Column Buffer Thermal Energy Storage

摘要

A system for storing thermal energy includes an opening into the earth, a liner positioned within and surrounding an interior periphery of the opening, a liquid provided within the liner, a first conduit fluidly associated with an upper portion of the opening, a second conduit fluidly associated with a lower portion of the opening, a fluid movement device and a heat transfer device. The fluid movement device is fluidly connected between the first and second conduits and configured to transport liquid between the first and second conduits. The heat transfer device is fluidly connected to the first conduit and the second conduit and configured to transfer heat to or from the liquid.

主权项

1. A system for storing thermal energy comprising:
at least one opening into the earth having an axis and a columnar shape; a liner positioned within and surrounding an interior periphery of the at least one opening and having a leak-proof characteristic, wherein the liner interfaces directly with the earth to allow direct thermal transfer; a liquid provided within the liner which occupies at least a majority of the volume of an interior of the liner; a first conduit fluidly associated with an upper portion of the at least one opening for delivering or withdrawing liquid to the at least one opening adjacent the upper portion of the at least one opening; a second conduit fluidly associated with an lower portion of the at least one opening for delivering or withdrawing liquid to the at least one opening adjacent the lower portion of the at least one opening; at least one fluid movement device fluidly connected between the first and second conduits configured to transport liquid between the first and second conduits; and at least one heat transfer device fluidly connected to the first conduit and the second conduit configured to transfer heat to or from the liquid.