Thermochemical energy storage and mechanical energy converter system

• US 4,365,475 A
• Filed: 08/29/1980
• Issued: 12/28/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Original Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Inventors: Dunlap, Richard M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ostrager, Allen M.
• Application Number:
  US06/182,366
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• Field of Search: 60/649, 60/673, 60/671, 60/651, 165/104.12
• US Class Current: 60/673
• CPC Class Codes: F01K 25/106 Ammonia F01K25/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F28D 20/003 using thermochemical reactions
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/14 Thermal energy storage

Abstract

A thermochemical energy storage and mechanical energy converter system utzing a turbine. The system has a power or discharge phase, and a reactivate or charge phase. In the power phase ammonia gas is released by CaCl₂.8NH₃, expanded in a turbine and combined with ZnCl₂ to form ZnCl₂.NH₃. In an example of the reactivate phase, ammonia gas is released by ZnCl₂.NH₃ and added to CaCl₂.NH₃ to form CaCl₂.8NH₃.

Claims

1. A thermochemical energy storage and mechanical energy converter system comprising:

first means for forming ammoniated calcium chloride with the release of ammonia gas;

second means for receiving ammonia gas from said first means and expending said ammonia gas to provide work;

third means for receiving ammonia gas from said second means and forming ammoniated zinc chloride;

fourth means for transferring heat from said second means to said first means; and

fifth means for releasing ammonia gas from said ammoniated zinc chloride and reforming ammoniated calcium chloride.

2. A thermochemical energy storage and mechanical energy converter system according to claim 1 further comprising:

said first means comprises a first reactor;

said second means comprises a turbine connected to said first reactor;

said third means comprises a second reactor connected to said turbine;

said fourth means comprises a first heat exchange loop between said second reactor and said first reactor; and

said fifth means comprises said second reactor connected to said first reactor, a second heat exchange loop connecting said first reactor to an outside source and discharge location, and a third heat exchange loop connecting said second reactor to an outside source and discharge location.