Thermal energy storage systems and methods

In some embodiments, a thermal energy storage system includes multiple thermal energy storage containers adapted to store thermal energy storage media, the containers having high emissivity inner surfaces that are adapted to radiate heat into the stored thermal energy storage media

Enhancement of photocatalytic effect with surface roughness in photocatalytic reactors

Photocatalysis is a promising technique for remediation of indoor air pollution. The present invention focuses on the enhancement of the effectiveness of the photocatalytic process by the introduction of artificial roughness on the interior reactor surface. Artificial roughness elements on the catalytic surface enhance the turbulence intensity close to the catalytic surface. The enhanced turbulence intensity translates to an increase in the mass transfer of airborne contaminants to the catalyst surface, improving the efficiency of photocatalysis

Integrated cascading cycle solar thermal plants

In one embodiment, a thermodynamic system includes multiple types of thermodynamic cycles and multiple types of solar thermal fields that provide thermal energy to the thermodynamic cycles

Enhancement of photocatalytic effect with surface roughness in photocatalytic reactors

Photocatalysis is a promising technique for remediation of indoor air pollution. The present invention focuses on the enhancement of the effectiveness of the photocatalytic process by the introduction of artificial roughness on the interior reactor surface. Artificial roughness elements on the catalytic surface enhance the turbulence intensity close to the catalytic surface. The enhanced turbulence intensity translates to an increase in the mass transfer of airborne contaminants to the catalyst surface, improving the efficiency of photocatalysis

Encapsulation of thermal energy storage media

In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a ceramic phase change material capsule includes forming a hollow ceramic capsule body having a filling hole, filling the ceramic capsule body with one or more phase change materials via the filling hole, and closing and sealing the filling hole

Encapsulation of thermal energy storage media

In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a ceramic phase change material capsule includes forming a solid phase change material pellet, coating the pellet with a green ceramic material, and sintering the green ceramic material while on the pellet to form a ceramic outer shell of the capsule