Gary Jay Frey

US Patent:

6408627, Jun 25, 2002

Filed:

May 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/861961

Inventors:

William D. Batton - Arvada CO
Kevin Hotton - Broomfield CO
Gary Frey - Morrison CO
Gail Roberts - Arvada CO

Assignee:

Active Power, Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

F01K 1302

US Classification:

60646, 60657, 60659, 122 35

Abstract:

A continuous power system accumulator assembly is provided that stores thermal energy as sensible heat and minimizes the amount of thermal energy wasted by the system. The assembly includes an accumulator at its core. A preheater assembly is wrapped around the accumulator such that it may absorb heat radiated and conducted from the accumulator. An evaporator is wrapped around the preheater so that most of the heat that is radiated and conducted from the preheater is utilized to heat the vaporizer. The outer housing of the assembly may be a double-walled housing having a layer of insulation located between the two walls. This configuration minimizes heat losses by the assembly.