CA2613231A1 - Improved energy storage system - Google Patents
Improved energy storage system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2613231A1 CA2613231A1 CA002613231A CA2613231A CA2613231A1 CA 2613231 A1 CA2613231 A1 CA 2613231A1 CA 002613231 A CA002613231 A CA 002613231A CA 2613231 A CA2613231 A CA 2613231A CA 2613231 A1 CA2613231 A1 CA 2613231A1
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- Prior art keywords
- energy
- fluid
- extraction means
- cylinder
- temperature
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- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 title claims description 31
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 70
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 41
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyacetaldehyde Natural products OCC=O WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 4
- WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N alstonine Natural products C1=CC2=C3C=CC=CC3=NC2=C2N1C[C@H]1[C@H](C)OC=C(C(=O)OC)[C@H]1C2 WYTGDNHDOZPMIW-RCBQFDQVSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- TVEXGJYMHHTVKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-7-one Chemical compound C1C2C(=O)OC1C=CC2 TVEXGJYMHHTVKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101100111800 Caenorhabditis elegans best-24 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
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- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- SYHGEUNFJIGTRX-UHFFFAOYSA-N methylenedioxypyrovalerone Chemical compound C=1C=C2OCOC2=CC=1C(=O)C(CCC)N1CCCC1 SYHGEUNFJIGTRX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- SGXXNSQHWDMGGP-IZZDOVSWSA-N nizatidine Chemical compound [O-][N+](=O)\C=C(/NC)NCCSCC1=CSC(CN(C)C)=N1 SGXXNSQHWDMGGP-IZZDOVSWSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
- F28D20/0052—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using the ground body or aquifers as heat storage medium
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
- F24D11/02—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps
- F24D11/0214—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps water heating system
- F24D11/0221—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps water heating system combined with solar energy
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/15—Wind energy
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
- F24S10/70—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits
- F24S10/75—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits with enlarged surfaces, e.g. with protrusions or corrugations
- F24S10/755—Solar heat collectors using working fluids the working fluids being conveyed through tubular absorbing conduits with enlarged surfaces, e.g. with protrusions or corrugations the conduits being otherwise bent, e.g. zig-zag
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S90/00—Solar heat systems not otherwise provided for
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/40—Geothermal heat-pumps
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/70—Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/14—Thermal energy storage
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
- Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
Abstract
An system and a method is disclosed for improving the use of energy. In particular, a system is disclosed which is capable of improving the use of renewable energy by selective storage and extraction in the form of thermal energy. The thermal energy may be generated by capturing thermal energy from the sun or by converting electrical energy from a wind turbine. It is then stored within a fluid, which can be directed into ground loops in boreholes, in arrangements of underground loops, or in a tank filled with a volume of fluid. The thermal energy is thereafter used as required to drive a heat pump which in turn generates hot water.
Description
1 Improved Energy Storage System 3 The present invention relates to the field of energy 4 efficiency, and in particular a system and method for improving the use of energy.
7 In February 2003, the UK Government issued an Energy 8 White Paper in which the need for increased energy 9 efficiency was outlined. In short, targets to reduce carbon emissions by significant amounts can only be met 11 if at least 50% of the reductions are achieved through 12 energy efficiency. This is therefore at the heart of UK
13 energy policy. Reducing the demand on electricity supply 14 networks will lead directly to a reduction in carbon emissions.
17 Another problem is the issue of fuel poverty, millions of 18 households in the UK cannot afford to heat their homes 19 sufficiently. Some heating systems are inefficient and expensive to run, and a cheaper, more energy efficient 21 alternative is very desirable.
23 Energy from the sun is one of the most widely available 24 energy sources, and one of the most obvious. Solar panels are used, primarily for generating electricity but 1 also solar water heating panels are known. Solar water 2 heating panels are used to provide hot water supplies.
4 The disadvantage of such solar water heating panels is that they do not always produce enough heat to provide, 6 for example, a domestic hot water supply. There are 7 periods, during the night and in cloudy conditions, when 8 little or no energy will be produced and standard 9 domestic water heating must be relied upon. Therefore it increases energy efficiency in a household only under 11 appropriate conditions.
13 In light of recent heightened awareness of the need for 14 more efficient use of energy, the benefits of using heat pumps are clear. A heat pump is a heat exchanger which 16 transfers heat from one location to another location, 17 effectively swapping hot for cold, or vice versa. A
18 refrigerator is a heat pump, where the heat is taken out 19 of the food storage area and dispersed through a sink on the rear of the appliance.
22 An alternative type of heat pump is used to harness the 23 benefits of various kinds of renewable energy, in 24 particular heat from ambient air, or underground warmth, or even from sunlight-heated water or ground. In this 26 type of system, energy efficiency is increased 27 significantly. A small amount of electricity is required 28 to move heat energy from one location to another, but the 29 energy transferred by the heat is generally several times the energy that would be generated by the electricity 31 alone. This offers a way of boosting, for example, 32 conventional water heating systems for homes and 33 businesses. Given that 30% of C02 emissions were 1 attributed to heating buildings in 1997, it is clear that 2 total emissions can be drastically reduced by employing 3 more energy efficient practices.
However, conditions are not always such that heat pumps 6 can be employed at optimal efficiency, given that the 7 source of heat from which the energy is drawn may not 8 always be at the optimum temperature for operation.
9 Furthermore, weather conditions and the time of year also contribute to some extent to the efficiency of heat 11 pumps.
13 It is therefore an object of the present invention to 14 provide a system for more efficient use of energy.
16 Summary of Invention 18 According to a first aspect of the present invention, 19 there is provided a system, the system comprising;
an energy extraction means, the energy extraction 21 means adapted to extract energy from a source;
22 an energy storage means, the energy storage means 23 adapted to retrievably store the extracted energy;
24 an energy output means, the energy output means adapted to controllably release energy from the system;
26 an energy transferring means, the energy 27 transferring means adapted to transfer energy between the 28 energy extraction means, the energy storage means, and 29 the energy output means; and an energy transfer controlling means, the energy 31 transfer controlling means adapted to control the 32 transfer of energy between the energy extraction meaizs, 33 the energy storage means, and the energy output means.
2 Preferably the energy transfer controlling means operates 3 so as to optimise the energy flow into the output means.
Preferably the energy storage system further comprises a 6 heat pump, the heat pump located between the energy 7 storage means and the energy output means.
9 Preferably the energy transferring means comprises at least one conduit connecting two or more of the 11 components of the system.
13 Preferably the conduit is hollow and contains a fluid, 14 the fluid adapted to store and to transfer heat energy by flowing therein.
17 Optionally the fluid is glycol.
19 Alternatively the fluid is water.
21 Preferably the energy extraction means comprises a solar 22 heating panel, the solar heating panel adapted to receive 23 energy from the sun and impart thermal energy to a fluid 24 in the solar heating panel.
