Systems and methods for improving drivetrain efficiency for compressed gas energy storage
AssigneeSustainX, Inc.
InventorsBenjamin R. Bollinger, Troy O. McBride, Michael Schaefer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Generally, the invention relates to power generation and energy storage. In particular, to systems and methods for providing constant power from hydraulic inputs having widely-varying pressures. More particularly, the invention relates to hydraulic-pneumatic energy storage and recovery systems that include either a fixed or variable displacement hydraulic motor and control systems that allow a user to maintain constant power from the fixed or variable displacement hydraulic motor.
Claims24
A system (i) for providing an electrical output constant in terms of at least one of frequency, voltage, current, or power from a compressed gas energy storage and recovery system, and (ii) suitable for the efficient use and conservation of energy resources, the system comprising:
- a hydraulic-pneumatic energy storage and recovery system configured to provide a varying pressure profile at least at one outlet thereof, the energy storage and recovery system comprising at least one cylinder assembly for the storage and recovery of energy via compression and expansion of gas therewithin;
- a hydraulic motor-pump in fluid communication with the outlet;
- and
- a control system for enabling the electrical output by controlling at least one variable selected from the group consisting of pressure, piston position, power, flow rate, torque, RPM, current, voltage, frequency, and displacement per revolution.
The system of claim 38, wherein the control system varies flow rate inversely with pressure as a function of time.
(canceled)
-17. (canceled)
-23. (canceled)
-37. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.