Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for providing steam. In particular, the present invention relates to a steam delivery system comprising a thermal energy storage apparatus for heating a flow of feedwater to produce steam at a predetermined temperature and/or a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal energy storage apparatus comprising a housing which defines a hollow interior chamber, the chamber arranged in use to house graphite solids material in an inert gas atmosphere therewithin; and at least one conduit arranged to extend through the hollow interior chamber via inlet and outlet openings in the housing, the conduit being sealingly fitted to the housing at the inlet and outlet openings, and an exterior surface of the or each conduit being arranged in a close facing relationship with the graphite solids material located within the hollow interior chamber, wherein, in use, the or each conduit is arranged for conveying a flow of a fluid therethough such that in a first configuration, said flow transfers thermal energy to the graphite solid material, and in a second configuration, the graphite solid material transfers thermal energy to said flow.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy storage apparatus comprising: a sensible heat storage body having a heat exchanger channel and a heating element channel adapted to receive a removable heating element; and a heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, wherein at least a portion of the heat exchanger is disposed along the channel. Also provided are methods or reversibly storing and/or extracting energy, a heating element and an energy storage array comprising a plurality of energy storage apparatus as described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy storage apparatus comprising: a sensible heat storage body having a heat exchanger channel and a heating element channel adapted to receive a removable heating element; and a heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, wherein at least a portion of the heat exchanger is disposed along the channel. Also provided are methods or reversibly storing and/or extracting energy, a heating element and an energy storage array comprising a plurality of energy storage apparatus as described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy storage apparatus comprising a crucible having a cavity and a channel, a phase change material stored in the cavity of the crucible and a heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet, wherein at least a portion of the heat exchanger is disposed along the channel. Also provided are methods of reversibly storing and/or extracting energy, and an energy storage array comprising a plurality of energy storage apparatus as described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal energy storage apparatus comprising a housing which defines a hollow interior chamber, the chamber arranged in use to house graphite solids material in an inert gas atmosphere therewithin; and at least one conduit arranged to extend through the hollow interior chamber via inlet and outlet openings in the housing, the conduit being sealingly fitted to the housing at the inlet and outlet openings, and an exterior surface of the or each conduit being arranged in a close facing relationship with the graphite solids material located within the hollow interior chamber, wherein, in use, the or each conduit is arranged for conveying a flow of a fluid therethough such that in a first configuration, said flow transfers thermal energy to the graphite solid material, and in a second configuration, the graphite solid material transfers thermal energy to said flow.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for integrated circuit design. An initial layout including first circuit units is generated, at least part of the first circuit units obtaining power from a first power supply structure. Second circuit units that obtain power from a second power supply structure are determined, the second circuit units being included in the first circuit units. The second circuit units are grouped. The grouped second circuit units are connected to form one or more grids. The one or more grids are connected to the second power supply structure.

Abstract: A solar energy receiver comprises a panel, having a graphite core, a substantially gas tight housing encasing the graphite core, a heat exchanger comprising heat exchanger tubing, a heat exchanger inlet and a heat exchanger outlet. The heat exchanger tubing is at least partially embedded in the graphite core, and the heat exchanger inlet and the heat exchanger outlet extend through the housing. The housing is sealed around the heat exchanger inlet and the heat exchanger outlet. A method of manufacturing a solar energy receiver comprises: a) fabricating the heat exchanger in a serpentine coil shape; b) inserting grooved planks of graphite between individual coils of the heat exchanger to form the graphite core such that the coils are encompassed in the grooves; c) inserting the graphite and heat exchanger into the housing; and d) sealing the housing and sealing openings around the inlet and outlet where they pass through the housing.