Thermal energy storage methods and processes
A thermal energy collecting and storing device is disclosed including a thermally insulated storage vessel including a heat retaining material holding chamber, a solar portal in the top of the vessel, the solar portal including a tubular member having upper and lower portions extending from the top of the vessel into the heat retaining material holding chamber and spaced from the side walls of the vessel and wherein the spacing between the side walls and the tubular member forms a second peripheral chamber about the solar portal. Substantially filling the holding chamber as well as a portion of the second peripheral chamber is a material having a low melting point and good heat retaining capacity. The peripheral chamber includes an expansion area above the heat retaining material so that the material is allowed to expand when heated. Means are provided for closing the lower portion of the tubular member and for transmitting energy to the heat retaining material. A transparent sheet is situated across the upper surface of the solar portal for closing the upper portion of the tubular member. The transparent sheet and the means for closing the lower portion of the tubular member are spaced from each other and form a third chamber which insulates the holding chamber from the outside environment. A solar concentrator is positioned above the solar portal for directing concentrated solar rays through the solar portal and on to the means for transmitting energy to the heat retaining material.
- Assignee:
- EDB-84-027981
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4402306
- OSTI ID:
- 5448343
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 22 Mar 1982; Other Information: PAT-APPL-360659
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Solar panel unit and system for heating circulating air
Solar collector assembly and kit