Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a heat engine system, a mass management system (MMS), and a method for regulating pressure in the heat engine system while generating electricity. In one embodiment, the MMS contains a tank fluidly coupled to a pump, a turbine, a heat exchanger, an offload terminal, and a working fluid contained in the tank at a storage pressure. The working fluid may be at a system pressure proximal an outlet of the heat exchanger, at a low-side pressure proximal a pump inlet, and at a high-side pressure proximal a pump outlet. The MMS contains a controller communicably coupled to a valve between the tank and the heat exchanger outlet, a valve between the tank and the pump inlet, a valve between the tank and the pump outlet, and a valve between the tank and the offload terminal.

Abstract: This is a system that stores energy by compressing atmospheric air and confining it in tanks or caverns, combining the thermodynamic cycle followed by the atmospheric air (Brayton cycle) with another thermodynamic cycle followed by an auxiliary fluid, that is confined in the same cavern within a membrane, following two sections of a Rankine cycle, one during the air compression and entry into the cavern process and the other during the air outlet and turbininig process, using heat from the exhaust gases from the turbine as a heat source for an additional Rankine cycle, and being able to use the tanks or caverns for making an extra constant volume heating of compressed air and I or of the auxiliary fluid

Abstract: A fluid latent heat absorption electric induction heater is provided for raising the temperature of a fluid supplied to a fluid-driven turbine in a turbine-driven electric power generation system. The fluid latent heat absorption electric induction heater alternatively transfers heat to the fluid by induced susceptor heating, or a combination of inductor Joule heating and induced susceptor heating. The fluid may be water-steam for powering a steam-driven turbine or another fluid used in a phase change system for driving a fluid-driven turbine in a turbine-driven electric power generation system.

Abstract: An energy storage apparatus for the storage of thermal energy is provided, with a charging circuit, having a compressor, a heat store and an expansion turbine, the compressor connected on the outlet side to the inlet of the expansion turbine via a first line for a first working gas, and the heat store inserted into a second line, and the first line connected to a first heat exchanger, in which the first line and the second line are coupled thermally, and, furthermore, having a discharge circuit which has a water/steam circuit equipped with a steam generator and which has at least one feed water preheater preceding the steam generator with respect to the direction of flow of the water in this water/steam circuit, and thermal coupling between the charging circuit and discharge circuit achieved by the feed water preheater, in particular achieved solely by the feed water preheater.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for storing electric energy in the form of thermal energy. A thermoelectric energy storage system includes a working fluid circuit for circulating a working fluid through a heat exchanger, and a thermal storage medium circuit for circulating a thermal storage medium. The thermal storage medium circuit includes at least one hot storage tank, an intermediate temperature storage tank, and a cold storage tank connected together via the heat exchanger. A proportion of the storage medium is redirected to or from the intermediate storage tank from or to the hot or cold storage tank, joining another proportion which flows directly between the cold and hot storage tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for storing energy and generating power and/or heat within a subsea environment. The systems and methods utilize stored compressed air within an air storage chamber to drive an engine/generator system in order to generate power. The engine may or may not utilize combustion. Alternatively, the systems and methods utilize stored compressed air to supply air to a combustor to generate heat. The heat generated can be used for variety of purposes, including to generate steam and to heat heavy oil.

Abstract: An installation for storing thermal energy which can be obtained, for example, at times of overcapacities, from regenerative energy and then be stored is provided. The energy stored in a heat accumulator, a cold accumulator and in an additional heat accumulator can be, when needed, reconverted into electrical energy by circuits via a generator (G) while using a compressor and a turbine. The working gas is humidified by a humidification column, ideally until saturation, whereby, advantageously, a greater mass flow can be obtained at a lower volume flow. For this reason, more economical components can be used while simultaneously a high yield of the installation is achieved.