26 Preferably the energy extraction means further comprises 27 a temperature sensor.
29 Alternatively the energy extraction means comprises one or more hoses filled with a fluid, the hose adapted to 31 trap thermal energy from the surroundings.
1 Alternatively'the energy extraction means comprises a 2 hose located within a tank containing a volume of fluid, 3 the hose adapted to extract thermal energy from the 4 volume of fluid.
7 In February 2003, the UK Government issued an Energy 8 White Paper in which the need for increased energy 9 efficiency was outlined. In short, targets to reduce carbon emissions by significant amounts can only be met 11 if at least 50% of the reductions are achieved through 12 energy efficiency. This is therefore at the heart of UK
13 energy policy. Reducing the demand on electricity supply 14 networks will lead directly to a reduction in carbon emissions.
17 Another problem is the issue of fuel poverty, millions of 18 households in the UK cannot afford to heat their homes 19 sufficiently. Some heating systems are inefficient and expensive to run, and a cheaper, more energy efficient 21 alternative is very desirable.
23 Energy from the sun is one of the most widely available 24 energy sources, and one of the most obvious. Solar panels are used, primarily for generating electricity but 1 also solar water heating panels are known. Solar water 2 heating panels are used to provide hot water supplies.
4 The disadvantage of such solar water heating panels is that they do not always produce enough heat to provide, 6 for example, a domestic hot water supply. There are 7 periods, during the night and in cloudy conditions, when 8 little or no energy will be produced and standard 9 domestic water heating must be relied upon. Therefore it increases energy efficiency in a household only under 11 appropriate conditions.
13 In light of recent heightened awareness of the need for 14 more efficient use of energy, the benefits of using heat pumps are clear. A heat pump is a heat exchanger which 16 transfers heat from one location to another location, 17 effectively swapping hot for cold, or vice versa. A
18 refrigerator is a heat pump, where the heat is taken out 19 of the food storage area and dispersed through a sink on the rear of the appliance.
22 An alternative type of heat pump is used to harness the 23 benefits of various kinds of renewable energy, in 24 particular heat from ambient air, or underground warmth, or even from sunlight-heated water or ground. In this 26 type of system, energy efficiency is increased 27 significantly. A small amount of electricity is required 28 to move heat energy from one location to another, but the 29 energy transferred by the heat is generally several times the energy that would be generated by the electricity 31 alone. This offers a way of boosting, for example, 32 conventional water heating systems for homes and 33 businesses. Given that 30% of C02 emissions were 1 attributed to heating buildings in 1997, it is clear that 2 total emissions can be drastically reduced by employing 3 more energy efficient practices.
However, conditions are not always such that heat pumps 6 can be employed at optimal efficiency, given that the 7 source of heat from which the energy is drawn may not 8 always be at the optimum temperature for operation.
9 Furthermore, weather conditions and the time of year also contribute to some extent to the efficiency of heat 11 pumps.
13 It is therefore an object of the present invention to 14 provide a system for more efficient use of energy.
16 Summary of Invention 18 According to a first aspect of the present invention, 19 there is provided a system, the system comprising;
an energy extraction means, the energy extraction 21 means adapted to extract energy from a source;
22 an energy storage means, the energy storage means 23 adapted to retrievably store the extracted energy;
24 an energy output means, the energy output means adapted to controllably release energy from the system;
26 an energy transferring means, the energy 27 transferring means adapted to transfer energy between the 28 energy extraction means, the energy storage means, and 29 the energy output means; and an energy transfer controlling means, the energy 31 transfer controlling means adapted to control the 32 transfer of energy between the energy extraction meaizs, 33 the energy storage means, and the energy output means.
2 Preferably the energy transfer controlling means operates 3 so as to optimise the energy flow into the output means.
Preferably the energy storage system further comprises a 6 heat pump, the heat pump located between the energy 7 storage means and the energy output means.
9 Preferably the energy transferring means comprises at least one conduit connecting two or more of the 11 components of the system.
13 Preferably the conduit is hollow and contains a fluid, 14 the fluid adapted to store and to transfer heat energy by flowing therein.
17 Optionally the fluid is glycol.
19 Alternatively the fluid is water.
21 Preferably the energy extraction means comprises a solar 22 heating panel, the solar heating panel adapted to receive 23 energy from the sun and impart thermal energy to a fluid 24 in the solar heating panel.
26 Preferably the energy extraction means further comprises 27 a temperature sensor.
29 Alternatively the energy extraction means comprises one or more hoses filled with a fluid, the hose adapted to 31 trap thermal energy from the surroundings.
1 Alternatively'the energy extraction means comprises a 2 hose located within a tank containing a volume of fluid, 3 the hose adapted to extract thermal energy from the 4 volume of fluid.
6 Preferably the energy extraction means further comprises 7 one or more heating elements located on or in the tank 8 and adapted to provide thermal energy to the fluid.
Preferably the energy extraction means comprises a wind 11 turbine adapted to provide electrical energy to the one 12 or more heating elements.
13 Preferably the energy storage means comprises one or more 14 ground loops.
16 Preferably the one or more ground loops are inserted in 17 respective boreholes.
19 Alternatively the energy storage means comprises a tank containing a volume of fluid.
22 Preferably the energy transfer controlling means 23 comprises at least one valve, the at least one valve 24 located within the system so as to control the flow of the fluid within the system.
27 Preferably the energy transfer controlling means further 28 comprises a controller means, the controller means 29 adapted to control the at least one valve in response to a temperature signal received from the temperature 31 sensor.
1 Preferably the energy output means comprises a cylinder, 2 the cylinder adapted to receive and retain a quantity of 3 fluid.
Preferably the cylinder comprises an output means, the 6 output means adapted to selectively flow fluid into the 7 system or into an external system.
9 Optionally the external system comprises a hot water system.
12 Alternatively the external system comprises a heating 13 system.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, 16 there is provided a cylinder adapted for use in the 17 system of the first aspect, the cylinder comprising a 18 first reservoir and a second reservoir, wherein the 19 cylinder further comprises a means of diverting fluid from at least one of the energy extraction means and the 21 energy storage means to either reservoir.
23 Preferably the cylinder is vented.
Alternatively the cylinder is unvented.
27 Preferably the first reservoir and the second reservoir 28 are adapted to retain different quantities of fluid.
Preferably the first reservoir and the second reservoir 31 are adapted to retain different temperatures of fluid.
1 Preferably the first reservoir and of the second 2 reservoir are adapted to receive fluid at different rates 3 of flow.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, 6 there is provided a method of storing and distributing 7 energy employing the system of the first aspect, the 8 method comprising the steps:
9 measuring a temperature in the energy extraction means; and 11 selectively moving energy from the energy extraction 12 means to either the energy storage means or the energy 13 output means or retaining the energy in the energy 14 extraction means dependent on the temperature in the energy extraction means.
