Abstract: An energy recovery system having a core unit permitting heat and moisture exchange between air streams passing therethrough, the core unit having two or more multilayer composite structures, the multilayer composite structure being made up of: a porous rigid or semi-rigid frame having a plurality of holes passing from a first surface to a second surface and which can be corrugated, and a polymeric film comprising a sulfonated block copolymer bonded to at least one of the first and second surfaces of the frame covering said plurality holes.

Abstract: Heat storage apparatus comprising at least one thermal store (300) comprising a chamber (301) having a gas inlet (306), a gas outlet (307), and a gas-permeable thermal storage media (303) disposed therebetween, the apparatus being configured such that, during operation, the flow path of a gas flowing through the chamber (301) from inlet (306) to outlet (307) for transfer of thermal energy to or from the storage media (303) can be selectively altered in response to the progress of the thermal transfer, thereby enabling the flow path to bypass inactive upstream or downstream regions of the storage media where thermal transfer is complete or minimal, so as to minimise the pressure drop across the storage media. A baffle system (305) in a main flow passageway (312) may be used to control the gas flow path.

Abstract: A heat storage system (400) comprising a system gas inlet (460), a system gas outlet (470), and at least two thermal stores (401, 402) connected together in series therebetween, wherein each store comprises a chamber having a gas inlet (461,462), a gas outlet (471,472), and a gas-permeable thermal storage media 431 disposed therebetween, the system further comprising flow controllers (451, 452, 453, 454, 457) operatively connected to bypass passageways and so configured that, during operation, the flow path of a gas flowing through the system (400) for transfer of thermal energy to or from the storage media (431) can be selectively altered in respect of which stores (401, 402) in the series are used in response to the progress of the thermal transfer.

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.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchanger (1) employing heat transfer elements (100) is shaped to include notches (150), providing spacing between adjacent elements (100) and undulations (corrugations) (165, 185) in sections between the notches (150). Elements (100) include undulations (165, 185) differing in height and/or width. These differing undulations impart turbulence to air or flue gas flowing between the elements (100) for heat transfer thereto.

Abstract: Low void fraction thermal energy storage articles, systems, and methods for making and using such thermal energy storage articles and systems. Thermal energy storage units include a thermal energy storage body having a particular void volume and a mixing cavity-creating element. Thermal energy storage modules include two or more thermal energy storage bodies arranged adjacently with an intervening cavity defined by a cavity-creating element. The total void volume of a thermal energy storage module (i.e., the sum of the void volume of the passages of the thermal energy storage bodies and the cavity) is between about 10% and about 40%.

Abstract: A thermal heat storage system is provided, including a storage tank, a heat injection system and a heat recovery system. The storage tank holds a material for thermal storage. The heat injection system is coupled to an intake on the storage tank. The heat recovery system is coupled to an output on the storage tank and also uses vapor under depressurized conditions for heat transfer.

Abstract: Structural element (3;13) for a civil engineering structure, arranged for transitorily storing and using in a deferred manner thermal energy. The structural element is provided with: a first set (1;11) of at least one heat exchanger extending between a heat or coolness source (S) and the structural element so as to transfer thermal energy from the heat or coolness source to the structural element where it is transitorily stored; and a second set (2a;2b;12a;12b) of at least one heat exchanger extending between the structural element and at least one entity (5;15;17) external to the structural element, the second set of at least one heat exchanger being arranged for, when activated, transferring at least part of the thermal energy transitorily stored in the structural element to said entity.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that allows the dishes that are to be cleaned that have been placed in a cleaning container to be washed and dried efficiently from an economic perspective while keeping the energy consumption associated therewith as low as possible. The dishwasher includes a washing container and a conduit system that is connected in an air-conveying manner to the washing container. A heat tube of the conduit system is used for both cooling, and thus drying, and heating air penetrating the washing container and both ends of the heat tube protrude into the washing container.

Abstract: A structure and method of controlling building temperature are provided utilizing both solar and geo-exchange means.

Abstract: The device for storing and discharging heat which includes a housing; a first blister pack and a second blister pack each having a plurality of capsules; a thermal energy storage material contained in the capsules; and an evacuated space capable of insulating the housing. The blister packs include a first ply and a second ply that are joined together. The housing includes openings for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the device. The device includes a flow path for a heat transfer fluid that includes a volume between the first and second blister packs. The separation between the first and second blister packs is less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus that absorbs thermal energy from a heat-generating device is described. In one aspect, the thermal energy storage apparatus comprises a non-metal container and a phase-change material. The non-metal container is configured to receive the heat-generating device thereon. The phase-change material is contained in the non-metal container and configured to absorb at least a portion of heat from the heat-generating device through the non-metal container.

