REGENERATIVE THERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM, A POWER GENERATING FACILITY COMPRISING SUCH A SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

摘要

A regenerative thermal energy system includes a heat exchange reactor that includes a top entry portion, a lower entry portion, and a bottom discharge portion. The system also includes at least one fluid source coupled in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor at the lower entry portion. The system also includes at least one cold particle storage source coupled in flow communication with the at least one heat exchange reactor at the top entry portion. The system further includes at least one thermal energy storage (TES) vessel coupled in flow communication with the heat exchange reactor at each of the bottom discharge portion and the top entry portion. The heat exchange reactor is configured to facilitate direct contact and counter-flow heat exchange between solid particles and a fluid.