Energy storage and generation systems and methods using coupled cylinder assemblies
First Claim
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1. A system for energy storage and recovery via expansion and compression of a gas, and that is suitable for the efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the system comprising:
- a first pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment;
a second pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment; and
a heat-transfer subsystem in fluid communication with at least one of the pneumatic cylinder assemblies,wherein (i) the piston rods of the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are mechanically coupled, (ii) the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a force range produced during expansion or compression of a gas within the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies, and (iii) the heat-transfer subsystem comprises a circulation apparatus for circulating a heat-transfer fluid through at least one compartment of at least one of the pneumatic cylinder assemblies.
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Abstract
In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for energy storage and recovery via expansion and compression of a gas, and that is suitable for the efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the system comprising:
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a first pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment; a second pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment; and a heat-transfer subsystem in fluid communication with at least one of the pneumatic cylinder assemblies, wherein (i) the piston rods of the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are mechanically coupled, (ii) the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a force range produced during expansion or compression of a gas within the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies, and (iii) the heat-transfer subsystem comprises a circulation apparatus for circulating a heat-transfer fluid through at least one compartment of at least one of the pneumatic cylinder assemblies. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for energy storage and recovery via expansion and compression of a gas, and that is suitable for the efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the system comprising:
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a first pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment; a second pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment; and an armature coupled to the piston rods of the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies, thereby mechanically coupling the piston rods, wherein the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a force range produced during expansion or compression of a gas within the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for energy storage and recovery via expansion and compression of a gas, and that is suitable for the efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the system comprising:
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a first pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment; a second pneumatic cylinder assembly comprising (i) a first compartment, (ii) a second compartment, (iii) a piston, slidably disposed within the cylinder assembly, separating the compartments, and (iv) a piston rod coupled to the piston and extending outside the first compartment; and a manifold block on which the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are mounted, wherein (i) the piston rods of the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are mechanically coupled, (ii) the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a force range produced during expansion or compression of a gas within the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies, and (iii) a connection between the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies extends through the manifold block and has a length minimizing potential dead space between the first and second pneumatic cylinder assemblies. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification