Patents Assigned to LightSail Energy, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130032743Abstract: Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Gordon Rado, Edwin P. Berlin, JR.
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Patent number: 8356478Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Lightsail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8353156Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Lightsail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130009408Abstract: An energy storage and recovery system employs air compressed utilizing power from an operating wind turbine. This compressed air is stored within one or more chambers of a structure supporting the wind turbine above the ground. By functioning as both a physical support and as a vessel for storing compressed air, the relative contribution of the support structure to the overall cost of the energy storage and recovery system may be reduced, thereby improving economic realization for the combined turbine/support apparatus. In certain embodiments, expansion forces of the compressed air stored within the chamber, may be relied upon to augment the physical stability of a support structure, further reducing material costs of the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. CRANE, Danielle A. Fong, Edwin P. Berlin, JR.
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Publication number: 20130001958Abstract: An energy storage and recovery system employs air compressed utilizing power from an operating wind turbine. This compressed air is stored within one or more chambers of a structure supporting the wind turbine above the ground. By functioning as both a physical support and as a vessel for storing compressed air, the relative contribution of the support structure to the overall cost of the energy storage and recovery system may be reduced, thereby improving economic realization for the combined turbine/support apparatus. In certain embodiments, expansion forces of the compressed air stored within the chamber, may be relied upon to augment the physical stability of a support structure, further reducing material costs of the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. CRANE, Danielle A. Fong, Edwin P. Berlin, JR.
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Publication number: 20120291989Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers
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Publication number: 20120286522Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Karl E. STAHLKOPF, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar
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Patent number: 8299644Abstract: An energy storage and recovery system employs air compressed utilizing power from an operating wind turbine. This compressed air is stored within one or more chambers of a structure supporting the wind turbine above the ground. By functioning as both a physical support and as a vessel for storing compressed air, the relative contribution of the support structure to the overall cost of the energy storage and recovery system may be reduced, thereby improving economic realization for the combined turbine/support apparatus. In certain embodiments, expansion forces of the compressed air stored within the chamber, may be relied upon to augment the physical stability of a support structure, further reducing material costs of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Crane, Danielle A. Fong, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120269651Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR.
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Publication number: 20120260645Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR.
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Publication number: 20120255292Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers
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Patent number: 8247915Abstract: An energy storage and recovery system employs air compressed utilizing power from an operating wind turbine. This compressed air is stored within one or more chambers of a structure supporting the wind turbine above the ground. By functioning as both a physical support and as a vessel for storing compressed air, the relative contribution of the support structure to the overall cost of the energy storage and recovery system may be reduced, thereby improving economic realization for the combined turbine/support apparatus. In certain embodiments, expansion forces of the compressed air stored within the chamber, may be relied upon to augment the physical stability of a support structure, further reducing material costs of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Crane, Danielle A. Fong, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8240142Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8215105Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8215106Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8201403Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8201402Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8196398Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8196395Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8191361Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Lightsail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf