Claims:We Claim:
1. A thermochemical reactor cartridge (100), comprising:
an elongated outer member (101);
an elongated inner member (102), concentrically positioned within the elongated outer member (101) defining an annular space between the elongated outer member (101) and the elongated inner member (102); and
wherein, the annular space is filled with an energy source material and the elongated inner member (102) is configured to selectively receive a working fluid;
wherein, heating of the energy source material releases the working fluid and the working fluid is allowed to react with the energy source material, to produce heat.
2. The thermochemical reactor cartridge (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated inner member (102) is perforated to facilitate reaction between the working fluid and the energy source material.
3. The thermochemical reactor cartridge (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a porous filter sheet wrapped around the outer surface of the elongated inner member (102), wherein the porous filter sheet is configured to allow diffusion of the working fluid into and from the annular space.
4. The thermochemical reactor cartridge (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first cap (103) and a second cap (104) coupled to ends of the elongated outer member (101), to form a pressurized the thermochemical reactor cartridge (100).
5. The thermochemical reactor cartridge (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second cap (104) comprises a port (105) for selectively filling of the energy source material into the annular space.
6. The thermochemical reactor cartridge (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy source material is a metal hydride such as Mg2Ni alloy.
7. The thermochemical reactor cartridge (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the working fluid is hydrogen gas.
8. A thermal storage battery (200), comprising:
an outer shell (201), defined with an inlet port (209) and an outlet port (210) for passage of a heat transfer fluid;
a plurality of thermochemical reactor cartridges arranged within the outer shell (201), wherein each of the plurality of thermochemical reactor cartridges comprises:
an elongated outer member (101);
an elongated inner member (102), concentrically positioned within the elongated outer member (101) defining an annular space between the elongated outer member (101) and the elongated inner member (102); and
wherein, the annular space is filled with an energy source material and the elongated inner member (102) is configured to selectively receive a working fluid;
wherein, heating of the energy source material releases the working fluid and the working fluid is allowed to react with the energy source material, to produce heat;
a first cover plate (202) and a second cover plate (203) coupled to ends of the outer shell (201), wherein one of the first cover plate (202) and the second cover plate (203) is defined with a port (105) to allow flow of the working fluid from and into each of the plurality of thermochemical reactor cartridges.
9. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a chamber is defined between the first cover plate (202) and an end of the outer shell (201) to facilitate uniform flow of the working fluid into each of the plurality of cartridges.
10. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the outer shell (201) is defined with a cylindrical profile.
11. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, comprises at least one sensor positioned within the outer shell (201) and configured to detect leakage of the working fluid.
12. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, comprises a storage unit fluidly connected to the outer shell (201), wherein the storage unit is configured to store the working fluid released during heating of the energy source material.
13. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elongated inner member (102) comprises a plurality of apertures defined on an outer surface.
14. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, comprises a porous filter sheet wrapped around the outer surface of the elongated inner member (102), wherein the porous filter sheet is configured to allow diffusion of the working fluid into and from the annular space.
15. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, comprises a first cap (103) and a second cap (104) coupled to ends of the elongated outer member (101), to form a pressure tight seal.
16. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second cap (104) comprises a port (105) for selectively filling of the energy source material into the annular space.
17. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the heat transfer fluid is air.
18. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the working fluid is hydrogen gas.
19. The thermal storage battery (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the energy source material is a metal hydride such as Mg2Ni alloy.
Dated this 22nd December, 2020

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA-1852
K&S Partners
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; Rule 13]

TITLE: “A THERMOCHEMICAL REACTOR CARTRIDGE”

Name and Address of the Applicant:

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, Bangalore, Karnataka, India 560012.

Nationality: IN

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to field of thermal energy. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to thermal energy storage system. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure, discloses a thermochemical reactor cartridge, which are arranged in desired configuration to form a thermal storage battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Thermochemical energy storage is widely practiced in energy industries. Storage of thermochemical energy is an energy efficient approach, which offers wide opportunity for conserving primary energy sources and also aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Further, thermal energy storage is based on thermochemical reaction or chemisorption, which offers high energy densities compared to conventional methods such as sensible heat storages and latent heat storages. Generally, thermochemical energy storage takes heat from energy source to drive an endothermic chemical dissociation reaction in a reactor. The reaction products are stored separately and when the heat is required, the stored products are brought together to initiate the reverse reaction.

