Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: Thermo-dynamic battery is a energy storage unit for converting compressed gas energy into consumable electrical power for application uses with any device that requires electrical power to function. A method for storing electrical energy in the form of compressed gas and converting the same energy to electric power includes compressing gas and storing the compressed gas for release to drive a generator. A system and method for storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of gas compression and expansion comprises a method for expanding compressed gas in at least two stages and further provides for storing energy in the form of compressed gas through compression in at least two stages. Apparatus is provided to operate in accordance with the described procedure to contribute at or about 90% efficiency.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automobile inertial kinetic energy regeneration system which saves energy and enhances safety includes a driving element installed on the automobile drive shaft. The driving element clutches at a clutch that drives a power generator. With the power generator, the braking inertia kinetic energy is converted into pressurized air to be stored in a power tank. Once the driver steps on the gas pedal again in an attempt to start the vehicle, the automobile drive shaft will be driven by a driving installation connected to a clutch which clutches at the driving element. Given the aforesaid design, braking inertia kinetic energy is stored to assist in driving a vehicle, saving energy, shortening the braking distance and enhancing driving safety effectively.

Abstract: A continuously variable hydrostatic transmission includes an input shaft connected to drive a hydraulic pump unit, a grounded hydraulic motor unit, and an output shaft. A wedge-shaped swashplate is pivotally mounted to the output shaft in driving connection to receive output torque resulting from the exchange of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the pump and motor units through specially configured ports in the swashplate. A hydraulically actuated ratio controller is pivotally linked to the swashplate to selectively adjust the swashplate angle relative to the output shaft axis and thereby change transmission ratio.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor having a plurality of cylinders, with each cylinder having an expansion chamber (15), defined in part by a piston plate (2); and a diversion chamber (16) which is divided into two chambers by a slide plate (11), with the diversion chambers connected to a pressure supply line (27) and to a pressure diversion line (28). The piston plate is connected to a piston rod (5) by a lock (3). The expansion chamber holds an amount of compressed air held constant throughout the operation cycle. Expansion of the expansion chamber moves the piston plate and piston rod (5) to rotate a crankshaft (5a). At the end of the expansion stroke, the piston rod is disconnected from the piston plate. The expansion chamber is compressed by pressurizing the diversion chamber below the slide plate (11), forcing the slide plate and push rods (7) upwards, which pushes the piston plate upwards, until the piston plate can be held at a top position by a lock (3').

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention an accumulator system for turb engine start-ups that has comparable weight and bulk to a conventional auxiliary power unit system but which has instantaneous second start capability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the simple removal of liquid condensate, in particular of water of condensation, from compressed-air systems alternately subjected in operation to positive pressure and atmospheric pressure. The compressed-air system is first of all connected for a limited period, at intervals or after each subjection to positive pressure, to a vacuum generator in order to promote re-evaporation of the condensate and is evacuated by the latter before atmospheric pressure is passed in or let in again. In certain embodiments, a highly restricted reverse flow through the compressed-air system is permitted. The method is particularly suitable for use in small-volume compressed-air systems which do not have to be permanently subjected to positive pressure, e.g., in pneumatic door-closing aids for motor cars.

Abstract: A mechanical power regeneration system for a movable object comprising a sole variable displacement hydraulic pump being driven by the movable object, a first check valve connected between the output side of the pump and a first hydraulic line of a high pressure accumulator unit, a second hydraulic line of a low pressure accumulator unit, a second check valve connected between the second hydraulic line and the input side of the pump, a first controlled valve connected between the first hydraulic line and the input side of the pump and a second controlled valve connected between the second hydraulic line and the output side of the pump. When the movable object is to be slowed down by placing it in a braking mode, hydraulic fluid is transferred by the pump from the low pressure accumulator to the high pressure accumulator.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic engine is disclosed having a stationary crankshaft with an eccentric crank portion disposed thereon. A housing is rotatable about the crankshaft. At least two pairs of cylinders are connected to the housing and extend quadrilaterally therefrom. A piston is slidingly disposed within each cylinder, and is connected to an oppositely disposed piston so as to move in tandem when propelled by a fluid under pressure. An external valve mechanism is provided which is connected to the cylinders so as to sequentially actuate the pistons contained therein when supplied with fluid under pressure. A scotch yoke assembly integrates the motion of the pairs of pistons into a balanced array of weight and force vectors rotating around the axis of the eccentric crank portion of the stationary crankshaft. This sequential reciprocation of the pairs of pistons imparts a rotary motion to the housing, the rotary motion in turn causing the housing to act as a flywheel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is operated with a hot gas power system which includes a compressor which compresses air in normal driving when being driven by the motor and upon slowing or running down hill when being driven by vehicle momentum, a storage tank which holds the compressed air and a heat exchanger which cools the compressed air and supplies the removed heat to heat air as it is released from a storage tank to the motor. An additional heater is used where required. When required, fuel is added to the compressed air and the mixture is ignited and combusted before entering the motor.

Abstract: A compressed-air storage installation comprising a heat accumulator for storing heat contained in compressed air and the air is passed into subterranean caverns. The heat accumulator has partitions therein which are provided between a storage medium. The partitions form a number of air passages through which the hot compressed air entering at the central region of the heat accumulator flows in an essentially outward direction, thereby cools and flows on into the cavern.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a new and improved construction of a compressed-air storage installation having a heat accumulator for storing heat contained in compressed air, with the compressed air being passed into subterranean caverns.It is already known to employ compressed air instead of liquids as a storage medium for storing energy. The state-of-the-art compressed-air storage installations store compressed air at times of low load and utilize it at times of peak load to generate additional peak load energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for harnessing and extracting a portion of the power generated by the rise and fall of ocean tides. A portion of a waterway is dammed and the difference in water levels across the dam provides a pressure differential which, through appropriate valving, feeds two sealed chambers which are used to contain air under positive pressure. The chambers are connected one each to alternate ends of a cylinder for driving a piston and rod assembly disposed therein, in reciprocating motion. The dam is comprised of a thin-walled structure which may be either rigid, conventional materials or flexible and flotationally supported.