Abstract: A device for controlling a supply of a working fluid to a power generation cycle with a compressor compressing the working fluid and a precooler cooling the working fluid supplied to the compressor comprises a storage tank storing the working fluid supplied to the power generation cycle and a flotation tank disposed between the precooler and the compressor to flow or temporarily store the working fluid, wherein a pressure within the flotation tank and a flow rate of the working fluid are controlled based on pressures at an inlet of the compressor and an outlet of the precooler.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage power generation device 2 includes a compressor, a pressure accumulator tank, and an expander. The compressor compresses air by being driven with renewable energy. The pressure accumulator tank stores the air compressed by the compressor. The expander is driven by the compressed air. A power generator is mechanically connected to the expander and generates electric power, which is to be supplied to a demander.

Abstract: An energy storage device for storing energy including: a high-temperature regenerator containing a storage material and a working gas as heat transfer medium for the purpose of exchanging heat between the storage material and the traversing working gas, a closed charging circuit for the working gas, including a first compressor, a first expander, a first recuperator having a first and a second heat exchange duct, the high-temperature regenerator and a pre-heater, wherein the first compressor is coupled to the first expander by a shaft, a discharging circuit for the working gas, and including a switch that selectively connects the high-temperature regenerator to either the charging circuit or the discharging circuit, such that the circuit containing the high-temperature regenerator forms a closed circuit.

Abstract: A waste heat accumulator/distributor system for use in a vehicle. The system includes an engine coolant loop directing engine coolant through a power plant, a powertrain electronics coolant loop directing electronics coolant through a powertrain electronics system; and a transmission fluid loop directing transmission fluid through a transmission. The system includes a multi-fluid heat exchanger including an engine coolant inlet receiving the engine coolant from the engine coolant loop, an electronics coolant inlet receiving the electronics coolant from the powertrain electronic coolant loop, and a transmission fluid inlet receiving the transmission fluid from the transmission fluid loop; a first valve controllable to cause engine coolant to flow into the engine coolant inlet or to bypass the engine coolant inlet; and a second valve controllable to cause electronics coolant to flow into the electronics coolant inlet or to bypass the electronics coolant inlet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for the generation of zero emission electricity that can be used to provide load balancing and emergency support to a electricity distribution network or back up electricity to a critical consumer such as a hospital or data center. The system uses a cryogenic fluid and a source of low grade waste heat. A cryogenic fluid is first evaporated by an evaporator (3) heated by a superheater (4) before entering an expansion turbine (10) to produce electricity.

Abstract: The method of generating immediate and thereafter continuous steam is used in a steam generating system comprising a steam accumulator, a steam outlet connected to the steam accumulator, an outlet valve at the steam outlet, and a quick response steam generator unit connected to the steam accumulator. The method comprises the steps of providing latent steam in the steam accumulator, opening the outlet valve to allow latent steam in the steam accumulator to exit through the steam outlet, feeding water to the steam generator unit, heating the water fed to the steam generator unit while the latent steam exits through the steam outlet and, before the latent steam has entirely exited the steam accumulator, generating steam with the steam generator unit to feed the steam accumulator and controlling the steam flow rate through the steam outlet to maintain it at a value which is essentially not greater than the steam flow rate from the steam generator unit to the steam accumulator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a combined heat and power system with greater flexibility, reliability, control and stability, for providing operational flexibility and energy efficiency in operating a combined heat and power plant which includes a backpressure steam engine that expands a high temperature heat source of a thermodynamic fluid to generate mechanical power and discharge its spent heat for a beneficial use comprises a vessel subsystem for the spent heat, said vessel subsystem including: at least one main indirect heat exchange device or vessel (7) in heat exchange communication between its primary space (10) and its secondary space (11). The present invention also discloses the use of a method and apparatus to operate a combined heat and power system.

