US 7,681,395 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.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus comprising:

a source of short-term backup power for providing backup power to a critical load, the critical load located inside a housing, and the housing having an internal temperature;
a compressed air reservoir for storing compressed air;
at least one valve coupled to the compressed air reservoir;
an ambient air heat exchanger coupled to the at least one valve;
a compressed air turbine coupled to the at least one valve to receive the compressed air and release a turbine exhaust;
and
an electrical generator powered by the turbine, for providing backup power to the critical load.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

11/510,248Filed 24 Aug 2006 · division

Priority

5 Feb 2003

Published

US 2007/0022755 A11 Feb 2007

Granted

23 Mar 2010

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

F24F 5/0085
Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00 , e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an…
F02C 6/16
Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads: for storing compressed air
H02J 9/08
With automatic change-over , e.g. UPS systems: requiring starting of a prime-mover
H02J 9/062
With automatic change-over , e.g. UPS systems: for AC powered loads

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

Claims20