17 Preferably the energy is moved in the form of thermal 18 energy within the system.
Preferably the thermal energy is stored in the fluid 21 which flows in conduits connecting the components of the 22 system.
24 Preferably a change in the movement of fluid in the system is dependent on the temperature of the fluid in 26 the energy extraction means reaching a threshold value.
28 Alternatively a change in the movement of fluid in the 29 system is dependent on the temperature of the energy extraction means reaching a threshold value.
32 Preferably the change in the flow of fluid is further 33 dependent on the temperature of the fluid or the energy 1 extraction means exceeding a threshold value for a 2 predetermined period of time.
4 Preferably the step of moving energy from the energy extraction means to the energy storage means is selected 6 in response to the temperature in the energy extraction 7 means exceeding a first threshold temperature value.
9 Preferably the step of moving energy from the energy extraction means to the energy output means is selected 11 in response to the temperature in the energy extraction 12 means exceeding a second threshold temperature value, the 13 second threshold temperature value being higher than the 14 first threshold temperature value.
16 Preferably the step of moving energy from the energy 17 extraction means to the energy output means is selected 18 in response to the temperature in the energy extraction 19 means exceeding a second threshold temperature value, the second threshold temperature value being lower than the 21 first threshold temperature value.
23 Preferably the step of retaining the energy in the energy 24 extraction means is selected in response to the temperature in the solar heating panel not exceeding the 26 first threshold temperature value.
28 Preferably the step of retaining the energy in the energy 29 extraction means comprises the additional step of flowing energy from the energy storage-means to a heat pump.
32 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention 33 there is provided at least orie computer program 1 comprising program instructions, which, when loaded into 2 at least one computer, constitutes the energy transfer 3 controlling means.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention 6 there is provided at least one computer program 7 comprising program instructions, which, when loaded into 8 at least one computer, cause the at least one computer to 9 perform the method of according to the third aspect.
11 Preferably the computer programs are embodied on a 12 recording medium or read-only memory, stored in at least 13 one computer memory, or carried on an electrical carrier 14 signal.
16 Brief Description of the Drawings 18 Aspects and advantages of the present invention will 19 become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the following drawings 21 in which:
23 Figure 1 presents a schematic view of an energy storage 24 system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
27 Figure 2 presents a block diagram indicative of a mode 28 of operation of the energy storage system in accordance 29 with an aspect of the present invention; and 31 Figure 3 presents a schematic view of an alternative 32 energy storage system in accordance with an aspect of the 33 present invention.
2 Specific Description 4 Referring initially to Figure 1, a schematic view of an 5 energy storage system 1 is presented, to illustrate an 6 embodiment of the present invention.
8 The system 1 comprises a control module 2, which governs 9 the storage and transfer of thermal energy between the' 10 constituent components of the system 1.
13 Preferably the energy storage means comprises one or more 14 ground loops.
16 Preferably the one or more ground loops are inserted in 17 respective boreholes.
19 Alternatively the energy storage means comprises a tank containing a volume of fluid.
22 Preferably the energy transfer controlling means 23 comprises at least one valve, the at least one valve 24 located within the system so as to control the flow of the fluid within the system.
27 Preferably the energy transfer controlling means further 28 comprises a controller means, the controller means 29 adapted to control the at least one valve in response to a temperature signal received from the temperature 31 sensor.
1 Preferably the energy output means comprises a cylinder, 2 the cylinder adapted to receive and retain a quantity of 3 fluid.
Preferably the cylinder comprises an output means, the 6 output means adapted to selectively flow fluid into the 7 system or into an external system.
9 Optionally the external system comprises a hot water system.
12 Alternatively the external system comprises a heating 13 system.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, 16 there is provided a cylinder adapted for use in the 17 system of the first aspect, the cylinder comprising a 18 first reservoir and a second reservoir, wherein the 19 cylinder further comprises a means of diverting fluid from at least one of the energy extraction means and the 21 energy storage means to either reservoir.
23 Preferably the cylinder is vented.
Alternatively the cylinder is unvented.
27 Preferably the first reservoir and the second reservoir 28 are adapted to retain different quantities of fluid.
Preferably the first reservoir and the second reservoir 31 are adapted to retain different temperatures of fluid.
1 Preferably the first reservoir and of the second 2 reservoir are adapted to receive fluid at different rates 3 of flow.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, 6 there is provided a method of storing and distributing 7 energy employing the system of the first aspect, the 8 method comprising the steps:
9 measuring a temperature in the energy extraction means; and 11 selectively moving energy from the energy extraction 12 means to either the energy storage means or the energy 13 output means or retaining the energy in the energy 14 extraction means dependent on the temperature in the energy extraction means.
17 Preferably the energy is moved in the form of thermal 18 energy within the system.
Preferably the thermal energy is stored in the fluid 21 which flows in conduits connecting the components of the 22 system.
24 Preferably a change in the movement of fluid in the system is dependent on the temperature of the fluid in 26 the energy extraction means reaching a threshold value.
28 Alternatively a change in the movement of fluid in the 29 system is dependent on the temperature of the energy extraction means reaching a threshold value.
32 Preferably the change in the flow of fluid is further 33 dependent on the temperature of the fluid or the energy 1 extraction means exceeding a threshold value for a 2 predetermined period of time.
4 Preferably the step of moving energy from the energy extraction means to the energy storage means is selected 6 in response to the temperature in the energy extraction 7 means exceeding a first threshold temperature value.
9 Preferably the step of moving energy from the energy extraction means to the energy output means is selected 11 in response to the temperature in the energy extraction 12 means exceeding a second threshold temperature value, the 13 second threshold temperature value being higher than the 14 first threshold temperature value.
16 Preferably the step of moving energy from the energy 17 extraction means to the energy output means is selected 18 in response to the temperature in the energy extraction 19 means exceeding a second threshold temperature value, the second threshold temperature value being lower than the 21 first threshold temperature value.
23 Preferably the step of retaining the energy in the energy 24 extraction means is selected in response to the temperature in the solar heating panel not exceeding the 26 first threshold temperature value.
28 Preferably the step of retaining the energy in the energy 29 extraction means comprises the additional step of flowing energy from the energy storage-means to a heat pump.
32 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention 33 there is provided at least orie computer program 1 comprising program instructions, which, when loaded into 2 at least one computer, constitutes the energy transfer 3 controlling means.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention 6 there is provided at least one computer program 7 comprising program instructions, which, when loaded into 8 at least one computer, cause the at least one computer to 9 perform the method of according to the third aspect.
11 Preferably the computer programs are embodied on a 12 recording medium or read-only memory, stored in at least 13 one computer memory, or carried on an electrical carrier 14 signal.
