U.S. patent application number 11/805093 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for system and method for storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of gas compression and expansion including a thermo-dynamic battery.
Invention is credited to Daniel Ashikian.
Application Number | 20070245735 11/805093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46328101 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070245735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ashikian; Daniel |
October 25, 2007 |
System and method for storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy
in the form of gas compression and expansion including a
thermo-dynamic battery
Abstract
Thermo-dynamic battery is a energy storage unit for converting
compressed gas energy into consumable electrical power for
application uses with any device that requires electrical power to
function. A method for storing electrical energy in the form of
compressed gas and converting the same energy to electric power
includes compressing gas and storing the compressed gas for release
to drive a generator. A system and method for storing,
disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of gas compression
and expansion comprises a method for expanding compressed gas in at
least two stages and further provides for storing energy in the
form of compressed gas through compression in at least two stages.
Apparatus is provided to operate in accordance with the described
procedure to contribute at or about 90% efficiency.
Inventors: |
Ashikian; Daniel;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DANIEL ASHIKIAN
1638 N. SAN FERNANDO BLV.
BURBANK
CA
91504
US
|
Family ID: |
46328101 |
Appl. No.: |
11/805093 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11126920 |
May 10, 2005 |
|
|
|
11805093 |
Jul 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
10833958 |
Apr 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
11126920 |
May 10, 2005 |
|
|
|
09854682 |
May 15, 2001 |
|
|
|
10833958 |
Apr 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
60/659 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/15 20130101;
F02C 1/02 20130101; Y02E 60/16 20130101; F02C 6/16 20130101; F02C
1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
060/659 |
International
Class: |
F01K 3/00 20060101
F01K003/00 |
Claims
1. A system for storing energy and generating electrical power
comprising: at least one compressed gas storage device for
controllably storing and releasing said gas; at least one generator
for generating electricity and capable function in the same way as
electric motor resulting from application of electrical power,
herein it is called Motor-Generator; at least one gas expander to
run electric generator resulting from receiving a flow of gas and
capable function in the same way as gas compressor, herein it is
called Expander-Compressor; said at least one Generator-Motor being
connectable to said at least one Expander-Compressor with a common
drive shaft such to compress gas into the said compressed gas
storage device resulting from supply of electrical power and
generate electricity resulting from receiving a flow of gas from
said compressed gas storage device, herein it is called Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter; said at least one compressed gas storage
device being connectable to said at least one Electricity Pressure
Mutual Converter such that said compressed gas storage device
supplies and receives gas flow to said at least one Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter thereby resulting in to store and
generate electrical power in the form of gas compression and
expansion; said at least one Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter
being operable independently substantially any external source of
energy during generation of electrical energy.
2. The invention as set forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one
Motor-Generator device being connectable with common drive shaft to
said at least one Expander-Compressor device such that the
expanding and compressing gas is passing between armature and rotor
gap in direct contact with armature and rotor to obtain energy in
the form of heat from said at least one Motor-Generator to expand
the volume of said gas during expansion and to increase the
pressure of said gas during compression.
3. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said at least one
Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter includes at least two
Expander-Compressor members for driving said at least one
Generator-Motor in response to impingement upon said at least two
Expander-Compressor members of gas flow, a first
Expander-Compressor member being arranged to exchange gas flow from
said at least one compressed gas storage device and a second
Expander-Compressor member being arranged to exchange gas flow from
said at least one Generator-Motor.
4. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said device for
storing energy and generating electric power comprises; at least
one flow control valve; at least one pressure sensor; at least four
check valve and at least one controller, for controllable expansion
and compression of said gas.
5. The invention as set forth in claim 1 including; at least one
energy source intended for compressing gas for storage in said
compressed gas storage device.
6. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said power device
for storing energy and generating electric power includes at least
one common drive shaft for said Generator-Motor and said at least
two Expander-Compressor members.
7. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said gas
comprises air.
8. A method for storing energy and for generating power comprising
the steps of: (a) Supplying electrical power to Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter intended for compressing gas or providing
compressed gas; (b) Storing said compressed gas for controllable
release to drive at least one Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter
to generate electrical power.
9. The method as set forth in claim 8 further including the step of
releasing or compressing at least a portion of said gas thereby
driving said at least one power generator Electricity Pressure
Mutual Converter to provide power or to store electricity.
