Thermal energy storage system with heat energy recovery sub-system

Abstract

The present application is directed to providing energy conversion and energy storage whereby inputs of electrical energy are converted into thermal energy which is stored indefinitely in an enclosure designed to retain heat and to prevent its transfer into the ambient environment. Subsequently, when the user of the device wishes to tap the stored energy to perform useful work, the thermal energy is converted back into electrical energy and the energy is released as an electrical output.

1 . A thermal energy storage and energy conversion system comprising: an electrical-to-thermal energy-conversion system;
 a thermal storage medium and its associated storage module; and   multiple working fluids, including vaporized metal for a topping cycle and supercritical carbon dioxide for a bottoming cycle, with the possibility of supercritical helium for a further bottoming cycle extending below ambient temperature;   a closed cycle, compound cycle, multiple expansion, positive displacement heat engine;   a heat engine capable of pulsed intermittent operation; and   a microprocessor-controlled electromagnetic motion control system performing mechanical-to-electric energy conversion as well as guidance and electrical-impedance matching for the transducer-impellers within a heat engine expander.