16 Brief Description of the Drawings 18 Aspects and advantages of the present invention will 19 become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the following drawings 21 in which:
23 Figure 1 presents a schematic view of an energy storage 24 system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
27 Figure 2 presents a block diagram indicative of a mode 28 of operation of the energy storage system in accordance 29 with an aspect of the present invention; and 31 Figure 3 presents a schematic view of an alternative 32 energy storage system in accordance with an aspect of the 33 present invention.
2 Specific Description 4 Referring initially to Figure 1, a schematic view of an 5 energy storage system 1 is presented, to illustrate an 6 embodiment of the present invention.
8 The system 1 comprises a control module 2, which governs 9 the storage and transfer of thermal energy between the' 10 constituent components of the system 1.
12 A solar water heating panel 3 is provided, which 13 comprises a tubing 4 containing water to be heated. The 14 tubing 4 is arranged within the panel 3 in a serpentine fashion to increase the length and surface area of tubing 16 4, and hence amount of water, to be heated. Solar energy 17 impinges on the panel 3, which for exemplary purposes 18 further comprises a blackened plate 5 in thermal contact 19 with the tubing 4. The plate 5 heats up under the impinging solar energy, and in turn the heat is 21 transferred to the water within the tubing 4.
23 When deployed in this way, heating of the water in the 24 solar water heating panel 3 is effected by the thermal energy collected from sunlight. The sunlight heats up 26 the panel 3 and as a result, thermal energy is 27 transferred from the plate 5 to the water. The heated 28 water can be pumped away and the thermal energy will be 29 replaced by continued thermal energy received from the sun which will reheat the panel 3. As the water may be 31 circulated, the thermal energy may be carried away from 32 the solar panel to other parts of the system 1.
WO 2006/136860 _ PCT/GB2006/002349 1 A ground loop 6 is provided, in the form of a bore hole 7 2 with an inserted hose package 8 of an appropriate length.
3 The hose package 8 extends to the bottom of the bore hole 4 7 where it loops to extend back up to the surface. It is envisaged that if necessary a larger length of hose could 6 be accommodated by adopting a coiled, serpentine or 7 helical hose in a shortened borehole. The borehole 7 8 will typically extend to between 60 and 100m in depth.
9 This acts as a thermal energy storage device as the water, heated as described above, may be pumped to the 11 ground loop 6 where it can reside underground. The 12 ground loop 6 similarly comprises a ground loop input 13 port 9 and a ground loop outlet port 10 formed at either 14 end of the hose package 8.
16 A heat pump 11 is also provided, the heat pump 11 17 comprising a heat pump input port 12 and a heat pump 18 output port 13. The heat pump input port 12 and output 19 port 13 receive the heated water disposed from the solar panel 3 or from the borehole 7, and is connected to a 21 hose system 14 between them both by means of an input 22 hose 15 and an output hose 16. The hose system 14 joins 23 the solar panel 3 and the ground loop 6 in the borehole 24 7, to which the input 15 and output hoses 16 of the heat pump 11 are connected. The thermal energy storing water 26 can therefore be circulated amongst the components of the 27 system 1.
29 The heat pump 11 is used to provide a heat exchanging mechanism whereby a house to which the system 1 is 31 deployed may benefit from the thermal energy collected by 32 the water in the system 1. The water within the system 1 33 has been warmed by solar thermal energy in the solar 1 panel 3, or by thermal energy transferred to or retained 2 by the liquid in the borehole 7.
4 The heat exchange mechanism is well known. The warm liquid is used to heat up a refrigerant within the heat 6 pump 11, which in turn evaporates. The heat pump 11 then 7 compresses the refrigerant which results in an increase 8 in the temperature of the refrigerant. This temperature 9 increase is used to heat up water which is then transferred to the cylinder 17 or back into the borehole 11 7. In heating the water, the refrigerant condenses and 12 is pumped back to be heated again by incoming water, thus 13 completing the cycle. By way of example only, the heat 14 pump 11 may generate three units of heat for each single unit of electricity powering the heat pump.
17 A first 18 and a second solenoid valve 19 are employed to 18 control the flow of water within the system 1, to control 19 whether the water flows into the borehole 7 or into the cylinder 17, for example. A "solar controller" 20 is 21 provided which controls the operation of the valves 18,19 22 in response to the temperature of the solar water heating 23 panel 3, as measured by the temperature sensor 21. A
24 number of predetermined conditions, i.e. threshold temperature values, are set from which the "solar 26 controller" 20 determines the optimum flow of water to 27 optimise energy efficiency.
29 The cylinder 17 is analogous to a hot water tank within a conventional domestic environment, wherein water is 31 heated and then stored in the cylinder 17, ready for use.
32 The cylinder 17 is adapted to receive hot water from the 33 heat pump 11, axid also from the solar water heating panel 1 3 dependent on the position of the valves 18,19, and 2 store each in a first and a second reservoir 3 respectively.
In accordance with safety rules and regulations, a number 6 of safety features (not shown) are also incorporated. A
7 pressure relief valve, typically designed to relieve 8 pressures in excess of 1.5 bar, is provided to prevent 9 excess pressure build up in the hose system.
Furthermore, a temperature relief valve, typically 11 designed to relieve temperatures in excess of 100 C, is 12 provided to prevent overheating of the system, and also 13 prevents water of excessive temperatures being supplied 14 through, for example, the plumbing system of a house.
16 An exemplary mode of operation will now be described in 17 relation to the block diagram illustrated in Figure 2, 18 and with further reference to Figure 1.
The values in the following description of operation are 21 for indicative and relative purposes only and are not 22 intended to be limiting.
24 The temperature of the solar water heating panel is constantly monitored 22 by the temperature sensor. The 26 temperature of the water within may be directly 27 determined from the temperature of the solar water 28 heating panel.
When the temperature of the solar water heating panel is 31 below 16 C 23, the solar water heating panel produces 1 water at below 8 C, which will typically not increase the 2 temperature of water stored in the ground loop and 3 therefore the system does nothing 24.
When the temperature exceeds 16 C 23, but is below a 6 second threshold value 25 of, say, 48 C, the solar water 7 heating panel produces hot water up to a temperature of 8 30 C 26. This water is pumped directly into the ground 9 loop 27.
11 It is worth noting that typically the temperature will 12 have to remain above any threshold value for, say, 30 13 seconds before any action is performed as a result.
If the temperature exceeds 48 C 25, hot water is produced 16 at temperatures of 42 C and above 28. This water is 17 pumped directly to the cylinder 29.
19 In the meantime, domestic demand on the water cylinder may require hot water to be provided 30 in excess of the 21 hot water currently produced directly by the solar water 22 heating panel in which case the water from the ground 23 loop is pumped to the heat pump 31. The heat pump 24 generates hotter water which is then pumped to the cylinder 32, as long as demand continues.
