Abstract: A continuous power system provides a continuous supply of power to a load in the event that primary power fails or is degraded. The continuous power system includes an electrical machine, a turbine and a flywheel coupled to a shaft. When utility power is present, the machine operates as a motor to drive the shaft. During outages, the electrical machine operates as a generator to provide power to the load. Kinetic energy stored in the flywheel drives the shaft during initial power interruptions. During further short-term interruptions, a thermal energy supply (or thermal storage device) is used to provide vaporized liquid to the turbine so that the turbine drives the shaft. If the power loss or failure is extended, the turbine is driven by vapor produced by an evaporator heated from an external fuel supply. Numerous methods and apparatus are also described for reducing system losses and improving overall performance.

Abstract: A continuous power system accumulator assembly is provided that stores thermal energy as sensible heat and minimizes the amount of thermal energy wasted by the system. The assembly includes an accumulator at its core. A preheater assembly is wrapped around the accumulator such that it may absorb heat radiated and conducted from the accumulator. An evaporator is wrapped around the preheater so that most of the heat that is radiated and conducted from the preheater is utilized to heat the vaporizer. The outer housing of the assembly may be a double-walled housing having a layer of insulation located between the two walls. This configuration minimizes heat losses by the assembly.