Energy storage system
OwnerGeorge M. Herberginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and apparatus for the storage of energy generated by natural elements. Energy from natural elements such as from the sun, wind, tide, waves, and the like, is converted into potential energy in the form of air under pressure which is stored in a large, subterranean cell. Machines of known types such as windmills are driven by natural elements to operate air compressors. Air compressors pump the air under pressure to the storage cell. Air entering the storage cell displaces water from the cell which returns to a water reservoir as an ocean or a lake. Water locks the air in the storage cell. The stored compressed air is available upon demand to perform a work function as driving an air turbine to operate an electric generator.
Claims4
An energy storage apparatus usable in conjunction with a natural water body, said apparatus comprising:
- a compressed air storage cell located at the bottom of said water body and defining a closed chamber to hold a supply of air under pressure;
- the lower portion of said cell having water ports opening to said chamber to permit passage of water between the chamber and the water body whereby water in the chamber exerts and maintains pressure upon air located in the chamber;
- air inlet means to the chamber;
- means to pump air into the chamber through the air inlet means against the pressure of water in the chamber and displace a portion of water from the chamber for storage of air under pressure;
- said means to pump air including at least one air compressor and a machine of the type driven by a natural element to operate the air compressor, said machine being floatable on the surface of said water body;
- and
- air outlet means to extract air under pressure from the chamber for the performance of a work function.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.