Considering the above, systems based on thermochemical reaction have been developed to store thermal energy. Such systems are generally referred as thermal storage battery in the art, which may be configured to temporarily store and release excess thermal energy. Conventional thermal storage batteries include a means for containing a material capable of dissociating into metal plus hydrogen gas when exposed to sufficient temperature. Further, the thermal storage battery includes a means for storing the released hydrogen gas, which will be recombined with the metal hydride present in the containing means to produce heat, which will be tapped by a heat transfer fluid. However, system of such configuration include a fixed capacity, thus limiting the application of the thermal storage battery. Hence, thermal batteries of different capacities are to be adapted based on applications, which escalates the cost. Further, batteries of such configuration are less flexible to repair in case of leakage of hydrogen gas or damage to any of the inner components, which is undesired.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional thermal energy storage systems (i.e., thermal batteries) are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through a thermochemical reactor cartridges and the thermal storage battery as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional, features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a thermochemical reactor cartridge is disclosed. The thermochemical reactor cartridge includes an elongated outer member and an elongated inner member. The elongated inner member is concentrically positioned within the elongated outer member such that an annular space is defined between the elongated outer member and the elongated inner member. The annular space is filled with an energy source material and the elongated inner member is configured to selectively receive working fluid. Heating of the energy source material releases the working fluid and the working fluid is allowed to react with the metal to produce heat.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the elongated inner member is perforated to facilitate reaction between the working fluid and the energy source material.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermochemical reactor cartridge comprises a porous filter sheet wrapped around the outer surface of the elongated inner member, wherein the porous filter sheet is configured to allow diffusion of the working fluid into and from the annular space.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermochemical reactor cartridge comprises a first cap and a second cap coupled to ends of the elongated outer member, to form a pressurized the thermochemical reactor cartridge. The second cap comprises a port for selectively filling of the energy source material into the annular space.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the energy source material is a metal hydride such as Mg2Ni alloy.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the working fluid is a hydrogen gas.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermal storage battery is disclosed. The thermal storage battery includes an outer shell, which is defined with an inlet port and an outlet port for passage of a heat transfer fluid. Further, the thermal storage battery includes a plurality of thermochemical reactor cartridges arranged within the outer shell. an elongated outer member and an elongated inner member. The elongated inner member is concentrically positioned within the elongated outer member such that an annular space is defined between the elongated outer member and the elongated inner member. The annular space is filled with an energy source material and the elongated inner member is configured to selectively receive a working fluid. Additionally, the thermal storage battery includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate, which are coupled to ends of the outer shell. One of the first cover plate and the second cover plate is defined with a port to allow flow of the working fluid from and into each of the plurality of thermochemical reactor cartridges.
In an embodiment, a chamber is defined between the first cover plate and an end of the outer shell to facilitate uniform flow of the working fluid into each of the plurality of cartridges.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the outer shell is defined with a cylindrical profile.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermal storage battery includes at least one sensor positioned within the outer shell and configured to detect leakage of the working fluid.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermal storage battery includes a storage unit fluidly connected to the outer shell, wherein the storage unit is configured to store the working fluid released during the charging cycle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the elongated inner member comprises a plurality of apertures defined on an outer surface.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat transfer fluid is air.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates an exploded sectional view of a thermochemical reactor cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 1a illustrates a magnified view of portion ‘A’ of Figure. 1.

Figure. 1b illustrates a magnified view of portion ‘B’ of Figure. 1.

Figure. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the thermochemical reactor cartridge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 3 illustrates a sectional perspective view of the thermochemical reactor cartridge of Figure. 2.

Figure. 4 illustrated an exploded sectional view of a thermal storage battery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the thermal storage battery, with a portion of the thermal storage battery cut along an axis A-A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge bundle of the thermal storage battery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the cartridge for the thermal storage battery, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the disclosure disclose a thermochemical reactor cartridge. Conventional thermal energy storage systems include a means for containing a material which is capable of dissociating into metal plus hydrogen gas when exposed to sufficient temperature. Further, the thermal storage battery includes a means for storing the released hydrogen gas, which will be recombined with the metal present in the containing means to produce heat, which will be tapped by a heat transfer fluid. However, thermal storage battery of such configuration have a fixed capacity, thus limiting the application of the thermal storage battery. Hence, thermal storage batteries of different capacities are to be adapted based on applications, which escalates the cost. Further, thermal storage batteries of such configuration are less flexible to repair in case of leakage of hydrogen gas or damage to internal parts, which is undesired.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a thermochemical reactor cartridge [hereinafter referred as cartridge]. The cartridge may broadly include an elongated outer member and elongated inner member. The elongated inner member may be concentrically positioned within the elongated outer member, such that an annular space may be defined between the elongated inner member and the elongated outer member. In an embodiment, the annular space may be filled with energy source such as but not limiting to metal hydride and the elongated inner member may be configured to selectively receive a working fluid such as but nit limiting to hydrogen gas. The elongated inner member may be perforated, and a porous filter sheet may be wrapped around an outer surface of the elongated inner member, to facilitate diffusion of working fluid alone into and from the annular space and prevents flow of metal hydride into the elongated inner member. Additionally, the cartridge may include a first cap and a second cap, which may be coupled to ends of the elongated outer member, to create a pressurized cartridge. The first cap may include a cavity to receive a portion of the elongated inner member and the second cap may include a port, which may be enclosed by a fastener. The port may facilitate in selectively filling the metal hydride into the annular chamber.

