Patent ID: 7958885
Filing Date: 2011-06-14
Classification: F24D,F24F,F28D,Y02A,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for operating an energy storage system, comprising: providing a first volume of heat transfer fluid; providing a second volume of thermal energy storage material (TESM), the TESM comprising a substantially solid material having a melting point above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and a latent heat of fusion approaching that of water; and providing a heating coil in contact with the second volume; circulating the heat transfer fluid through the heating coil in the second tank; wherein the step of circulating the heat transfer fluid transfers heat from the heat transfer fluid to the TESM when the temperature of the TESM is less than the temperature of the heat transfer fluid; and wherein the step of circulating the heat transfer fluid transfers heat from the TESM to the heat transfer fluid when the temperature of the TESM exceeds the temperature of the heat transfer fluid.