OA16681A - Thermal energy storage and plant, method and use thereof. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a thermal energy storage and heat exchange unit, comprising a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, distinctive in that: the storage comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material is arranged around the heat transfer container, and the heat transfer container contains the heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, so that all heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container. Method of building the thermal energy storage, plant comprising the storage, method using the plant and use of the storage or plant.

Description

THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE AND PLANT, METHOD AND USE THEREOF

Field ofthe invention

The présent invention relates to energy storages. More specifically, the invention relates to thermal energy storage and a method of building it, a plant for energy production, a method for energy production and use of the thermal energy storage. The thermal energy storage comprises a solid state main storage.

Background of the invention and prior art

Thermal energy storages can be used to store heat when heat is readily available and to deliver heat in periods of demand.

Several solid state heat storages using concrète or natural rock as storage medium are previously known. However, inefficient or impractical means for charge and discharge of heat is a typical problem of solid state thermal storages.

In patent publication DE 10 2009 036 550 A1 a solid state thermal heat storage is described, having a first part A and a second part B. A pipe system for feeding or taking out heat is arranged through the first part A, for charging or discharging heat by flowing a working medium through the pipe system. The second part B includes a solid state storage medium, which can be . concrète, which is loaded or unloaded with thermal energy, i.e. heat. In operation a heat transfer fluid flows in counter flow to the working fluid in the first part A in order to load or unload heat and the heat transfer fluid further flows in separate channels arranged through the second part B in order to unload or load heat, thereby transferring heat between the first part A and the second part B. The second part B contains a number of channels arranged forflowofthe heat transferfluid, the channels are separate from and are arranged a distance away from the first part A. The heat transfer fluid flows by forced or natural convection, The channels add complexity and reduce levels and ranges of stress and displacement that can be handled, thereby limitîng the maximum température and température range, as well as limitîng the pressure ofthe fluid in the channels.

Other prior art solid state heat storages are described in the patent publications DE 10211598, EP 0049669, EP 1544562, EP 2273225, US3381113, US 4219074 and CN 100578133. Said patent publications describe thermal storages without a separate heat transfer fluid which can flow by natural convection in order to transfer heat.

The subject matter of the nearest prior art, DE 10 2009 036 550 A1, is described in an article in CSP-today 12 March 2010, where a working température up to 400 °C is described. Further, concrète is described as cost effective for thermal heat storage, but ail the other éléments, including tubes add cost, resulting in a cost for large plants only slightly cheaper than competing technologies. Achieving a more cost efficient heat storage is set forth as a main challenge; another is to charge and discharge heat more rapidly.

The objective of the présent invention is to provide a thermal energy storage which is bénéficiai over the above mentioned technology with respect to the issues mentioned. Further, the thermal heat storage should preferably be:

• Feasible for operation at higher température and higher fluid pressure, thereby allowing production of electricity in a turbine-generator more efficiently • Be less complex and more compact • Allow adaptation of materials used according to requirement • Facilitating easy maintenance and replacement of parts • Easier to scale up or down to any size of storage • Hâve increased versatility, feasible for direct connection to heat producing energy plants such as coal power plants, nuclear power plants, waste burning plants and some solar power plants (concentrated solar power) as well as electric grids and electricity producing power plants such as solar power plants, wind power plants and hydro power plants • Be safe against explosions and the environment • Feasible for operation at -70 to +700 °C • Be possible to use virtually anywhere and in any topography • Faster response for charging and discharging energy • Allowing saving peak production that otherwise would overload the grid or be wasted and allowing delivery when the connected source has insufficient production or the energy price is high, over the day, week or season, balancing power supply to power demand.

• Allowing a downscaled grid and more optimal operating parameters of the grid, including reducing the grid investments for peak production and transmission infrastructure between régions and nations • Increasing power security and quality

Summary of the invention

The présent invention is bénéficiai with respect to ail of the above-mentioned issues.

The invention provides a thermal energy storage, comprising a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, distinctive in that:

the storage comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material is arranged around the heat transfer container, and the heat transfer container contains the heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, so that ail heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container.