27 Any means, preferably reliant on renewable sources, may 28 be employed to extract energy from the surroundings.
29 Furthermore, any means may be employed to store the energy.
32 Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the present 33 invention which employs a rotary turbine 34 as an 1 alternative to the solar heating panel discussed in 2 relation to Figure 1 above. The rotary turbine 34 is 3 used to heat a fluid 35 within a tank 36 by means of 4 three 1kW immersion heating elements 37,38,39. The 5 temperature of the fluid 35 within the tank is measured 6 by a thermostat 40.
8 The size of the tank 36 will ideally be matched to the 9 desired output of the heating elements. It is envisaged 10 that the tank would be sized at around two thousand 11 litres per kilowatt output of the heating elements 12 37,38,39.
14 The fluid 35 within the tank 36 is heated in a staged 15 process. For example, when the rotary turbine 34 is 16 being driven by a light wind, only the first heating 17 element 37 is powered. As the wind increases in speed, 18 the remaining heating elements, 38 then 39, are driven 19 according to the electrical energy being provided by the rotary turbine 34. A de-stratification,,pump 41 is 21 attached to the tank 36 in order to redistribute thermal 22 energy in the fluid 35 and prevent stratified layers of 23 temperature. This maximises the energy usage in the tank 24 36.
26 A tank hose 42 is arranged within the tank 36 in a 27 serpentine fashion, and is used to extract thermal energy 28 from the tank 36. A fluid within the tank hose 42, for 29 example glycol, is circulated by a circulation pump 43 and thus moves thermal energy from the tank 36 (as 31 generated and stored by means of fluid 35) to other parts 32 of the system 33.
1 Glycol is selected in this example as it has a low 2 freezing point (preventing freezing in the winter) and a 3 high boiling point (meaning it can work with high 4 temperatures), has favourable thermal conductivity (can transfer heat with its surroundings) and good specific 6 heat capacity (can store thermal energy). However any 7 suitable fluid with similarly advantageous properties may 8 be used.
Two ground loops 44,45 are provided, consisting of bore 11 holes 46,47 each with a respective hose package 48,49 of 12 appropriate length inserted. As above, the ground loops 13 44,45 act as thermal energy storage devices, and will (to 14 continue the example above) be filled with glycol.
A heat pump 50 is also provided, and receives heated 16 glycol from either the tank hose 42 or from the boreholes 17 46,47. As described above, the thermal energy provided 18 to the heat pump in this way allows the heat pump to 19 generated heated water for an external system (not shown) such as an underfloor heating installation.
22 An arrangement of hoses join the heat pump 50, bore holes 23 46,47 and the tank in order to facilitate the movement of 24 thermal energy (by means of the glycol within) amongst the parts of the system as required. Three motorised 26 valves 51,52,53 (and a by-pass valve 54) determine the 27 flow of thermal energy, and are controlled by a control 28 module 55. The control module 55 also receives 29 temperature information via the thermostat 40 in order to determine how the thermal energy in the system should be 31 routed.
1 In a particular example, the control module 55 monitors 2 the temperature of the fluid 35 within the tank 36 to 3 determine the most efficient way of using the thermal 4 energy available to generate heated water to the external system.
7 When the temperature of the fluid 35 in the tank 36 is 8 below, say, 102C, the heat pump 50 will operate normally 9 and take thermal energy from the fluid in the ground loops 44,45 in order to generate hot water in accordance 11 with the heat exchange mechanism described above.
13 When the temperature of the fluid 35 in the tank 36 is at 14 a temperature of between, say, 102C and 202C, the heat pump 50 will use the thermal energy from the fluid 35 in 16 the tank 36 via the glycol circulating in the tank hose 17 42 to generate hot water. Above 202C the thermal energy 18 from the tank will be transferred to the ground loops 19 44,45.
21 It is also envisaged that the system 33 could be adapted 22 to operate without the need for the ground loops 44,45.
23 In fact, it is possible to operate the system 33 without 24 these, instead using the fluid 35 within the tank 36 as the means of storing thermal energy (as well as 26 generating that energy). In this way the heat pump 50 27 could be connected solely to the tank hose 42 and still 28 generate hot water for an external system.
An alternative to the ground loop in the borehole 31 comprises a buried hose, for example a hose buried in the 32 garden of a house in which the energy storage system is 33 to be d-ployed. This hose is typically buried at a depth 1 of approximately 1 m. The hose has two ends, which serve 2 as an input port and an output port. Water is stored 3 within the hose, which may be circulated. The solar 4 energy stored in the ground may also be used to heat the water, in which case this type of ground loop may in 6 fact, as an alternative, replace the solar panel.
8 It has been shown that the present invention provides a 9 system and a relevant method for more efficient use of energy, in particular thermal energy used as a renewable 11 energy source. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 12 will heat water in a solar water heating plate to 13 transfer to a hot water cylinder, but below a threshold 14 temperature the heated water will be pumped into the ground loop. When required, the water from the ground 16 loop can be pumped to the heat pump to generate heat 17 which is transferred to a hot water cylinder.
19 The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description 21 and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the 22 invention to the precise form disclosed. The described 23 embodiments were chosen and described in order to best 24 explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art 26 to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and 27 with various modifications as are suited to the 28 particular use contemplated. Therefore, further 29 modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by 31 the appended claims.
23 When deployed in this way, heating of the water in the 24 solar water heating panel 3 is effected by the thermal energy collected from sunlight. The sunlight heats up 26 the panel 3 and as a result, thermal energy is 27 transferred from the plate 5 to the water. The heated 28 water can be pumped away and the thermal energy will be 29 replaced by continued thermal energy received from the sun which will reheat the panel 3. As the water may be 31 circulated, the thermal energy may be carried away from 32 the solar panel to other parts of the system 1.
WO 2006/136860 _ PCT/GB2006/002349 1 A ground loop 6 is provided, in the form of a bore hole 7 2 with an inserted hose package 8 of an appropriate length.
3 The hose package 8 extends to the bottom of the bore hole 4 7 where it loops to extend back up to the surface. It is envisaged that if necessary a larger length of hose could 6 be accommodated by adopting a coiled, serpentine or 7 helical hose in a shortened borehole. The borehole 7 8 will typically extend to between 60 and 100m in depth.
9 This acts as a thermal energy storage device as the water, heated as described above, may be pumped to the 11 ground loop 6 where it can reside underground. The 12 ground loop 6 similarly comprises a ground loop input 13 port 9 and a ground loop outlet port 10 formed at either 14 end of the hose package 8.
