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 hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump configured to draw fluid from the tank and pressurize the fluid, a swing motor configured to receive the pressurized fluid and swing a body of the machine relative to an undercarriage, and a tool actuator configured to receive the pressurized fluid and move a tool relative to the body. The hydraulic control system may also have an energy recovery device configured to convert hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, a first accumulator configured to store waste fluid received from the swing motor, and a second accumulator configured to store waste fluid received from the tool actuator. Stored waste fluid from at least one of the first and second accumulators may be selectively discharged into the energy recovery device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive system having a motor-driven hydraulic pump (1) that can be connected to at least one hydraulic drive unit (7) by means of a first (19) and a second working line (21) forming a hydraulic circuit, said drive unit being connected to a gear set (1, 3), having a first hydraulic accumulator (53) for accumulating pressure energy that can be connected to one of the working lines (19, 21), and a second hydraulic accumulator (55) that can be connected to the other working line (19, 21), and having a valve device (V1, V2) by which the segment (23, 25) of each working line (19 or 21) running to the drive unit (7) can be separated in order to separate an accumulator part (33) from the part of the circuit comprising the hydraulic pump (13), said accumulator part comprising the hydraulic accumulators (53, 55) and the at least one drive unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic drive, in particular of an excavator, in particular for a slewing gear with a hydraulic circuit, which includes a pump and an engine, wherein a high pressure store is provided which can be connected to the pump and/or to the engine via at least one valve and a controller is provided which controls the at least one valve.

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: The invention relates to a device for the conversion of heat energy into another energy form provided with at least one heat input and pressure reservoir module, each comprising a heat-input transmitting device and a pressure reservoir, whereby said device and pressure reservoir are connected to each other for the exchange of fluid and an energy conversion device, connected to the pressure reservoir of the heat input and pressure reservoir module for the exchange of fluid, by means of which the energy built up in the form of fluid pressure in the heat input and pressure reservoir module may be converted into said other energy form.

Abstract: A portable electromagnetic power system used as a remote alternate power source includes a water tank having an oil reservoir mounted on top of the tank with four cylinders extending through the tank and the two outer cylinders denoted the pressure cylinders and the two inner cylinders serving as accumulators with electromagnets mounted at the ends of each pressure cylinder for reciprocating an internal floating piston and each inner cylinder having a permanent magnet mounted at one end for actuating a magnetized floating piston disposed therein and each magnetized floating piston dividing the inner cylinder into an air chamber portion and a fluid chamber portion with the oil reservoir and the cylinders all in fluid flow registration with each other and the inner cylinders connected to a working pressure line that connects to a device, such as a hydraulic motor, so that the outer cylinder develop working pressure concomitant with the flow of oil therein that is directed to the inner (accumulator) cylinders fo

Abstract: A pressure pulse cancelling device for use with hydraulic pumps/motors/transformers. There is a variable volume fluid receiving cylinder in fluid communication with the discharge line for receiving a quantity of fluid that equals the actual flow rate less the average flow rate in the pumping cycle. A piston or cam within the variable volume fluid receiving cylinder pumps the quantity of fluid received in the variable volume fluid receiving cylinder back into the discharge line when the actual flow rate is less than the average flow rate in the pumping cycle. A second variable volume fluid receiving cylinder is connected to the inlet line and receives a quantity of fluid that equals the actual flow rate less the average flow rate in the pumping cycle.

Abstract: A multiple cell horizontal turbine type engine that is capable of developing high speed (RPM) and high torque (Ft-Lbs) capacity that can be used widely in automotive industries and other types of applications that require movement. The engine does not require gasoline or any type of fuel to operate, it uses re-circulating high pressure liquid (mixture of water and anti-freeze solution) to turn the turbine.

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: The invention provides a storage system for storing large amounts of energy. The storage system compensates for fluctuations in power consumption in an electrical power supply grid, and it may be useful e.g. in combination with various sources of renewable energy. The system comprises a reservoir, a load, and an energy conversion structure. The load provides a bias-force on the reservoir and thereby biases the reservoir towards a configuration with a smaller volume. When surplus electrical power is available, a turbine or similar energy conversion structure can work against the load by pumping water into the reservoir. At a later point in time, the conversion structure may regenerate electrical power based on flow energy when the fluid is released from the reservoir under pressure from the bias-force from the load.

