Abstract: A solar cooking appliance comprising a solar heat collector to collect and store solar heat, a heat storage and conducting material partially filling said solar heat collector and a set of solar cooking utensils, where each utensil is sized to fit a shape and size of the internal shape and size of the solar heat collector. The utensil has a wall which is heatingly connected to the heat storage and conducting material and an internal wall of the solar heat collector to receive solar heat for cooking food. The utensil further comprises a removable part for opening and closing said utensils during cooking.

Abstract: Superheated steam tower receiver with a well-defined configuration that benefits the transfer of heat between the surface of the component and the working fluid. Composed of at least four subpanels that define the circulation circuit for the steam by means of internal passages. The component is provided with saturated steam and for the production of said steam it is possible to use other solar concentrator technology. The proposed configuration minimizes the technological risks inherent in superheated steam receiver technology where drawbacks arise in the structure of the material owing to the thermal cycles to which the solar component is subjected.

Abstract: Apparatus to collect solar radiation using a series of lenses or mirrors that concentrate the solar energy onto targets. A gaseous working fluid flowing through the targets is heated and optionally supplied to a heat store having an internal walled labyrinth of a suitable material to store heat energy. A heat exchanger, turbine and electricity generator are coupled to the collection and storage apparatus so as to provide a power plant for the conversion of solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wall or roof of a building, wherein at least one heat controlling element for controlling a temperature in the building is arranged in the wall or the roof to form a segment of the wall or roof, the heat controlling element comprising at least a first section and a second section, the first section comprising a heat collecting and storing material and the second section comprising a heat insulating material, wherein the heat controlling element may adopt a first configuration, in which the first section is directed towards the outside of the building and the second section is directed towards the inside of the building, and a second configuration, in which the second section is directed towards the outside of the building and the first section is directed towards the inside of the building.

Abstract: A liquid-heating system has a solar energy collector exposed to solar radiation, a geothermal heat exchanger buried in the ground at a depth between 0.5 m and 5 m, a heater through which a liquid to be heated passes, and a heat pump having a sink side connected to the heater and a source side connected to the geothermal heat exchanger or to the solar energy collector. A first controller or valve setup connected to the heat collector can in one position connect the solar energy collector to the water heater such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the water heater. In another position it can connect the solar energy collector to the geothermal heat exchanger such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the ground surrounding the geothermal heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar heating block, designed for use in assembling solar heating panels in the walls of buildings, has a first compartment and a second compartment within its interior volume. The first compartment contains a translucent insulating material, such as an aerogel. The second compartment, which is inward of the solar heating block from the first compartment, contains a heat-absorbing material. The translucent insulating material allows light to be transmitted through the solar heating block, but reduces heat loss to the exterior of the building from the heat-absorbing material.

Abstract: This relates to a heating device including a solar energy collector, the solar energy collector transferring collected solar energy to outside air. First collector panels are used to heat outside air which heated air is led to a heater, for example a space heater. Second collector panels are used to transfer solar energy to air led to a heat exchanger of a heat pump. The heat pump transfers the extracted heat to heat storage. The stored heat is added to the air coming from the first collector panels if the temperature of the air coming from the first collector panels is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant is provided. The solar thermal power plant includes a thermal-electric power plant and a solar collection system in communication therewith to provide heat thereto for driving its operation and being designed to facilitate capture of thermal energy of incident solar radiation by a thermal transfer fluid flowing therethrough for providing the heat. The solar collection system includes one or more solar collectors configured for the capture. The solar collection system further includes at least one dual-purpose pipe configured for carrying heated thermal transfer fluid to the thermal-electric power plant, the dual-purpose pipe including a supply chamber for carrying the thermal transfer fluid therethrough, and at least one storage element in thermal communication with and in fluid isolation from the supply chamber, and being configured for storing thermal energy for providing heat for driving operation of the thermal-electric power plant.

