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Energy storage system for electric utility plant

  • US 4,353,214 A
  • Filed: 11/24/1978
  • Issued: 10/12/1982
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1978
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method using a substantially closed fluid system for storing and retrieving excess energy produced during low energy demand periods by an electric utility, comprising the steps of:

  • a. storing a gaseous primary fluid at low pressure in a low pressure underground storage cavern,b. compressing said primary fluid to high pressures utilizing energy output produced by said utility during low consumer demand periods,c. storing said compressed primary fluid in a high pressure underground storage cavern,d. transferring said compressed fluid during peak power demand from said high pressure storage cavern to a reaction zone,e. reacting an exothermic fuel constituent within said compressed primary fluid to generate a heated working fluid comprised of said primary fluid and any fuel reactants and products present,f. expanding said working fluid to produce an electrical output for supplementation of utility capacity, andg. returning at least the resulting expanded primary fluid to said low pressure cavern.

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