| 摘要 |
A thermal storage apparatus 81 for storing and returning thermal energy to a heat transfer fluid passing through the apparatus comprises two or more thermal stores 82, 84 connected in parallel with each other. Each thermal store comprises a fluid-permeable thermal storage media disposed in a chamber for transferring thermal energy to or from the heat transfer fluid. Flow controllers 86, 88 selectively alter the flow path of the heat transfer fluid through the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is configured to be operable in different respective flow modes. In at least one flow mode the apparatus is operable in alternative phases of charging and discharging, and at least one store is selectively configured to perform the charging while at least one other store is selectively configured to perform the discharging. The apparatus may form part of an energy storage system powered by electricity during charging and returns electricity during discharging. The energy storage system may be powered by solar or wind, may be a compressed air energy storage system or a pumped heat energy storage system. |