Abstract: An active thermal energy storage system is disclosed which uses an energy storage material that is stable at atmospheric pressure and temperature and has a melting point higher than 32 degrees F. This energy storage material is held within a storage tank and used as an energy storage source, from which a heat transfer system (e.g., a heat pump) can draw to provide heating of residential or commercial buildings and associated hot water. The energy storage material may also accept waste heat from a conventional air conditioning loop, and may store such heat until needed. The system may be supplemented by a solar panel system that can be used to collect energy during daylight hours, storing the collected energy in the energy storage material. The stored energy may then be used during the evening hours to heat recirculation air for a building in which the system is installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile heat accumulator consisting of a textile carrier material to which a plurality of thin capillaries for water transportation are attached and which is coated with an elastomeric compound comprising finely divided phase change materials such as salt hydrates or crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons. The textile heat accumulator arranged in a roofing structure of a building facilitates the control of the heat flux into the building and the utilization of the latent heat stored within phase change material for hot water generation.

Abstract: A system is provided for converting thermal energy derived from a solar field into electricity.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus capable of storing large quantities of heat uses a plurality of energy storage zones having essentially the same thermal energy storage capacity per zone. The flow of a fluid into each zone is separately and independently controlled thereby creating a modular system that is capable of responding to rapid changes in the supply of and/or demand for thermal energy.

Abstract: A modular, solar energy system comprising one or more modular solar panels. The solar panels include a plurality of photovoltaic cells that are exposed to the radiant energy from the sun to create electrical power and are in heat transfer relationship with a water manifold through which water flows to remove heat from the PV cell as well as heat from the radiant energy. The heated water for the water manifold is used for heat/hot water and electricity system that can be configured using provided software and that can provide for any or all of the offerings (heat/hot water/electricity). The water manifold is constructed of a special high conductivity composite material that can be selected in accordance with the heat conductivity and customized for a particular installation. The system eliminates the use of copper and/or aluminum tubing, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the system.

Abstract: A system and methods for utilizing solar energy is proposed. The invention consists of: (i) A sunlight concentrator that is either panel-shaped or take the form of separate containers, either of which allow at least 45 degrees light incidence angle deviation from the orthogonal, and therefore does not require a tracking device. Said panel is planar, or has a gentle curvature, but is of fixed shape. Said concentrator has two embodiments, one of which is based on a plurality of light-tubes, the other is based on a plurality of mirrors. (ii) Methods of energy conversion to electricity, embodied in a concentrator exit structure combined with a spatial arrangement of photovoltaic cells. (iii) Methods for conversion of solar radiation to heat, embodied in a concentrator exit structure combined with a heat energy storage unit built according to principles set forth herein.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage (“TES”) device including a vessel housing a continuous volume of a TES media, an input portion, an output portion, and a plurality of thermal energy transport members connected to the input portion and/or the output portion. The input portion receives thermal energy from a thermal energy source. The received thermal energy is transported by one or more of the thermal energy transport members to the output portion and/or the TES media for storage. One or more of the thermal energy transport members connected to the output portion transport stored thermal energy from the TES media to the output portion. The output portion is coupled to an external device, such as a Stirling engine, and configured to transfer thermal energy the external device. Optionally, selected ones of the thermal energy transport members connected to both the input and output portions may be insulated from the TES media.

Abstract: A solar thermal collection cabinet is disclosed that includes a thermal mass comprising concrete mix and metallic pieces. The cabinet includes a corrugated metallic surface with a black finish that faces solar radiation. A plurality of metallic bolts attaches the black corrugated surface to the thermal mass, to enable good heat conduction to the thermal mass. Channels through the thermal mass enable heat transfer fluid to circulate through the thermal mass, the heat transfer fluid exchange heat for direct utilization, or to transfer heat to a thermal storage reservoir through suitable heat exchanger means. Alternatively, the thermal storage reservoir continuously receives and returns heat exchange fluid whereby over extended periods of time the system approaches a thermal steady state.

Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a plurality of boiler panels arranged side by side with each other so that the panels form a boiler wall section. Piping fluidly connects the plurality of boiler panels together to route a working fluid through the boiler wall section from an inlet of the boiler wall section to an outlet of the boiler wall section. The piping and boiler panels are configured and adapted to route the working fluid through each of the boiler panels in a common direction.