Abstract: A plant for storing energy by means of compressed air, in which: a storage volume accommodates air at elevated pressure pH; for energy storage, ambient air is compressed and introduced into the storage volume; for removal from storage, compressed air is extracted from the storage volume and discharged into the environment, performing work; at least one low-pressure turbomachine for alternate compression and expansion respectively compresses ambient air to a medium pressure pM and expands said ambient air from said pressure; at least one high-pressure machine for alternate compression and expansion respectively compresses air from the medium pressure pM to the store pressure pH and expands said air from the latter pressure; and said low-pressure turbomachine and high-pressure machine are connected in series in terms of flow and are mechanically coupled to in each case one, or to one common, electric machine that operates selectively as a motor and generator.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas power plant is provided, having a gas turbine which has a compressor stage and a turbine stage, and is connected to a generator via an axle, wherein the generator is designed to also be operated as a motor, wherein the method involves the operation of the generator as a motor for the rotatory operation of the axle, as well as a simultaneous discharge of the heated gas flow exiting from the turbine stage and routing of said gas flow to a first heat exchanger for the transfer of thermal energy from the gas flow to a heat exchanger fluid, wherein the heat exchanger fluid is provided to either discharge thermal energy to a heat accumulating medium or it can be used an accumulating medium itself for temporary storage.

Abstract: A closed-cycle cryogenic engine includes a high specific heat working fluid remaining in a gaseous phase. The high temperature heat reservoir is the natural environment and the low temperature heat reservoir is created artificially by evaporating water. Isothermally compressing the working fluid at low temperature by absorbing compression heat by evaporating water extracts heat energy from the environment, converting it into net output. A plurality of serially connected isentropic expanders is interposed with a like plurality of re-heating stages. The temperature difference between the high and low temperature heat reservoirs is a few degrees, allowing expansion operation with low expansion ratios, enabling a large number of expanding and reheating steps Each engine cycle extracts natural heat energy from the environment, converting a large fraction into high density net output work. Very little water, the engine's only fuel, is consumed since evaporating water's latent heat is high.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a cogeneration system configured to be coupled to an electrical input of a building and configured to be coupled to a heating system of a building. The cogeneration system can comprise a generator configured to generate electrical energy. There can be also a fluid output and a fluid input that passes through the generator and configured to absorb heat from the generator. There can also be an electrical output coupled to the electrical input of the building wherein when the generator is operational, the engine creates both heat and electricity. There can also be a processor in communication with the generator, wherein the processor controls when the generator turns on and off based upon the amount of heat needed, the cost of fuel and the existing electrical rates. These costs are obtained using communication with real time rates over the internet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for matching the output of a steam turbine (2) to a changed load, in particular for the short-term matching of the output of a power plant steam turbine (2) to changed network loads within the context of primary control. The control system according to the invention is characterized by a heat store (33) which, when there is an increased volume of steam tapped off from the steam turbine (2) under a correspondingly reduced load, extracts heat from the steam and which, when there is a reduced quantity of steam tapped off from the steam turbine under a correspondingly increased load, gives up heat to a steam/feed water circuit supplying the steam turbine (2).

Abstract: A system and a process for testing a gas turbine engine or component thereof, especially for a large aero gas turbine engine, and for a process for testing a large industrial gas turbine engine that requires large flow capacity and pressure ratios. The system and process may include the use of a large compressed air storage reservoir to provide compressed air to the testing system. Further, the system and process may also include the use of a pre-heating system, which may include a heater and a heat exchange device, to warm the compressed air from the compressed air storage reservoir to a temperature suitable to simulate normal operating conditions of the gas turbine engine or component thereof.

