GB1287690A - Improvements in or relating to the storage of thermal energy - Google Patents

Abstract

1287690 Thermal storage devices utilizing exothermic chemical reactions ELECTRICITY COUNCIL 15 June 1971 [23 March 1970] 13961/70 Headings F4U and F4X A thermal storage device comprises an inner container 10 filled with powdered carbonate material, preferably calcium carbonate 11, electric heaters 12 embedded in the carbonate, a carbon dioxide outlet 14 connected via a valve 16 to a carbon store 17 dioxide and an outer container 18 with an air inlet 19 and an air outlet 20. In operation, the heaters 12 are, energized causing the dissociation of the calcium carbonate at 600‹ C. into carbon dioxide and axial material. The carbon dioxide passes to store. When heat is required, the carbon dioxide is passed back into the container 10, the reaction being exothermic thereby causing the container 10 to be heated and hence heating air circulation through the outer container 18. The carbon dioxide store may comprise a vessel filled with activated charcoal, or it may be a refrigeration vessel in which the carbon dioxide is liquified. In another embodiment, a compressor is provided for compressing carbon dioxide before it is fed into the store and/or from the store before it is fed into the vessel.