The present disclosure relates to particle-based thermal energy storage (TES) systems employed for the heating and cooling applications for residential and/or commercial buildings. Particle-based TES systems may store thermal energy in the particles during off-peak times (i.e., when electricity demand and/or costs are relatively low) and remove the stored thermal energy for heating or cooling applications for buildings during peak times (i.e., when electricity demand and/or costs are relatively high).

The present disclosure relates to particle-based thermal energy storage (TES) systems employed for the heating and cooling applications for residential and/or commercial buildings. Particle-based TES systems may store thermal energy in the particles during off-peak times (i.e., when electricity demand and/or costs are relatively low) and remove the stored thermal energy for heating or cooling applications for buildings during peak times (i.e., when electricity demand and/or costs are relatively high).

Phase change material modules for use in a heat exchanger are described. The phase change material module comprises two or more set of a plurality of substantially aligned hollow structures arranged to form a porous structure. A phase change material capable of undergoing a phase change as a result of heat exchange between it and a fluid is housed within the hollow tubes. Also described is a phase change material module with hollow tubes having a cross-sectional area through the phase change material selected from elliptical, rectangular, stadium-shaped, teardrop-shaped, airfoil-shaped, rounded rectangle and ovoid. A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of the phase change material modules, a first fluid inlet and outlet, and a second fluid inlet and outlet, wherein the phase change material modules are repeated circulated from alignment with the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet is also described.

Provided are a heat generating device capable of efficiently maintaining heat generation for a long time at low cost while saving power, and the use thereof. The heat generating device includes a hollow container the inside of which is electrically insulated, a pair of opposed electrodes which are housed in the container and which are separately opposed to each other, and a heat generating body which is housed between the opposed electrodes in the container and which contains silicon powder and carbon powder in a mixed state. The heat generating body is configured to have a density of 0.85 g/cm.sup.3 to 1.30 g/cm.sup.3.

Provided are a heat generating device capable of efficiently maintaining heat generation for a long time at low cost while saving power, and the use thereof. The heat generating device includes a hollow container the inside of which is electrically insulated, a pair of opposed electrodes which are housed in the container and which are separately opposed to each other, and a heat generating body which is housed between the opposed electrodes in the container and which contains silicon powder and carbon powder in a mixed state. The heat generating body is configured to have a density of 0.85 g/cm.sup.3 to 1.30 g/cm.sup.3.

A self-attaching supplemental battery for a cellular phone comprises a housing containing a rechargeable battery. A releasable attachment pad is affixed to an attachment side of the housing to releasably couple the housing and the rechargeable battery to a back of the cellular phone. A cover is removably carried by the housing, and selectively locatable on either side. The cover comprises a panel sized and shaped to cover the releasable attachment pad in a protection location when located on the attachment side of the housing, and to expose the releasable attachment pad in a storage location when located on the face side of the housing.

Phase change material modules for use in a heat exchanger are described. The phase change material module comprises two or more set of a plurality of substantially aligned hollow structures arranged to form a porous structure. A phase change material capable of undergoing a phase change as a result of heat exchange between it and a fluid is housed within the hollow tubes. Also described is a phase change material module with hollow tubes having a cross-sectional area through the phase change material selected from elliptical, rectangular, stadium-shaped, teardrop-shaped, airfoil-shaped, rounded rectangle and ovoid. A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of the phase change material modules, a first fluid inlet and outlet, and a second fluid inlet and outlet, wherein the phase change material modules are repeated circulated from alignment with the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet is also described.