Heat storage apparatus

Abstract

A storage apparatus and method capable of storing energy as heat for subsequent utilization. The storage apparatus is capable of operation with a fluid phase heat transfer medium to both supply and extract heat energy at the storage apparatus. Additionally, the present storage apparatus may form an integral part of an electricity generation plant powered by any renewable energy source and in particular a solar thermal energy source. The storage apparatus comprises an internal chamber containing a plurality of columns of a construction aggregate that are arranged to provide a plurality of fluid flow passageways such that a fluid is configured to flow between the columns from an inlet to an outlet to transfer heat energy to the construction aggregate.

1 . Apparatus to receive and store heat energy from a working fluid, the apparatus comprising:
 an internal chamber defined by at least one side wall, a roof and a base;   an inlet to allow a heated fluid to flow into the internal chamber;   an outlet to allow the fluid to flow out of the internal chamber;   a plurality of columns of a construction aggregate extending axially within the internal chamber in a direction between the roof and the base, the columns separated from one another by space regions to provide a plurality of fluid flow passageways extending in an axial direction between the roof and the base;   a plurality of jackets arranged respectively around each of the columns to contain the construction aggregate in the form of the columns;   the inlet and outlet positioned relative to the side wall, roof and/or base such that the fluid is configured to flow axially between the columns from the inlet to the outlet and in contact with the columns so as to transfer heat energy to the construction aggregate.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the construction aggregate comprises any one or a combination of the following set of: sand, stone, rock, basalt, concrete, flyash, slag, a naturally occurring material or a synthetic construction material. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the construction aggregate is formed as any one or a combination of the following set of: sand, gravel, stones, pebbles, boulders or other granular shaped material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each column comprises a uniform cross sectional size in the axial direction between the roof and the base. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the columns have a substantially equal average cross sectional size. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein an outer surface of the columns are provided in or near touching contact with one another in a lengthwise direction between the roof and the base. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising at least one brace configured to retain at least one or a plurality of the columns as a unitary structure and to maintain the axially extending passageways. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein each column comprises a plurality of braces extending in a lengthwise direction between the roof and the base. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the jackets are thermally degradable. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the jackets comprise one or a combination of the following: steel, stainless steel, a metal, a metal alloy, paper, card, a cellulose based material, a polymer based material, a ceramic, a mesh, a plurality of strips or wire. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each of the jackets extend axially over a part or a full length of each column in a direction between the roof and the base. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the columns are: substantially cylindrical, block shaped, or modular in the axial direction between the inlet and the outlet. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a heat exchanger having an exchanger working fluid to transfer heat energy with the fluid in contact with the construction aggregate, the heat exchanger positioned within the internal chamber. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the base is supported from below by a plurality of support columns configured to suspend the base above a lower substrate or support surface. 
     
     
         15 . A solar energy collection apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of lenses and/or mirrors to receive and concentrate solar radiation;   at least one target to respectively receive the concentrated solar radiation from each of the lenses and/or mirrors;   a conduit network to contain a gas phase working fluid and allow the fluid to flow in contact with the at least one target such that the working fluid is heated by the at least one target and apparatus to receive and store heat energy as claimed in  claim 1 .   
     
     
         16 . An apparatus for converting solar energy to electrical energy comprising:
 solar energy collection apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of lenses and/or mirrors to receive and concentrate solar radiation; 
 at least one target to respectively receive the concentrated solar radiation from each of the lenses and/or mirrors; and 
 a conduit network to contain a gas phase working fluid and allow the fluid to flow in contact with the at least one target such that the working fluid is heated by the at least one target; 
   a heat exchanger connected in fluid communication with the conduit network and/or the apparatus to receive and store heat energy as claimed in  claim 1  to receive the heated working fluid and to transfer the received heat energy;   a turbine coupled to the heat exchanger;   an electric generator coupled to the turbine to generate electricity.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the fluid to flow through the apparatus comprises air or a gas phase medium.