Abstract: An energy storage device for storing thermal energy, with a charging circuit for a working gas, is provided, having a compressor, heat accumulator and expansion turbine, the compressor and expansion turbine arranged on a common shaft, and the compressor connected on the outlet side to the inlet of the expansion turbine via a first line for the working gas, the heat accumulator wired into the first line, wherein the compressor is connected on the inlet side to a line, which is open to the atmosphere, and the expansion turbine is connected on the outlet side to a line, which is open to the atmosphere such that a circuit open to the ambient air is formed, wherein the expansion turbine is connected to the heat accumulator via a line for a hot gas such that the working gas in the expansion turbine can be heated by heat from the heat accumulator.

Abstract: A power generation system comprises a first energy conversion device configured to convert a first renewable energy resource into electricity, an electrolysis device configured to use electricity from the first energy conversion device to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen, a hydrogen gas storage tank configured to store hydrogen from the electrolysis device, a fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy in the hydrogen from the hydrogen gas storage tank into electricity, a boiler configured to use electricity from the fuel cell to boil water into steam, and a steam powered turbine generator configured to convert energy in the steam to electricity.

Abstract: A charging circuit for converting electrical energy into thermal energy is provided, having a compression stage, connected via a shaft to an electric motor, a heat exchanger and an expansion stage, which is connected via a shaft to a generator, wherein the compression stage is connected to the expansion stage via a hot-gas line, and the heat exchanger is connected on the primary side into the hot-gas line, wherein the expansion stage is connected via a return line to the compression stage, so that a closed circuit for a working gas is formed. A recuperator is also provided which, on the primary side, is connected into the hot-gas line between the heat exchanger and the expansion stage and, on the secondary side, is connected into the return line, so that heat from the working gas in the hot-gas line can be transferred to the working gas in the return line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing load-following power using low to medium temperature heat source fluid comprising the steps of reducing the power level produced by a Rankine cycle power plant producing load-following power operating on a low to medium temperature heat source fluid during one period of time; storing heat not used during the first period of time; and using the heat stored for producing power during a second period of time.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a first tank and a second tank thermally interfaced with the first tank. A pump is connected between the first tank and the second tank to move a fluid from the first tank to the second tank. A first heat exchanger includes a heat-exchanging portion that is located within the first tank. A second heat exchanger includes another heat-exchanging portion that is located within the second tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing energy includes a compression chamber for receiving a gas, a compression piston for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber, a first heat store for receiving and storing thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression piston, an expansion chamber for receiving gas after exposure to the first heat store, an expansion piston for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber, and a second heat store for transferring thermal energy to gas expanded by the expansion piston. The cycle used by the apparatus has two different stages that can be split into separate devices or combined into one device.

Abstract: A solar receiver having a higher yield than a central tower receiver. The receiver comprises a plurality of absorbent tubes for absorbing incident energy from light guides suitable for capturing solar radiation in solar collector concentration focal points, the absorbent tubes being arranged consecutively and in parallel, adjacently in relation to a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent tubes. The tubes contain a circulating heat-transfer fluid. The longitudinal axes are contained in at least two planes, defining at least two lines of absorbent tubes arranged in an alternating manner, and partially superimposed. The receiver also comprises containers subjected to a vacuum in order to enclose the absorbent tubes and reduce losses by convection.

Abstract: A plant for storing energy by means of compressed air, in which: a storage volume accommodates air at elevated pressure pH; for energy storage, ambient air is compressed and introduced into the storage volume; for removal from storage, compressed air is extracted from the storage volume and discharged into the environment, performing work; at least one low-pressure turbomachine for alternate compression and expansion respectively compresses ambient air to a medium pressure pM and expands said ambient air from said pressure; at least one high-pressure machine for alternate compression and expansion respectively compresses air from the medium pressure pM to the store pressure pH and expands said air from the latter pressure; and said low-pressure turbomachine and high-pressure machine are connected in series in terms of flow and are mechanically coupled to in each case one, or to one common, electric machine that operates selectively as a motor and generator.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for the controlling and feeding of power plants, in particular coal fired power plants comprising a steam turbine connected to a turbogenerator. The method consists in that in periods of low power consumption the power is transferred from the turbine shaft to a compressor and the air compressed therein is pumped by compressors to the tanks of a compressed air terminal until a pressure close to the pressure of steam fed to turbine blades is reached. When energy demand increases, compressed air from the tanks is fed through nozzles onto the turbine blades along with superheated steam produced in a boiler. The subject of the invention is also a system for collecting compressed air and feeding it to the turbine.