The solid state material can be any solid material or combinations of solid materials having sufficient heat storage capacity and strength at the intended operating conditions, such as natural rock, metals and alloys, substrates, concrète, grouting and others. The heat transfer fluid can be any liquid or gas, however, preferably it is stable and low-viscous at the operating conditions, nontoxic and having high heat capacity and large density variation with varying température and thereby good heat transfer rate capability by convection, such as thermal oil or molten salts. Thermal oils, particularly synthetic oils but also minerai oils, are commercially available as such and as oïl for transformera or motors. Currently thermal oils are available for températures up to about 400 °C for operation at atmospheric pressure, however, increasing the pressure above the heat transfer fluid increases the maximum operating température. Even better performing oils are under development and will be preferred when available. Molten salts, natural or synthetic, or molten metals or alloys are currently feasible and available for températures in the range up to 400-700 °C or above if higher température sources are available. The molten salts can be based on Na, K, Ca nitrates, -nitrites or diphenyl/biphenyl oxides, for example. The heat transfer container can take any shape and orientation, but preferably it has the shape and orientation of a smooth or corrugated standing cylinder, pipe or tube into which a section of a pipe circuit for energy input and output can be arranged, as well as electric heating means for energy input, whilst allowing natural convection over a long distance along the means for energy input and output and heat transfer container walls in order to maximize the heat transfer rate. A heat transfer container in this context means a single void, volume, cavity or space without separate parts, branches or channels outside the inner surface or central volume thereof, such as the interior of a cylinder, pipe or tube, or a cavity or a volume directly in a concrète block, rock or other solid material, open or closed but able to contain the heat transfer fluid. This is contrary to the teaching of DE 10 2009 036 550 A1. Even though the heat transfer container is the interior volume of a cylinder, pipe, tube, void or any feasible volume in the storage without branches, the heat transfer container will in this context, for the sake of clarity, also be described with reference only to the words cylinder, pipe or tube or sections thereof. Heat transfer takes place in or more precisely through the respective heat transfer containers, which means that heat is transferred between the means for energy input and output and the surrounding solid state thermal storage material via the heat transfer containers filled with heat transfer fluid. AH heat transfer between the means for energy input and output and the solid state thermal storage material is in principle through the single volume heat transfer containers, by or through the heat transfer fluid and preferably in substance by the very effective heat transfer mechanism convection. The means for energy input and output operatively arranged into the heat transfer container filled with heat transfer fluid, function as an effective but simple heat exchanger. Ail parts of the storage has an own thermal storage capacity contributing to the heat storage. Heat transfer efficiency is enhanced for preferred embodiments by substantial heat transfer by convection, which is a rapid and efficient heat transfer mechanism that is additional to slower conduction and radiation. With the solution of the présent invention, effective charging and discharging of energy and a simple, versatile, easily scalable design is achieved at the same time. With the thermal energy storage of the invention, al! heat transfer between the means for energy input and output and the surrounding solid state thermal storage material takes place in the respective heat transfer containers. Or in other words, charging and discharging of heat, of the solid state storage material, is by heat transfer in the heat transfer fluid filled heat transfer container between the means for energy input and output and the surrounding solid state thermal storage material.

The simples! embodiment of the thermal energy storage of the invention is possibly a natural rock or concrète block having a single cavity as the heat transfer container arranged directly in the solid material, into which cavity heat transfer fluid has been filled and a pipe circuit segment has been arranged as the means for energy input and output. Thermal energy is thus stored in the natural rock or concrète block, the heat transfer fluid filled cavity enhances the rate of loading and unloading thermal energy to or from the pipe circuit segment by increasing the heat transfer rate by providing substantial heat transfer by convection in the heat transfer fluid, which heat transfer by convection cornes in addition to heat conduction and radiation.

Another simple embodiment of the thermal storage of the invention is a number of heat transfer containers arranged side by side at appropriate distance in a single concrète block that can be moulded in one operation, the concrète block can be small or large. This embodiment can be bénéficiai due to simple production. For example can preassembled heat transfer container tubes be arranged side by side inside the outer limite of the storage, the volume between the tubes inside the outer storage limits can be built by filling cernent or fluid grouting, for example by pumping.

The simple design of the storage, without any requirement of any additional channels or pipes inside the solid state heat storage parts outside the heat transfer containers, facilitâtes production, assembly, sealing up or down and versatility, as well as maintenance, replacement of damaged pipes, and ability to withstand high température and température gradients without détérioration.

The storage comprises numerous préférable embodiments and features, some of which are described below.

