ANORDNING TIL LAGRING AV TERMISK ENERGI OG GJENVINNING AV DENNE OG FREMGANGSMAATE TIL DRIFT AV EN DAMPGENERATOR SOM FYRES MED FOSSILT BRENDSEL

摘要

Apparatus and method for storing excess thermal energy of a fossil fuel-fired vapor generator (20) during low demand periods and for recovering the stored thermal energy for use during high demand periods. A first moving bed heat exchanger (52, 54) is provided for flowing a bed of refractory particles (58) in heat exchange relation with vapor generator flue gases to receive thermal energy therefrom. At least a portion of the bed of heated refractory particles (58) is stored. A second moving bed heat exchanger (48, 78) is provided for flowing at least a portion of the bed of heated refractory particles (58) in heat exchange relation with a fluid to impart thermal energy to the fluid for use.