Compressed air energy storage method and system
First Claim
1. A compressed air energy storage system comprising:
- a compressed air reservoir;
a plurality of air compressor stages adapted for compression of atmospheric air;
means for cooling air compressed in said air compressor stages;
means for separating condensed water from said compressed atmospheric air;
at least one air expander adapted for expansion of compressed air;
heat transfer means for preheating said compressed air before expansion and heating expanded air egressing from said air expander, using heat derived from one of the class of external low grade heat sources including refrigerated substances, surrounding water, surrounding air, waste heat sources and solar energy;
an electric motor-generator unit connected through clutches to said air compressor stages and air expander;
lines with valves connecting said air compressor stages with said air expander and with said compressed air reservoir.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system utilizes compressed air stored in a cavity for electric power and cold production. During periods of excess power production, atmospheric air is compressed then cooled in stages using energy from a motor/generator. Condensed water is then separated from the air which is then stored in a cavity. When there is an energy demand from the CAES system, the stored compressed air is heated using heat from an external low grade energy source such as refrigerated substances, surrounding water, surrounding air, waste heat sources and solar energy. The heated compressed air is then expanded through a plurality of expansion stages to provide mechanical power to the motor/generator for generating electricity.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A compressed air energy storage system comprising:
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a compressed air reservoir; a plurality of air compressor stages adapted for compression of atmospheric air; means for cooling air compressed in said air compressor stages; means for separating condensed water from said compressed atmospheric air; at least one air expander adapted for expansion of compressed air; heat transfer means for preheating said compressed air before expansion and heating expanded air egressing from said air expander, using heat derived from one of the class of external low grade heat sources including refrigerated substances, surrounding water, surrounding air, waste heat sources and solar energy; an electric motor-generator unit connected through clutches to said air compressor stages and air expander; lines with valves connecting said air compressor stages with said air expander and with said compressed air reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A compressed air energy storage method, comprising the steps of:
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compressing a portion of atmospheric air in a plurality of stages; cooling said air portion after each stage of compression; separating condensed water from said air portion after said compression and cooling; storing said air portion; expanding said air portion in a plurality of stages while deriving work from said air portion; and preheating said air portion before expansion and reheating it after every stage of expansion using heat derived from one of the class of external low grade heat sources including refrigerated substances, surrounding water, surrounding air, waste heat sources, and solar energy.
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Specification