10. The method as set forth in claim 8 further including the step
of providing means for charging compressing said gas.
11. The method as set forth in claim 8 wherein said gas is
compressed air.
12. A system for storing energy and generating power comprising: At
least two compressed gas storage devices comprising at least a
first compressed gas storage device and at least a second
compressed gas storage device, each of said gas storage devices
having means for storing compressed gas and for controllably
receiving and releasing said gas; at least two Electricity Pressure
Mutual Converter means capable of generating power resulting from
receiving a flow of gas, and compressing gas into the compressed
gas storage device resulting from supply of electrical power, said
first compressed gas storage device having higher operating
pressure than said second compressed gas storage device, said first
compressed gas storage device and said second compressed gas
storage device being connectable to one another by Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter and said second Electricity Pressure
Mutual Converter being connectable to said second compressed gas
storage device such that upon compression or release of gas from or
to said first compressed gas storage device and from or to said
second compressed gas storage device, gas flow proceeds such that
the pressure drop across said first Electricity Pressure Mutual
Converter and said second Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter is
substantially equal for the duration of gas compression and
expansion.
13. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein said Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter means comprises at least one Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter member connected to said first compressed
gas storage device.
14. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein said Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter means comprises at least one Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter member disposed at least partially within
said first compressed gas storage device.
15. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein said Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter means comprises at least one Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter member connected to said second
compressed gas storage device.
16. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein said Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter means comprises at least one Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter member disposed at least partially within
said second compressed gas storage device.
17. The invention as set forth in claim 12 further exchanging heat
means to receive gas flow from said compressed gas storage device
and to receive heat from said Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter
means, wherein said heat expands the volume of said gas during
expansion and increases pressure of gas during compression.
18. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein said-Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter means includes at least two
Expander-Compressor members for driving said Generator-Motor means
in response to impingement upon said at least two
Expander-Compressor members of gas flow, a first
Expander-Compressor member being arranged to receive gas flow from
said compressed gas storage device and a second Expander-Compressor
member being arranged to receive gas flow from said Generator-Motor
means.
19. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means for
controllably releasing and compressing said gas from and to said
compressed gas storage device comprises at least one controller
member; at least four check valves; and at least one flow control
valve for controllable release and compression of said gas.
20. The invention as set forth in claim 12 further including
Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter means connectable to receive
gas flow from said compressed gas storage device wherein said gas
flows in direct contact with armature and rotor of Motor-Generator
to exchange heat, which expands the volume of said released gas and
increases the pressure of said compressed gas.
21. The invention as set forth in claim 20 wherein said Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter means includes at least two
Expander-Compressor members for driving said Motor-Generator means
in response to impingement upon said at least two
Expander-Compressor members of gas flow, a first
Expander-Compressor member being arranged to receive gas flow from
said compressed gas storage device and a second Expander-Compressor
member being arranged to receive gas flow from said Motor-Generator
means, wherein said Motor-Generator drives said at least two
Expander-Compressors in response to electrical power supply to
compress gas, a first Expander-Compressor member being arranged to
receive gas flow from Motor-Generator and second
Expander-Compressor member being arranged to receive gas flow from
said compressed gas storage device.
22. The invention as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means for
controllably releasing and receiving said gas from said compressed
gas storage device comprises at least four check valves; at least
one pressure sensor; at least one controller member and at least
one flow control valve for controllable release and receive of said
gas.
23. The invention as set forth in claim 18, wherein said first
compressed gas storage device includes at least one common drive
shaft for said Generator-Motor means and said at least two
Expander-Compressor members.
24. The invention as set forth in claim 21, wherein said second
compressed gas storage device includes at least one common drive
shaft for said Generator-Motor means and said at least two
Expander-Compressor members.
25. A system for storing and generating power comprising means
compressing gas in response to supply of electrical power for
storing energy in the form of compressed gas and connectable to
means for generating power in response to flow of gas, said means
for storing energy in the form of compressed gas means compressing
gas at least two different pressure stages such that pressure
differentials between stages for the duration of compression is
substantially equal, including means for releasing compressed gas
in at least two different pressure stages such that the pressure
differentials between stages for the duration of expansion of said
compressed gas is substantially equal, thereby reducing energy loss
during compression and from expansion of compressed gas.
