Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for taking power from an electric power grid and converting it into higher-pressure natural gas for temporary storage. After temporary storage, the higher-pressure natural gas may be expanded through an expansion engine to drive a generator that converts energy from the expanding natural gas into electrical power, which may then be returned to the electric power grid. In this way, the disclosed systems and methods may provide ways to temporarily store, and then return stored power from the electric power grid. Preferably, the components of the system are co-located at the same natural gas storage facility. This allows natural gas storage, electrical energy storage, and electrical energy generation to take place at the same facility.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for taking power from an electric power grid and converting it into higher-pressure natural gas for temporary storage. After temporary storage, the higher-pressure natural gas may be expanded through an expansion engine to drive a generator that converts energy from the expanding natural gas into electrical power, which may then be returned to the electric power grid. In this way, the disclosed systems and methods may provide ways to temporarily store, and then return stored power from the electric power grid. Preferably, the components of the system are co-located at the same natural gas storage facility. This allows natural gas storage, electrical energy storage, and electrical energy generation to take place at the same facility.

Abstract: A timed gas metering and distribution system provides a point of use metering and an individual remote meter readout capability in a branched-line gas distribution system, such as in a multi-unit apartment building. In such a system, a single main gas line enters the building and has branches of minimal length extending to a gas-fueled appliance, e.g., a heater, in each unit. Each heater has a fixed orifice in its gas line, to provide a specified fixed gas flow rate at a constant line pressure and an electrical pressure switch in its manifold to detect pressure changes and actuate an electrical circuit upon operation of the heater. The circuit transmits an electrical signal to a timing meter located remotely of the unit for convenient reading. One embodiment uses a direct current electrical circuit and a digitally controlled analog run-time meter. A second embodiment uses an oscillator low frequency pulsing circuit, shift register, and digital counter.