Preliminary Feasibility Study on the Conversion of the High Temperature Test Facility (HTTF) into a Firebrick Thermal Energy Storage System

摘要

The Firebrick Thermal Energy Storage System is a revolutionary concept which has the potential to create positive impacts within the economy, electricity market, and renewable energy production. The current High Temperature Test Facility here at Oregon State University is the optimal system to convert into a thermal energy storage system. With a majority of the structures and auxiliary systems already in place, the transition can be made easily and at a low price point. The two main types of heat transfer being used in this system are convection and conduction. Convection is occurring between the gas being pushed through the system and the core blocks, whereas conduction is occurring between each of the core blocks within the core stack. By utilizing both of these heat transfer mechanisms, along with specific materials containing high thermal conductivity, the system should be able to store large amounts of thermal energy.