Systems and methods for efficient pumping of high-pressure fluids for energy
First Claim
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1. A method of energy storage and recovery, the method comprising:
- at least one of storing, expanding, or compressing a gas at an elevated pressure within a cylinder assembly having an inlet and an outlet;
circulating a heat-transfer fluid through the gas at the elevated pressure;
increasing a pressure of the heat-transfer fluid to a second pressure higher than the elevated pressure with a pumping system; and
thereafter, introducing heat-transfer fluid into the gas at a pressure ranging from approximately the elevated pressure to approximately the second pressure to thermally condition the gas,wherein the pumping system comprises a pumping cylinder comprising two separated chambers selectively fluidly connected to the inlet and the outlet of the cylinder assembly.
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Abstract
In various embodiments, a mechanical assembly and/or storage vessel is fluidly coupled to a circulation apparatus for receiving pressurized heat-transfer fluid from an outlet at a first elevated pressure, boosting a pressure of the heat-transfer fluid to a second pressure larger than the first pressure, and returning heat-transfer fluid to an inlet at a third pressure.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of energy storage and recovery, the method comprising:
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at least one of storing, expanding, or compressing a gas at an elevated pressure within a cylinder assembly having an inlet and an outlet; circulating a heat-transfer fluid through the gas at the elevated pressure; increasing a pressure of the heat-transfer fluid to a second pressure higher than the elevated pressure with a pumping system; and thereafter, introducing heat-transfer fluid into the gas at a pressure ranging from approximately the elevated pressure to approximately the second pressure to thermally condition the gas, wherein the pumping system comprises a pumping cylinder comprising two separated chambers selectively fluidly connected to the inlet and the outlet of the cylinder assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of energy storage and recovery, the method comprising:
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at least one of storing, expanding, or compressing a gas at an elevated pressure within a mechanical assembly; circulating a heat-transfer fluid through the gas at the elevated pressure; increasing a pressure of the heat-transfer fluid to a second pressure higher than the elevated pressure with a pumping system; and thereafter, introducing heat-transfer fluid into the gas at a pressure ranging from approximately the elevated pressure to approximately the second pressure to thermally condition the gas, wherein the pumping system comprises (i) at least two pumping cylinders, each pumping cylinder comprising (a) two separated chambers selectively fluidly connected to an inlet and an outlet of the mechanical assembly, and (b) a piston disposed within the pumping cylinder separating the chambers, and (ii) an actuator, coupled to a piston, for alternately driving the piston in two opposing directions, thereby alternately increasing a pressure within each of the two chambers separated by the piston. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification