37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
Goods & Services
Energy storage power plants featuring isothermal energy compression and expansion modules; wind power plants and offshore wind power plants. Construction, installation, maintenance and repair of energy storage power plants featuring isothermal energy compression and expansion modules, wind power plants and offshore wind power plants. Storage of services in the energy industry, namely, storage of electricity; providing information in the field of energy storage; consultation in the field of energy storage. Production of energy; generation of energy; providing information in the field of energy generation and production; consultation in the field of energy generation and production.
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
39 - Transport, packaging, storage and travel services
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
Goods & Services
Energy storage power plants featuring isothermal energy compression and expansion modules; wind power plants and offshore wind power plants. Construction, installation, maintenance and repair of energy storage power plants featuring isothermal energy compression and expansion modules, wind power plants and offshore wind power plants. Storage of services in the energy industry, namely, storage of electricity; providing information in the field of energy storage; consultation in the field of energy storage. Production of energy; generation of energy; providing information in the field of energy generation and production; consultation in the field of energy generation and production.
3.
HORIZONTAL ACTUATION COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
A modular compressed air energy storage system includes modular low pressure and high pressure subsystems coupled together with interstage pipes. Each of the subsystems includes a hydraulic vessel (214a, 224b) adapted to contain a heat transfer liquid and having a piston (210a, 220b) disposed therein for horizontal reciprocating movement. First and second pressure vessels (240a, 240b, 250c, 250d) are coupled to the hydraulic vessel (214a, 224b) on opposite sides of the piston (210a, 220b), each adapted to contain the heat transfer liquid and/or a gas. First and second heat transfer devices (260a, 260b, 264c, 264d) are respectively disposed within upper regions of the pressure vessels (240a, 240b, 250c, 250d). The piston (210a, 220b) is moveable in a first direction to displace at least some of the heat transfer liquid from the hydraulic vessel (214a, 224b) to the first pressure vessel (240a, 250c) and is moveable in a second direction to displace at least some of the heat transfer liquid from the hydraulic vessel (214a, 224b) to the second pressure vessel (240b,250d).
F04B 9/105 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being liquid having only one pumping chamber reciprocating movement of the pumping member being obtained by a double-acting liquid motor
F15B 11/036 - Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or the actuating force or speed of an output member for controlling the actuating force by means of servomotors having a plurality of working chambers
F15B 15/02 - Mechanical layout characterised by the means for converting the movement of the fluid-actuated element into movement of the finally-operated member
4.
HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR FOR A COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
A hydraulic actuator (200) adapted to be coupled to one or more pistons of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system includes a housing (205) forming a plurality of aligned bores (220a-220c), with a shaft (250) disposed therein for reciprocating movement. For a three bore configuration, the shaft has three pistons (250 230a-230c) subdividing the three bores into six pressure chambers (260a-260f). Four valves (270a-270d) fluidically connected to the six chambers selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid, permitting three levels of hydraulic shaft force for each direction of shaft motion.
F15B 11/036 - Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or the actuating force or speed of an output member for controlling the actuating force by means of servomotors having a plurality of working chambers
F04B 9/105 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being liquid having only one pumping chamber reciprocating movement of the pumping member being obtained by a double-acting liquid motor
The invention relates to a large access port to a subterranean chamber of a compressed air energy storage system and a method for forming the same. The access port has a liner with a proximal end near ground level and a distal end near the subterranean chamber to provide fluidic communication between the compressed air energy storage system and the subterranean chamber. Separate pipes are located within the liner and extend from the proximal end to beyond the distal end of the liner to provide fluidic communication with fluid in the subterranean chamber. Support structure couples the liner to the separate pipes for support.
A rotary valve adapted for use in utility scale fluidic systems improves over conventional valving schemes by affording reductions in weight, pressure drop, cost, and actuation time, as well as providing improvements in decompression performance, higher pressure capability, and longer operational life. One embodiment of a three way valve assembly utilizes electric actuation to adjust decompression in real time and facilitate port shaping. The valve assembly utilizes a pressure balanced rotor (4) and seals (70, 90) to reduce actuation and bearing loads, as well as increase seal life.