26. The invention as set forth in claim 25 wherein said means for
storing energy in the form of compressed gas comprises at least a
first compressed gas storage member and a second compressed gas
storage member, said first compressed gas storage member being
connectable to said second compressed gas storage member, said
first compressed gas storage member being at a different pressure
from said second compressed gas storage member.
27. The invention as set forth in claim 25 wherein said means for
storing energy in the form of compressed gas comprises a plurality
of compressed gas storage members at differing pressures.
28. A method for storing energy and generating power comprising the
steps of: (a) Compressing gas controllably at least two equal
pressure differentials in at least two different pressure levels
whereby energy loss due to gas compression is reduced; (b) Storing
compressed gas for controllable release to drive power generator
means; (c) Releasing said compressed gas from at least two
different pressure levels in at least two equal pressure
differentials, whereby energy loss due to expansion of compressed
gas is reduced.
29. The invention as set forth in claim 28 wherein there is a
plurality of pressure differentials.
30. The invention as set forth in claim 28 wherein thermal energy
released upon generation and storage of power is at least partially
returned to said expanding and compressing gas to reduce energy
loss.
31. The invention as set forth in claim 28 wherein said gas
comprises air.
32. A system for storing power comprising means for storing energy
in the form of compressed gas and connectable to means for
providing power, and further including means for compressing gas
through application of power from said power providing means,
including means for compressing gas in at least two different
pressure levels such that the pressure differentials for the
duration of compression are substantially equal, thereby reducing
energy loss from compression of said gas, said system being
operable in substantial thermal isolation from the surrounding.
33. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said means for
compressing gas comprises at least a first Electricity Pressure
Mutual Converter member and a second Electricity Pressure Mutual
Converter member, said first Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter
member and said second Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter member
being connectable to one another and operating at similar
differential gas pressure.
34. The invention as set forth in claim 32, wherein at least one of
said Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter members is capable to
function in the same way as electricity generator and mutually
capable to function in the same way as a gas compressor.
35. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said means for
storing energy in the form of compressed gas comprises a plurality
of compressed gas storage members at differing pressures.
36. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter means includes at least two
Expander-Compressor members operable to drive said gas compression,
a first Expander-Compressor member being arranged to receive gas
flow from said means for storing energy in the form of compressed
gas, said Motor-Generator member and said second
Expander-Compressor member being arranged to receive gas flow from
the first Expander-Compressor to exchange heat means included in
said Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter means.
37. The invention as set forth in claim 28 exchanging heat means
contributes to controlling temperature of said Motor-Generator
members.
38. The invention as set forth in claim 33 further including at
least two compressed gas storage devices, a first of said at least
two compressed gas storage devices including said first Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter member and a second of said at least two
compressed gas storage devices including said second Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter member
39. The invention as set forth in claim 38, further including means
for controlling gas flow and direction from and to said first
compressed gas storage device and further including at least one
flow control valve for controlling said gas flow and direction from
and to said first compressed gas storage device.
40. The invention as set forth in claim 38 further including means
for controlling gas flow and direction from and to said second gas
storage device, other than said means for controlling gas flow and
direction from and to said first compressed gas storage device and
further including at least one flow control valve for controlling
gas flow and direction from and to said second compressed gas
storage device other than said at least one flow control valve for
controlling gas flow and direction from and to said first
compressed gas storage device.
41. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said gas
substantially comprises air.
42. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said pressure of
said compressed stored gas is substantially equal to or greater
than 5000 psi.
43. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said pressure of
said compressed stored gas is substantially equal or less than 5000
psi.
44. The invention as set forth in claim 32 wherein said pressure
differentials are substantially equal to one another.
45. A method for storing power in the form of compressed gas
comprising the steps of: a. providing power means; b. providing
means for compressing gas through application of power from said
power means, whereby said gas is compressed in at least two
different pressure levels such that the pressure differentials upon
compression of said gas is substantially equal, thereby reducing
energy loss.
46. The method as set forth in claim 45 wherein said means for
compressing gas is operable in reverse to function as a
generator.
47. The method as set forth in claim 45 wherein said pressure
differentials are substantially equal to one another.
