Energy storage and generation systems and methods using coupled cylinder assemblies
First Claim
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1. A method for efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the method comprising:
- compressing a gas within a plurality of pneumatic cylinders, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies being coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during compression of the gas;
storing the compressed gas in a storage vessel after compression; and
generating electricity with the stored compressed gas.
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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 method for efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the method comprising:
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compressing a gas within a plurality of pneumatic cylinders, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies being coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during compression of the gas; storing the compressed gas in a storage vessel after compression; and generating electricity with the stored compressed gas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the method comprising:
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at least one of (i) expanding a gas within a plurality of pneumatic cylinder assemblies, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies being coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion of the gas, or (ii) compressing a gas within a plurality of pneumatic cylinder assemblies, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies being coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during compression of the gas; and transmitting force between the pneumatic cylinder assemblies and a crankshaft coupled to a rotary motor/generator. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the method comprising:
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at least one of (i) expanding a gas within a plurality of pneumatic cylinder assemblies, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies being coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion of the gas, or (ii) compressing a gas within a plurality of pneumatic cylinder assemblies, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies being coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during compression of the gas; and maintaining the gas at a substantially constant temperature during the at least one of expansion or compression. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification