Abstract: A thermal energy storage system comprising a working fluid to store and transfer thermal energy between a heat source and a thermal load and a vessel to store the working fluid. The vessel has an interior region and a floating separator piston in the interior region to separate a hot portion from a cold portion of the working fluid. There is a first manifold thermally coupled to an output of the heat source and to an input of the thermal load and fluidly coupled to the interior region of the vessel and a second manifold thermally coupled to an input of the heat source and an output of the thermal load and fluidly coupled to the interior region of the vessel. There is a controller configured to maintain the working fluid in a liquid state.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system comprising a working fluid to store and transfer thermal energy between a heat source and a thermal load and a vessel to store the working fluid. The vessel has an interior region and a floating separator piston in the interior region to separate a hot portion from a cold portion of the working fluid. There is a first manifold thermally coupled to an output of the heat source and to an input of the thermal load and fluidly coupled to the interior region of the vessel and a second manifold thermally coupled to an input of the heat source and an output of the thermal load and fluidly coupled to the interior region of the vessel. There is a controller configured to maintain the working fluid in a liquid state.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system for comprising a working fluid to store and transfer thermal energy between a heat source and a thermal load and a plurality of vessels to store the working fluid. Each vessel has an interior region and a floating separator piston in the interior region to separate a hot portion from a cold portion of the working fluid. There is a first manifold thermally coupled to an output of the heat source and to an input of the thermal load and fluidly coupled to the interior region of the vessels and a second manifold thermally coupled to an input of the heat source and an output of the thermal load and fluidly coupled to the interior region of the vessels. The vessels are arranged in parallel.

Abstract: A piston ring configured to be disposed in a floating piston for use in a vessel of a thermal energy storage system to separate a hot working fluid from a cold working fluid, wherein the piston ring comprises of a plurality of arc segments, each arc segment interconnected by a joint.

Abstract: A floating piston configured to be disposed in a vessel of a thermal energy storage system to separate a hot working fluid from a cold working fluid. The floating piston includes a piston body having a first end, a second end, and a central region. There is a compressible member which is disposed in the central region of the piston and which is configured to engage with an inner surface of the vessel when the piston is disposed in the vessel.

Abstract: A prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules mechanically assembled to a frame and pre-wired at an assembly location such as a factory and is transported to an installation location. The prefabricated array is wired so that a connection to a load, such as a home or an AC power delivery system can be accomplished by connecting a single connector to the load. The prefabricated array can be conveniently set up at the installation site using a lifting point attached to the array, for example at the frame. The time required to perform the installation and make the necessary electrical connections to make the array operable when illuminated can be as short as one hour.