The means for energy input and output preferably comprises pipes arranged for flow of fluid warmer than the storage température for heat energy input or fluid colder than the storage température for heat energy output. The pipes for heat energy input can be the same pipes as used for energy output, or different pipe circuit loops or segments can be provided for energy input and output, conveniently if different fluids are used as heat carrier for energy input and output. Any feasible electric heating means, such as Joule heating, heating cables and heat tracing can be arranged as a means for energy input, alone or in combination with pipes transporting fluid. Even the fluid within the heat transfer container may be directly used as means for heat delivery or heat extraction. As an example, heat may be delivered to the storage by circulating the heat exchanger fluid such as oil whereas heat may be extracted by a separate water/steam pressure pipe loop inside the heat exchanger.

Preferably the means for energy input and output comprises a pipe brought into the heat transfer container from top to bottom and back to top, preferably the downward and upward flow pipe sections are arranged a distance apart, in order to charge or discharge heat along the full length as immersed into heat transfer fluid. The pipe may hâve corrugations or other structure increasing the surface area arranged longitudinally along parts thereof and a séparation wall between a part of the upward and downward flow pipe sections, in order to enhance the heat transfer rate. Alternatively pipes are brought in at the top and out at the bottom of the heat transfer container, or opposite, or in and out at the bottom of the cavities. Bringing the pipe in and out at either end of the heat transfer container is an alternative arrangement. Alternatively the means for energy input and output comprises an outer pipe brought into the heat transfer container from top to bottom, where it is closed, and an inner pipe back from near the lower end of the outer pipe, where it is open, to top, arranged concentrically in a cylindrical heat transfer container as a concentric pipe in pipe arrangement. A concentric design can be préférable with respect to even radial distance for convection and possibility to hâve a fully concentric embodiment with one single concentric heat transfer container, which can be préférable for the highest températures due to perfect circular symmetrical température profiles without anomalies.

The means for energy input and output preferably comprises pipes carrying supercritical water, steam, water, synthetic or natural thermal oils, synthetic or natural molten salts, flue gas or exhaust gas. Preferably the pipes or pipe circuit parts for energy input or output are conveniently provided with means for correct positioning in the heat transfer containers, such as spacer structures, for example spacer clamps arranged at élévation intervals. A particular advantage of the présent invention is that the system can be directly connected for using the typical heated fluid provided by power plants, such as heated water, steam and supercritical water. Modem coal power plants may provide supercritical water at 375-700 °C, which is préférable where available. Nuclear power plants provide steam or water at 150-300 °C, which is préférable when readily available. Waste burning plants and green energy plants provide steam or water at different températures and pressures depending on the technology used. Solar power plants may provide heated oils or molten salts which can be heat exchanged with water-steam to produce electricity. Feasible pipes of small diameter for high température and high pressure, and fittings and valves, are readily available, for example based on ferritic steel. The very highest températures and pressures may require use of the so called superalloys. Direct connection of supercritical water or hot high pressure steam is effective since no further energy transformation is required for charging or discharging of the thermal energy, and the higher température and pressure ranges for thermal heat input, as available from modem coal and nuclear power plants, can be used to operate electrical generators by driving efficient turbines. Electrical heating éléments or devices, Joule heating means, such as heating rods or cables, are preferably included for embodiments with oil, molten sait or metals in input and output pipes or in the heat transfer cavities, for maintaining said materials in a fluid state in case of a long term shutdown, and in addition or alternatively storage vessels where such fluids can solidify safely can be operatively connected for storing such sait or melts.

Preferably the heat transfer container is a vertically standing cylinder, pipe or tube with top extending up at a top side of the storage and with a flange, lid, cap or similar at the top end through which the means for energy input and output in the form of small diameter high pressure pipes are arranged, the heat transfer container is filled with thermal oil or other heat transfer fluid up to at least a level equal to the surrounding solid material, the uppermost part is fully filled or vapour filled and preferably has sensors and means for leakage détection and handling arranged in order to detect and handle any leakage from the means for heat input and output. Also the lower container or pipe end may comprise a flange, lid or similar. Preferably feedthroughs or bushings are arranged in said flanges forfeeding through high pressure pipes and optional heat tracing as the means for energy input and output, and also sensor means, the container is filled with thermal oil and is preferably held at a pressure less than 20 bar, more préférable less than 8 bar, even more preferably atmospheric pressure, the sensor means monitors pressure or other parameters indicating leakage from the high pressure pipes.