Abstract: An energy-storing device with a charging circuit for a working gas for storing thermal energy, comprising a compressor, a heat accumulator, and an expansion turbine is provided. The compressor is connected to the inlet of the expansion turbine at the outlet side of the compressor via a first line for the working gas, and the heat accumulator is connected into the first line. The compressor and the expansion turbine are arranged on a common shaft, and the heat exchanger of the heat accumulator is designed such that the working gas which is expanded in the expansion turbine largely matches the thermodynamic state variables of the working gas prior to entering the compressor. Only a part of the thermal energy is transferred to the heat accumulator in the process. The working gas fed to the expansion turbine remains relatively hot.

Abstract: A comburant gas supply system is provided for a combustion boiler/turbine of a thermal power plant, a combustion boiler/turbine system and a thermal power plant. The gas supply system has an air separation module to separate and output an oxygen rich gas from an input air supply; a comburant gas storage module fluidly connected to the output of the air separation module for storage in liquid state of separated oxygen rich gas; a comburant gas supply module to supply the oxygen rich gas to the combustion boiler selectively from the air separation system and/or the comburant gas storage system. The air separation module has an oxygen rich gas output capacity determined from a demand rating for the combustion boiler/turbine adjusted with reference to a load factor across a predetermined operating period and/or the ASU size is increased to provide longer term energy storage capacity.

Abstract: The invention proposes a concentrating solar power plant, which includes a heat storage unit allowing operation of the power plant for some hours on the base of accumulated heat. An important feature of the plant constitutes its ability to operate with direct steam generation (DSG) immediately in the concentrating solar collectors. Heat charging of the heat storage unit are performed with changing temperature of superheated steam, which circulates via the heat storage unit and a sub-field of the concentrating solar collectors; this sub-field serves solely for temperature elevation of the circulating superheated steam. Heat discharging of the heat storage unit is executed by heating the circulated superheated steam, which is delivering from a mixer-evaporator. This mixer-evaporator serves, in turn, for evaporation of condensate obtained in a condenser of a turbine unit; the evaporation process is based on utilization of sensible heat of the superheated steam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a combined heat and power system with greater flexibility, reliability, control and stability, for providing operational flexibility and energy efficiency in operating a combined heat and power plant which includes a backpressure steam engine that expands a high temperature heat source of a thermodynamic fluid to generate mechanical power and discharge its spent heat for a beneficial use comprises a vessel subsystem for the spent heat, said vessel subsystem including: at least one main indirect heat exchange device or vessel (7) in heat exchange communication between its primary space (10) and its secondary space (11). The present invention also discloses the use of a method and apparatus to operate a combined heat and power system.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system integrated with a source of secondary heat, such as a simple cycle gas turbine, to increase power production and to provide power regulation through the use of stored compressed air heated by said secondary heat to provide power augmentation.

Abstract: Thermal storage systems that preferably do not create substantially any additional back pressure or create minimal additional back pressure and their applications in combined cycle power plants are disclosed. In one embodiment of the method for efficient response to load variations in a combined cycle power plant, the method includes providing, through a thermal storage tank, a flow path for fluid exiting a gas turbine, placing in the flow path a storage medium comprising high thermal conductivity heat resistance media, preferably particles, the particles being in contact with each other and defining voids between the particles in order to facilitate flow of the fluid in a predetermined direction constituting a longitudinal direction, arrangement of the particles constituting a packed bed, dimensions of the particles and of the packed bed being selected such that a resultant back pressure to the gas turbine is at most a predetermined back pressure.