In an embodiment, a plurality of thermochemical reactor cartridges may be arranged in a desired pattern to form a thermal storage battery. This configuration of arranging a plurality of cartridges to form the thermal storage battery makes the thermal storage battery modular and scalable, since the number of the cartridges may be varied based on the storage capacity required and also aids in easy assembling of components to form the thermal storage battery. The thermal storage battery of the present disclosure may also include an outer shell, inside which the plurality of cartridges may be arranged in the desired pattern. The outer shell may be defined with an inlet port and an outlet passage on an outer surface to facilitate flow of heat transfer fluid in and out of the outer shell for heating the metal hydride to dissociate into metal and hydrogen gas, and tapping heat produced when hydrogen gas is allowed to react with the metal (i.e., the metal dissociated during heating of the metal hydride).

In an operational embodiment, heat transfer fluid of temperature ranging from about 150°C to 350°C, may be passed into the outer shell through the inlet port defined on the outer surface of the outer shell. The heat transfer fluid in hot condition may be circulated through interstitial spaces between the plurality of cartridges positioned in the outer shell, thus heating the plurality of cartridges. Heating of the plurality of cartridge may trigger an endothermic dissociation reaction in each of the plurality of cartridges, where the metal hydride filled in the cartridge dissociates into metal/alloy and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas generated diffuses into the elongated inner member and then may flow out of the outer shell of the thermal storage battery, which may be stored in a storage unit, which is fluidly connected to the outer shell. In an embodiment, the process of dissociation of the metal hydride into metal and hydrogen gas may be referred to as charging cycle.

Further, upon requirement of heat, the hydrogen gas stored in the storage unit may be passed back into the outer shell, which may be maintained with ambient conditions. The hydrogen gas passed into the outer shell may pass into the elongated inner member of each of the plurality of cartridges. Further, the hydrogen gas entering the elongated inner member may diffuse into the annular space between the elongated inner member and the elongated outer member, where an endothermic reaction takes place in which the hydrogen gas combines with the metal/alloy forming the metal hydride and releasing heat. In an embodiment, reaction of hydrogen gas with the metal to form metal hydride and releasing heat may be referred to as dis-charging cycle. The heat released during the endothermic reaction may be continuously tapped by passing cold heat transfer fluid, which may be utilized for different applications.

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Figures. 1, 2 and 3 illustrates an exploded view, perspective view and a sectional views of a thermochemical reactor cartridge (100), respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As seen in Figure. 1, the thermochemical reactor cartridge (100) (hereinafter referred as cartridge (100)) may include an elongated outer member (101), which may be configured to enclose various components of the cartridge (100). In other words, the elongated outer member (101) is a tube which may act as a housing enclosing various components of the cartridge (100). Further, the cartridge (100) may include an elongated inner member (102), which may be concentrically positioned within the elongated outer member (101), such that an annular space may be defined between the elongated inner member (102) and the elongated outer member (101) [best seen in Figures. 1a and 1b]. In an embodiment, the annular space may be filled with energy source material such as but not limiting to metal hydride such as Magnesium Nickel alloy [Mg2Ni] and the elongated inner member (102) may be configured to selectively receive a working fluid such as but not limiting to hydrogen gas.

Further referring to Figure. 1, the elongated inner member (102) may be perforated to facilitate diffusion of hydrogen gas from and into the annular space. In an embodiment, the cartridge (100) may include a porous filter sheet, which may be wrapped around the elongated inner member (102). In an embodiment, the porous filter sheet may be configured to allow diffusion of only the hydrogen gas from and into the annular space into the elongated inner member (102) and mitigate the metal hydride from diffusing into the elongated inner member (102). As apparent from Figure. 1, the cartridge (100) may further include a first cap (103) and a second cap (104), which may be coupled to ends of the elongated outer member (101) to form a pressurized cartridge (100). In an embodiment, the ends of the cartridge (100) may be defined with flanges (not shown in figures) to which the first cap (103) and the second cap (104) may be coupled forming a pressurized cartridge (100). The first cap (103) and the second cap (104) may be configured to support the elongated inner member (102) within the elongated outer member (101) so as to define the annular space, between the elongated inner member (102) and the elongated outer member (101). In an embodiment, the first cap (103) may be defined with a cavity (106), which may be configured to support a portion of the elongated inner member (102) having an open end to allow passage of hydrogen gas from and into the elongated inner member (102). Further, the second cap (104) may include a port (105), which may be closed by a fastener (107) [best seen in Figure. 1a]. In an embodiment, a washer may be positioned between the second cap (104) and the fastener (107) to form a leak proof connection. The fastener (107) may be operated (i.e., unfastened) for selectively filling the metal hydride into the annular space.