The solid state thermal storage material preferably comprises grouting and concrète, the concrète forms a basïc storage unît and comprises one or more vertically oriented cavities or channels each containing a heat transfer container in the form of a cylinder, tube or pipe, or a section thereof, around which grouting is arranged, the grouting filling the volume between the container surface and concrète. The chosen number of channels and heat transfer containers arranged within one unit dépends on the desired performance of charging and extracting heat as well as the spécifie dimensions and physical design of each heat exchange container. The grouting has two main functions: to provide a continuous link between the heat exchanger and the main solid state material, and, second, to facilîtate use of an enhanced performance material in the most critical thermal zone. Grouting is typically high quality, high strength mortar or concrète paste providing increased strength even at high température and large température variations whilst ensuring direct contact without any gaps between the pipe and concrète, providing both improved mechanical strength and high thermal conductivity. The storage preferably comprises high strength fibre reinforced grouting between the heat transfer containers and high strength, high density fibre or bar reinforced concrète, the concrète preferably comprises a prefabricated reinforcement structure. The fibres are for example steel, carbon or basait fibres. The reinforcement bars may similarly be made of steel or bundled carbon or basait fibres. Preferably the storage contains no aggregates unfavourable for high température service, such as S1O2. However, basait, serpentine, magnetite and olivine are examples of rock aggregates that can be acceptable for very high température operation due to high heat conduction and heat capacity.

Preferably a number of concrète units are arranged on top of each other, the cavities or channels are aligned and extend from the top surface of the uppermost unit to at least a lower part ofthe lowermost unit, upper pipe or tube ends with lids, i.e. heat transfer containers, extend up over the concrète, the number of concrète units form a stack of concrète units, several stacks are arranged side by side inside thermal insulation walls, floor and roof, the upper pipe or tube ends are however easily accessible from the top by lifting up insulation, optionally insulation is arranged between stacks or groups of stacks in order to provide different température zones within the storage. However, gaps of suitable dimension to avoid contact are conveniently arranged between stacks of concrète units, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction and providing some insulation and escape routes of humidity. Internai insulation can be useful for various reasons and préférable when a part of the storage is operated at a different operating température, such as a high operating température feasible for operation of a particular turbine-electric generator. The storage will typically be located in a building or outer structure and be connected to several sources and several users, each delivering or using heat at different températures which can have corresponding parts of the storage allocated. In another préférable embodiment, the storage is arranged partly or fully into the ground.

Preferably the distance between the means for energy input and output and the inner wall of a heat transfer fluid filled vertically oriented heat transfer container is adapted to be a compromise between maximum heat transfer rate by convection and conduction and associated cost. At too short distance heat transfer is mainly by conduction and possibly some radiation, at appropriate distance convection becomes dominant and enhances the heat transfer rate. Larger heat θ exchanger means a larger surface area to transfer heat to the surrounding solid. But large beat transfer cavities means more expensive thermal oil or other expensive fluid must be filled into the annular space between the thermal energy carrying pipes and the heat transfer container inner wall. Numerical simulation or testing will reveal appropriate dimensions for relevant heat transfer fluids, heat transfer container dimensions and operating températures in accordance with targeted operating characteristics for the storage. As a starting point, the radial heat transfer fluid filled annular space width of the heat transfer container should be 2-10 times the diameter of the pipes for energy input and output.

The storage is preferably adapted to operate at a température in the range -70 to + 700 °C, such as 0 -650 or 60 - 600 °C, at a dynamic température range that can vary broadly and be very wide. The dynamic température range ΔΤ can be a 50,100, 200 or even 400°C. No previously known comparable heat storage can, as far as we know, operate at such wide température ranges without undue cracking, leakage and other operating problems. The operating température and dynamic température range can vary broadly according to the connected sources and users, within the estimated widest realistic current température range of -70 to +700 °C. In principle it is limitations with respect to materials, thermal oils or molten salts that limit the operating température and ranges. In practice design parameters are chosen according to operating parameters defined by type of sources and turbines connected, governing températures of fluid flowing in to and out from the storage, and resulting dynamic température range, requiring appropriate choices with respect to materials and shape. Appropriate concrète, grouting, pipe and cylinder materials are commercially available. Preferably the storage comprises or is connected to pipes and valves arranged as headers or manifolds for flowing fluid through pipes for energy input and output, in sériés or parallel, controllable by valves. For energy storages with several heat transfer containers the flow through input and output piping can be in parallel in order to achieve heating and cooling to be as optimal as possible. Preferably the storage comprises or is connected to means for conditioning of heat transfer fluid, such as a vapour condenser and a pump in a conditioning loop. Control of vapour pressure is crucial for safety. Similar arrangements may be required also for the energy carrying fluid in the pipes for energy input and output, depending on choice of fluid and operating parameters. Safety valves and pipes directing any leakage of hot fluid to a safe location are preferably arranged to the lids or flanges at top, optionally also at bottom, of the heat transfer containers. Preferably ail valves and pumps are arranged outside the lids or flanges at the top of the heat transfer containers, whilst pipe connections are arranged in lids or flanges, as threaded feedthroughs for example, and sensor means are arranged in the heat transfer container but connected to the lid or flange. This is a huge advantage since accessibility is improved, resulting in easier operation and maintenance.

