Method and apparatus for storing and using energy to reduce the end-user cost of energy
First Claim
1. A method of reducing the end-user cost of energy at a predetermined location, comprising:
- providing an energy storage system comprising at least one tank and compressor capable of storing energy in the form of compressed air energy;
locating said system at an end-user site, wherein said end-user is a consumer of energy rather than a supplier;
forecasting how much energy will be used at said site during a second period of time, during which the energy cost is at a relatively high second rate;
determining the nature and extent of the peak power surges and/or spikes that are expected to occur at said site during said second period of time;
storing in said tank a predetermined amount of compressed air energy from an energy source during a first period of time, during which the energy cost is at a relatively low first rate, wherein said first period of time is prior to said second period of time; and
using the compressed air energy from said tank in a manner that helps offset the amount of energy used at said site during said second period of time, and offset the peak power surges and/or spikes occurring at said site during said second period of time, such that the surges and/or spikes are substantially reduced or eliminated.
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Abstract
The invention relates to an energy storing method and apparatus for use by end-users of energy, such as commercial property owners and operators. The system differs from past systems, insofar as it is not intended to be used by and in connection with energy suppliers, such as large utility and power supply plants and grids. The system preferably relates to the manner in which an end-user of energy can implement energy and costs savings, by using energy storage and time-shifting methods, to control and regulate the consumption of energy in a manner that achieves a cost savings over a period of time. One aspect of the method relates to accurately forecasting and predicting the energy demands and peaks that might occur on a daily basis, by recording and analyzing the prior day'"'"'s history, as well as the overall energy demand histories, using short and long term forecasts, and then setting up a variable energy storage/use plan or schedule that helps to reduce the peak demands by time-shifting the energy that is used, i.e., reducing consumption during high demand/high cost periods, and using the energy stored during low demand/low cost periods during the high demand/high cost periods.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of reducing the end-user cost of energy at a predetermined location, comprising:
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providing an energy storage system comprising at least one tank and compressor capable of storing energy in the form of compressed air energy; locating said system at an end-user site, wherein said end-user is a consumer of energy rather than a supplier; forecasting how much energy will be used at said site during a second period of time, during which the energy cost is at a relatively high second rate; determining the nature and extent of the peak power surges and/or spikes that are expected to occur at said site during said second period of time; storing in said tank a predetermined amount of compressed air energy from an energy source during a first period of time, during which the energy cost is at a relatively low first rate, wherein said first period of time is prior to said second period of time; and using the compressed air energy from said tank in a manner that helps offset the amount of energy used at said site during said second period of time, and offset the peak power surges and/or spikes occurring at said site during said second period of time, such that the surges and/or spikes are substantially reduced or eliminated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of reducing the end-user cost of energy at a predetermined location, comprising:
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providing an energy storage system comprising at least one tank and compressor capable of storing energy in the form of compressed air energy; locating said system at an end-user site, wherein said end-user is a consumer of energy rather than a supplier; determining the nature and extent of the peak power surges and/or spikes that are expected to occur at said site during a second period of time, during which demand charges are assessed based on the level of said peak power surges and/or spikes; storing in said tank a predetermined amount of compressed air energy from an energy source during a first period of time, during which the energy cost is lower than during said second period of time, wherein said first period of time is prior to said second period of time; and using the compressed air energy from said tank in a manner that offsets the peak power surges and/or spikes occurring at said site during said second period of time, such that said peak power surges and/or spikes are substantially reduced or eliminated. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification