US 5,537,822 A · Compressed air energy storage method and system

Abstract

A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system utilizes compressed air stored in a cavity for electric power and cold production. During periods of excess power production, atmospheric air is compressed then cooled in stages using energy from a motor/generator. Condensed water is then separated from the air which is then stored in a cavity. When there is an energy demand from the CAES system, the stored compressed air is heated using heat from an external low grade energy source such as refrigerated substances, surrounding water, surrounding air, waste heat sources and solar energy. The heated compressed air is then expanded through a plurality of expansion stages to provide mechanical power to the motor/generator for generating electricity.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A compressed air energy storage system comprising:

a compressed air reservoir;
a plurality of air compressor stages adapted for compression of atmospheric air;
means for cooling air compressed in said air compressor stages;
means for separating condensed water from said compressed atmospheric air;
at least one air expander adapted for expansion of compressed air;
heat transfer means for preheating said compressed air before expansion and heating expanded air egressing from said air expander, using heat derived from one of the class of external low grade heat sources including refrigerated substances, surrounding water, surrounding air, waste heat sources and solar energy;
an electric motor-generator unit connected through clutches to said air compressor stages and air expander;
lines with valves connecting said air compressor stages with said air expander and with said compressed air reservoir.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Compressed air energy storage method and system

Life of this patent

Compressed air energy storage method and system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11