The invention also provides a method of building a thermal energy storage according to the invention, by arranging a number of vertically oriented heat transfer containers in the storage, and filling grout or cernent in the volume outside said containers up to a level close to the upper ends of said containers. This provides a huge advantage over prior art thermal storages, which will be clear from the further explanation. For the typical embodiments of the method, heat transfer containers are arranged in channels through stacked concrète blocks and grouting is ftlled up in the annular volumes between containers and blocks. This ensures an intimate contact favourable for heat conduction and allows using an adapted high quality grouting in the annular volumes where the thermally induced stresses are highest.

However, a simple embodiment of the method is to arrange a number of heat transfer containers side by side at appropriate distance in a single concrète block that can be moulded in one operation, the concrète block can be small or large. Standardization of this embodiment can be bénéficiai due to simple production. For example can preassembled heat transfer container tubes be arranged side by side inside the outer limits or formwork of the storage, the single concrète block can be built by filling cernent or fluid grouting, for example by pumping, in the volume between the tubes inside the outer storage limits. The heat transfer containers can be used for température control, such as cooling a large concrète block, during the building process. Channels or partition gaps for thermal expansion and contraction, and escape of water which is not chemically bound, can preferably be arranged in a large storage. Appropriate spacers can be used as found convenient. In a preferred embodiment the heat transfer container tubes are delivered on site with pipe circuit segments for energy input and output preinstalled, preferably with connections readily available under protection covers in the upper container ends, and possibly the containers are prefilled with heat transfer fluid.

In a préférable embodiment of the method, concrète unit blocks with vertical channels distributed between a top and a bottom face are fabricated first, a heat transfer container having smaller diameter than the channels are arranged into respective channels, grout is filled into the volumes between the containers and concrète channel surfaces, and means for energy input and output and sensor means are brought into the containers and said means are arranged releasable and connected to a lid in the respective heat transfer containers. Heat transfer fluid is also brought into said containers, and spacers for positioning of pipe circuit segment for energy input and output, and control valves and other means for operation and control are provided and operatively arranged. The concrète unit blocks are preferably prefabricated and of a size and weight suitable for handling by a normal building site crâne.

The invention also provides a plant for energy production, comprising a source for energy and means for delivery, consumption or production of energy, the source and the means are operatively arranged. The plant is distinctive in that a thermal energy storage is operatively arranged between said source and said means, the storage comprises a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, the storage further comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material is arranged around the heat transfer container, and the heat transfer container contains the heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, so that ail heat transfening convection and conductions by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer containers. The plant of the invention comprises the thermal energy storage of the invention operatively arranged to a number of sources and a number of users.

The source of energy to the plant is a thermal source or an electric source, or both in any combination. For example, in a préférable embodiment a number of sources are connected, namely thermal sources, at different delivery températures, and electrical sources, the heat storage is adapted to store heat at different températures in different zones thereof, the zones may be separated by insulation or air gaps, and several means for delivery, consumption or production is connected, including turbine- electric generator combinations for each fluid used for energy input and output, such as supercritical water and steam, respectively, and piping for district heating or providing steam to industry.

The plant or storage can in a spécial mode of usage be utilized primarily as a heat exchanger between different fluids rather than for energy storage. For instance, thermally heated oil, such as delivered from a concentrated solar power plant, may be circulated within the heat exchanger containers where it is mainly heat exchanged directly with water/steam circulated in the internai pipe System.