Abstract: A method for alternate storage and outputting of the thermal energy which is obtained in the primary circuit of a solar-thermal power station, using a heat carrier medium, which can be partially fed between a plurality of storage tanks, in each case flowing through a heat transmission apparatus which is operatively connected to the primary circuit and/or to the steam/water circuit, which heat carrier medium can be heated to a higher temperature or can be cooled to a lower temperature, the aim is to provide a solution which makes it possible, with a storage capacity which is the same as that of installations known from the prior art, to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular with a smaller space requirement and occupying a smaller installation area.

Abstract: A method for storing heat from a solar collector CSTC in Concentrating Solar Power plants and delivering the heat to the power plant PP when needed. The method uses a compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or air as a heat transfer medium in the collectors CSTC and transferring the heat by depositing it on a bed of heat-resistant solids and later, recovering the heat by a second circuit of the same compressed gas. The storage system HSS is designed to allow the heat to be recovered at a high efficiency with practically no reduction in temperature. Unlike liquid heat transfer media, our storage method itself can operate at very high temperatures, up to 3000° F., a capability which can lead to greater efficiency. Due to material constraints and cost considerations in the rest of the system the maximum temperature is presently limited to between 1700° F. and 2000° F. The method can be applied to all current solar collector designs.

Abstract: The invention concerns the power systems utilizing renewable power sources, in particular, refers to the systems utilizing wind and solar energy and may be used for the independent power supply both in cold and hot climate. The independent energy supply system (IES) contains a wind generator setup for electric power production and a solar collector. The solar collector is connected with a heat storage. IES also includes an electric energy storage battery, inverter, and automatic control system for IES connected through the heat and electrical load sensors with actuating mechanisms. IES is also equipped with the stabilization system for rotor speed of the wind generator that includes a network regulator with a control unit for a resistive load, electric current sensors and rotor speed sensor. The resistive load is the system of thermal electric heaters (TEHs). The energy dissipated on TENs is to be accumulated in the heat storage.

Abstract: A system for capturing solar radiation at a variable rate and providing heat at a constant rate to an electrical generating station is described. The system uses a thermal storage component that includes two or more thermal storage zones to coordinate the rate and quantity of heat delivered to the generating station.

Abstract: There is provided solar energy harvesting apparatus (20) including a clear polycarbonate body (21) including a transparent front face (23) and supporting a thermal absorber (27) adapted to absorb incident solar radiation. The thermal absorber (27) transfers heat via a fluid connector (28) to a circulated-fluid system and in addition controls the temperature of a photovoltaic element (24) mounted on the absorber (27) and connected to an electrical harness by electrical connectors (25, 26). The polycarbonate body (21) has complementary edge mating profiles (32, 33) engaging with a standard-tiled roof structure to replace some of the standard tiles thereof, and is secured conventionally to roof battens by a batten screw (29).

Abstract: A window for absorbing sunlight heat in warm weather that otherwise would flow uncontrolled therethrough and discharging the sunlight heat to the atmosphere while permitting relatively unobstructed vision therethrough and passing the sunlight heat in cold weather therethrough for thermal warming. The window includes a frame, an inner pane, an outer pane, and a heat sink. The inner pane is pivotally mounted to the frame. The outer pane is affixed to the frame and spaced from the inner pane so as to form a space therebetween.

Abstract: Receivers for use in solar energy collector systems and solar-powered electrical energy generating plants are provided. The receivers comprise a solar radiation absorbing core that converts absorbed solar radiation to thermal energy. The core comprises a refractory material to allow the receivers to operate continuously at high temperatures reached by absorbing concentrated solar radiation. The thermal energy so generated in the core may be stored in the receiver for a transitory period, or for a more extended period. Receivers may comprise one or more fluid channels in and/or around the core for conveying a working fluid to facilitate extraction of stored thermal energy from the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collector having an integrated heat storage (ICS), in which between an involute mirror and a transparent cover plate a storage tank for the storage of water is provided and in which the storage tank is provided with a light absorbing fin. At the lower end near the circumference of the storage tank the ICS according to the invention is provided with a fin system which comprises a light absorbing fin having a length in the longitudinal direction of the storage tank of at least 10 cm, and the fin system is designed such that the ICS lower end is shielded to a great extent, as a result of which losses by radiation and convection of air are restricted. Thus, the fin system has a double function.

