Systems and methods for providing backup energy to a load
First Claim
1. A backup energy system that provides backup power to a critical load in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, said system comprising:
- a source of compressed air;
a turbine coupled to said source of compressed air to receive said compressed air, said received compressed air driving said turbine;
an electrical generator powered by said turbine when said turbine is driven by said compressed air, said generator providing said backup power when powered by said turbine; and
a bridging energy system that, in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, provides said backup power to said critical load during said disturbance at least until said electrical generator begins providing said backup power.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A backup energy system that provides backup power to a critical load in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, said system comprising:
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a source of compressed air;
a turbine coupled to said source of compressed air to receive said compressed air, said received compressed air driving said turbine;
an electrical generator powered by said turbine when said turbine is driven by said compressed air, said generator providing said backup power when powered by said turbine; and
a bridging energy system that, in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, provides said backup power to said critical load during said disturbance at least until said electrical generator begins providing said backup power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An integrated HVAC system, said system comprising:
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a housing;
a source of compressed air;
a valve coupled to said source of compressed air;
a temperature measurement device located in said housing; and
a controller that opens said valve to permit at least a portion of said compressed air to be released into said housing to cool at least a portion of the contents in said housing depending on the temperature measured inside said housing by said temperature measurement device.
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25. An integrated backup power and HVAC system, said system comprising:
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at least one pressure tank that stores compressed air;
a turbine coupled to said at least one pressure tank to receive said compressed air, said received compressed air driving said turbine which causes said turbine to release turbine exhaust;
an electrical generator powered by said turbine when said turbine is driven by said compressed air, said generator providing backup power to a critical load when powered by said turbine; and
a temperature measurement device for measuring the temperature of ambient air and producing a control signal depending on said measurement. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. An integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system that provides backup power to a critical load in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, said system comprising:
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a source of compressed air;
a turbine coupled to said source of compressed air to receive said compressed air, said received compressed air driving said turbine;
an electrical generator powered by said turbine when said turbine is driven by said compressed air, said generator providing said backup power when powered by said turbine;
a bridging energy system that, in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, provides said backup power to a critical load during said disturbance at least until said electrical generator begins providing said backup power;
switching circuitry that switches the source of power to said critical load between said primary power source and a source of backup power, said source of backup power comprising said electrical generator and said flywheel energy storage system; and
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) control electronics that controls at least said switching circuitry and said turbine based on the quality of power from said primary power source. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method for providing backup power to a critical load in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, said method comprising:
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providing compressed air;
driving a turbine using said compressed air;
powering an electrical generator with said turbine to provide said backup power during said disturbance; and
supplying bridging energy to said critical load during said disturbance at least until said electrical generator begins supplying said backup power. - View Dependent Claims (40)
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41. A method for maintaining a desired temperature level within a housing, said method comprising:
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providing a source of compressed air;
measuring the temperature within said housing by using a temperature measurement device; and
releasing at least a portion of said compressed air into said housing depending on said measured temperature.
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Specification