16 A heat pump 11 is also provided, the heat pump 11 17 comprising a heat pump input port 12 and a heat pump 18 output port 13. The heat pump input port 12 and output 19 port 13 receive the heated water disposed from the solar panel 3 or from the borehole 7, and is connected to a 21 hose system 14 between them both by means of an input 22 hose 15 and an output hose 16. The hose system 14 joins 23 the solar panel 3 and the ground loop 6 in the borehole 24 7, to which the input 15 and output hoses 16 of the heat pump 11 are connected. The thermal energy storing water 26 can therefore be circulated amongst the components of the 27 system 1.
29 The heat pump 11 is used to provide a heat exchanging mechanism whereby a house to which the system 1 is 31 deployed may benefit from the thermal energy collected by 32 the water in the system 1. The water within the system 1 33 has been warmed by solar thermal energy in the solar 1 panel 3, or by thermal energy transferred to or retained 2 by the liquid in the borehole 7.
4 The heat exchange mechanism is well known. The warm liquid is used to heat up a refrigerant within the heat 6 pump 11, which in turn evaporates. The heat pump 11 then 7 compresses the refrigerant which results in an increase 8 in the temperature of the refrigerant. This temperature 9 increase is used to heat up water which is then transferred to the cylinder 17 or back into the borehole 11 7. In heating the water, the refrigerant condenses and 12 is pumped back to be heated again by incoming water, thus 13 completing the cycle. By way of example only, the heat 14 pump 11 may generate three units of heat for each single unit of electricity powering the heat pump.
17 A first 18 and a second solenoid valve 19 are employed to 18 control the flow of water within the system 1, to control 19 whether the water flows into the borehole 7 or into the cylinder 17, for example. A "solar controller" 20 is 21 provided which controls the operation of the valves 18,19 22 in response to the temperature of the solar water heating 23 panel 3, as measured by the temperature sensor 21. A
24 number of predetermined conditions, i.e. threshold temperature values, are set from which the "solar 26 controller" 20 determines the optimum flow of water to 27 optimise energy efficiency.
29 The cylinder 17 is analogous to a hot water tank within a conventional domestic environment, wherein water is 31 heated and then stored in the cylinder 17, ready for use.
32 The cylinder 17 is adapted to receive hot water from the 33 heat pump 11, axid also from the solar water heating panel 1 3 dependent on the position of the valves 18,19, and 2 store each in a first and a second reservoir 3 respectively.
In accordance with safety rules and regulations, a number 6 of safety features (not shown) are also incorporated. A
7 pressure relief valve, typically designed to relieve 8 pressures in excess of 1.5 bar, is provided to prevent 9 excess pressure build up in the hose system.
Furthermore, a temperature relief valve, typically 11 designed to relieve temperatures in excess of 100 C, is 12 provided to prevent overheating of the system, and also 13 prevents water of excessive temperatures being supplied 14 through, for example, the plumbing system of a house.
16 An exemplary mode of operation will now be described in 17 relation to the block diagram illustrated in Figure 2, 18 and with further reference to Figure 1.
The values in the following description of operation are 21 for indicative and relative purposes only and are not 22 intended to be limiting.
24 The temperature of the solar water heating panel is constantly monitored 22 by the temperature sensor. The 26 temperature of the water within may be directly 27 determined from the temperature of the solar water 28 heating panel.
When the temperature of the solar water heating panel is 31 below 16 C 23, the solar water heating panel produces 1 water at below 8 C, which will typically not increase the 2 temperature of water stored in the ground loop and 3 therefore the system does nothing 24.
When the temperature exceeds 16 C 23, but is below a 6 second threshold value 25 of, say, 48 C, the solar water 7 heating panel produces hot water up to a temperature of 8 30 C 26. This water is pumped directly into the ground 9 loop 27.
11 It is worth noting that typically the temperature will 12 have to remain above any threshold value for, say, 30 13 seconds before any action is performed as a result.
If the temperature exceeds 48 C 25, hot water is produced 16 at temperatures of 42 C and above 28. This water is 17 pumped directly to the cylinder 29.
19 In the meantime, domestic demand on the water cylinder may require hot water to be provided 30 in excess of the 21 hot water currently produced directly by the solar water 22 heating panel in which case the water from the ground 23 loop is pumped to the heat pump 31. The heat pump 24 generates hotter water which is then pumped to the cylinder 32, as long as demand continues.
27 Any means, preferably reliant on renewable sources, may 28 be employed to extract energy from the surroundings.
29 Furthermore, any means may be employed to store the energy.
32 Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the present 33 invention which employs a rotary turbine 34 as an 1 alternative to the solar heating panel discussed in 2 relation to Figure 1 above. The rotary turbine 34 is 3 used to heat a fluid 35 within a tank 36 by means of 4 three 1kW immersion heating elements 37,38,39. The 5 temperature of the fluid 35 within the tank is measured 6 by a thermostat 40.
8 The size of the tank 36 will ideally be matched to the 9 desired output of the heating elements. It is envisaged 10 that the tank would be sized at around two thousand 11 litres per kilowatt output of the heating elements 12 37,38,39.
14 The fluid 35 within the tank 36 is heated in a staged 15 process. For example, when the rotary turbine 34 is 16 being driven by a light wind, only the first heating 17 element 37 is powered. As the wind increases in speed, 18 the remaining heating elements, 38 then 39, are driven 19 according to the electrical energy being provided by the rotary turbine 34. A de-stratification,,pump 41 is 21 attached to the tank 36 in order to redistribute thermal 22 energy in the fluid 35 and prevent stratified layers of 23 temperature. This maximises the energy usage in the tank 24 36.
26 A tank hose 42 is arranged within the tank 36 in a 27 serpentine fashion, and is used to extract thermal energy 28 from the tank 36. A fluid within the tank hose 42, for 29 example glycol, is circulated by a circulation pump 43 and thus moves thermal energy from the tank 36 (as 31 generated and stored by means of fluid 35) to other parts 32 of the system 33.
1 Glycol is selected in this example as it has a low 2 freezing point (preventing freezing in the winter) and a 3 high boiling point (meaning it can work with high 4 temperatures), has favourable thermal conductivity (can transfer heat with its surroundings) and good specific 6 heat capacity (can store thermal energy). However any 7 suitable fluid with similarly advantageous properties may 8 be used.
Two ground loops 44,45 are provided, consisting of bore 11 holes 46,47 each with a respective hose package 48,49 of 12 appropriate length inserted. As above, the ground loops 13 44,45 act as thermal energy storage devices, and will (to 14 continue the example above) be filled with glycol.
A heat pump 50 is also provided, and receives heated 16 glycol from either the tank hose 42 or from the boreholes 17 46,47. As described above, the thermal energy provided 18 to the heat pump in this way allows the heat pump to 19 generated heated water for an external system (not shown) such as an underfloor heating installation.