Abstract: A storage energy generation method utilizing natural energy and a generation system thereof generates electricity through natural energy such as wind power or solar energy and then compresses air, or directly compresses air, then generates electricity to an electric grid through the compressed air which is deemed as a power resource. An electric station utilizing integrated energy generates electricity to drive an air compression device, further then produces compressed air as an energy storage medium and stores compressed air in an air storage device, and then regards the compressed air as a main or auxiliary driving energy to other electric stations, such that a function of stabilizing and adjusting peak load can be realized.

Abstract: A distributed compressed air storage system and method is described. A compression facility is configured to compress air and provides the compressed air to a pipeline. The pipeline is coupled to the compression facility and is configured to transport compressed air from the compression facility to a compressed air storage facility that is remote from the compression facility. A heat recovery unit is coupled to the compression facility and is configured to recover heat produced by compressing air in the compression facility. The compressed air storage facility is configured to store compressed air received from the pipeline and is located remote from the compression facility. An expansion facility is configured to receive compressed air from the compressed air storage facility and expand the compressed air to generate electricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the temperature of a heat regenerator (ST1, ST2) used in an installation (10) for storing energy by adiabatic compression of air. The regenerator is subjected to successive operating cycles, each cycle comprising a compression stage followed by an expansion stage. Between two successive cycles, the method consists in cooling a bottom compartment (26a) of the layer of refractory material (26) of the regenerator that is situated in the proximity of the bottom distribution box (24) in order to bring the air leaving the heat regenerator to a temperature that is compatible with the range of temperatures required during the compression stages. The invention also provides such a heat regenerator.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for capturing heat energy in a power generation system. The system includes: a first compressor configured to exhaust a first compressed, heated air flow; a heat exchanger connected to the first compressor and configured to receive the first compressed, heated air flow and configured to transfer heat energy from the first compressed, heated air flow to an oil; at least one pump connected to the heat exchanger and configured to pump the heated oil in a closed-loop system from the heat exchanger to an insulated storage tank; a second compressor connected to the heat exchanger and configured to exhaust a second compressed, heated air flow; and an energy storage unit connected to the second compressor and configured to store heat energy from the second compressed, heated air flow.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel integration between wind and solar thermal renewable energy technologies. An existing wind turbine consisting of a hub and blades is operated by the power generated from a waterless solar thermal system (using high pressure, high temperature air) during periods of low wind availability. The solar thermal system consist of a heliostat field, solar air receiver panels, a thermal energy storage tank and a Pelton wheel assembly system for converting thermal energy of air into kinetic energy of the power shaft of the wind turbine. The thermal energy converting system consists of a plurality of supersonic air nozzles acting as stator, producing supersonic air jets to interact with a rotating Pelton wheel. A thermal storage system provides means for energy dispatchability. The proposed integrated system is capable of generating a stable renewable energy with minimum intermittency.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: Provided is a combined cycle power system including at least one solar power plant including a concentrating dish configured to concentrate solar radiation; a solar receiver disposed and configured to utilize concentrated solar radiation for heating a first working fluid, and a first turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated first working fluid, and at least one recovery power plant including a heat recovery unit configured for utilizing exhaust heat of the first turbine to heat a second working fluid, and a second turbine configured for generating electricity by expansion therein of the heated second working fluid.

Abstract: A waste heat retrieval system of a vehicle may include a reservoir disposed in a lower side of a exhaust gas boiler and in which a predetermined space is formed, a retrieval line that connects the exhaust gas boiler with the reservoir, a retrieval supply control valve disposed to open or close the retrieval line, and a control portion that controls the retrieval supply control valve to open the retrieval line such that working fluid of the exhaust gas boiler is returned to the reservoir if a retrieval condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the working fluid of the exhaust gas boiler in a waste heat retrieval system may be retrieved to the reservoir and therefore the freezing problem of the working fluid can be substantially resolved.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage is leveraged to store thermal energy extracted from a bottom cycle heat engine. The thermal energy stored in the thermal energy storage is used to supplement power generation by the bottom cycle heat engine. In one embodiment, a thermal storage unit storing a thermal storage working medium is configured to discharge thermal energy into the working fluid of the bottom cycle heat engine to supplement power generation. In one embodiment, the thermal storage unit includes a cold tank containing the thermal storage working medium in a cold state and a hot tank containing the working medium in a heated state. At least one heat exchanger in flow communication with the bottom cycle heat engine and the thermal storage unit facilitates a direct heat transfer of thermal energy between the thermal storage working medium and the working fluid used in the bottom cycle heat engine.

