Apparatus, system, and methods for mechanical energy regeneration

摘要

Systems and methods for storing and retrieving thermo-mechanical energy are disclosed. The systems and methods generally include a thermodynamic loop or cycle (e.g., a reversible transcritical, trilateral, or Rankine/vapor compression cycle) that works as a heat pump in a charging mode and as a heat engine in a discharging mode. The thermodynamic loop or cycle includes a gas pressure changing device, a liquid pressure changing device, and a working fluid. The system further includes one or more heat storage devices with solid heat storage material(s). Heat is transferred between the working fluid and the solid heat storage material(s) in the high and low pressure sides of the thermodynamic cycle, respectively.

主权项

1. A thermo-mechanical energy storage system working in a loop having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, comprising:
one or more heat storage devices including one or more solid heat storage materials with a high pressure liquid connection, a high pressure gas connection, a low pressure liquid connection, and a low pressure gas connection; a gas pressure changing device connected between said high pressure gas connection and said low pressure gas connection; a liquid pressure changing device connected between said low pressure liquid connection and said high pressure liquid connection; and a working fluid in said loop, wherein the working fluid is in a gas phase in between said high pressure gas connection and said low pressure gas connection, and is in a liquid phase between said low pressure liquid connection and said high pressure liquid connection; wherein:
said one or more heat storage devices comprises (i) a skeleton or framework of pipes or tubes, the one or more solid heat storage materials forming a relatively thick heat storage skin around the pipes or tubes, and (ii) an isolation material that thermally isolates adjacent layers of the pipes or tubes from each other;said working fluid and said one or more solid heat storage materials transfer or exchange heat across a temperature gradient between said high pressure gas connection and said high pressure liquid connection;said loop works as a heat pump in a charging mode and as a heat engine in a discharging mode; andsaid working fluid flows in one direction in the charging mode and in an opposite direction in the discharging mode.