48. A system for storing energy and generating electrical power
comprising: a plurality of compressed gas storage devices for
storing compressed gas at different pressure levels to create
substantially equal pressure differentials between compressed gas
storage devices and for controllably compressing and releasing said
gas; a tank member substantially containing said plurality of
compressed gas storage devices; means for controlling charging with
compressed gas of said plurality of compressed gas storage devices;
at least one Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter capable of
generating electricity resulting from receiving a flow of gas and
capable of compressing gas resulting from supply of electrical
power; said plurality of compressed gas storage devices being
connectable to said at least one Electricity Pressure Mutual
Converter such that said compressed gas storage devices supply and
receive gas flow from gas released and compressed there from to
said at least one Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter thereby
resulting to store and generate electrical power; control means for
controlling release of compressed gas and compressing gas; heat
exchange means exchanging heat between Motor-Generator and gas; and
load sensor means for sensing load in connection with release of
compressed gas, said control means for controlling release of
compressed gas being connected with said load sensor means such
that for smaller loads gas flow is diminished and for higher loads
gas flow is increased.
49. A system for storing energy from compressing gas comprising
means for compressing gas to a selected pressure in at least two
steps thereby reducing energy loss from said gas compression, said
means for compressing gas being connectable to at least one energy
storage device for storing compressed gas.
50. The invention as set forth in claim 49 wherein pressure
differentials in said at least two steps are substantially equal to
one another.
51. The invention as set forth in claim 48 wherein said Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter had one gas input and one gas output to
reduce energy losses.
52. The invention as set forth in claim 48, wherein said
Expander-Compressor member is a sliding vane turbine.
53. The invention as set forth in claim 48, wherein said pressure
differential is substantially equal to, less than or greater than
10 psi.
Description
[0001] This is continuation-in-part of pending patent application
Ser. No. 11/126,920 filed May 10, 2005, which in turn was a
continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/833,958
filed Apr. 28, 2004, which in turn was a continuation-in-part of
patent application Ser. No. 09/854,682 filed May 15, 2001, which
filing date is hereby claimed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, we mankind, have had major problems with relation
to batteries that is, devices for storing energy for use when
desired. The problems include: the charging of batteries, servicing
of batteries, the non-reusability of batteries, and the highly
dangerous, hazardous, and explosive, environmentally-polluting
chemicals used in existing electrochemical batteries, and their
heavy weight.
[0003] The thermo-dynamic battery unit of the invention solves all
of these issues. It generates clean, usable energy, while remaining
chemical and explosion free, lightweight, rapidly rechargeable,
economical, and environmentally-friendly.
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a device for use
in any application for providing power for any electrical device
that employs battery power to function. More explicitly, the
present invention discloses an innovative, high power device, which
does not generate any harmful, environmentally-polluting residue.
The present invention is extremely ecologically compatible in
operation and design, actually replenishing clean ozone back into
the atmosphere, is long lasting, and is designed to be re-usable
unlike conventional units.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates generally to a new electric
power storage device. More distinctively, it provides and
generation of electrical power in the form of compressed gas
energy.
[0006] Another positive attribute of the present-invention is that
the compressed gas is passed through a generator, which exchanges
heat with the generator to increase the efficiency of the generator
and its driver device. This enhances efficiency of use of energy
that is stored and conserved in the thermodynamic battery unit in
accordance with the invention.
[0007] Another positive attribute of the present invention is that
the thermo-dynamic battery unit is modular unit comprised of, and
connectable together a compressed air storage for storing energy in
the form of compressed air, and Electricity Pressure Mutual
Converter for converting the electricity to pressure and pressure
to electricity by provided and coupled Expander-Compressor with
Motor-Generator in single embodiment of apparatus.
[0008] Another positive attribute of the present invention is that
by dividing and partitioning the compressed air storage tank into
separate smaller modular self-contained energy storing and
producing units we can store and recover energy much more
efficiently than existing compressed air energy storage
systems.
[0009] Another positive attribute of the present invention is that
the working pressure of compressor-expander as much as possible is
smaller to gain higher efficiency, which is effortless to
manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A plurality of thermodynamic battery units is connectable to
store and generate electrical energy by converting electrical power
in the form of compressed gas, and reversing the process by
converting compressed gas into the electricity.
[0011] A system for storing and generating power from gas includes
at least two (2) thermo-dynamic battery units connectable in series
to one another for controllable compression and expansion of the
gas to drive a compressor and generator. A method in accordance
with the invention comprises providing at least two (2)
thermo-dynamic battery units connectable in series with one another
for controllable compression and expansion of the gas to drive a
compressor and generator.
