Compressed gas energy storage system
AssigneeLightSail Energy, Inc.
InventorsPhillip Le Roux, Nicholas Peterson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments relate generally to energy storage systems, and in particular to energy storage systems using compressed gas as an energy storage medium. In various embodiments, a compressed gas storage system may include a plurality of stages to convert energy into compressed gas for storage, and then to recover that stored energy by gas expansion. In certain embodiments, a stage may comprise a reversible compressor/expander having a reciprocating piston. Pump designs for introducing liquid for heat exchange with the gas, are described. Gas flow valves featuring shroud and/or curtain portions, are also described.
Claims24
An apparatus comprising:
- a chamber defined within a plurality of liquid sprayers;
- a plunger piston having a first end moveable in response to gas expanding within the cylinder in an absence of combustion, the plunger piston having a second end in communication with a crank;
- a dedicated active high pressure valve comprising a poppet moveable relative to a port of the cylinder;
- a channel between the dedicated high pressure valve and the chamber to substantially balance a pressure during valve actuation;
- and
- a piston seal located on a chamber wall rather than on the plunger piston.
A method comprising:
- actively controlling a dedicated high pressure valve via a rotating cam assembly to flow compressed gas into a chamber from a high pressure side;
- allowing the compressed gas to expand against a plunger piston in an absence of combustion within the chamber in order to drive a mechanical linkage;
- causing a liquid pump to flow liquid into the chamber through a plurality of sprayers for heat exchange;
- generating electricity from movement of the mechanical linkage;
- and
- a piston seal located on a chamber wall rather than on the plunger piston.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.