METHOD AND APPARATUS TO STORE ENERGY

摘要

A method to store energy, the method comprising: (b) providing a phase change material, having a melting point of at least 500 °C, in a container (1); (c) heating the phase change material to cause at least a portion thereof to melt and so store heat therein; (d) storing the phase change material for a period of time being at least one minute; (e) using at least a portion of heat from the phase change material as a power source; (e) moving the container and the phase change material from a first location to a second location, the first and second locations being spaced apart by at least 10 metres. Embodiments of the invention may be used for a variety of purposes, such as for vehicle propulsion, oil well stimulation and recovery of crude oil from sunken tankers. A vehicle may be moved to a location proximate to where the power source is required which is more convenient and indeed allows steam to be supplied in areas which where hitherto not possible. For certain embodiments the power source produced is used to propel a vehicle comprising the power source. Certain embodiments use a Stirling (217) engine whilst others generate a steam source. In preferred embodiments steam is recovered after use as the power source and preferably reheated as per step (e).