Continuous thermal energy delivery from a periodically active energy source

摘要

Continuous thermal energy delivery from a cyclically active thermal energy source having an ON period substantially exceeding an OFF period by passing working fluid through a central working fluid conduit passing through a containment means forming an annular chamber therewith, the annular chamber substantially filled with a liquid-solid phase change thermal energy storage material having a high specific heat in the liquid phase. During insolation, thermal energy superheats the thermal energy storage material and is conducted therethrough to heat the working fluid. During eclipse the superheated thermal energy storage material transmits heat to the working fluid and formation of solid phase of the thermal energy storage material releases heat of fusion adjacent the working fluid conduit for additional supply of heat to the working fluid. A thermal gradient is maintained across the thickness of the thermal energy storage material.