[0012] The present invention provides a unique battery system,
which stores and produces, from compressed gas energy, clean usable
electrical power for use in any application in any device that can
employ battery power to operate. The invention is much lighter for
the same energy output than existing units, can be charged in
rather than hours, and operates chemical and explosion free.
Environmentally safe to operate, and operates at or about 90%
efficiency.
[0013] A system and method in accordance with the invention for
storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of gas
compression and expansion comprises a method for storing energy
including the steps of providing power to compress gas in at least
two stages with at least two pressure changes, to a receptacle
where the gas is compressed and held for dissemination to provide
power. The method provides for dissemination of stored energy when
proceeding in reverse, i.e., when said compressed gas is expanded
with at least two pressure changes and the output is coupled to at
least one generator. A system in accordance with the invention
operates in accordance with said method and employs apparatus to
implement said method with at least two expanders-compressors
coupleable to at least one motor-generator. When operated in the
opposite manner, which is if electrical power supplied to
motor-generator said system compressing gas and provides energy
storage in the form of compressed gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a thermo-dynamic battery unit
in accordance with the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an arrangement in accordance
with the invention of a plurality of thermo-dynamic battery
units.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a thermo-dynamic battery unit in
accordance with the invention comprises a Electricity Pressure
Mutual Converter 1 for converting electricity to compressed gas and
compressed gas to electricity, a tank 2 for storing compressed gas,
a Motor-Generator 7 connected with at least two Expander-Compressor
sets 5, 9 in series with common shaft 6, a heat exchanger chamber
space 8 between Motor-Generator armature and rotor, four check
valves 10 and a control unit 4, including a flow control valve 3
and 11 for controlling release flow and direction of compressed gas
from and to tank 2. Tank 2, control unit 4, and generator 7 are of
conventional type.
[0017] Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter 1 able to work in two
mode; compression and expansion. In the compression mode, while the
electricity applied to Motor-Generator 7, the Motor-Generator 7
rotates the Expander-Compressor van set 5,9 toward one of two
possible directions, and force the gas to compress. In the enclosed
heat exchanger chamber 8 a space where the gas exchanges heat with
Motor-Generator, which according under the lows of thermodynamic
contributes to increase the gas pressure. The check vales 10
arranged such so the pressurized gas will be forced to flow to the
direction of the tank 2 for storage. The control unit 4 controls
the direction and flow rate of gas by flow control valves 3 and
11.
[0018] In the expansion mode the gas released from tank 2 under
control of unit 4 passing through first Expander-Compressor van set
5 will cause expand the gas from smaller space to larger space,
which will force the common drive shaft 6 to turn towards the other
direction of said two possible directions. As long as
Motor-Generator rotor attached to the same common drive shaft 6
will cause Motor-Generator 7 to operate, which in turn generates
electricity and some incidental heat. Generated heat expands the
released gas causing the second set of fan blades
Expander-Compressor van 9 to operate, which is transmitted back to
Motor-Generator 7 with a common drive shaft 6 to operate
Motor-Generator 7. Check valves 10 arranged such so the expanding
gas flows towards the vent.
[0019] The released gas is in thermal contact with heat exchanger
chamber 10 8, space between the Motor-Generator 7 armature and
rotor, long enough to achieve expected results. At the same time,
the released gas--which under the laws of thermodynamics cools as
it expands upon release--cools Motor-Generator 7 and increases
generator efficiency thereby. Generating of electricity is thus
controlled by control unit 4 and flow control valve 3 and 11.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, a thermo-dynamic battery system
comprises a plurality of individual Electricity Pressure Mutual
Converter 12, in the case depicted herein numbering four. This
number is provided for specificity; the invention in this
embodiment may operate with as few as two individual units as well
as with an unlimited number thereof.
[0021] Each individual unit 12 operates in the same manner as
thermo-dynamic battery unit 1 described above. In the present
embodiment, the respective units 12 are depicted as connected to
one another within a tank 14. Each unit 12 is held in place by
conventional means and is sealed by O-rings 17. The space between
each Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter intended to store
compressed gas.