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: Systems and methods for recovering power fluid from a device under water and for pumping recovered power fluid to a surface of the water, the systems and methods, in certain aspects, including: flowing fluid from a subsurface apparatus to a subsurface recovery system, the fluid initially provided to the subsurface apparatus to power the subsurface apparatus; and the subsurface recovery system including pump apparatus for selectively pumping recovered fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive. The hydrostatic drive (1) includes a hydraulic pump (3) and a hydraulic motor (7). The hydraulic pump (3) may be connected by way of a first working line (5) to a first working line connection (8) of the hydraulic motor (7) and by way of a second working line (6) to a second working line connection (9) of the hydraulic motor (7). Furthermore, the hydrostatic drive (1) includes a first storage means (40) for storing pressure energy and a second storage means (41). For recovery of the pressure energy stored in the first storage means, the latter may be connected, at least for one direction of conveying, to a first or second working line (5, 6) which is on the suction side in relation to the hydraulic pump (3) in this direction of conveying.

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 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 hydraulic unit, in particular for lifting and lowering loads in stacking trucks, has at least one working cylinder (10). The piston/rod unit (12) of the cylinder is guided movably in a housing (22). By a hydraulic pump (25), the piston/rod unit can be extended in its one drive direction (30) and can be retracted in its other opposite drive direction (32). A control device (20) actuates the displacement movements to that effect. A storage device (38) is fed energy in one drive direction (32). The energy fed in can be called up from the storage device (38) to assist a displacement movement in an opposite drive direction (30).

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: 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: Methods and apparatus to charge accumulators are described. An example system to charge an accumulator apparatus includes a piston disposed within a housing to define a first chamber adjacent a first side of the piston and a second chamber adjacent a second side of the piston. A fill probe having a body and a passageway between a first end of the fill probe and a second end of the fill probe removably couples to the piston to fluidly couple to the passageway of the fill probe to the second chamber of the housing when the accumulator is in a charging condition. A valve is fluidly coupled to the piston to enable fluid flow to the second chamber of the housing via the piston when the fill probe is coupled to the piston.

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 hydraulic drive system for storing and releasing hydraulic fluid includes a high pressure storage device, a low pressure storage device, and a pump-motor operating at a range of pump-motor speeds for converting between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy. The pump-motor is disposed between the high pressure device and the low pressure device. In normal operation, the hydraulic drive system enters a motoring mode where hydraulic energy is released from the high pressure storage device and converted to mechanical energy using the pump-motor. It also enters a pumping mode where mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy. A neutral state exists where hydraulic energy is neither stored nor released from the high pressure storage device. An approach for exiting either the motoring mode or the pumping mode promotes efficiency within the hydraulic drive system.

Abstract: A high velocity actuator, which may be used as a blast simulator, is provided with an actuator cylinder tube having an opening at first and second cylinder ends, and an actuator piston rod slidably mounted within the actuator cylinder tube and extending through the opening in the first cylinder end. A control valve concentric to the actuator cylinder tube is configured to be coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and controls admittance of the fluid under pressure to the actuator cylinder at the second cylinder end to act on the actuator piston rod to extend the actuator piston rod towards the first cylinder end.