The invention also provides a method for energy production with a plant according to the invention, distinctive by storing energy in periods of peak production, low market price or surplus production and delivering energy in periods of low production or high market price. In a préférable embodiment of the method, whereby a number of sources are connected to the plant, the sources hâve out of phase cycles for production and cost, whereby a source is chosen for storage when said source is in a mode of peak production, surplus production or low energy price.

Further, the invention provides use of a storage according to the invention, in any embodiment thereof, or a plant according to the invention, in any embodiment thereof, for storage of energy from sources for energy in periods of peak or surplus production or low market price, for delivering said energy in periods of insufficient production or high market price. The use according to the invention results in one or more of the benefits: it reduces the demand for electric energy grid transfer capacity, the energy supply security increases and the maximum electrical consumption can be increased without overloading the grid.

The invention may also serve an important purpose of providing energy supply security by storage of several types of renewable energy sources such as wind, waves, océan currents, and solar, which may hâve rather unpredictable performance of energy delivery. Such energy storage capabilities by the invention may become particularly important in the future as a growing share of the energy supply may be expected to corne from renewable sources. It is also worth noting that the invention is well suited tn connection with a geothermal heat source which by way of heat storage during the night can increase the power production during the day.

The thermal energy storage of the invention is clearly also bénéficiai used as a cold storage. In warm climates and developed countries a very significant part ofthe energy consumption is for cooling, the storage of the invention can store energy at low température (energy sink) for delivery as cold fluid for cooling or air conditioning purposes, at reduced cost.

Figures

The invention is illustrated with 8 figures, of which:

Fig. 1 illustrâtes an embodiment of a storage according to the invention,

Fig. 2 illustrâtes another embodiment of a storage according to the invention,

Fig. 3 illustrâtes how pipes for energy input and output can be arranged for a storage according to the invention,

Fig. 4 illustrâtes how reinforcement can be arranged in a concrète block in a storage according to the invention,

Fig. 5 illustrâtes an embodiment of a storage of the invention,

Fig. 6 illustrâtes a plant ofthe invention,

Fig. 7 illustrâtes another embodiment of a plant of the invention,

Detailed description

Reference is made to Fig. 1, illustrating a simple but effective embodiment of a storage of the invention. A thermal energy storage and heat exchange unit 1 is illustrated in longitudinal section and cross section. The storage comprises a solid state thermal storage material 2, 4, more specifically concrète 2 and grouting 4 in the illustrated embodiment, a heat transfer fluid 3 and means for energy input and output 5, that is pressure pipes in the illustrated embodiment. The number of pressure pipes may vary according to the application. The storage further comprises at least one heat transfer container 6, as a section of a cylinder or pipe in the illustrated embodiment. The solid state thermal storage material, grouting 4 and concrète 2, is arranged around the heat transfer container 6. The heat transfer container 6 contains heat transfer fluid 3 and the means for energy input and output 5, so that ail heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the heat transfer container, contrary to prior art solutions. The input part and the output part of the pipe 5, with downward and upward flow respectively, can preferably be arranged with a distance apart for optimal convection conditions. In operation the pipe will contain a fluid warmer or colder than the surrounding heat transfer fluid, depending on the mode of operation, which is charging or discharging of heat. During ioading or charging of heat, the pipes 5 are warmer than the heat transfer fluid which is warmer than the heat transfer container wall which is warmer than the grouting, accordingly the convection is so that heat transfer fluid mainly flows upward along the warmer pipes 5 and downward along the wall of the colder heat transfer container

6. During unloading or discharging of heat, the pipes 5 are colder than the heat transfer fluid which is colder than the heat transfer container wall which is colder than the grouting; accordingly the convection is so that the heat transfer fluid mainly flows downward along the colder pipes 5 and upward along the wall of the heat transfer container 6. Ail subject matter or parts of the storage contributes to the heat storage capacity of the storage. In the Illustrated embodiment, two cylindrical concrète blocks 7 are illustrated, with pipes and heat transfer container extending through the blocks, the blocks are a part of a stack of blocks.

For clarity, only some of identical items, in some of the Figures, hâve reference numericals provided, and some parts may be out of scale or orientation or even omitted in order to illustrate other parts more clearly. Identical or similar items hâve the same reference numerical in different figures.

