A thermal energy storage (TES) component includes a shell having first and second ports, and at least a first set of thermally conductive sealed containers that contain a TES media for storing thermal energy. A first set of sealed tubes containing a first TES media are in a first section of the shell, and a second set of sealed tubes containing a different TES media are in a second section of the shell. Electric heating elements are immersed in at least some of the tubes, and may extend only from one end of the tube. In some embodiments more than one heating element is immersed in the TES media and positioned to enhance convective flow. In some embodiments electric heating elements are disposed externally on the sealed tubes. Some tubes are tapered or frustoconical, with heating elements provided in a larger-diameter portion of the tubes.

A heat emitting radiator for use in a fluid circuit containing coolant therein, and which can generate substantial amounts of heat to heat larger spaces, such as in a home or business, while utilizing minimal power to run, and which can be utilized in various implementations and configurations. The radiator can be selectively activated or de-activated by, for example, a cell phone or the like whereby the fluid circuit in the radiator can be monitored for time of use, temperature and cost of use.

A thermal battery assembly includes a modules configured to be stacked vertically on top of each other. The modules includes an electronics module; a first tank module; and a second tank module. A base defines a bottom of the stack and is configured to receive thereon the lowermost module of the stack for supporting the stack on a floor. Each tank module includes a phase change material (PCM); a heat exchanger assembly with heat exchangers immersed in the phase change material, a first set thereof defining a PCM charging circuit, and a second set defining a PCM discharging circuit; a first exterior connection port configured for fluid communication with an inflow of the PCM discharging circuit and a second exterior connection port configured for fluid communication with an outflow of the PCM discharging circuit. Heating or cooling capacity can be increased by adding another tank module to the stack.

A heat accumulator having a housing to receive a heat storage medium, a heat storage medium received in the housing, and a heat exchanger, in which a heat carrier fluid can be transported and which is arranged so that heat can be transferred from the heat storage medium to the heat carrier fluid. The heat accumulator comprises an electrical heating means which is configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy. The electrical heating means is arranged so that it heats the heat storage medium during operation, wherein the heat storage medium heated by the electrical heating means is a metal. In addition a corresponding method is disclosed.

Improved thermal energy storage materials, devices and systems employing the same and related methods. The thermal energy storage material may be employed in a heater module capable of generating and storing heat. The thermal energy storage materials may include a phase change material that includes a metal-containing compound. The thermal energy storage materials may be encapsulated. Preferably the heater module includes an electric heater and/or a fan.

A thermal storage system includes a container, a thermal exchange device, a first thermal storage material, and a second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is disposed in the container. The first thermal storage material is disposed in the container and is spaced apart from the thermal exchange device. The second thermal storage material is also disposed in the container in contact with the thermal exchange device. The first and second thermal storage materials are immiscible. The second thermal storage material is less reactive with the construction material of the thermal exchange device as compared to the first thermal storage material. Optionally, a second thermal exchange device can be submerged in the second thermal storage material. The first thermal exchange device is configured to supply heat to the second thermal storage material and the second thermal exchange device facilitates extraction of heat from the second thermal storage material.