Abstract: A vessel of a heat storage and release apparatus, the vessel comprises a shell comprising a metallic material, the shell having an elongated shape with a first end region and a second end region remote from the first end region, and an internal surface defining a cavity configured to contain a heat storage and release device and to guide gas-flow; a first opening through the shell for a flow of gas at high temperature and high pressure, the first opening being located in the first end region; a second opening through the shell for a flow of gas at low temperature and high pressure, the second opening being located in the second end region; and a lining of thermally insulating material adjacent to the internal surface and only partially covering the internal surface, the lining being located at least in the first end region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus recover heat and convert the heat into mechanical power in a drive system for motor vehicles. A working medium carried in a working medium circuit is evaporated by an evaporator integrated into the working medium circuit by waste heat from an internal combustion engine. The vapor generated is fed to an expansion machine coupled to the internal combustion engine, and the exhaust vapor from the expansion machine is then converted back into the liquid phase in at least one condenser. Accordingly at least one valve, which can be subjected to control by a control device, and a vapor accumulator are integrated into the working medium circuit downstream of the evaporator such that the vapor generated is fed into the vapor accumulator. The vapor stored in the vapor accumulator is fed back at least in part into the working medium circuit to drive the expansion machine.

Abstract: Method for modifying a solar thermal power plant operating on conventional oil based technology into a hybrid solar thermal power plant, wherein the method comprises: providing an oil based solar thermal power plant comprising a solar collection system with at least one radiation absorber tube containing a heat transfer oil to be heated by means of the solar collection system, providing an molten salts solar thermal power plant, wherein the molten salts solar thermal power plant comprises a solar collection system to heat a molten salts mixture coupling of the respective plants such that the hybrid solar thermal power plant is configured to heat medium temperature steam that is generated by the oil based solar power plant by means of the molten salts mixture thereby producing high temperature steam and subsequently supplying it to a steam turbine to generate electricity.

Abstract: An auxiliary steam supply system in a solar power plant includes a solar receiver having a superheater section, a turbine, a steam circuit, a thermal energy storage arrangement and an auxiliary steam circuit. The thermal energy storage arrangement, including a thermal energy storage medium, is configured for the steam circuit to receive a portion of the steam to heat the thermal energy storage medium. The thermal energy storage arrangement may receive the steam from any location across the superheater section. Moreover, the auxiliary steam circuit generating auxiliary steam flow, which thermally communicates with the thermal energy storage arrangement to be heated, is introduced to any location across the superheater section. Capacity of the thermal energy storage arrangement may be relatively small as compared to the solar receiver and may be compact for placement on top of a tower.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for liquid air energy storage in conjunction with power generating cycles. A system can comprise a power generation apparatus and an energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus can comprise a thermal energy storage unit, and the power generation apparatus and energy storage apparatus can be interconnected via the thermal energy storage unit enabling energy transfer from a first cycle of one of the power generation apparatus and energy storage apparatus to a second cycle of the other apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus performs a power cycle involving expansion of compressed air utilizing high pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) air turbines located upstream of a gas turbine. The power cycle involves heating of the compressed air prior to its expansion in the HP and LP air turbines. Taking into consideration fuel consumption to heat the compressed air, particular embodiments may result in a net production of electrical energy of ˜2.2-2.5× an amount of energy consumed by substantially isothermal air compression to produce the compressed air supply. Although pressure of the compressed air supply may vary over a range (e.g. as a compressed air storage unit is depleted), the gas turbine may run under almost constant conditions, facilitating its integration with the apparatus. The air turbines may operate at lower temperatures than the gas turbine, and they may include features of turbines employed to turbocharge large reciprocating engines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressed air energy storage system comprising a pressure accumulator (2) for gas to be stored under pressure, and a heat accumulator (27) for storing the compression heat that has accumulated during charging of the pressure accumulator (2), wherein the heat accumulator (27) is arranged ready for use in an overpressure zone (31). Said arrangement enables a structurally simple heat accumulator to be provided, since said heat accumulator is not loaded by the pressure of the gas passing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a pressure vessel that defines an interior region that can contain a liquid and/or a gas. A piston is movably disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel. A divider is fixedly disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel and divides the interior region into a first interior region on a first side of the divider and a second interior region on a second, opposite side of the divider. The piston is movable between a first position in which fluid having a first pressure is disposed within the first interior region and the first interior region has a volume less than a volume of the second interior region, and a second position in which fluid having a second pressure is disposed within the second interior region and the second interior region has a volume less than a volume of the first interior region.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and recovery device is disclosed which includes a heat exchanger arrangement configured for guiding a flow of a heat transfer medium between a first end and a second end, and a heat storage material surrounding the heat exchanger arrangement so that a thermal interaction region is formed for thermally coupling the heat transfer medium with the heat storage material. The heat exchanger arrangement is sealed against the heat storage material so that, when in a first operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to receive thermal energy from the heat transfer medium, a compressed gas is usable as the heat transfer medium for transferring thermal energy from the heat transfer medium to the heat storage material.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system including a compressor adapted to receive a process gas and output a compressed process gas. A heat transfer unit may be coupled to the compressor and adapted to receive the compressed process gas and a heat transfer medium and to output a cooled process gas and a heated heat transfer medium. A compressed gas storage unit may be coupled to the heat transfer unit and adapted to receive and store the cooled process gas. A waste heat recovery unit may be coupled to the heat transfer unit and adapted to receive the heated heat transfer medium.