In an embodiment, the port (105) defined in the second cap (104) is configured to be closed by a fastener (107). Closing by the fastener (107) is an exemplary embodiment and the same cannot be construed as a limitation since, the port (105) may be closed by a snap fit connection and the snap fit connection may be removed to selectively fill the metal hydride into the annular space.

In an illustrative embodiment, the elongated outer member (101) and the elongated inner member (102) may include a cylindrical profile and the same should not be construed as a limitation, since the elongated inner member (102) and the elongated outer member (101) may include other geometrical shapes, based on the requirement. The cylindrical profile aids in providing more surface area for heat transfer, easy to fabricate and convenient to operate. In an embodiment, concentrically positioning the elongated inner member (102) within the elongated outer member (101) facilitates efficient desorption and absorption of hydrogen gas during charging and discharging cycle, respectively.

In an embodiment, outer surface of the elongated outer member (101) may be defined with a plurality of fins or extensions for enhancing heat transfer between the cartridge (100) and the heat transfer fluid.

As seen in Figures. 4 and 5, a plurality of cartridges may be arranged in a bundle (206). In an exemplary embodiment, the bundle is typically in a triangular pitch layout to form a thermal storage battery (200). The thermal storage battery (200) may include an outer shell (201), which may be configured to enclose the plurality of cartridges and other components. In an embodiment the outer shell (201) may include but not limiting to cylindrical profile with at least one flange (207) defined at the ends and may be made of metals such as but not limiting to steel. The outer shell (201) may be defined with an inlet port (209) and an outlet port (210). The inlet port (209) may be configured to allow passage of heat transfer fluid into the outer shell (201) and the outlet port (210) may be configured to allow passage of the heat transfer fluid from the outer shell (201). In an embodiment, the heat transfer fluid may be but not limiting air, synthetic oils, mineral oils, molten salts and salt mixtures, and the like. Further, the thermal storage battery (200) may include a plurality of baffle plates (208) [best seen in Figure. 6], which may be configured to support the plurality of cartridges arranged in bundle (206). As an example, each of the plurality of baffle plates (208) may be defined with a plurality of apertures having diameter conformity with diameter of the cartridges (i.e., outer diameter of the elongated outer member (101)). The apertures defined in each of the baffle plate (208) may be aligned in an axis to receive and support the plurality of cartridges, thus forming a bundle (206) of desired pattern. In an embodiment, the baffle plates (208) may be configured to guide the heat transfer fluid flow and increase residence time of the heat transfer fluid thereby enhancing heat transfer.

Referring again to Figures. 4 and 5, the thermal storage battery (200) may include a first cover plate (202) and a second cover plate (203), which may be coupled to ends of the outer shell (201) member. In an embodiment, the first cover plate (202) and the second cover plate (203) may include a dome shaped configuration and a flange defined at one end. In an illustrated embodiment, the first cover plate (202) and the second cover plate (203) may be coupled to the ends of the outer shell (201) by fasteners and the same cannot be construed as a limitation, as the first cover plate (202) and the second cover plate (203) may be coupled to the ends of the outer shell (201) by one of thermal joining processes such as welding, brazing, and mechanical joining process such as fastening and the like. In another embodiment, the first cover plate (202) may be coupled to one end of the outer shell (201), at which open ends of the plurality of cartridges [ i.e., cartridge bundle (206)] is positioned. The profile (i.e., dome shape) of the first cover plate (202) facilitates in forming a chamber between an inner surface of the first cover plate (202) and the open ends of the plurality of cartridges. The chamber may aid in uniform diffusion of the hydrogen gas into each of the plurality of cartridges, during charging cycle. Further, the second cover plate (203) may be coupled at another end, at which sealed ends of the plurality of cartridges are positioned. The second cover plate (203) may be defined with a plurality of holes (205), to facilitate flow of leaked hydrogen gas from sealed ends of the cartridges, into atmosphere.