22 An arrangement of hoses join the heat pump 50, bore holes 23 46,47 and the tank in order to facilitate the movement of 24 thermal energy (by means of the glycol within) amongst the parts of the system as required. Three motorised 26 valves 51,52,53 (and a by-pass valve 54) determine the 27 flow of thermal energy, and are controlled by a control 28 module 55. The control module 55 also receives 29 temperature information via the thermostat 40 in order to determine how the thermal energy in the system should be 31 routed.
1 In a particular example, the control module 55 monitors 2 the temperature of the fluid 35 within the tank 36 to 3 determine the most efficient way of using the thermal 4 energy available to generate heated water to the external system.
7 When the temperature of the fluid 35 in the tank 36 is 8 below, say, 102C, the heat pump 50 will operate normally 9 and take thermal energy from the fluid in the ground loops 44,45 in order to generate hot water in accordance 11 with the heat exchange mechanism described above.
13 When the temperature of the fluid 35 in the tank 36 is at 14 a temperature of between, say, 102C and 202C, the heat pump 50 will use the thermal energy from the fluid 35 in 16 the tank 36 via the glycol circulating in the tank hose 17 42 to generate hot water. Above 202C the thermal energy 18 from the tank will be transferred to the ground loops 19 44,45.
21 It is also envisaged that the system 33 could be adapted 22 to operate without the need for the ground loops 44,45.
23 In fact, it is possible to operate the system 33 without 24 these, instead using the fluid 35 within the tank 36 as the means of storing thermal energy (as well as 26 generating that energy). In this way the heat pump 50 27 could be connected solely to the tank hose 42 and still 28 generate hot water for an external system.
An alternative to the ground loop in the borehole 31 comprises a buried hose, for example a hose buried in the 32 garden of a house in which the energy storage system is 33 to be d-ployed. This hose is typically buried at a depth 1 of approximately 1 m. The hose has two ends, which serve 2 as an input port and an output port. Water is stored 3 within the hose, which may be circulated. The solar 4 energy stored in the ground may also be used to heat the water, in which case this type of ground loop may in 6 fact, as an alternative, replace the solar panel.
8 It has been shown that the present invention provides a 9 system and a relevant method for more efficient use of energy, in particular thermal energy used as a renewable 11 energy source. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 12 will heat water in a solar water heating plate to 13 transfer to a hot water cylinder, but below a threshold 14 temperature the heated water will be pumped into the ground loop. When required, the water from the ground 16 loop can be pumped to the heat pump to generate heat 17 which is transferred to a hot water cylinder.
19 The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description 21 and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the 22 invention to the precise form disclosed. The described 23 embodiments were chosen and described in order to best 24 explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art 26 to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and 27 with various modifications as are suited to the 28 particular use contemplated. Therefore, further 29 modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by 31 the appended claims.
Claims (42)
1. A system comprising;
an energy extraction means, the energy extraction means adapted to extract energy from a source;
an energy storage means, the energy storage means adapted to retrievably store the extracted energy;
an energy output means, the energy output means adapted to controllably release energy from the system;
an energy transferring means, the energy transferring means adapted to transfer energy between the energy extraction means, the energy storage means, and the energy output means; and an energy transfer controlling means, the energy transfer controlling means adapted to control the transfer of energy between the energy extraction means, the energy storage means, and the energy output means.
an energy extraction means, the energy extraction means adapted to extract energy from a source;
an energy storage means, the energy storage means adapted to retrievably store the extracted energy;
an energy output means, the energy output means adapted to controllably release energy from the system;
an energy transferring means, the energy transferring means adapted to transfer energy between the energy extraction means, the energy storage means, and the energy output means; and an energy transfer controlling means, the energy transfer controlling means adapted to control the transfer of energy between the energy extraction means, the energy storage means, and the energy output means.
2. A system as defined by Claim 1 wherein the energy transfer controlling means operates so as to optimise the energy flow into the output means.
3. A system as defined by Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the energy storage system further comprises a heat pump, the heat pump located between the energy storage means and the energy output means.
4. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the energy transferring means comprises at least one conduit connecting two or more of the components of the system.
5. A system as defined by Claim 4 wherein the conduit is hollow and contains a fluid, the fluid adapted to store and to transfer heat energy by flowing therein.
6. A system as defined by Claim 5 wherein the fluid is glycol.
7. A system as defined by Claim 5 wherein the fluid is water.
8. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the energy extraction means comprises a solar heating panel, the solar heating panel adapted to receive energy from the sun and impart thermal energy to a fluid in the solar heating panel.
9. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the energy extraction means comprises one or more hoses filled with a fluid, the hose adapted to trap thermal energy from the surroundings.
10. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the energy extraction means comprises a hose located within a tank containing a volume of fluid, the hose adapted to extract thermal energy from the volume of fluid.
11. A system as defined by Claim 10 wherein the energy extraction means further comprises one or more heating elements located on or in the tank and adapted to provide thermal energy to the fluid.
12. A system as defined by Claim 11 wherein the energy extraction means comprises a wind turbine adapted to provide electrical energy to the one or more heating elements.
13. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 12 wherein the energy extraction means further comprises a temperature sensor.
14. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the energy storage means comprises one or more ground loops.
15. A system as defined by Claim 14 wherein the one or more ground loops are inserted in respective boreholes.
16. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the energy storage means comprises a tank containing a volume of fluid.
17. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 16 wherein the energy transfer controlling means comprises at least one valve, the at least one valve located within the system so as to control the flow of the fluid within the system.
18. A system as defined by Claim 17 wherein the energy transfer controlling means further comprises a controller means, the controller means adapted to control the at least one valve in response to a temperature signal received from the temperature sensor.
19. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 18 wherein the energy output means comprises a cylinder, the cylinder adapted to receive and retain a quantity of fluid.
20. A system as defined by Claim 19 wherein the cylinder comprises an output means, the output means adapted to selectively flow fluid into the system or into an external system.
21. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 20 wherein the external system comprises a hot water system.
22. A system as defined by any of Claims 1 to 20 wherein the external system comprises a heating system.
23. A cylinder adapted for use as the energy output means in a system as described in any of Claims 1 to 22, the cylinder comprising a first reservoir and a second reservoir, wherein the cylinder further comprises a means of diverting fluid from at least one of the energy extraction means and the energy storage means to either reservoir.
24. A cylinder as defined by Claim 23 wherein the cylinder is vented.
25. A cylinder as defined by Claim 23 wherein the cylinder is unvented.
26. A cylinder as defined by any of Claims 23 to 25 wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are adapted to retain different quantities of fluid.
27. A cylinder as defined by any of Claims 23 to 26 wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are adapted to retain different temperatures of fluid.
28. A cylinder as defined by any of Claims 23 to 27 wherein the first reservoir and of the second reservoir are adapted to receive fluid at different rates of flow.