Abstract: A solar thermal collection cabinet is disclosed that includes a thermal mass comprising concrete mix and metallic pieces. The cabinet includes a corrugated metallic surface with a black finish that faces solar radiation. A plurality of metallic bolts attaches the black corrugated surface to the thermal mass, to enable good heat conduction to the thermal mass. Channels through the thermal mass enable heat transfer fluid to circulate through the thermal mass, the heat transfer fluid exchange heat for direct utilization, or to transfer heat to a thermal storage reservoir through suitable heat exchanger means. Alternatively, the thermal storage reservoir continuously receives and returns heat exchange fluid whereby over extended periods of time the system approaches a thermal steady state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing, transporting, and releasing high grade, thermodynamically useful energy for a wide variety of uses. Solar energy is collected and reflected onto a heat storage container using a three-mirror reflecting system. This invention involves a method of heating the heat storage container using a primary, secondary, and tertiary system, which has a core that is partially comprised of an aluminum alloy and a metallic shell with a higher melting point than the aluminum alloy contained within. Once heated, the storage containers can then be transported to different storage areas in order to heat secondary storage containers or can be used in processes such as cooking, powering heat engines, water heating, absorption refrigeration, or drying garbage, waste, or biomass.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the periphery of the top surface of the substrate. The transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are joined end-to-end.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, a sidewall, a transparent cover, and a heat-absorbing layer. The sidewall is arranged on the periphery of the top surface of the substrate. Thea transparent cover is disposed on the sidewall opposite to the substrate to form a sealed chamber with the substrate together. The heat-absorbing layer is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and includes a carbon nanotube film having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film are aligned along a same direction or along different directions.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system includes an evacuated structure including an internal space in which a vacuum is sustained by a vacuum pump operating when it is determined that a pressure within the internal space has risen to a predetermined level. In one embodiment, such a system is used within a dome structure extending over and around a heat receiving structure within a solar heating system.

Abstract: A solid-state thermoelectric generator device can directly drive a high voltage grid at voltage without a special step-up transformer. Phase sensing, output voltage and waveform of the generator can be electronically adjusted to match parameters sensed directly from the grid, generator output adjusted to conform exactly to the grid. Three solar powered generators connected as a “y” with three legs with common earth grounds can power individual phases of the grid as a mini-power plant providing three-phase grid voltage electricity. Power quality correction to the grid can be made to individual phases of the grid on an automatic, self-correcting basis as needed.

Abstract: A method for making large-size hollow ceramic plate (1, 2, 4) adopts raw materials of ordinary ceramics, mixing with industrial wastes or crude minerals abundant in period IV transition metal elements, squeezing a molded body by vacuum squeezing machine then producing at low cost a large-size hollow ceramic plate (1, 2, 4) with black or fuscous surface or whole body, with an area more than 0.5m2 of a single plate. A large-size hollow ceramic plate array (23) is composed of porous ceramic plates (1), through-hole ceramic plates (2) and accessories by gluing or thread-connecting or is composed of seal ceramic plates (4) by series connecting, which can be used in a solar water heater, a solar roof and wall, a generator with large-scale solar wind duct, a large-area solar collector, a far infrared radiation plate and a radiator for construction.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a porous thermally massive material, a storage fluid, a storage fluid pump, a storage fluid supply system and a storage fluid receiving system. The thermally massive material has a top portion and a bottom portion. The storage fluid supply system is for supplying the fluid to the top portion and the storage fluid receiving system is for receiving the fluid at the bottom portion. The storage fluid exchanges heat with the porous thermally massive material while flowing from the top portion to the bottom portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the collection of sunlight for heat which is used for heating and for the conversion of heat to electricity. Where a large area of land is prepared then covered with a solar collecting film of plastic or glass. The air or water under the film being heated is then circulated around the inside of the collector over a heat exchanger. The solar collector is insulated from the ground it is constructed on and uses stone or water to retain the heat. The retained heat can extended the working time of the collector beyond the time when the sun sets. This heat exchanger carries a working fluid such as Freon that is used to perform work such as spinning an electric generator.