In Fig. 2 two different embodiments are illustrated, firstly hexagonal concrète blocks 7 as the basic storage unit, with seven channels for heat transfer containers 6 arranged vertically through the blocks. Secondly, a square cross-section concrète block 7 is illustrated as the basic storage unit, with nine channels for heat transfer containers. The figure also shows eight square crosssection concrète blocks stacked on top of each other in longitudinal section. The stacked blocks are out of scale, the séparation between blocks are indicated by dotted lines and each channel is briefly indicated by a dotted line, but this illustrâtes some of the simplicity and versatility of the invention. The stacked blocks will for préférable embodiments stand vertically, providing long distance for heat conduction and convection, thus enhanced capability for heat transfer.

Fig. 3 illustrâtes one arrangement of pipes 5 for energy input and output in order to load and unload heat. Several other arrangements can be used, with valves 17 allowing serial or parallel flow between stacks or units. A pipe system will for many embodiments also be arranged to the heat transfer containers 6, and also sensor means, for handling vapour and pressure and leakage control, however, for the sake of clarity such pipes and means are not illustrated. A column safety cover 16 is arranged on top of the stacks but below valves 17. access decks 18 and other control devices which is below an insulation layer 19.

Fig 4 illustrâtes how a reinforcement structure with vertical reinforcement 8 and loop reinforcement 9 can be arranged in a concrète block 7. Reinforcement can also be arranged external to the concrète block, and parts of reinforcement can extend out of the concrète block, for example as a structure comprising lifting lugs. Reinforcement can be arranged as grids or as a métal membrane on the concrète block side and bottom surface, with or without openings for water vapour escape.

Fig. 5 illustrâtes a thermal storage 1 of the invention in cross section, as arranged into a building structure 10 with insulation 11, membrane 12, bottom sole 13, bottom slab 14 and operations or access room 15. The storage 1 is arranged standing on the soil 20. Components such as pipes, flanges, valves and sensor means are readily available from the operations or access room 15 for maintenance, repair and operation. The roof and top insulation can be lifted away with a normal crâne, likewise individual concrète blocks and heat transfer containers. Due to the simple design, the storage is easy to scale up or down and easy to maintain or repair. The top of the storage can be flush with ground or soil level by building the storage into the ground.

As an example, a storage according to the invention may comprise many equal stacks with 8 reinforced concrète units arranged on top of each other where each unit has dimension 180 cm by 180 cm in the horizontal plane and 200 cm in height Within each unit there is an array of 3 by 3 vertical, cylindrical cavities or channels of diameter 30 cm and positioned 60 cm apart, center to center, providing continuous channels for the total storage height of 16 métrés. Within each channel or cavity, and for its total height there is inserted a cylindrical heat transfer container of diameter 20 cm which is filled with heat transfer fluid, and means for energy input and output is arranged in the container, more specifically a high pressure small diameter pipe loop segment. The 5 cm gap between the heat transfer container and the cavity walls of the concrète is filled with fibre reinforced high strength concrète grout. The inflow thermal fluid pipes are connected at the top through a single input pipe and a manifold ensuring equal heat inflow to ail heat transfer containers in the stack. Likewise, ail output pipes are connected together through a manifold at the top of the stack allowing for a single outflow pipe. However, manifolds, pipes and control valves can be arranged in many ways.

Figures 6, and 7 illustrate embodiments of a plant according to the invention, each embodiment including at least one thermal energy storage 1 of the invention. In a very simplifted way, Fig. 6 illustrâtes a plant with a thermal source 21 such as a modem coal plant or nuclear power plant, using a source hot fluid medium directly as heat carrying fluid for energy input, the hot fluid is transported through pipes to the storage 1 or the turbine 23, as indicated with lines. Heat loss is illustrated with arrows 22, recycled or used heat with arrow 26, the turbine - generator with référencé numericals 23 and 24, respectively, and electric power to the market is illustrated with référencé numerical 25. Fig, 7 illustrâtes a plant with an electric power unit source or a grid source 27 and Fig. 8 illustrâtes a plant with a thermal power unit source or a waste burning unit 31. The output is electric power 25 for the embodiments illustrated on Figures 6 and 7, and heat to industry or consumers 32 for the embodiment illustrated on Fig. 8. An alternative feature with a boiler 30 connected as an alternative input source to electric source, is illustrated in Fig. 7, however, this alternative is less effective than the illustrated direct electric heating 29 within the heat transfer containers. In Fig. 7, the source is directly connected by the grid 28 to the market 25 and indirectly via electric heating 29 and the boiler 30 for energy storage when the source production is higher than the market demand or the price is low.