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 regeneration system for use in a vehicle having a reciprocating-piston engine. The regeneration system captures energy (e.g. braking energy), stores the energy, and subsequently uses the stored energy to generate motive power for the vehicle. The motive power can be generated in conjunction with motive power provided by the engine. The regeneration system comprises a variable displacement pump/motor that is connected to a connecting rod in each cylinder of the engine. The pump/motor comprises a fluid chamber, a primary piston mechanically coupled to the connecting rod and a slave piston coupled to the primary piston via resilient means. A control unit controls a plurality of valves to direct the exchange of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the pump/motor and a hydraulic accumulator in synchronous timing with the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A machine is provided with a first work arm, at least one first cylinder having a first lift chamber configured for receiving pressurized fluid so as to lift the first work arm, and a first accumulator associated with the first lift chamber of the first cylinder. The machine further includes a second work arm, at least one second cylinder having a second lift chamber configured for receiving pressurized fluid so as to lift the second work arm, and a second accumulator associated with the second lift chamber of the second cylinder. A control arrangement is provided for selectively fluidly connecting one or both of the first and second accumulators with the associated first and second lift chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive. The hydrostatic drive (1) includes a hydraulic pump (3) and a hydraulic motor (7). The hydraulic pump (3) may be connected by way of a first working line (5) to a first working line connection (8) of the hydraulic motor (7) and by way of a second working line (6) to a second working line connection (9) of the hydraulic motor (7). Furthermore, the hydrostatic drive (1) includes a first storage means (40) for storing pressure energy and a second storage means (41). For recovery of the pressure energy stored in the first storage means, the latter may be connected, at least for one direction of conveying, to a first or second working line (5, 6) which is on the suction side in relation to the hydraulic pump (3) in this direction of conveying.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a machine is disclosed. The energy recovery system may have a pump configured to provide a flow of pressurized fluid. The energy recovery system may also have a first fluid actuator with a first chamber and a second chamber and being configured to receive the pressurized fluid, a second fluid actuator with a third chamber and a fourth chamber and being configured to receive the pressurized fluid, and a first valve fluidly connected between the pump and the first and second actuators. The energy recovery system may additionally include an isolation unit with a first selectively restrictable passageway fluidly connecting the first chamber, the third chamber, and a first outlet of the first valve, and a second selectively restrictable passageway fluidly connecting the second chamber, the fourth chamber, and a second outlet of the first valve, as well as an energy recovery unit in fluid communication with the isolation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy recovery drive. Said drive comprises a first driving shaft (3) and a second driving shaft (4). The second driving shaft (4) is connected to a hydrostatic piston engine (5). Said hydrostatic piston engine (5) is connected to a first accumulator (11) and a second accumulator (12) for accumulating pressure energy. The first drive shaft (3) and the second drive shaft (4) can be connected to each other via a gear train (6), said gear train (6) comprising at least one first gearwheel (7) and a second gearwheel (8) which is configured as a sliding gearwheel.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit 100 having a simple structure can recover energy of fluid. Hydraulic circuit 100 comprises a boom cylinder 22, a hydraulic pump 31, a motion switchover valve 32, a hydraulic pressure regulation system 37 and a recovery pipe 36. Hydraulic pump 31 is driven by a drive source 15 so as to deliver fluid to boom cylinder 22. Motion switchover valve 32 is disposed between boom cylinder 22 and hydraulic pump 31 so as to switch a motion of boom cylinder 22. Hydraulic pressure regulation system 37 adjusts a differential pressure of motion switchover valve 32 between a delivery port 31a of hydraulic pump 31 and a suction port of boom cylinder 22 to a predetermined value. Recovery pipe 36 supplies hydraulic pump 31 with fluid from motion switchover valve 32 to which the fluid is drained from a drain port of boom cylinder 22.

Abstract: An electro hydraulic actuator with built-in fail safes is provided. Multiple accumulators are integrated into the actuator to improve reliability and redundancy. One or more accumulators can fail and the remaining accumulators provide sufficient energy to move the actuator to its fail-safe condition.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an integrated drive module coupled to an axle thereof. The module includes a hydraulic motor configured to provide motive power at an output shaft, and a differential for distributing the motive power to right and left portions of the axle. The hydraulic motor and the differential are encased within a common housing. The vehicle may include a second integrated drive module having, within a housing, a second hydraulic motor (or multiple hydraulic motors), and a second differential coupled thereto and configured to distribute motive power to right and left portions of a second axle. The second module may also include a transmission within the same housing. The transmission may be a two speed or other multi-speed transmission. The second module is configured to operate in neutral while power demand is below a threshold, and to engage while the power demand exceeds the threshold. The second module may be configured to remain engaged for full-time four-wheel-drive operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic system may include a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system may also include a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and the pump may be configured to supply fluid to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system may further include an energy recovery system operatively connected between the hydraulic actuator and the pump. The energy recovery system may be configured to store fluid from the hydraulic actuator under an overrunning load condition, and the stored fluid may be directed through the pump inlet and into the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic spring support arrangement, particularly for a vehicle axle with at least one hydraulic spring support cylinder arranged between vehicle chassis and vehicle axle, having a cylinder chamber and a rod end chamber each connected with at least one pressure accumulator and can be selectively connected by valve arrangements with a pressure source and a tank. To influence the ratio of the square of the spring rate to the axle loading and to make the spring rate conform to ballasting, vehicle, or operating conditions, the valve arrangement associated with the rod end chamber is provided with at least one first electromagnetic valve which connects the rod end chamber with the pressure source and is provided with a second electromagnetic valve which connects the rod end chamber with the tank. A pressure sensor is provided, particularly a rod end chamber pressure sensor, the signals of which are utilized for the control of the first and the second electromagnetic valves.