Abstract: An active thermal energy storage system is disclosed which uses an energy storage material that is stable at atmospheric pressure and temperature and has a melting point higher than 32 degrees F. This energy storage material is held within a storage tank and used as an energy storage source, from which a heat transfer system (e.g., a heat pump) can draw to provide heating of residential or commercial buildings and associated hot water. The energy storage material may also accept waste heat from a conventional air conditioning loop, and may store such heat until needed. The system may be supplemented by a solar panel system that can be used to collect energy during daylight hours, storing the collected energy in the energy storage material. The stored energy may then be used during the evening hours to heat recirculation air for a building in which the system is installed.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting building construction material composed of a substrate having an inner side, an opposing outer side with a conduit for fluid flow therein, wherein the outer side is configured for absorbing solar energy and facilitating conductive heat transfer to a fluid within the conduit, the inner side is configured to be thermally insulative and the fluid receives heat absorbed by the outer side, is disclosed herein along with systems and methods for using the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collector having an integrated heat storage. Such a solar collector comprises a housing which comprises a bottom plate and a transparent cap, wherein between an involute mirror and the transparent cap a storage tank for the storage of water is provided. The solar collector according to the invention is characterized in that a shielding is provided between the transparent cap and the storage tank, which leaves the part of the storage tank that is situated lower uncovered. By using the solar collector according to the invention a higher thermal yield can be achieved while using less materials.

Abstract: An active thermal energy storage system is disclosed which uses an energy storage material that is stable at atmospheric pressure and temperature and has a melting point higher than 32 degrees F. This energy storage material is held within a storage tank and used as an energy storage source, from which a heat transfer system (e.g., a heat pump) can draw to provide heating of residential or commercial buildings and associated hot water. The energy storage material may also accept waste heat from a conventional air conditioning loop, and may store such heat until needed. The system may be supplemented by a solar panel system that can be used to collect energy during daylight hours, storing the collected energy in the energy storage material. The stored energy may then be used during the evening hours to heat recirculation air for a building in which the system is installed.

Abstract: A solar energy system includes a plurality of concentrating dishes and a plurality of heated air collectors. Each collector receives directed rays of sunlight from one of the concentrating dishes. A heated air distribution assembly collects air heated in the collectors. A thermal storage assembly is operably connected to the heated air distribution assembly and has a plurality of thermal storage elements. A steam generator is operably connected to the heated air distribution assembly and the thermal storage assembly. A steam turbine is operably connected to the steam generator.

Abstract: An active thermal energy storage system is disclosed which uses an energy storage material that is stable at atmospheric pressure and temperature and has a melting point higher than 32 degrees F. This energy storage material is held within a storage tank and used as an energy storage source, from which a heat transfer system (e.g., a heat pump) can draw to provide heating of residential or commercial buildings and associated hot water. The energy storage material may also accept waste heat from a conventional air conditioning loop, and may store such heat until needed. The system may be supplemented by a solar panel system that can be used to collect energy during daylight hours, storing the collected energy in the energy storage material. The stored energy may then be used during the evening hours to heat recirculation air for a building in which the system is installed.

Abstract: A solar tracking system has a first set of solar heat gain transducers (700) that produce respective first output signals to drive a reversible first motor (300) for changing a vertical angle of a solar collector (200); and a second set of solar heat gain transducers (700) that produce respective second output signals to drive a reversible second motor (608) for changing a horizontal angle of the solar collector (200); each of the transducers (700) having a thermistor (702) in thermal contact with a thermal mass (706); and a communications apparatus (900) receiving output voltage from solar cells (202) on the solar collector (200).

Abstract: It is not possible to store heat of a domestic hot water supply level at a high density. If thermal storage temperature is T, variation in enthalpy in a chemical reaction is &Dgr;H, variation in entropy is &Dgr;S, and variation in free energy is &Dgr;G, a thermal storage material satisfying a relationship of T&Dgr;S≧&Dgr;G is used under a condition of &Dgr;H>0 so as to promote a reaction for putting the thermal storage material in a thermal storage reaction portion in an energy storing state by having supplemental energy added by an electrode portion when putting the thermal storage material in the energy storing state by decomposing or separating it.