An underground fluid storage structures formed by mechanical excavation of a subsurface formation in a controlled fashion. The structure comprises vertical hols (260, 270) and transversal caverns (256) of circular section and preferably in spiral arrangement. Storage caverns as described herein may further employ hydraulic pressure compensation to prevent wide pressure variations in the storage caverns, and to provide relatively constant injection and discharge pressures when introducing or releasing stored fluids. The prefered application is compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems for storing energy in the form of compressed air in order to generate electricity.
A compression and expansion system includes a pressure vessel having a variable volume working chamber therein. The pressure vessel has a conduit through which at least one fluid can be introduced into and discharged from the working chamber. The system further includes a heat transfer element disposed within the working chamber and including a layer and at least one of a fin and a spacing element. The pressure vessel is operable to compress fluid introduced into the working chamber such that heat energy is transferred from the compressed fluid to the heat transfer element, and is further operable to expand fluid introduced into the working chamber such that heat energy is transferred from the heat transfer element to the expanded fluid.
F04B 35/00 - Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for
F02C 6/16 - Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads for storing compressed air
F04F 1/02 - Pumps using positively or negatively pressurised fluid medium acting directly on the liquid to be pumped using both positively and negatively pressurised fluid medium, e.g. alternating
F15B 1/02 - Installations or systems with accumulators
F15B 1/24 - Accumulators using a gas cushionGas charging devicesIndicators or floats therefor with rigid separating means, e.g. pistons
9.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING ENERGY RESOURCES THROUGH STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
A system for encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and suitable for the conservation of energy resources through the efficient management of energy storage and delivery includes connections to a power source, an energy storage subsystem, and a power grid. The system includes a power routing subsystem coupled to the source and grid, and adapted to operate in a bypass mode, in which energy is transferred from the source to the grid. The system includes a conversion subsystem coupled to the routing and storage subsystems, and switchable in substantially real-time between a storage mode, in which energy is transferred from the routing to the storage subsystem, and a generation mode, in which energy is transferred from the storage to the routing subsystem for delivery to the grid. The system also includes a controller for directing the modes based at least in part on a market factor.
Systems, methods and devices for optimizing bi-directional piston movement within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. In some embodiments, a compressed air device and/or system can include a first pneumatic cylinder (210), a second pneumatic cylinder (230), a hydraulic actuator (272, 274), and a hydraulic controller (270). The first pneumatic cylinder (210) has a first working piston (220) disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first pneumatic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator (272) is coupled to the first working piston (220). The second pneumatic cylinder (230) has a second working piston (240) disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second pneumatic cylinder. The hydraulic controller (270) is fluidically coupleable to the hydraulic actuator (272, 274) and is operable in a compression mode in which gas is discharged from the second pneumatic cylinder (230) at a higher pressure than it enters the first pneumatic cylinder (210), and an expansion mode in which gas is discharged from the first pneumatic cylinder (210) at a lower pressure than it enters the second pneumatic cylinder (230).
Systems, methods and devices for optimizing thermal efficiency within a gas compression system are described herein. In some embodiments, a device can include a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic actuator. The first hydraulic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first hydraulic cylinder and which divides the first hydraulic cylinder into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber. The second hydraulic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second hydraulic cylinder and which divides the second hydraulic cylinder into a third hydraulic chamber and a fourth hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic actuator can be coupled to the first or second working piston, and is operable to move the first and second working pistons in a first direction and a second direction such that volume in the hydraulic chambers are reduced accordingly.
F04B 35/00 - Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for
Systems and methods are described herein to operate an air compression and/or expansion system in its most efficient regime, at a desired efficiency, and/or achieve a desired pressure ratio independent of discharge temperature, with little to no impact on thermal efficiency. For example, systems and methods are provided for controlling and operating hydraulic pumps/motors used within a hydraulically actuated device/system, such as, for example, a gas compression and/or expansion energy system, in its most efficient regime, continuously, substantially continuously, intermittently, or varied throughout an operating cycle or stroke of the system to achieve any desired pressure and temperature profile. Such systems and methods can achieve any desired pressure ratio independent of input or discharge temperature, and can also achieve any desired discharge temperature independent of pressure ratio, without altering any of the structural components of the device or system.