Abstract: An accumulator assembly comprising at least two accumulators that are hydraulically interconnected to the same source of hydraulic fluid. Each accumulator containing an energy absorbing medium which is compressible when a movable barrier which separates the hydraulic fluid from the energy absorbing medium is acted upon by an increase in pressure of the hydraulic fluid. When the assembly contains two accumulators, one accumulator contains a compressibility limiter which interrupts the compressibility of the energy absorbing medium within the accumulator and the other accumulators does not contain a compressibility limiter so that the energy absorbing media therein may be fully compressed by the hydraulic fluid. The accumulator assembly is favorably utilized in a vertical roller mill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile handling device with a hydraulic circuit, which hydraulic circuit (L) comprises a lifting cylinder (1) arranged in a lifting device (100) suitable for handling a variable load and an accumulator (6) for recovering or recycling lowering load energy, the hydraulic circuit also comprising a variable hydraulic machine (3) with two ports (10, 11), which hydraulic machine is capable via a drice unit (D) of emitting full system pressure in two flow directions to said ports, one port (11) being connected to said accumulator (6) and the other port being connected to said lifting cylinder (1).

Abstract: A valve, actuator and control system that allows minimizing the size of the actuator and operation of the control system in a manual mode that automatically prevents accidental operation by pipeline pressure is disclosed. The actuator uses gas pressure from the pipeline to power the actuator. In the event gas pressure is unavailable, a pair of manual hand pumps are incorporated to allow operation of the actuator and valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile handling device with a hydraulic circuit, which hydraulic circuit (L) comprises a lifting cylinder (1) arranged in a lifting device (100) suitable for handling a variable load and an accumulator (6) for recovering or recycling lowering load energy, the hydraulic circuit also comprising a variable hydraulic machine (3) with two ports (10, 11), which hydraulic machine is capable via a drice unit (D) of emitting full system pressure in two flow directions to said ports, one port (11) being connected to said accumulator (6) and the other port being connected to said lifting cylinder (1).

Abstract: The invention proposes a novel drive with electrical power control for machines which have to execute cyclic movements with high accelerations. An electric motor drives a pump which, in turn, is connected directly to a cylinder. This arrangement has added to it a system of pressure accumulators and valves which give the system the property of an oscillator. The acceleration forces in the event of a cyclic movement near to resonance are then exerted largely by the pressure accumulators and the cylinders connected to these. This leads to a relieving of the electric motor and makes it possible to install lower powers on the machine or else, for the same power, achieve shorter cycle times of the machine.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a mobile handling device includes a lifting cylinder suitable for handling a variable load and an accumulator for recovering or recycling lowering load energy. The hydraulic circuit also includes a variable hydraulic machine, driven by a drive unit, capable of developing full system pressure in two flow directions, to either of two ports. One of the two ports is connected to the accumulator, by a first connecting line, and the other is connected to the lifting cylinder, by a second connecting line. A second accumulator is connected to the first and second connecting lines by a check valve.

Abstract: The invention proposes a novel drive with electrical power control for machines which have to execute cyclic movements with high accelerations. An electric motor drives a pump which, in turn, is connected directly to a cylinder. This arrangement has added to it a system of pressure accumulators and valves which give the system the property of an oscillator. The acceleration forces in the event of a cyclic movement near to resonance are then exerted largely by the pressure accumulators and the cylinders connected to these. This leads to a relieving of the electric motor and makes it possible to install lower powers on the machine or else, for the same power, achieve shorter cycle times of the machine.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator apparatus is disclosed for use in offshore drilling and production which comprises a pressure vessel (30) having a first compartment (34) and a second compartment (38), a partition (32) between the first compartment and the second compartment, a means for admitting fluid at ambient pressure into a portion (44) of the first compartment, a means for controlling an amount of hydraulic fluid ejected from a portion (46) of the second compartment, a first piston member (48) circumscribed by an interior wall of the first compartment, said first piston member being capable of sliding within the first compartment, a second piston member (50) circumscribed by an interior wall of the second compartment, said second piston member being capable of sliding within the second compartment, and a means (52) for connecting the first piston member and the second piston member.

