MODIFIED INERT GAS ATMOSPHERE AND GRAPHITE BASED THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE

摘要

In graphite based thermal storage units capable of operating at high temperatures, it is advantageous to have an inert nitrogen based atmosphere. Such large storage systems can be heated to temperatures in excess of 1500° C. using embedded graphite based electrical heating elements. In order to reduce possible loss of graphite, particularly from heating elements, small amounts of hydrocarbon gas is added. The preferred gas is ethylene.