F04B 9/109 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being liquid having plural pumping chambers
F04B 35/00 - Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for
F02C 6/16 - Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads for storing compressed air
F15B 11/02 - Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or the actuating force or speed of an output member
An apparatus can include a pressure vessel that defines an interior region that can contain a liquid and/or a gas. A piston is movably disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel. A divider is fixedly disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel and divides the interior region into a first interior region on a first side of the divider and a second interior region on a second, opposite side of the divider. The piston is movable between a first position in which fluid having a first pressure is disposed within the first interior region and the first interior region has a volume less than a volume of the second interior region, and a second position in which fluid having a second pressure is disposed within the second interior region and the second interior region has a volume less than a volume of the first interior region.
Systems, methods and devices for optimizing heat transfer within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. In some embodiments, a compressed air device and/or system can include an actuator such as a hydraulic actuator that can be used to compress a gas within a pressure vessel. An actuator can be actuated to move a liquid into a pressure vessel such that the liquid compresses gas within the pressure vessel. In such a compressor/expander device or system, during the compression and/or expansion process, heat can be transferred to the liquid used to compress the air. The compressor/expander device or system can include a liquid purge system that can be used to remove at least a portion of the liquid to which the heat energy has been transferred such that the liquid can be cooled and then recycled within the system.
Systems, devices and methods for the compression, expansion, and/or storage of a gas, such as air natural gas are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus suitable for use in a compressed gas-based energy storage and recovery system includes a pneumatic cylinder having a working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the working piston, and a hydraulic controller fluidically coupleable to the hydraulic actuator. The apparatus is fluidically coupleable to a compressed gas storage chamber which includes a first storage chamber fluidically coupleable to the pneumatic chamber, and a second storage chamber is fluidically coupleable to the first storage chamber. The first storage chamber is disposed at a first elevation and is configured to contain a liquid and a gas. The second storage chamber is disposed at a second elevation greater than the first elevation, and is configured to contain a volume of liquid.
An apparatus can include a piston movably disposed within a pressure vessel and defines a first interior region and a second interior region. The piston has a first position in which the first interior contains a gas having a first pressure and has a volume greater than the second interior region, and a second position in which the second interior region contains a gas having a second pressure and has a volume greater than the first interior region. A seal member is attached to the piston and to the pressure vessel. The seal member has a first configuration in which at least a portion of the seal member is disposed at a first position when the piston is in its first position, and a second configuration in which the portion of the seal member is disposed at a second position when the piston is in its second position.
F15B 15/10 - Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to anotherGearing associated therewith characterised by the construction of the motor unit the motor being of diaphragm type
17.
SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING EFFICIENCY OF A HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED SYSTEM
Systems and methods for efficiently operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for efficiently operating a gas compression and expansion energy storage system are disclosed herein. Systems and methods are provided for controlling and operating the hydraulic actuators used within a hydraulically actuated device/system, such as, for example, a gas compression and/or expansion energy system, within a desired efficiency range of the hydraulic pump(s)/motor(s) used to supply or receive pressurized hydraulic fluid to or from the hydraulic actuators. In such a system, a variety of different operating regimes can be used depending on the desired output gas pressure and the desired stored pressure of the compressed gas. Hydraulic cylinders used to drive working pistons within the system can be selectively actuated to achieve varying force outputs to incrementally increase the gas pressure within the system for a given cycle.
F16D 31/02 - Fluid couplings or clutches with pumping sets of the volumetric type, i.e. in the case of liquid passing a predetermined volume per revolution using pumps with pistons or plungers working in cylinders
18.
METHODS AND DEVICES FOR OPTIMIZING HEAT TRANSFER WITHIN A COMPRESSION AND/OR EXPANSION DEVICE
Systems, methods and devices for optimizing heat transfer within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. For example, systems, methods and devices for optimizing the heat transfer within an air compression and expansion energy storage system are described herein. A compressor and/or expander device can include one or more of various embodiments of a heat transfer element that can be disposed within an interior of a cylinder or pressure vessel used in the compression and/or expansion of a gas, such as air. Such devices can include hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuators to move a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) within the cylinder or pressure vessel. The heat transfer element can be used to remove heat energy generated during a compression and/or expansion process.
