Method and Device for Direct Electrical Charging and Storage of Thermal Energy for Supercritical Steam Power Plants

System for storage of electricity in the form of thermal energy, and release of thermal energy during times of demand. The system includes a unit for containing at least one electrically conducting phase change material and electrical circuitry for driving electrical current through the phase change material to heat the phase change material into a molten state, or at least one electrical heater used to convert electricity into heat stored in the phase change material. Structure is provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a working fluid such as steam or gas for electricity generation in a steam turbine or gas turbine, capable of generating supercritical fluids. Structure is also provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a thermal energy to electrical energy conversion device. A suitable phase change material is elemental silicon or an aluminum-silicon alloy.

Researchers

Laureen Meroueh / Gang Chen

Departments: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Technology Areas: Chemicals & Materials: Composites, Metals / Energy & Distribution: Energy Storage

  • system for direct electrical charging and storage of thermal energy for power plants
    United States of America | Granted | 10,870,784

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