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Heat storage system and method

  • US 4,362,149 A
  • Filed: 12/08/1980
  • Issued: 12/07/1982
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1980
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A thermal energy storage system comprising:

  • a source of heat for heating a heat collecting fluid to a temperature within the range of from about 600°

    to 1600°

    F.;

    a housing containing a bed of rocks for storage of thermal energy;

    a heat transfer gas in heat-exchange relationship with said bed of rocks;

    means for moving said heat transfer gas through said bed of rocks at an apparent velocity of less than about 6 ft/sec;

    means for causing said heat collecting fluid and said heat transfer gas to flow in counter-current, indirect, heat-exchange relationship with one another, said means including means for reversing the direction of flow of said heat collecting fluid and said heat transfer gas;

    a working fluid;

    means for passing said working fluid and said heat collecting fluid in indirect, heat-exchange relationship with one another; and

    means operatively associated with said working fluid to convert thermal energy contained therein to mechanical energy.

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