It is particularly worth noting that the “storage in most cases serves not only as heat storage, but also as a heat exchanger; in fact, this is a system with a “built-in heat exchanger. More specifically, the storage provides exchange of heat between different media and exchange of heat over time. Notably it may also be utilized primarily in a heat exchanger mode as for daytime operation of concentrated solar power plants.

The heat loss of a large thermal storage of the invention is surprisingly low. For an insulated storage of 100 000 m³ of 10 000 MWh storage capacity, the heat loss per day will typieally be less than 1 %o (per thousand) of the stored heat energy.

Current power plants, particularly older versions, are rigid with respect to adapting power production to demand. Over the day, the variation in energy price can have a factor above 2. The major cost for a coal power plant, nuclear power plant and in general any power plant is the investment. The additional investment for using a thermal storage of the invention in a power plant is estimated in case studies to be surprisingly bénéficiai, with respect to profit and for delivery assurance. This is possible because less or no production will be wasted or sold at lowest price, whilst more production will be sold at higher price and additionally the energy supply security increases. Simultaneously, power delivery security increases, which also have a significant value.

Claims (10)

1. Thermal energy storage, comprising a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, characterised in that:

the storage comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material is arranged around the heat transfer container, the heat transfer container contains the heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, so that ail heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer container, and thermal insulation has been arranged below, around and on top of the storage.

2. Storage according to claim 1, wherein the means for energy input and output comprises pipes arranged for flow of fluid warmer than the storage température for heat energy input or fluid colder than the storage température for heat energy output, and preferably also an electric heating device for energy input by connecting to a source of electricity.

3. Storage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat transfer container is a vertically standing cylinder, tube or pipe with top extending up at a top side of the storage and with a flange or similar at the top end through which the means for energy input and output are arranged, the heat transfer container is filled with thermal oil up to at least a level equal to the surrounding solid material, the uppermost part is gas filled and has sensors and means for leakage détection and handling arranged in order to detect and handle any leakage from the means for heat input and output.

4. Storage according to any one of claim 1-10, wherein the storage is adapted to operate at a température in the range -70 to + 700 °C, preferably 40-700 °C, at a dynamic température range that may exceed 200 °C.

5. Method of building a thermal energy storage according to any one of claims 1-4, characterised by arranging a number of vertically oriented heat transfer containers in the storage, and filling grout or cernent in the volume outside said containers up to a level close to the upper ends of said containers, and arranging thermal insulation below, around and on top of the storage.

6. Method according to claim 5, whereby concrète unit blocks with vertical channels distributed between a top and a bottom face are fabricated first, a heat transfer container having smaller dîameter than the channels are arranged into respective channels, grout is filled into the volumes between the containers and concrète channel surfaces, and bringing means for energy input and output and sensor means into the containers and arrange said means to a lid in respective heat transfer containers.

7. Plant for energy production, comprising a source for energy and means for delivery, consumption or production of energy, the source and the means are operatively arranged, characterised in that a thermal energy storage is operatively arranged between said source and said means, the storage comprises a solid state thermal storage material, a heat transfer fluid and means for energy input and output, the storage further comprises at least one heat transfer container, solid state thermal storage material arranged around the heat transfer container which contains heat transfer fluid and the means for energy input and output, and thermal insulation arranged below, around and on top of the storage, so that ail heat transferring convection and conduction by the heat transfer fluid takes place within the respective heat transfer containers.

8. Plant according to claim 7, wherein a number of sources are connected, namely thermal sources, at different delivery températures, and electrical sources, the heat storage is adapted to store heat at different températures in different zones thereof, optionally separated by insulation or air gaps, and several means for delivery, consumption or production is connected, including turbine- electric generator combinations for each fluid used for energy input and output, such as supercritical water and steam, respectively, and piping for district heating and steam for industry.

9. Method for energy production with a plant according to any one of daims 7 or 8, characterised by storing energy in periods of low demand, low market price or surplus production; and delivering energy in periods of high demand, high market price or low production, preferably a number of sources are connected to the plant, the sources hâve out of phase cycles for production and cost, whereby a source is chosen for storage when said source is in a mode of peak production, surplus production or low energy price.

10. Use of a storage according to any one of daims 1-4 or a plant according to any one of daims 7-8, for storage of energy from sources for energy in periods of peak or surplus production or low market price, for delivering said energy in periods of low production or high market price.