Patent ID: 9027634
Filing Date: 2015-05-12
Classification: F24D,F28D,F28F,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for storing thermal energy, the apparatus comprising at least one thermally shielded cell buried beneath a surface of the earth, the at least one cell comprising: at least one thermal fluid storage tank; an earth matrix surrounding the thermal fluid storage tank; a water-impermeable thermally insulating shell spaced apart from the tank by a portion of the earth matrix, the thermally insulating shell comprising a top portion disposed above the thermal fluid storage tank and a side portion depending from the top portion, there being no portion of the thermally insulating shell extending beneath a bottom of the tank; and a water injection apparatus disposed between a top of the thermal fluid storage tank and the top portion of the thermally insulating shell; wherein the thermal fluid storage tank is thermally coupled to at least one above-ground heat exchanger by a thermal fluid transport system.