Patents by Inventor Robert Ratz

Robert Ratz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240113527
    Abstract: An energy storage system (TES) 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. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. The delivered heat which may be used for processes including power generation and cogeneration. In one application, the energy storage system is engaged to a power grid by one or more load circuits, and renewable energy sources supply power to the power grid through the use of novel inverters to match the load that is provided to the power grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Robert RATZ, John Setel O'DONNELL
  • Patent number: 11920501
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery Von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11873742
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11873743
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11873741
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery Von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11867095
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11867093
    Abstract: An apparatus includes one or more thermal storage blocks that define a radiation chamber and a fluid flow slot positioned above the radiation chamber to define a fluid pathway in a first direction. The apparatus includes a heater element positioned adjacent to the radiation chamber in a second, different direction, wherein the radiation chamber is open on at least one side to the heater element. The apparatus includes a fluid movement system configured to direct a stream of fluid through the fluid pathway in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11867094
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O′Donnell, Peter Emery Von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11867096
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Patent number: 11859518
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery Von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Publication number: 20230392522
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'DONNELL, Peter Emery VON BEHRENS, Chiaki TREYNOR, Jeremy Quentin KELLER, Matthieu JONEMANN, Robert RATZ, Yusef Desjardins FERHANI
  • Patent number: 11795842
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery Von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Publication number: 20230250736
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'DONNELL, Peter Emery VON BEHRENS, Chiaki TREYNOR, Jeremy Quentin KELLER, Matthieu JONEMANN, Robert RATZ, Yusef Desjardins FERHANI
  • Publication number: 20230243278
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'DONNELL, Peter Emery VON BEHRENS, Chiaki TREYNOR, Jeremy Quentin KELLER, Matthieu JONEMANN, Robert RATZ, Yusef Desjardins FERHANI
  • Patent number: 11702963
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Rondo Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Publication number: 20230220787
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Publication number: 20230203968
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Publication number: 20230203967
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Chiaki Treynor, Jeremy Quentin Keller, Matthieu Jonemann, Robert Ratz, Yusef Desjardins Ferhani
  • Publication number: 20230193790
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'DONNELL, Peter Emery VON BEHRENS, Chiaki TREYNOR, Jeremy Quentin KELLER, Matthieu JONEMANN, Robert RATZ, Yusef Desjardins FERHANI
  • Publication number: 20230193789
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: John Setel O'DONNELL, Peter Emery VON BEHRENS, Chiaki TREYNOR, Jeremy Quentin KELLER, Matthieu JONEMANN, Robert RATZ, Yusef Desjardins FERHANI