US 7,127,895 B2 · Systems and methods for providing backup energy to a load

Abstract

Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A backup energy system that provides backup power to a critical load in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, said system comprising:

a turbine-generator system comprising:
a source of compressed air;
a turbine coupled to said source of compressed air to receive said compressed air, said received compressed air driving said turbine;
and
an electrical generator powered by said turbine when said turbine is driven by said compressed air, said generator providing said backup power when powered by said turbine;
and
a bridging energy system that, in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, provides said backup power to said critical load during said disturbance at least until said electrical generator begins providing said backup power, wherein said bridging energy system provides said backup power to said critical load independent of said turbine-generator system and said primary power source.

4 more elements

An integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system that provides backup power to a critical load in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, said system comprising:

a turbine-generator system comprising:
a source of compressed air;
a turbine coupled to said source of compressed air to receive said compressed air, said received compressed air driving said turbine;
and
an electrical generator powered by said turbine when said turbine is driven by said compressed air, said generator providing said backup power when powered by said turbine;
a bridging energy system that, in the event of a disturbance in the supply of power from a primary power source, provides said backup power to a critical load during said disturbance at least until said electrical generator begins providing said backup power, wherein said bridging energy system provides said backup power to said critical load independent of said turbine-generator system and said primary power source;
switching circuitry that switches the source of power to said critical load between said primary power source and a source of backup power, said source of backup power comprising said electrical generator and a said bridging energy storage system;
and
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) control electronics that controls at least said switching circuitry and said turbine based on the quality of power from said primary power source.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for providing backup energy to a load

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for providing backup energy to a load

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32