Abstract: Disclosed illustrative embodiments include systems and methods for power peaking with energy storage. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a power plant includes a thermodynamic piping circuit having a working fluid contained therein, and the working fluid has a flow direction and a flow rate. Power plant components are interposed in the thermodynamic piping circuit. The power plant components include a compressor system, a recuperator system, a heat source, a turbine system, a heat rejection system, and a thermal energy transfer system. A valving system is operable to selectively couple the heat rejection system, the thermal energy storage system, and the compressor system in thermohydraulic communication with the working fluid maintaining the flow direction and the flow rate to implement a thermodynamic cycle chosen from a Brayton cycle, a combination Brayton cycle/refrigeration cycle, and a Rankine cycle.

Abstract: A system for storing and outputting thermal energy and a method for operating the system are provided. The system operates according to the Brayton cycle, wherein a heat accumulator is charged by a compressor and a cold accumulator is charged by turbines. The cycle is reversed for discharging. In addition, the cold accumulator supplies a cooling circuit, which provides the cooling for a superconducting generator by a cooling unit. A favorable generator weight can thereby be advantageously achieved in particular for wind turbines, because the generators are limited regarding the weight thereof due to being housed in the nacelle of the wind power plant. Thus, advantageously higher power can be converted in the wind power plant.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage device is provided. The device has a heat exchanger arrangement for guiding a flow of a heat transfer medium between a first end and a second end of the heat exchanger arrangement, and a heat storage material surrounding the heat exchanger arrangement. The heat exchanger arrangement transports the heat transfer medium from the first end to the second end if the thermal energy storage device is in a first operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to receive thermal energy from the heat transfer medium, and transports the heat transfer medium from the second end to the first end if the thermal energy storage device is in a second operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to release thermal energy to the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: In various embodiments, phase change and heat exchange methods between heat collection, heat transfer, heat exchange, heat storage, and heat utility systems are described. In certain embodiments, the heat transfer fluids/heat exchange fluids, heat storage media, and working media in the system are all phase change materials with transition temperatures close to each other and in decreasing order and perform their respective function through phase changes within a relatively narrow temperature range. Methods to control heat transfer rate, heat exchange and/or heat charging/discharging rate between heat collection, thermal energy storage and heat utility apparatus at will are provided. Methods of controlling such systems are also provided.

Abstract: An energy storage power plant for harvesting electric energy, and suitable for converting electric energy into thermal energy is provided. The thermal energy can be temporarily stored in at least two thermal stores until demanded and retrieved to increase the energy content of water in a water circuit upon demand. The power plant has the at least two thermal stores, each has at least one converting device that allows electric energy to be directly or indirectly converted into thermal energy, the thermal stores being thermally chargeable by temporarily storing thermal energy, wherein one thermal store is for storing sensible heat and one thermal store is for storing latent heat; and at least one energy generating unit operated using the water in the water circuit, the energy content of the water having been increased by the temporary storage of thermal energy, in order to generate electric energy when operated.