Abstract: A hydraulic control unit for a motor-vehicle braking system includes a pump (32) delivering hydraulic fluid under pressure, the pump being capable of being controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) and supplying the hydraulic fluid for at least one braking device (22) which is coupled to a wheel of the vehicle, and also a first reservoir (34) for pressureless hydraulic fluid, which is assigned to the pump (32) on the input side, and a second reservoir (36) for hydraulic fluid under pressure, which is assigned to the pump (32) on the output side. In order to design the control unit for good packaging and installation space considerations, the pump (32), the first reservoir (34), and the second reservoir (36) are arranged in a common casing (60), and integrated as an electrohydraulic modular unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic transformer with a rotor which is coupled with the hydromotor. The hydromotor may be subjected to a variable load which has to be moved in different directions. By using various switching means, the combination hydromotor and hydraulic transformer has been made suitable for the necessary four-quadrant operation.

Abstract: A variable rate ride control is disclosed and adapted to control the ride of a machine having varying load conditions. The variable rate ride control system includes an accumulator arrangement selectively connectable to an actuator arrangement of the machine. The accumulator arrangement has a variable pressure rate so that the accumulator arrangement can adapt to varying load conditions.

Abstract: A control module system provides convenient and economical operation of downhole tools, which operation is controllable from a remote location. In a described embodiment, a control module system includes a control circuit configured to control selective opening of a plurality of valves interconnected between a plurality of accumulators and multiple tools, all positioned within the well. Additionally, the control circuit communicates with a terminal at the earth's surface for transmitting instructions from the terminal to the control circuit, and for transmitting data from the control circuit to the terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a derrick, including hydraulic piston/cylinder arrangements for raising and lowering a yoke travelling on guide rails attached to the derrick. A hydraulic system having different modes of operation is provided for the operation of the piston/cylinder arrangements. The hydraulic system can operate in a normal mode for raising or lowering the yoke and in other modes by interconnecting upper and lower chambers of the piston/cylinder arrangements and utilizing a differential surface area of the piston exposed to the two chambers for rapidly raising or lowering the yoke.

Abstract: A device for controlling a hydrostatic drive (1) having a resonator (2) which is connected on the one hand to the hydrostatic drive (1) and on the other hand to a pressurized-fluid supply line (4) and to a return line (5), and having a periodically actuatable switch valve (3) which connects the resonator (2) alternately with the pressurized-fluid supply line (4) and the return line (5). In order to assure advantageous control conditions, the resonator (2) has at least one pressure chamber (6) with a movable, oscillatable chamber limitation (7) for changing the chamber volume movable chamber limitation (7) form a part of a single-mass oscillator comprising mass and spring (10). The pressure chamber (6) which can be connected alternately with the pressurized-fluid supply line (4), the return line (5) and the hydrostatic drive (1) can be acted on via the switch valve (3) with a switch frequency which lies in the supraresonance region of the single-mass oscillator.

Abstract: A pneumatic piston-cylinder apparatus of single acting type which performs a working stroke in one working direction, and is returned to its initial position without any external supply of compressed air comprising a cylinder part with cylinder jacket (1), a front end (2), a rear end (3), and a piston (5) which is reciprocatable in the cylinder. Connected to the rear end (3) is a supply of compressed air and within the cylinder is a return channel (10) used for draining the air on the unloading side of the piston.

Abstract: This invention is a load shaping system which increases the energy efficiency of a compressed air system by eliminating activation of a trim compressor in response to a momentary increase in demand for compressed air. The load shaping system includes a load shaping tank which is supplied by one or more relatively small compressors with compressed air at a pressure higher than that in the main storage reservoir. A computer controlled load shaping valve responds to a decline in air pressure in the main storage reservoir by admitting air from the load shaping tank and by lowering the activation point for the trim compressor. The overall efficiency of the system is increased by avoiding activation of the trim compressor in response to momentary increases in compressed air demand.