Abstract: An energy storage and transfer system and method includes the use of a containment vessel holding a first solid/liquid phase change heat transfer medium and at least one second containment vessel located at least partially within the first phase change heat transfer medium and holding a second solid/liquid phase change medium. The second phase change heat transfer medium is heated from an external source of energy and gives up its absorbed heat to the first phase change heat transfer medium. A heat exchange loop is partially contained within the first phase change heat transfer medium for removing energy therefrom and transferring it to an external source for use. The second phase change heat transfer material has a higher melting temperature and higher heat of fusion value than the first phase change heat transfer material.

Abstract: A hot air generator comprising a handle (12), an elongated nozzle (14), flame generating means (6), a venturi (4), a gas conduit (162) intended to bring a combustible gas into the elongated nozzle (14) and at the flame generating means (6), an air conduit (164) intended for bringing compressed air into the elongated nozzle (14) and downstream from the venturi; characterized in that the generator further comprises a servocontrolled pressure regulator (2) controlling a gas pressure (Pd.g) in the gas conduit (162) depending on an air pressure (Pd.a) in the air conduit (164).

Abstract: A solar energy thermal storage system can include a receiver in which a first storage medium is heated by insolation. First and second thermal storage reservoirs for a second storage medium can be provided. A first heat exchanger can be configured to transfer heat in the first storage medium to the second storage medium. A buffer tank can be located at a height above the receiver and can be fluidically connected to the first heat exchanger at its inlet and the receiver at its outlet. A second heat exchanger can be configured to transfer heat between the second storage medium and pressurized water and/or steam. The use of a buffer tank in conjunction with the first storage medium increases the overall efficiency of the system and results in a higher temperature for the thermal storage system, which can be used to generate superheated steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a turboprop-powered medium altitude long endurance (MALE) aircraft, having: a heat exchanger with a heat-storage material, for example a heat-storage wax; and an air recirculation path. The heat exchanger can be arranged to cool air recirculating around the air recirculation path which is arranged to provide cooling to the MALE aircraft, for example to an equipment bay. The heat-storage material may be cooled by ground-based cooling apparatus when the aircraft is on the ground and/or by ram air when the aircraft is in flight. The heat-storage material may have a melting point selected so as to be rendered solid during ground-based cooling and/or ram air cooling, and/or selected so as to undergo melting whilst cooling the air recirculating around the air recirculation path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of integrating one or more thermal processes with one another, wherein the thermal processes to be integrated have different supply and demand criteria for thermal energy. The method involves the use of one or more thermal stores.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with a thermal storage function includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes, a plurality of thermal storage material containers, and a first thermal storage material charging member. A circumferential wall of the first thermal storage material charging member is deformed such that a collapsed portion is formed on the first thermal storage material charging member and the thermal storage material charging passage is closed and sealed. The collapsed portion of the first thermal storage material charging member includes a first collapsed part and a second collapsed part. A relation T2<T1?2t is satisfied where “t” represents a thickness of the circumferential wall of an uncollapsed portion of the first thermal storage material charging member, “T1” represents a thickness of the first collapsed part, and “T2” represents a thickness of the second collapsed part.

Abstract: An energy storage device that stores hot and/or cold energy includes an evaporating part and a condensing part. According to one aspect, the evaporating part includes a heat tube in a U shape or a thimble shape and further includes one or more power cycle tubes. A working substance within the evaporating part evaporates after absorbing heat and condenses in the condensing part after releasing heat.

Abstract: To provide heat exchanger elements which allow the creation of Enthalpy exchangers whereby the efficiency of sensible energy exchange and latent energy exchange can be varied and controlled and especially improved, a method for the production of heat exchanger elements is provided including a) producing a plate element with defined outer dimensions and corrugations in the area within a border, b) perforating the plate in predefined areas and in predefined dimensions, c) filling the perforations with a polymer with latent energy recovery capability and d) curing the polymer.