Abstract: The installation stores thermal energy, i.e., heat energy and/or cold energy. A plurality of conduits are laid underground. Several regions that are arranged one inside the other and contain energy-saving material and conduits respectively are provided. The conduits that are arranged in the individual areas can be connected to users having different temperature levels. The innermost region is maintained at a highest temperature differential relative to the outside of the installation and the innermost region can be connected, inter alia, to drive an electrical generator.

Abstract: A structure or enclosure with a solar energy absorbing system, arranged so that at least one wall faces the sun and at least one wall is shaded. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and a solar energy storage unit. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy storage unit and the interior. The structure has a thermal switch between the shaded wall of the structure and a heat dissipating heat sink. The thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and the solar energy storage unit is modular and is replaceable with other thermal switches having different temperature set points. The thermal switches control the temperature of the interior of the structure in varying climates and sunlight conditions to within a desirable and limited range.

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiation collector configured to collect incident radiation. The radiation collector includes a radiation directing component configured to redirect the incident radiation, a buffer component configured to receive the radiation redirected by the radiation directing component, and a propagation component configured to receive the radiation from the buffer component and to propagate the radiation towards a first end of the propagation component.

Abstract: Heat insulations in houses having card-board lattice arranged behind a glass pane yield, in practice, a heat flow which is dependent on insolation. Said heat flow is lower at night and during weak insolation and begins to increase when the lattice is solar heated. The inventive solar cell (1) comprises a lattice (5) which is situated behind a rear-ventilated glass pane (2) and which exhibits durable storage properties. The solar cells characterize a solar energy yield (v′) by an arrangement which selects for an angle of incidence. Said solar energy yield does not lead to overheating in the room interior (R) also when the sun is at a high position. A thermal time constant is obtained by means of heat insulations (11, 12, 13) which are connected in succession. Said time constant guarantees comfortable temperatures in the interior (R) of the house also in the case of low supplementary heating.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system and a method for controlling and regulating the temperature within a building envelope (10) having roof and wall cavities (14) adapted to receive replaceable foam liquid. The interior of the building envelope (10) is maintained at any specific controlled temperature by controlling the temperature of the liquid foam. The temperature of the liquid foam within the roof and wall cavities (14) is sensed and when a change in temperature is detected, a dynamic liquid foam regeneration unit is triggered so as to supply new liquid foam at an appropriate temperature so as to maintain the overall temperature of the liquid foam in the roof and wall cavities (14) substantially constant.

Abstract: A removably mountable blind-type curtain is provided which includes a plurality of blinds removably securable to a curtain support. One or more of the blinds have a solar module secured thereto for converting solar energy to other energy. The blinds are connected to one another in a cable-free manner. An energy storage device is connected to the blinds for storing energy generated by the solar modules and an energy power take off device cooperates with an energy receiving device to effect the transfer of energy from the blind-type curtain to the energy receiving device. The energy storage device and the energy power take off device are mounted on the curtain support such that they are protected against external adverse environmental effects.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system that can be retrofitted into pavement covered lots, such as macadam covered parking lots has a pump and heat exchanger, and a conduit buried below the pavement surface that contains a heat transfer fluid such as water. The conduit has a hollow unitary, one piece casing with an oval cross section and an internal divider that divides the interior of said casing into two passageways having substantially the same cross sectional area. Heat conducting fins preferably made of copper are mounted on the casing and extend coaxially outwardly in opposite directions therefrom along the major oval axis.

Abstract: A heat storage device comprises a heat storage tank 2 charged with a heat storage material 1 for storing the heat supplied from the outside, and a heat exchanger 3 for executing an injection and an extraction of heat between the inside of the storage tank 2 and the outside by the heat exchange between the heat storage material and a heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger 3 is disposed so as to execute a heat exchange between the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank 2 and the outside, and suppresses the natural convection of the heat storage material 1 of the outer portion 2b by, for example, dispersing a liquid-absorbent material 5 in the outer portion 2b surrounding the central portion in the heat storage tank 2, whereby reduces the influence of external environment on the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank, thereby suppressing the heat loss toward the outside.