Systems and methods for providing backup energy to a load
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a source of short-term backup power for providing backup power to a critical load, the critical load located inside a housing, and the housing having an internal temperature;
a compressed air reservoir for storing compressed air;
at least one valve coupled to the compressed air reservoir;
an ambient air heat exchanger coupled to the at least one valve;
a compressed air turbine coupled to the at least one valve to receive the compressed air and release a turbine exhaust; and
an electrical generator powered by the turbine, for providing backup power to the critical load.
2 Assignments
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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.
47 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a source of short-term backup power for providing backup power to a critical load, the critical load located inside a housing, and the housing having an internal temperature; a compressed air reservoir for storing compressed air; at least one valve coupled to the compressed air reservoir; an ambient air heat exchanger coupled to the at least one valve; a compressed air turbine coupled to the at least one valve to receive the compressed air and release a turbine exhaust; and an electrical generator powered by the turbine, for providing backup power to the critical load. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An apparatus comprising:
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a source of short-term backup power for providing backup power to a critical load, the critical load located inside a housing, and the housing having an internal temperature; a compressed air reservoir for storing compressed air; at least one valve coupled to the compressed air reservoir; a compressed air turbine coupled to the at least one valve to receive the compressed air and release a turbine exhaust into the housing; and an electrical generator powered by the turbine, for providing backup power to the critical load. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An apparatus comprising:
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a compressed air reservoir for storing compressed air; at least one valve coupled to the compressed air reservoir; a compressed air turbine coupled to the at least one valve to receive the compressed air and release a turbine exhaust; an electrical generator powered by the turbine, for providing backup power to a critical load located inside a housing, the housing having an internal temperature; and a fan associated with the compressed air reservoir to move cool air from near the compressed air reservoir to lower the internal temperature of the housing. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification