurality of passages configured to direct the flow of the fluid at different portions inside the housing, wherein an actual fluid flow length from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet is longer than a direct length measured between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet through all sections through which the fluid flows. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage unit is disclosed. The system comprising: a tube having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a first fluid; a plurality of plate-shaped or box-shaped capsules having a second fluid therein, wherein the plurality of capsules is arranged inside the tube to form a plurality of stacks of capsules; wherein: the first fluid is a heat transfer fluid for exchanging heat with the second fluid; the second fluid is a phase-change medium; wherein a plurality of defined narrow flow paths for the first fluid is provided between the capsules. The defined flow paths increase the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A thermal-storage container used in a thermal-storage system to exchange heat by fluid flow though phase-changing material disposed inside the thermal-storage container, including a thermal-storage container housing, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and one or more capsules containing the phase-change material, wherein the housing is shaped as an elongate container, a ratio of length to width of the housing is between 2 and 20. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage unit is disclosed. The system comprising: a tube having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a first fluid; a plurality of plate-shaped or box-shaped capsules having a second fluid therein, wherein the plurality of capsules is arranged inside the tube to form a plurality of stacks of capsules; wherein: the first fluid is a heat transfer fluid for exchanging heat with the second fluid; the second fluid is a phase-change medium; wherein a plurality of defined narrow flow paths for the first fluid is provided between the capsules. The defined flow paths increase the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage unit is disclosed. The system comprising: a tube having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a first fluid; a plurality of plate-shaped or box-shaped capsules having a second fluid therein, wherein the plurality of capsules is arranged inside the tube to form a plurality of stacks of capsules; wherein: the first fluid is a heat transfer fluid for exchanging heat with the second fluid; the second fluid is a phase-change medium; wherein a plurality of defined narrow flow paths for the first fluid is provided between the capsules. The defined flow paths increase the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A method of flattening electric energy demand from an electric grid including during less-than-peak electricity demand periods, freezing Phase Change Material (PCM) in a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system, and during peak electricity demand periods, using the TES to cool air conditioning refrigerant fluid. A system of flattening electric energy demand of an air-conditioner from an electric grid including an air conditioner, a Thermal Energy Storage system, and a controller, wherein the controller is programmed to implement the above method. A method of freezing Phase Change Material (PCM) in a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system including setting a temperature of heat exchange fluid at a temperature higher than ?10 degrees Celsius when directed to ice bricks containing water and an ice nucleation agent. A Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system controller programmed to discharge more than 50% of a heat capacity of the TES. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A thermal-storage container used in a thermal-storage system to exchange heat by fluid flow though phase-changing material disposed inside the thermal-storage container, including a thermal-storage container housing, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and one or more capsules containing the phase-change material, wherein the housing is shaped as an elongate container, a ratio of length to width of the housing is between 2 and 20. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A thermal-storage container used in thermal systems to exchange heat by fluid flow though phase-changing material disposed inside the thermal-storage container, including a thermal-storage container housing, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and one or more capsules containing the phase-change material, and defining a plurality of passages configured to direct the flow of the fluid at different portions inside the housing, wherein an actual fluid flow length from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet is longer than a direct length measured between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet through all sections through which the fluid flows. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage unit is disclosed. The system comprising: a tube having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a first fluid; a plurality of plate-shaped or box-shaped capsules having a second fluid therein, wherein the plurality of capsules is arranged inside the tube to form a plurality of stacks of capsules; wherein: the first fluid is a heat transfer fluid for exchanging heat with the second fluid; the second fluid is a phase-change medium; wherein a plurality of defined narrow flow paths for the first fluid is provided between the capsules. The defined flow paths increase the efficiency of the system.