Patent ID: 8464535

Claim:
A thermal energy transfer system comprising: a containment vessel defining a cavity, the containment vessel comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface comprising a first surface and a second surface; an elongate thermal conductivity element having a first end and a second end, the elongate thermal conductivity element disposed in the cavity; a first phase change material having a first liquid density disposed in the cavity; a second phase change material having a second liquid density, the second phase change material disposed in the cavity and adjacent to and in contact with the first phase change material, wherein the second liquid density is less than the first liquid density, the second end of the elongate thermal conductivity element is at least partially surrounded by the first phase change material, wherein the second surface is below a liquid of the second phase change material, and wherein the first end is above the second surface and the second end extends from the second surface; a vapor space adjacent to and defined by the first surface and the second phase change material; and a heat receiver of a power conversion unit, the heat receiver disposed in the vapor space.