Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits.

Abstract: In various embodiments, dead space and associated coupling losses are reduced in energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air via use of a compressed-gas reservoir for maintaining a connector between cylinder assemblies at an intermediate pressure, thereby reducing the volume of dead space in the connector and increasing efficiency of the energy storage and recovery.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air and liquid heat exchange is improved via control of the system operation and/or the properties of the heat-exchange liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a pneumatic cylinder assembly is coupled to a mechanism that converts motion of a piston into electricity, and vice versa, during expansion or compression of a gas in the pneumatic cylinder assembly.

Abstract: In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.

Abstract: In various embodiments, energy is stored or recovered via super-atmospheric compression and/or expansion of gas in conjunction with substantially adiabatic compression and/or expansion from or to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to power generation and energy storage and recovery. In particular, the invention relates to compressed gas energy storage and recovery systems using staged pneumatic conversion systems for providing narrow pressure ranges to a hydraulic motor.

Abstract: In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.

Abstract: In various embodiments, systems for providing a constant electrical output from a compressed gas energy storage and recovery system include a hydraulic-pneumatic energy storage and recovery system configured to provide a varying pressure profile at least at one outlet, a hydraulic motor-pump in fluid communication with the outlet, and a control system for enabling the constant electrical output by controlling at least one of pressure, piston position, power, flow rate, torque, RPM, current, voltage, frequency, or displacement per revolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding gas in a cylinder. The cylinder is used in a staged hydraulic-pneumatic energy conversion system and includes a gas chamber (pneumatic side) and a fluid chamber (hydraulic side) and a piston or other mechanism that separates the gas chamber and fluid chamber while allowing the transfer of force/pressure between each opposing chamber. The gas chamber of the cylinder includes ports that are coupled to a heat transfer subassembly that circulates gas from the pneumatic side and exchanges its heat with a counter flow of ambient temperature fluid from a reservoir or other source.

Abstract: Generally, the invention relates to power generation and energy storage. In particular, to systems and methods for providing constant power from hydraulic inputs having widely-varying pressures. More particularly, the invention relates to hydraulic-pneumatic energy storage and recovery systems that include either a fixed or variable displacement hydraulic motor and control systems that allow a user to maintain constant power from the fixed or variable displacement hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.