Patent ID: 11927374
Assignee: GRIDWORTHY TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Field: Thermal processes and apparatus (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 12:
13. A method of operating a thermal energy system, the method comprising:
providing a system comprising:
a motor-generator unit;
a plurality of cylinders each comprising a moveable piston in communication with the motor-generator unit, and wherein each of the moveable pistons are operable to receive and transmit energy to and from the motor-generator unit;
a plurality of valves associated with each of the plurality of cylinders, wherein each
of the plurality of valves are operable to control a flow rate of a working fluid relative to a cylinder;
a first thermal energy reservoir;
a second thermal energy reservoir;
a controller operable to receive information related to one of a working fluid property, a property of the first thermal energy reservoir, and a property of the second thermal energy reservoir and wherein the controller is operable to control an outlet pressure of the working fluid from a first cylinder in order to change a temperature at which the working fluid enters the first thermal energy reservoir or the second thermal energy reservoir;
wherein the working fluid is provided in a conduit comprising a fluid flow path, and wherein the fluid flow path extends at least partially through the first and second thermal reservoirs;
drawing the working fluid into the first cylinder, providing electrical power to the piston to compress the working fluid in the first cylinder;
transferring the working fluid from the first cylinder to the first thermal energy reservoir and transferring thermal energy from the first thermal energy reservoir to the working fluid through a wall of the conduit;
wherein transferring thermal energy from the working fluid to the first thermal energy reservoir increases the temperature of the first thermal energy reservoir; and
wherein based on at least one of the temperature of the first thermal energy reservoir and a temperature of the working fluid, the controller adjusts a temperature or pressure at which the working fluid is delivered to the first thermal energy reservoir;
transferring the working fluid from the first thermal energy reservoir to a second cylinder and expanding the working fluid in the second cylinder;
transferring the expanded working fluid from the second cylinder to the second thermal energy reservoir;
transferring thermal energy from the working fluid to the second thermal energy reservoir through the wall of the conduit; and
transferring the working fluid from the second thermal energy reservoir to the first cylinder.