Underground storage installation for waste heat energy for re-use in buildings - has disused mine workings bricked up and thermally lined, containing heat exchanger and fluid or solid material

摘要

The storage of waste heat energy for re-use in buildings, both industrial and residential, can be undertaken using the underground workings of a mine. A disused chamber can be bricked off and thermal insulation or sealant can be applied around the inner surface. The chamber is then filled with either a saturated liquid, forming an artificial lake, or solid material from other workings. Salt-containing by-products from potash manufacture can be used. A heat exchanger within the chamber is used to deliver heat to an underground distribution point, whence the heat passes to surface consumers via pipes in the mine shafts. The filled chamber means that there is less danger of underground collapse from the disused workings. ADVANTAGE - High efficiency and low cost energy storage. .21