MODULAR THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE AND TRANSFER IN A PCM HOSTING SYSTEM
ABSTRACT
The disclosed embodiments disclose a modular seasonal thermal-energy storage and transfer system that includes an energy storage module (ESM) with a plurality of chambers that contain phase change material (PCM) that stores thermal energy. An energy fluid is routed through the ESM, and the temperature of the energy fluid triggers a phase change in the PCM to transfer energy between the PCM and the energy fluid. A control mechanism can adjust the flow of the energy fluid through the ESM to efficiently achieve a target temperature change either in the energy fluid (e.g., using the ESM to access stored energy from the PCM) or in the PCM (e.g. use thermal energy in the energy fluid to store energy in the PCM). The disclosed techniques facilitate the charging and use of a flexible, modular year-round hot and cold energy storage.
US PATENT PENDING