Abstract: A latent heat storage device is formed with a carrier substrate formed of expanded graphite material. Phase change material is infiltrated in the graphite material. A thin graphite sheet provides for the functional heat conductivity into and out of the carrier substrate. After the phase change material (PCM) is infiltrated in the carrier substrate, a density of the infiltrated carrier substrate exceeds its starting density by a ratio of at least 3:1 or 4:1 or more. The volume dimensions of the infiltrated the carrier substrate remain substantially unchanged. In the alternative, the latent heat storage device may also have a PCM coating layer on a thin carrier substrate, wherein the phase change material is interspersed in a carrier matrix forming the PCM coating layer. The composite device may be very thin.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing a thermocline in a thermal energy storage fluid within a thermal energy storage tank are disclosed. The methods comprise identifying a thermocline region in the fluid, adding thermal energy to a fluid stream extracted from the thermocline region, and returning the fluid stream to the tank at a plurality of locations above the thermocline region. The methods further comprise regulating the temperature of the fluid returned to the tank at a set point temperature by modulating the flow rate of the fluid stream and by changing the location from where the fluid is extracted from the tank.

Abstract: A method and system for managing heat energy in a fluid purification system is provided. Initially, air is compressed using one or more compressors to obtain a compressed hot air. Then one or more fluids are purified using the heat energy associated with the compressed hot air in one or more fluid purification units thereby releasing a compressed cooled air. One or more hot purified fluids are stored in one or more fluid storage tanks obtained in response to the purification of the one or more fluids. Thereafter, the compressed cooled air is heated using a heat energy associated with the one or more hot purified fluids to obtain a heated compressed air. Subsequently, one or more turbines are operated using heat energy associated with the heated compressed air to obtain an expanded cooled air. The expanded cooled air is utilized for cooling.

Abstract: A heat accumulator for a vehicle engine, comprising storing coolant in a flexible storage container with an inner body and an outer body, with an insulation device arranged between the bodies, and an inflow and an outflow for the coolant wherein the storage container can expand and deflate in response to the amount of coolant stored. The flexible storage container allows for the heat accumulator to conform to various under hood space constraints.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing heat in industrial systems where large sources of stored energy are called upon to meet a work load, storing the heat content of a hot working fluid by using the hot working fluid as a heat transfer fluid in vapor form and depositing its heat content on a heat storage medium and then removing the cooled and condensed liquid phase of that heat transfer fluid, and when hot working fluid again is needed, the liquid heat transfer fluid is returned to the heated storage medium and is reheated as it passes through the hot storage medium and then is returned to the working system to be used as a hot working fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing thermal energy are disclosed. The thermal energy may be hot or cold. The methods and apparatus allow the thermal store to be charged and discharged at different rates. The methods and apparatus also allow the thermal store to be charged and discharged with multiple and/or interrupted phases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a housing having an aperture adapted to receive a heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit attaches to the housing and directs a heat transfer sleeve into the housing. The heat transfer sleeve also provides an aperture adapted to receive a beverage. The heat transfer sleeve stores a heat transfer material including but not limited to a fluid, gel, or other substance that can be heated or cooled depending upon the desired effect on the beverage. The removable heat transfer unit releasably attaches to the housing for removal of the unit to heat or cool the heat transfer material for use in affecting the temperature of the beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage system (1) for storing thermal energy for use in heating a building (6) or heating water, said system comprising—a cavity (11) with a bottom surface (12), at least one side surface (13) and a top surface (14),—at least one hose (7) for transporting a fluid, said hose (7) being placed inside said cavity (11) and being arranged to be connected to a heating assembly (2) for producing and/or using thermal energy, and wherein said cavity (11) comprises a stone dust material for covering said at least one hose (7) and only one of said top, side and bottom surfaces (14, 13, 12) is equipped with an insulating layer (15), namely said top surface (14). The invention also relates to a heating assembly (2) comprising a storage system (1) and a method for manufacturing a storage system (1).

Abstract: A phase change material (PCM) heat exchanger device comprising heat exchanger cells (1a, 1b) operating on the regenerative countercurrent principle, one or more phase change material (PCM) accumulators (2, 3) provided in the heat exchanger cells and one or more vortex tubes (6, 7, 8). When the directions of the air, gas and liquid flows are cyclically reversed in the apparatus, energy is recovered into the heat exchanger cell and the PCM accumulator, and during the subsequent cycle, the energy is released from the heat exchanger cell and PCM accumulator. While one heat exchanger cell and PCM accumulator is being charged, the other heat exchanger cell and PCM accumulator is simultaneously discharged. Warm air exits a first outlet port while cold air exits a second outlet port of the one or more vortex tubes. The fluid flows heat or cool the heat exchanger cells and associated PCM accumulators.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage module including an integrated thermal energy storage and recovery apparatus is provided. The compressed air energy storage module contains no moving parts and is constructed onsite, underground and out-of-sight. The compressed air energy storage module comprises a first regenerative heat exchanger including a first tank filled with a first particulate material that stores thermal energy and adsorbs air, and a second regenerative heat exchanger including a second tank filled with a second particulate material that stores thermal energy. A first end of the first tank is connected to a first end of the second tank via a first piping system. A second end of the first tank is connected to a second end of the second tank via a second piping system. The first piping system and the second piping system form a circular path for the air to circulate through the first and second regenerative heat exchangers.