In an operational embodiment, i.e., during the charging cycle, the heat transfer fluid in hot condition, for example, with temperatures ranging from 150°C to 350°C, may be passed into the outer shell (201) through the inlet port (209) defined on the outer surface of the outer shell (201). The heat transfer fluid passed into the outer shell (201) may pass through interstitial spaces between the plurality of cartridges positioned with the outer shell (201). The heat of the heat transfer fluid contacting the cartridge (100) may trigger an endothermic dissociation reaction in each of the plurality of cartridges, where the metal hydride filled in the cartridge (100) may dissociate into metal/alloy and hydrogen gas, as seen in equation (i).

The hydrogen gas generated as a result of endothermic dissociation reaction in the annular space of the cartridge (100) may diffuse into the elongated inner member (102). The hydrogen gas from the elongated inner member (102) of respective cartridges, may pass out of the elongated inner member (102) (thus, the cartridge (100)) through the open end of the cartridge (100) into the outer shell (201). Further, the hydrogen gas passing out of the plurality of cartridges into the outer shell (201) may exit the outer shell (201) through the passage defined in the first cover plate (202). The hydrogen gas exiting from the outer shell (201) of the thermal storage battery (200) may be stored in a storage unit [not shown in figures], which may be fluidly connected with the outer shell (201) (thus, the thermal storage battery (200)). In an embodiment, the storage unit may be filled with a metal hydride which may undergo reactions at ambient conditions and the hydrogen gas generated in thermal storage battery (200) may be stored in the metal hydride form.

During discharging cycle i.e., to generate heat, the hydrogen gas stored in the storage unit or a fresh hydrogen from an external source may be passed into the outer shell (201). In an embodiment, the hydrogen gas may pass into the outer shell (201) (thus, into elongated inner member (102) of each of the plurality of cartridges) via the passage in the first cover plate (202) due to pressure difference between the storage unit and the outer shell (201). Further, the hydrogen gas passing through the elongated inner member (102) may diffuse into the annular space, triggering an endothermic reaction, in which the hydrogen gas combines with the metal/alloy forming the metal hydride, while releasing heat as seen in equation (ii).

The heat released during the endothermic reaction may be continuously tapped by passing heat transfer fluid in cold conditions which may utilized for different applications. Thus, the configuration of the thermal storage battery (200) aids in generating in heat, when desired.

In an embodiment, different metal hydride may be filled in the plurality of cartridges based on the configuration of the thermal storage battery (200), required.

In an embodiment, capacity of the thermal storage battery (200) depends on the number of thermochemical reactor cartridges positioned within the outer shell (201). More the number of thermochemical reactor cartridges more the capacity of the thermal storage battery (200), and hence capacity of the thermal storage battery (200) may be altered based on requirement, unlike conventional thermal storage battery (200).

In an embodiment, the configuration of the thermal storage battery (200) ensures safety against leakage of hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas leaked on the first cover plate (202) side may leak into the ambient air, hence avoids formation of potential combustible mixture within the thermal storage battery (200). Further, the hydrogen gas leaked from the cartridges into the outer shell (201) may be continuously flushed into the ambient air by the heat transfer fluid passing into and out of the outer shell (201) of the thermal storage battery (200). Furthermore, the hydrogen gas leaked on the second cover plate (203) side may pass into the ambient air through plurality of holes (205) defined in the second cover plate (203).

In an embodiment, a hydrogen gas sensor may be positioned on the outer shell (201) of the thermal storage battery (200) to detect leakage of hydrogen gas from the cartridges.

In an embodiment, configuration of the thermal storage battery (200) facilitates in replacing the defective cartridge (100) alone without interrupting operation of the thermal storage battery (200), unlike conventional thermal batteries. The second cover plate (203) may be decoupled from the end of the outer shell (201), such that the defective cartridge (100) may be removed from the outer shell (201) and replaced with a new cartridge (100).

In an embodiment, configuration of the cartridges positioned within the outer shell (201) may be optimized based on location in which the cartridge (100) is positioned within the outer shell (201) of the thermal storage battery (200).

In an embodiment, the configuration of the thermal storage battery (200) mitigates the chances of the cartridges from being corroded since the plurality of cartridges are positioned within the outer shell (201).

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (108) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (108) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Thermochemical reactor cartridge
101 Elongated outer member
102 Elongated inner member
103 First cap
104 Second cap
105 Port
106 Cavity
107 Fastener
200 Thermal storage battery
201 Outer shell
202 First cover plate
203 Second cover plate
204 Port
205 Holes
206 Cartridge bundle
207 Flange
208 Baffle plates
209 Inlet port
210 Outlet port