Systems and methods for operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for the compression and/or expansion of gas can include at least one pressure vessel defining an interior region for retaining at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas and an actuator coupled to and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a first mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved to compress and move gas out of the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a second mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved by an expanding gas entering the pressure vessel. The system can further include a heat transfer device configured to transfer heat to or from the at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas retained by the pressure vessel.
A wind turbine system (16) for producing compressed air from wind energy. The wind turbine harvests energy from wind to produce mechanical energy. A compressor (22) receives mechanical energy from the wind turbine to compress air to an elevated pressure. Thermal energy may be removed from the air, and the air is stored in a storage devices (10), such that the air may be released from the storage device on demand.
F02C 1/05 - Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of hot gases or unheated pressurised gases, as the working fluid the working fluid being heated indirectly characterised by the type or source of heat, e.g. using nuclear or solar energy
F02C 6/16 - Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads for storing compressed air
F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
A wind turbine system (16) for producing compressed air from wind energy. The wind turbine harvests energy from wind to produce mechanical energy. A compressor (22) receives mechanical energy from the wind turbine to compress air to an elevated pressure. Thermal energy may be removed from the air, and the air is stored in a storage device, such that the air may be released from the storage device on demand.
F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
A method is provided for creating renewable energy credits from a wind energy system. A wind energy system is provided with a plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. Wind energy is collected and stored from the plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. Storage of the wind energy and the thermal energy system are used to create renewable energy credits.
A wind energy generating and storage system has plurality of direct. compression wind turbine stations. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. A storage device is coupled to at least a portion of the wind turbine stations. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress or liquefy air. The compressor has a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening and operates at a pressure of about, 10 to 100 atmospheres at the fluid exhaust opening. Rotation of a turbine drives the compressor. At least one expander is configured to release compressed or liquid air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert the compressed or liquid air energy into electrical energy.
A wind energy generating and storage system has a plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. A storage device is coupled to at least a portion of the wind turbine stations. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress air. The pressure of compressed air in the storage device is greater than 8 barr. At least one expander is configured to release compressed air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert compressed air energy into electrical energy.
A wind energy generating and storage system includes at least one direct compression windmill station that with an intercooler. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. A storage device coupled to the windmill station. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress or liquefy air, or to drive any process to make liquefied air. The compressor has a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening. The compressor operates at a pressure of about 10 to 100 atmospheres. Rotation of a turbine drives the compressor. At least one expander is provided that releases compressed or liquid air from the storage device. A generator converts the compressed or liquid air energy into electrical energy.
A wind energy generating and storage system has an off-shore direct compression windmill station. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. A storage device is coupled to the windmill station. At least a first toroidal intersecting vane compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress or liquefy air. The compressor has a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening. The compressor operates at a pressure of 10 to 100 atmospheres at the fluid exhaust opening. Rotation of a turbine drives the compressor. At least one expander is configured to release compressed or liquid air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert the compressed or liquid air energy into electrical energy.
A wind energy generating and storage system includes at least one direct compression windmill station that with a pneumatic motor. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. A storage device coupled to the windmill station. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress or liquefy air, or to drive any process to make liquefied air. The compressor has a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening. Rotation of a turbine drives the compressor. At least one expander is provided that releases compressed or liquid air from the storage device. A generator converts the compressed or liquid air energy into electrical energy.
A method of creating liquid gas uses a wind energy system is provided that has a plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. Wind energy is collected from the plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. Compressed air is created with at least a portion of the wind energy. Liquid gas is created with at least a portion of the compressed air.
A wind energy generating and storage system has a plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. A storage device is coupled to at least a portion of the wind turbine stations. At least a first multi-stage compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress air. At least one expander is configured to release compressed air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert compressed air energy into electrical energy.
A wind energy generating and storage system has a plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. A storage device is coupled to at least a portion of the wind turbine stations. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress air. At least one expander is configured to release compressed air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert compressed air energy into electrical energy. The system has a top-of-tower power to weight ratio greater than 1 megawatt/10 tons excluding the blades and rotor.