Abstract: Known high-temperature heat storage devices for the storage of heat at a temperature above 100° C. having a container for heat-storing bulk material such as gravel/ceramic spheres have a steel wall which is constructively extremely complex to manufacture for larger heat storage devices or the storage of heat at higher temperatures. According to the invention, the side wall of the heat storage device for its part is supported by a supporting bulk material and is preferably inclined, with the result that the side wall is substantially less stressed and can be made of a non-metal material such as, for example, concrete. Such a heat storage device is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and allows long-term storage of larger amounts of heat at high temperatures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a heat exchanger suitable for use with a thermodynamic cycle-based machine such as an engine, an energy conversion machine, a cooling machine or other suitable systems and machines. The heat exchanger can include one or more tubes arranged to form a heat exchanger. In one embodiment, a unitary tube is used. The heat exchanger can include a canister that includes a regenerator material. The canister can be in thermal communication with a working material and a containment vessel having a containment chamber in one embodiment.

Abstract: A shaped heat storage material has a shaped body composed of a binder and heat storage capsules containing a heat storage material therein. And, the shaped body has at least one of a projection, a depressed portion and a hollow structure defining a hollow space therein.

Abstract: A heat recovery system for an engine is disclosed herein utilizing a heat storage unit configured to store waste exhaust heat for subsequent use on engine starts in various systems. In this way, improved system operation can be obtained by re-using such waste heat.

Abstract: An adsorption system can be used as part of a climate control system in a vehicle or in any other space requiring heating or cooling.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a thermal energy storage system includes multiple thermal energy storage containers adapted to store thermal energy storage media, the containers having high emissivity inner surfaces that are adapted to radiate heat into the stored thermal energy storage media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular, an evaporator (1), in particular for a motor vehicle air-conditioner, with a number of closely arranged refrigerant tubes and at least one cold reservoir (4), in which a refrigerant medium is provided. The evaporator (1) comprises two parallel regions (1? and 1?) running across the total width, the first region (V) corresponding to a conventional evaporator in design, the cold reservoir (4) being arranged in a separate second region (1?), through which at least a partial flow of refrigerant can flow which also flows through at least a part of the first region (1?) and the first and the second region are connected to each other by at least one overflow opening (13).

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a fuel cell module that produces heat and water, and a thermal energy storage module that stores the heat produced by the fuel cell module. The thermal energy storage module includes a phase-change material. A conduit couples the fuel cell module to the thermal energy storage module. The conduit is oriented to channel the water produced by the fuel cell module through the thermal energy storage module.

Abstract: An evaporator includes a plurality of tubes stacked in a row and each of the tubes has a pair of plates coupled with each other. Each of the pair of plates includes a pair of refrigerant passages in an air flow direction at opposite sides thereof. The evaporator further has a cold reserving part between the refrigerant passages for storing a cold reserving material; a plurality of fins formed between the tubes; a tank including an upper tank respectively communicated with upper portions of the pair of refrigerant passages and a lower tank respectively communicated with lower portions of the pair of refrigerant passages; and an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe formed at the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating and cooling a working fluid (2) using at least one thermochemical heat accumulator medium (3), wherein the working fluid (2) is guided through at least one thermochemical heat accumulator (6) comprising the heat accumulator medium (3), wherein the working fluid (2) is guided without contact to the heat accumulator medium (3), wherein upon charging of the heat accumulator medium (3) a heat flow (Q) is transferred from the working fluid (2) to the heat accumulator medium (3) and at least one substance (15) is released from the heat accumulator medium (3) and discharged from the heat accumulator (6), and wherein upon discharging of the heat accumulator medium (3) the substance (15) is fed with release of heat to the heat accumulator medium (3) or at least to a reaction product of the heat accumulator medium (3) that was produced during charging of the heat accumulator medium (3), and a heat flow (Q) is transferred to the working fluid (2).