29. A method of storing and distributing energy employing a system as described by any of Claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) measuring a temperature in the energy extraction means; and (b) selectively moving energy from the energy extraction means to either the energy storage means or the energy output means or retaining the energy in the energy extraction means dependent on the temperature in the energy extraction means.
(a) measuring a temperature in the energy extraction means; and (b) selectively moving energy from the energy extraction means to either the energy storage means or the energy output means or retaining the energy in the energy extraction means dependent on the temperature in the energy extraction means.
30. A method as defined by Claim 29 wherein the energy is moved in the form of thermal energy within the system.
31. A method as defined by Claim 29 or Claim 30 wherein the thermal energy is stored in the fluid which flows in conduits connecting the components of the system.
32. A method as defined by any of Claims 29 to 31 comprising the step of effecting a change in the movement of fluid in the system dependent on the temperature of the fluid in the energy extraction means reaching a threshold value.
33. A method as defined by any of Claims 29 to 31 comprising the step of effecting a change in the movement of fluid in the system dependent on the temperature of the energy extraction means reaching a threshold value.
34. A method as defined by Claim 32 or Claim 33 wherein the step of effecting a change in the flow of fluid is dependent on the temperature of the fluid or the energy extraction means exceeding a threshold value for a predetermined period of time.
35. A method as defined by any of Claims 29 to 34 comprising the step of moving energy from the energy extraction means to the energy storage means in response to the temperature in the energy extraction means exceeding a first threshold temperature value.
36. A method as defined by any of Claims 29 to 35 comprising the step of moving energy from the energy extraction means to the energy output means in response to the temperature in the energy extraction means exceeding a second threshold temperature value, the second threshold temperature value being higher than the first threshold temperature value.
37. A method as defined by any of Claims 29 to 35 comprising the step of moving energy from the energy extraction means to the energy output means in response to the temperature in the energy extraction means exceeding a second threshold temperature value, the second threshold temperature value being lower than the first threshold temperature value.
38. A method as defined by any of Claims 29 to 37 comprising the step of retaining the energy in the energy extraction means in response to the temperature in the solar heating panel not exceeding the first threshold temperature value.
39. A method as defined by any of Claims 29 to 38 wherein retaining the energy in the energy extraction means comprises the additional step of flowing energy from the energy storage means to a heat pump.
40. At least one computer program comprising program instructions, which, when loaded into at least one computer, constitutes the energy transfer controlling means of any of Claims 1 to 22.
41. At least one computer program comprising program instructions, which, when loaded into at least one computer, cause the at least one computer to perform the method of any of Claims 29 to 39.
42. At least one computer program according to Claim 41 embodied on a recording medium or read-only memory, stored in at least one computer memory, or carried on an electrical carrier signal.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0512813.7 | 2005-06-23 | ||
| GBGB0512813.7A GB0512813D0 (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2005-06-23 | Improved energy storage system |
| PCT/GB2006/002349 WO2006136860A1 (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2006-06-23 | Improved energy storage system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2613231A1 true CA2613231A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
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ID=34856033
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002613231A Abandoned CA2613231A1 (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2006-06-23 | Improved energy storage system |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1941211A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2008546980A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101278155A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2613231A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB0512813D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2006136860A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8940265B2 (en) | 2009-02-17 | 2015-01-27 | Mcalister Technologies, Llc | Sustainable economic development through integrated production of renewable energy, materials resources, and nutrient regimes |
| GB2458272A (en) * | 2008-03-11 | 2009-09-16 | David Osborne | Solar water heating system comprising a wind turbine |
| US9231267B2 (en) | 2009-02-17 | 2016-01-05 | Mcalister Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for sustainable economic development through integrated full spectrum production of renewable energy |
| US8313556B2 (en) | 2009-02-17 | 2012-11-20 | Mcalister Technologies, Llc | Delivery systems with in-line selective extraction devices and associated methods of operation |
| US8814983B2 (en) | 2009-02-17 | 2014-08-26 | Mcalister Technologies, Llc | Delivery systems with in-line selective extraction devices and associated methods of operation |
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| US8808529B2 (en) | 2009-02-17 | 2014-08-19 | Mcalister Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for sustainable economic development through integrated full spectrum production of renewable material resources using solar thermal |
| EP2470312A4 (en) * | 2009-08-27 | 2014-02-05 | Mcalister Technologies Llc | Sustainable economic development through integrated production of renewable energy, materials resources, and nutrient regimes |
| FR2956197A1 (en) * | 2010-02-05 | 2011-08-12 | Vincent Louis Marcel Besch | Device for collecting and accumulating solar energy e.g. solar thermic low energy, in basement of houses, has sensor sensing solar energy at coolant, underground heat diffuser and control device applying controlling mode |
| US20120090663A1 (en) * | 2010-10-15 | 2012-04-19 | Brightleaf Technologies Incorporated | Deriving economic value from waste heat from concentrated photovoltaic systems |
| CN105042669A (en) * | 2015-08-30 | 2015-11-11 | 中能世华(北京)节能科技有限公司 | Terrestrial heat supply intelligent device |
| NO343262B1 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-01-14 | Norges Miljoe Og Biovitenskapelige Univ Nmbu | Solar thermal collecting and storage |
| EP4290169A3 (en) | 2017-09-25 | 2024-02-28 | Nostromo Ltd. | Thermal energy storage array |
| EP3857154A4 (en) | 2018-09-25 | 2022-07-20 | Nostromo Ltd. | Fluid flow in thermal storage containers |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL89878C (en) * | 1951-06-04 | 1900-01-01 | ||
| US4062489A (en) * | 1976-04-21 | 1977-12-13 | Henderson Roland A | Solar-geothermal heat system |
| US4344414A (en) * | 1978-04-21 | 1982-08-17 | Balch Joseph C | Solar-earth thermal system |
| US4361135A (en) * | 1979-05-05 | 1982-11-30 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Cooperative heat transfer and ground coupled storage system |
| FR2505990B1 (en) * | 1981-05-14 | 1986-03-28 | Calories Geothermiques Solaire | HEATING SYSTEM FOR PREMISES, ESPECIALLY FOR LIVING PREMISES |
-
2005
- 2005-06-23 GB GBGB0512813.7A patent/GB0512813D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2006
- 2006-06-23 WO PCT/GB2006/002349 patent/WO2006136860A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-06-23 CA CA002613231A patent/CA2613231A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-06-23 EP EP06755635A patent/EP1941211A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2006-06-23 JP JP2008517605A patent/JP2008546980A/en active Pending
- 2006-06-23 CN CNA2006800299924A patent/CN101278155A/en active Pending
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|---|---|
| WO2006136860A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
| CN101278155A (en) | 2008-10-01 |
| GB0512813D0 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| EP1941211A1 (en) | 2008-07-09 |
| JP2008546980A (en) | 2008-12-25 |
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