Abstract: A control system or method for a vehicle references a camera and sensors to determine when an offset of a yaw rate sensor may be updated. The sensors may include a longitudinal accelerometer, a transmission sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a steering angle sensor. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be stationary by referencing at least a derivative of an acceleration from the longitudinal accelerometer. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be moving straight by referencing at least image data captured by the camera. Lane delimiters may be detected in the captured image data and evaluated to determine a level of confidence in the straight movement. When the offset of the yaw rate sensor is to be updated, a ratio of new offset to old offset may be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for matching the output of a steam turbine (2) to a changed load, in particular for the short-term matching of the output of a power plant steam turbine (2) to changed network loads within the context of primary control. The control system according to the invention is characterized by a heat store (33) which, when there is an increased volume of steam tapped off from the steam turbine (2) under a correspondingly reduced load, extracts heat from the steam and which, when there is a reduced quantity of steam tapped off from the steam turbine under a correspondingly increased load, gives up heat to a steam/feed water circuit supplying the steam turbine (2).

Abstract: In various embodiments, heat is exchanged with a gas being compressed or expanded within an energy storage and recovery system without the use of flexible hoses.

Abstract: In a system combining a power generation apparatus and a desalination apparatus, the power generation apparatus includes a circulation circuit in which a first heat exchanger, an expander, a second heat exchanger having a space, the second heat exchanger for evaporating seawater and generating water vapor, and a working medium pump are connected in series, and a power generator, and the desalination apparatus includes a suction pump for suctioning a gas in the space, a control device for driving the suction pump in such a manner that an atmospheric pressure in the space becomes a saturated water vapor pressure, a condenser for condensing the water vapor led from the space, and a sweet water storage tank for storing sweet water (W) condensed in the condenser.

Abstract: A solar thermal power plant includes a solar radiation receiver mounted on a tower surrounded by a heliostat field to receive solar radiation reflected by heliostats forming the heliostat field. The power plant includes a power generation circuit including a steam turbine for driving an electrical generator to produce electrical power, and water in the power generation circuit is capable of being heated directly by solar radiation reflected onto the solar radiation receiver by the heliostat field to generate steam to drive the steam turbine. The power plant also includes an energy storage circuit including a thermal energy storage fluid, such as molten salt, which is capable of being heated directly by solar radiation reflected by the heliostat field. A heat exchanger is also provided for recovering thermal energy from the thermal energy storage fluid in the energy storage circuit; the recovered thermal energy may then be used to generate steam to drive the steam turbine.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: In various embodiments, coupling losses between a cylinder assembly and other components of a gas compression and/or expansion system are reduced or eliminated via valve-timing control.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy storage system and method are provided for storing electrical energy by transferring thermal energy to a thermal storage in a charging cycle, and for generating electricity by retrieving the thermal energy from the thermal storage in a discharging cycle. The thermoelectric energy storage includes a working fluid circuit configured to circulate a working fluid through a heat exchanger, and a thermal storage conduit configured to transfer a thermal storage medium from a thermal storage tank through the heat exchanger. The working fluid includes a zeotropic mixture. The working fluid is in a mixed vapor and liquid phase and has continuously rising or continuously falling temperature during heat transfer due to the working fluid including the zeotropic mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for storing energy, comprising: compression chamber means (24) for receiving a gas; compression piston means (25) for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber means; first heat storage means (50) for receiving and storing thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression piston means; expansion chamber means (28) for receiving gas after exposure to the first heat storage means; expansion piston means (29) for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber means; and second heat storage means (60) for transferring thermal energy to gas expanded by the expansion piston means. The cycle used by apparatus (10) has two different stages that can be split into separate devices or combined into one device.