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and delivery system is disclosed. A core includes a thermal storage medium and a thermal transfer medium transports thermal energy to and from the core. The core may be surrounded by multiple layers, where each layer is less dense the closer the layer is to the outside of the thermal storage and delivery system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of phase change material to store, transfer and convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to thermal energy transfer and energy conversion are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to a containment vessel having a heat receiving region and a heat transfer region such that a plurality of phase change materials are disposed therein and a sequence of solid, liquid and vapor phases are used to transfer heat from a source to a heat receiver of a power conversion unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular an evaporator (1), with a plurality of refrigerant-carrying pipes (6, 7) which are arranged next to one another and end in at least one collecting vessel (9), and with at least one cold accumulator (4), in which a cold accumulating medium is provided, wherein the evaporator (1) has two regions arranged parallel to each other, a first region (1?) and a second region (1?), and the cold accumulator (4) is arranged in the second region (1?). In this case, the refrigerant-carrying pipes (6, 7) of the first and second regions (1?,1?) are arranged in line with one another and have a width corresponding to one another (b1, b2, b3), and the first and second regions (1?, 1?) have common, continuous corrugated rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous material having micropores capable of storing and releasing heat by phase change, which comprises a phase change material inserted into the micropores of a porous material medium such as activated carbon or silica gel so as to be capable of storing and releasing energy, and a preparation method thereof. The method comprises the steps of: pre-treating a porous material medium to remove impurities from the micropores of the porous material medium, thereby opening the micropores; pre-treating a phase change material to make it possible to insert the phase change material into the micropores of the porous material medium; inserting the pretreated phase change material into the pretreated porous material medium; filtering the porous material medium filled with the phase change material to remove the phase change material remaining after the insertion step; and washing the filtered material.

Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes an air handler, a desiccant assembly and a regeneration mechanism. The air handler has an air inlet configured to receive airflow into the air handler and an air outlet configured to direct the airflow from the air handler to a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The desiccant assembly is installed in a fixed non-movable orientation within the air handler. The desiccant assembly is configured to absorb moisture from the airflow and is disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet. The desiccant assembly includes a first flow path and a second flow path separated from one another such that the airflow passes through the first flow path. The regeneration mechanism is in fluid communication with the second air flow path of the desiccant assembly and is configured to remove moisture from the airflow passing through the desiccant assembly.

Abstract: Proposed is a cheap and durable high-temperature heat store which utilizes ambient air as a heat carrier medium and which is at least partially filled with a granular and/or porous storage medium (6).

Abstract: An air/refrigerant heat exchanger includes a plurality of coiled tubes. A first tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a phase change material therein. A second tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a flow of cooled refrigerant flowing therethrough and the first tube is in thermal contact with the second tube. A third tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a flow of air flowing therethrough and the third tube is in thermal contact with the first tube and the second tube.

Abstract: A heat dissipating structure and a portable device are provided, which enable that heat is dissipated from a heat generating part without causing a user to feel discomfort. A heat transfer member is configured to transfer heat generated in a heat generating body and a thermal storrage unit is thermally connected to the heat transfer member. The thermal storrage unit includes a pack with stretching property and a thermal storrage medium which is filled in the pack and a volume of which changes with a change in temperature. The pack is arranged such that there is a gap between the pack and a first heat dissipating portion at normal temperature and the pack contacts the first heat dissipating portion when the thermal storrage medium expands with a change in temperature.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage device is provided. The device has a heat exchanger arrangement for guiding a flow of a heat transfer medium between a first end and a second end of the heat exchanger arrangement, and a heat storage material surrounding the heat exchanger arrangement. The heat exchanger arrangement transports the heat transfer medium from the first end to the second end if the thermal energy storage device is in a first operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to receive thermal energy from the heat transfer medium, and transports the heat transfer medium from the second end to the first end if the thermal energy storage device is in a second operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to release thermal energy to the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and recovery device is disclosed which includes a heat exchanger arrangement configured for guiding a flow of a heat transfer medium between a first end and a second end, and a heat storage material surrounding the heat exchanger arrangement so that a thermal interaction region is formed for thermally coupling the heat transfer medium with the heat storage material. The heat exchanger arrangement is sealed against the heat storage material so that, when in a first operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to receive thermal energy from the heat transfer medium, a compressed gas is usable as the heat transfer medium for transferring thermal energy from the heat transfer medium to the heat storage material.