In various embodiments, phase change and heat exchange methods between heat collection, heat transfer, heat exchange, heat storage, and heat utility systems are described. In certain embodiments, the heat transfer fluids/heat exchange fluids, heat storage media, and working media in the system are all phase change materials with transition temperatures close to each other and in decreasing order and perform their respective function through phase changes within a relatively narrow temperature range. Methods to control heat transfer rate, heat exchange and/or heat charging/discharging rate between heat collection, thermal energy storage and heat utility apparatus at will are provided. Methods of controlling such systems are also provided.
F28D 17/00 - Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus in which a stationary intermediate heat-transfer medium or body is contacted successively by each heat-exchange medium, e.g. using granular particles
F28D 19/00 - Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus in which the intermediate heat-transfer medium or body is moved successively into contact with each heat-exchange medium
C09K 5/04 - Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to vapour or vice-versa
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F03G 6/06 - Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy with solar energy concentrating means
F03G 6/00 - Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
F01K 3/00 - Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
C09K 5/06 - Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to solid or vice-versa
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
2.
Systems and methods of thermal transfer and/or storage
Systems, methods, and computer-implemented embodiments consistent with the inventions herein are directed to storing and/or transferring heat. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a system for transferring/storing heat comprised of a heat exchange/storage apparatus including a chamber, and a heat input device adapted to heat/provide a vapor into the chamber. Other exemplary implementations may include one or more features consistent with a heat output device through which a working medium/fluid passes, a thermal storage medium located within the chamber, and/or a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage medium.
F25D 11/00 - Self-contained movable devices associated with refrigerating machinery, e.g. domestic refrigerators
F25D 17/02 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluidsArrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
F28D 15/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls
F28D 13/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus using a fluidised bed
F28D 17/00 - Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus in which a stationary intermediate heat-transfer medium or body is contacted successively by each heat-exchange medium, e.g. using granular particles
F28D 15/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat-pipes
C09K 5/06 - Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to solid or vice-versa
F24H 7/02 - Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid
F28C 3/00 - Other direct-contact heat-exchange apparatus
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
F24J 2/32 - having evaporator and condenser section, e.g. heat pipe
Systems, methods, and computer-implemented embodiments consistent with the inventions herein are directed to storing and/or transferring heat. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a system for transferring/storing heat comprised of a heat exchange/storage apparatus including a chamber, and a heat input device adapted to heat/provide a vapor into the chamber. Other exemplary implementations may include one or more features consistent with a heat output device through which a working medium/fluid passes, a thermal storage medium located within the chamber, and/or a heat exchange system that delivers a heat exchange medium/fluid to the thermal storage medium.
F28D 15/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls
F28D 15/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat-pipes
C09K 5/06 - Materials undergoing a change of physical state when used the change of state being from liquid to solid or vice-versa
C09K 5/12 - Molten materials, i.e. materials solid at room temperature, e.g. metals or salts
F01K 3/00 - Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
F24H 7/04 - Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid with forced circulation of the transfer fluid
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat
patents