[0022] Each unit 12 includes a flow control valve 18 controlled by
a controller regulator 20. In each unit 12 the gas is compressed
and released controllably and simultaneously at a predetermined
different pressure levels to create equal pressure differentials
between tanks. As depicted, the unit 12 at the left end of tank 14
is at the highest pressure, shown here as P.sub.N and unit 12 at
the right hand end of tank 14 is at the lowest pressure, shown
herein as P.sub.1. The P.sub.1 unit 12 is connectable to a vent 22
to ambient. Pressure may be 5000 psi or higher in particular
applications. Pressure differential between the input and output of
units 12 is as low as possible and equal each and every one, to
increase the overall system efficiency.
[0023] As depicted in FIG. 2, volume of the P.sub.N unit 12 is
given as V.sub.N Similar considerations apply to intermediate units
12, whose pressure and volume, respectively, are P.sub.3, V.sub.3
and P.sub.2, V.sub.2. Pressure in units 12 diminishes from the
highest pressure, to the lowest pressure P.sub.1 with intermediate
units 12 having diminishing pressure from left to right as shown in
FIG. 2. For example, in the specific configuration depicted,
P.sub.3 is larger than P.sub.2, which in turn is larger than
P.sub.1.
[0024] As further depicted in FIG. 2, each unit 12 contributes
power when the system is operated as stated below. For ease of
reference, said power--in this case, voltage--is symbolized by
U.sub.N through U.sub.1. Said individual contributions to the power
may be employed in series, for increased voltage or in parallel for
increased current.
[0025] A charging valve 26 controls charging of tank 14 with
compressed gas for storage of energy therein. This may be employed
for a fast or booster charge.
[0026] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, a negative electrical
terminal 23 is disposed at the high pressure end of tank 14 and a
positive terminal 24 is disposed of the low pressure end of tank
14. The phrase "high pressure end" and "low pressure end" means in
this context the location in tank 14 where, respectively, the
highest pressure unit 12 (the P.sub.N unit) and the lowest pressure
unit 12 (the P.sub.1 unit 12) are located.
[0027] In operation, controller regulator 20 is operable to
regulate each and individual Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter
to compress gas for storage and expand for electricity generation
subject to load sensor 25 and pressure sensors 27 connected hereto.
During the compression mode the electrical power applied to
terminals 23 and 24 and the Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter
under the influence of differential pressure simultaneously
Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter will force to compress the
gas and stored for power generation. Upon release of gas under the
influence of differential pressure such that from each unit 12,
voltage is generated as described in connection with the system of
FIG. 1. Load sensor 25 and pressure sensor 27 regulates operation
of controller regulator 20 such that for a smaller load to diminish
flow of gas and for higher loads to increase gas flow. Such devices
are in common usage at present as, for example, in power generating
facilities which seek to maximize efficiency by matching power
generation to power demand.
[0028] As noted above, the individual power outputs of units 12 can
be placed in parallel to provide a larger current or in series for
increased voltage. In addition, each unit 12 may be arranged (not
shown) outside of partitioned tank 14 connected with the pipes.
[0029] A method for storing and using energy and employing same for
generating electric power includes the steps of: (1) applying
electrical power to Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter for
controllably compressing gas (2) storing energy in the form of
compressed gas; (3) controllably releasing said gas to operate an
Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter. The gas may comprise air,
and the gas may pass in thermal contact with a Motor-Generator for
improved efficiency.
[0030] A method for storing energy and generating power comprises
the steps of applying electrical power to Electricity Pressure
Mutual Converter for controllably compressing gas, storing
compressed gas for controllable release to drive an Electricity
Pressure Mutual Converter and releasing the compressed gas in at
least two pressure drops, thereby reducing energy loss from
expansion of compressed gas. This method may be implemented by
means of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 or similar devices. The
method of the invention may be employed with a plurality of
pressure drops, numbering two or more.
[0031] The foregoing-described system and method for storing,
disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of compressed gas,
includes a method for storing energy in the form of gas compression
by substantially reversible the foregoing-described method for
generating power, using the same apparatus. Under the method, power
is supplied to Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter 12 and as a
result they function as motors causing the expanders therein to
reverse such that air will be compressed through the
above-described pressure changes for storage in tank 14.
[0032] Efficiency in the forward cycle as well as the reverse cycle
is promoted by the multiple pressure change aspect of the
invention.
[0033] In the foregoing manner, energy losses from expansion of
compressed gases are minimized, and efficiency improved.
[0034] The within specification and drawings disclose particular
embodiments of the invention, which is defined by the appended
claims interpreted in light of the specification and drawings.
* * * * *