Abstract: A device and a method for using overcapacities in the power grid is provided. In case of an oversupply of energy, the energy is transferred to a thermal storage device directly via a heating element and in the discharge case of the thermal storage device the heat is removed from the thermal storage device and made available to a thermodynamic cycle whereby electrical energy is produced. The heat from the thermal storage device is used to preheat air in an air feed line to a combustion chamber, or fuel is pre-heated using heat from the thermal storage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling a working fluid with low freezing point circulating in a closed loop (10) working on a Rankine cycle, said loop comprising a compression/circulation pump (12) for the fluid in liquid form, a heat exchanger (18) swept by a hot source (24) for evaporation of said fluid, expansion means (30) for the fluid in vapour form, a cooling exchanger (42) swept by a cold source (F) for condensation of the working fluid, a working fluid tank (48) and working fluid circulation lines (52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62). According to the invention, tank (48) is connected to a depression generator (50).

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for storing and providing electrical energy are disclosed. Also disclosed are embodiments of a system for purifying fluid, as well as embodiments of a system in which energy storage and fluid purification are combined. One disclosed embodiment of the system comprises a latent heat storage device, a sensible heat storage device, a vapor expander/compressor device mechanically coupled to a motor/generator device, a heat-exchanger, and a liquid pressurization and depressurization device. The devices are fluidly coupled in a closed-loop system, and a two-phase working fluid circulates therein. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to store and generate energy also are disclosed. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to purify fluid, as well as embodiments of a method for operating a combined energy storage and fluid purification system are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid renewable energy system having an underground heat storage apparatus. A solar collector is provided on or around a building structure and collects solar heat to heat a heat medium. A transfer pipe transfers the heat medium, heated by the solar collector, into the underground. The heat storage apparatus stores heat received from the heat medium and heats, using the stored heat, both cold water supplied from the building structure through a supply pipe and air supplied from an inlet duct. A return pipe returns the heat medium from the heat storage apparatus to the solar collector. An inlet pipe supplies hot water produced by the heat storage apparatus to the building structure. A connection duct supplies air heated by the heat storage apparatus into the building structure to heat the room of the building structure.

Abstract: An auxiliary steam generator system for a power plant, comprising a water-steam circuit, which has a condensate line and a feed-water line, wherein a condensate pump is connected in the condensate line and a feed-water pump is connected in the feed-water line, and wherein a pressure accumulating vessel is connected between the condensate pump and the feed-water pump, and wherein a feed-water take-off line is connected to the water-steam circuit at a branch-off point after the pressure accumulating vessel is provided. The feed-water take-off line is connected to the pressure accumulating vessel and a heating device is connected in the feed-water take-off line.

Abstract: This is a system that stores energy by compressing atmospheric air and confining it in tanks or caverns, combining the thermodynamic cycle followed by the atmospheric air (Brayton cycle) with another thermodynamic cycle followed by an auxiliary fluid, that is confined in the same cavern within a membrane, following two sections of a Rankine cycle, one during the air compression and entry into the cavern process and the other during the air outlet and turbininig process, using heat from the exhaust gases from the turbine as a heat source for an additional Rankine cycle, and being able to use the tanks or caverns for making an extra constant volume heating of compressed air and I or of the auxiliary fluid

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a heat engine system, a mass management system (MMS), and a method for regulating pressure in the heat engine system while generating electricity. In one embodiment, the MMS contains a tank fluidly coupled to a pump, a turbine, a heat exchanger, an offload terminal, and a working fluid contained in the tank at a storage pressure. The working fluid may be at a system pressure proximal an outlet of the heat exchanger, at a low-side pressure proximal a pump inlet, and at a high-side pressure proximal a pump outlet. The MMS contains a controller communicably coupled to a valve between the tank and the heat exchanger outlet, a valve between the tank and the pump inlet, a valve between the tank and the pump outlet, and a valve between the tank and the offload terminal.

Abstract: A fluid latent heat absorption electric induction heater is provided for raising the temperature of a fluid supplied to a fluid-driven turbine in a turbine-driven electric power generation system. The fluid latent heat absorption electric induction heater alternatively transfers heat to the fluid by induced susceptor heating, or a combination of inductor Joule heating and induced susceptor heating. The fluid may be water-steam for powering a steam-driven turbine or another fluid used in a phase change system for driving a fluid-driven turbine in a turbine-driven electric power generation system.

Abstract: An energy storage apparatus for the storage of thermal energy is provided, with a charging circuit, having a compressor, a heat store and an expansion turbine, the compressor connected on the outlet side to the inlet of the expansion turbine via a first line for a first working gas, and the heat store inserted into a second line, and the first line connected to a first heat exchanger, in which the first line and the second line are coupled thermally, and, furthermore, having a discharge circuit which has a water/steam circuit equipped with a steam generator and which has at least one feed water preheater preceding the steam generator with respect to the direction of flow of the water in this water/steam circuit, and thermal coupling between the charging circuit and discharge circuit achieved by the feed water preheater, in particular achieved solely by the feed water preheater.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for storing electric energy in the form of thermal energy. A thermoelectric energy storage system includes a working fluid circuit for circulating a working fluid through a heat exchanger, and a thermal storage medium circuit for circulating a thermal storage medium. The thermal storage medium circuit includes at least one hot storage tank, an intermediate temperature storage tank, and a cold storage tank connected together via the heat exchanger. A proportion of the storage medium is redirected to or from the intermediate storage tank from or to the hot or cold storage tank, joining another proportion which flows directly between the cold and hot storage tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for storing energy and generating power and/or heat within a subsea environment. The systems and methods utilize stored compressed air within an air storage chamber to drive an engine/generator system in order to generate power. The engine may or may not utilize combustion. Alternatively, the systems and methods utilize stored compressed air to supply air to a combustor to generate heat. The heat generated can be used for variety of purposes, including to generate steam and to heat heavy oil.

Abstract: An installation for storing thermal energy which can be obtained, for example, at times of overcapacities, from regenerative energy and then be stored is provided. The energy stored in a heat accumulator, a cold accumulator and in an additional heat accumulator can be, when needed, reconverted into electrical energy by circuits via a generator (G) while using a compressor and a turbine. The working gas is humidified by a humidification column, ideally until saturation, whereby, advantageously, a greater mass flow can be obtained at a lower volume flow. For this reason, more economical components can be used while simultaneously a high yield of the installation is achieved.

Abstract: An energy storage device for storing thermal energy, with a charging circuit for a working gas, is provided, having a compressor, heat accumulator and expansion turbine, the compressor and expansion turbine arranged on a common shaft, and the compressor connected on the outlet side to the inlet of the expansion turbine via a first line for the working gas, the heat accumulator wired into the first line, wherein the compressor is connected on the inlet side to a line, which is open to the atmosphere, and the expansion turbine is connected on the outlet side to a line, which is open to the atmosphere such that a circuit open to the ambient air is formed, wherein the expansion turbine is connected to the heat accumulator via a line for a hot gas such that the working gas in the expansion turbine can be heated by heat from the heat accumulator.

Abstract: A power generation system comprises a first energy conversion device configured to convert a first renewable energy resource into electricity, an electrolysis device configured to use electricity from the first energy conversion device to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen, a hydrogen gas storage tank configured to store hydrogen from the electrolysis device, a fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy in the hydrogen from the hydrogen gas storage tank into electricity, a boiler configured to use electricity from the fuel cell to boil water into steam, and a steam powered turbine generator configured to convert energy in the steam to electricity.

Abstract: A charging circuit for converting electrical energy into thermal energy is provided, having a compression stage, connected via a shaft to an electric motor, a heat exchanger and an expansion stage, which is connected via a shaft to a generator, wherein the compression stage is connected to the expansion stage via a hot-gas line, and the heat exchanger is connected on the primary side into the hot-gas line, wherein the expansion stage is connected via a return line to the compression stage, so that a closed circuit for a working gas is formed. A recuperator is also provided which, on the primary side, is connected into the hot-gas line between the heat exchanger and the expansion stage and, on the secondary side, is connected into the return line, so that heat from the working gas in the hot-gas line can be transferred to the working gas in the return line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing load-following power using low to medium temperature heat source fluid comprising the steps of reducing the power level produced by a Rankine cycle power plant producing load-following power operating on a low to medium temperature heat source fluid during one period of time; storing heat not used during the first period of time; and using the heat stored for producing power during a second period of time.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a first tank and a second tank thermally interfaced with the first tank. A pump is connected between the first tank and the second tank to move a fluid from the first tank to the second tank. A first heat exchanger includes a heat-exchanging portion that is located within the first tank. A second heat exchanger includes another heat-exchanging portion that is located within the second tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing energy includes a compression chamber for receiving a gas, a compression piston for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber, a first heat store for receiving and storing thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression piston, an expansion chamber for receiving gas after exposure to the first heat store, an expansion piston for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber, and a second heat store for transferring thermal energy to gas expanded by the expansion piston. The cycle used by the apparatus has two different stages that can be split into separate devices or combined into one device.

Abstract: A plant for storing energy by means of compressed air, in which: a storage volume accommodates air at elevated pressure pH; for energy storage, ambient air is compressed and introduced into the storage volume; for removal from storage, compressed air is extracted from the storage volume and discharged into the environment, performing work; at least one low-pressure turbomachine for alternate compression and expansion respectively compresses ambient air to a medium pressure pM and expands said ambient air from said pressure; at least one high-pressure machine for alternate compression and expansion respectively compresses air from the medium pressure pM to the store pressure pH and expands said air from the latter pressure; and said low-pressure turbomachine and high-pressure machine are connected in series in terms of flow and are mechanically coupled to in each case one, or to one common, electric machine that operates selectively as a motor and generator.

Abstract: A solar receiver having a higher yield than a central tower receiver. The receiver comprises a plurality of absorbent tubes for absorbing incident energy from light guides suitable for capturing solar radiation in solar collector concentration focal points, the absorbent tubes being arranged consecutively and in parallel, adjacently in relation to a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent tubes. The tubes contain a circulating heat-transfer fluid. The longitudinal axes are contained in at least two planes, defining at least two lines of absorbent tubes arranged in an alternating manner, and partially superimposed. The receiver also comprises containers subjected to a vacuum in order to enclose the absorbent tubes and reduce losses by convection.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for the controlling and feeding of power plants, in particular coal fired power plants comprising a steam turbine connected to a turbogenerator. The method consists in that in periods of low power consumption the power is transferred from the turbine shaft to a compressor and the air compressed therein is pumped by compressors to the tanks of a compressed air terminal until a pressure close to the pressure of steam fed to turbine blades is reached. When energy demand increases, compressed air from the tanks is fed through nozzles onto the turbine blades along with superheated steam produced in a boiler. The subject of the invention is also a system for collecting compressed air and feeding it to the turbine.

Abstract: A comburant gas supply system is provided for a combustion boiler/turbine of a thermal power plant, a combustion boiler/turbine system and a thermal power plant. The gas supply system has an air separation module to separate and output an oxygen rich gas from an input air supply; a comburant gas storage module fluidly connected to the output of the air separation module for storage in liquid state of separated oxygen rich gas; a comburant gas supply module to supply the oxygen rich gas to the combustion boiler selectively from the air separation system and/or the comburant gas storage system. The air separation module has an oxygen rich gas output capacity determined from a demand rating for the combustion boiler/turbine adjusted with reference to a load factor across a predetermined operating period and/or the ASU size is increased to provide longer term energy storage capacity.