Abstract: A solar power plant includes central receiver modules arranged in a regular pattern. Each central receiver module includes a tower, a central receiver mounted on the tower, and a heliostat array bounded by a polygon. The heliostat array includes heliostats with mirrors for reflecting sunlight to the central receiver. The heliostats are grouped in linear rows and each of the rows is parallel to another row. The locations of the heliostats are staggered between adjacent rows. The power plant also includes a power block for aggregating power from the central receivers and power conduits for transferring power from the central receivers to the power block.

Abstract: A monitoring system is for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment. The electric vehicle supply equipment is structured to communicate with the electric vehicle to charge the electric vehicle. The monitoring system includes a monitoring component structured to monitor communication and monitor energy or power flow between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the electric vehicle, a storage component cooperating with the monitoring component to store information corresponding to the monitored communication and the monitored energy or power flow between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the electric vehicle, and a power supply structured to power at least one of the monitoring component and the storage component.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal energy system includes a heat exchange reactor that includes a top entry portion, a lower entry portion, and a bottom discharge portion. The system also includes at least one fluid source coupled in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor at the lower entry portion. The system also includes at least one cold particle storage source coupled in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor at the top entry portion. The system further includes at least one thermal energy storage (TES) vessel coupled in flow communication with the heat exchange reactor at each of the bottom discharge portion and the top entry portion. The heat exchange reactor is configured to facilitate direct contact and counter-flow heat exchange between solid particles and a fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: An installation for storing and returning electrical energy having first and second enclosures containing a gas and porous refractory materials suitable for transferring heat by contact between said porous refractory materials and a gas flowing through said enclosures, and a compressor and an expander for the gas flowing in pipes between each of the ends of an enclosure connected to an end of the other enclosure. Methods are also disclosed for storing electrical energy in the form of heat energy in which an installation of the invention is used, and for a method of returning electrical energy from heat energy stored by a method according to the invention. The electrical energy is stored in the form of heat within masses of refractory material, and the stored thermal potential energy is returned in the form of electrical energy.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device is presented. The energy storage device includes a porous material that adsorbs air and a compressor. The compressor converts mechanical energy into pressurized air and heat, and the pressurized air is cooled and adsorbed by the porous material. The energy storage device also includes a tank used to store the pressurized and adsorbed air and a motor. The motor is driven to recover the energy stored as compressed and adsorbed air by allowing the air to desorb and expand while driving the motor.

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: In various embodiments, energy is stored or recovered via super-atmospheric compression and/or expansion of gas in conjunction with substantially adiabatic compression and/or expansion from or to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for storing and retrieving energy in a thermoelectric energy storage system is disclosed. The thermoelectric energy storage system includes a working fluid that is circulated through a first and second heat exchanger, and a thermal storage medium that is circulated through the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is in connection with a first thermal bath during a charging cycle and with a second thermal bath during a discharging cycle. In this way roundtrip efficiency is improved through minimizing the temperature difference between the first thermal bath and the hot storage tank during charging, and maximizing the temperature difference between the second thermal bath and the hot storage tank during discharging.

Abstract: A steam power plant is suggested having, parallel to the low-pressure passage (VW1 to VW2), a heat reservoir (A) which is loaded with preheated condensate in weak-load times. This preheated condensate is taken from the heat reservoir (A) for generating peak-load and inserted downstream of the low-pressure preheater passage (VW1 to VW2) into the condensate line (19.2) resp. the feed water container (8). Thus it is possible to quickly control the power generation of the power plant in a wide range without significantly having to change the heating output of the boiler of the steam generator (1). A steam power plant equipped according to the invention can thus be operated with bigger load modifications and also provide more control energy.