Thermal energy storage apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a thermal energy storage (TES) apparatus having a fast response to heat, which is also simple, lightweight, compact, and inexpensive to fabricate. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, phase change material (PCM) is enclosed in a tubular container. A brush-like heat spreading element having radial bristles is installed in the tube within the PCM. The bristles are made of wires or fibers having good thermal conductivity and their ends are in a good thermal contact with the interior wall of the tube. Heat from external source is deposited into the tube exterior and conducted through the wall, transferred to the bristles, and conducted through the bristles in a generally radial direction substantially through out the PCM volume. The TES may be used in buildings to stabilize temperature and thus reduce the cost of building climate control such as heating and air conditioning.

1 . A thermal energy storage (TES) apparatus comprising:
 a) a tubular container having an external surface, an internal surface, and internal volume;   b) a phase change material (PCM) substantially filling said interior volume; and   c) a heat spreading element (HES) inside said interior volume;   said HES having radially extending bristles;   said bristles being substantially immersed in said PCM;   said bristles having end tips;   said end tips being in a good thermal contact with said interior surface of said tubular container.   
   
   
       2 . The TES of  claim 1  further comprising groves on said interior surface. 
   
   
       3 . The TES of  claim 1  further comprising surface extensions on said interior surface. 
   
   
       4 . The TES of  claim 1  wherein said external surface is substantially immersed in a medium selected from the family consisting of liquid, gas, solid, and environment. 
   
   
       5 . The TES of  claim 1  wherein said external surface is substantially immersed in a medium selected from the family consisting of liquid, gas, solid, and environment. 
   
   
       6 . The TES of  claim 1  wherein said bristles are made of material selected from the family consisting copper, copper alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, graphite fiber, carbon fiber, and Thornel K-1100 graphite fiber. 
   
   
       7 . The TES of  claim 1  wherein said bristles are configured as wires. 
   
   
       8 . The TES of  claim 1  wherein said tubular container is made of material selected from the family consisting copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys.