Energy conversion and storage device

Abstract

An energy conversion and storage device includes a main circuit for a working fluid other than atmospheric air. The main circuit connects the storage device (205), the compression unit, the heat accumulator (100, 210), the reservoir (209) and the expansion unit and is configured to operate the apparatus in an energy storage configuration or in an energy discharge and generation configuration by displacement of the working fluid between the storage device (205) and the reservoir (209) through the main circuit and via a cyclic thermodynamic transformation of the working fluid. The apparatus further comprises an auxiliary circuit (1) connecting the main circuit and / or the compression volume of the storage device (205) and / or the compression volume of the compressor (203) and / or the expansion volume of the expansion machine (202) to at least one part of the compression unit and / or at least one part of the expansion unit in order to control the temperature and / or pressure of the part by means of the same working fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The object of the present invention is an energy conversion and storage device of this type, which is configured to achieve a closed-loop thermodynamic conversion between two material accumulation sections via a working fluid, wherein the management is intended to generate, convert, absorb and store energy.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an optimized device configuration that can utilize the same working fluid used in closed-loop thermodynamic conversion to perform important auxiliary functions, such as isolating the device from the external environment and / or thermally isolating parts of the device from other parts and / or cooling specific areas or components of the device. Background Technology

[0003] The following definitions will be referenced in this specification and the appended claims.

[0004] • Cyclic Thermodynamic Change (TTC): Thermodynamic changes from point A to point B and from point B to point A do not necessarily pass through the same intermediate point; cyclic thermodynamic change operates between two mass storage / accumulation sections of the working fluid—one initial and the other final.

[0005] • Thermodynamic Cycle (CT): A thermodynamic transformation from point X to point Y, where X and Y coincide; unlike the above-mentioned Cyclic Thermodynamic Transformation (TTC), the thermodynamic cycle (CT) has no mass accumulation / storage section (of the working fluid) within the cycle, which is of great significance for energy purposes.

[0006] • Closed-loop CT and / or TTC: No mass exchange with the atmosphere (significant for energy purposes).

[0007] • Open-type CT and / or TTC: Mass exchange with the atmosphere (significant for energy purposes).

[0008] • Auxiliary circuit: A circuit that is not directly used for the production, conversion and storage of energy but is used for internal and accessory services (lubrication, temperature and / or pressure control, etc.) of the system itself; the auxiliary circuit performs functions other than those that occur in the main circuit, the compression volume of the compressor and the expansion volume of the expander.

[0009] Publication WO2020 / 039416, representing the same applicant, discloses a method and apparatus for energy storage. The apparatus includes: a variable-volume enclosure (e.g., a single- or double-film gas meter) for storing a working fluid in a gaseous phase other than atmospheric air and maintaining pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere; and a reservoir for storing the working fluid in a liquid or supercritical phase at a temperature close to its critical temperature, wherein the critical temperature is close to ambient temperature. The apparatus is configured to perform a closed-loop thermodynamic transformation between the enclosure and the reservoir, i.e., first in a storage configuration in one direction and then in an emission configuration in the opposite direction. The apparatus stores heat and pressure in the storage configuration and generates energy in the emission configuration.

[0010] In addition, documents WO2021 / 165809, WO2021 / 191786 and WO2022 / 101727, representing the same applicant, show a device based on the same principle (closed-loop thermodynamic transformation between two mass accumulation sections) shown in WO2020 / 039416. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The applicant has noted that the fluid machinery used in the aforementioned equipment is equipped with seals. Seals are required in all fluid machinery where the mechanical power from the working fluid and reaching the working fluid (thus driving or operating the machine) is transmitted through mechanical mechanisms (in the case of alternative machines, the rotating shaft or rod of a turbine) that are normally located in the atmosphere. Seals perform the task of separating the process environment inside the machine from the atmosphere to prevent the working fluid from leaving the machine (if the pressure inside the machine is greater than atmospheric pressure) or to prevent the working fluid from being contaminated by air from the external environment (if the pressure inside the machine is less than atmospheric pressure). However, seals must operate within a certain temperature range and at a relative speed range (e.g., the circumferential speed of the shaft relative to the seal) and a predetermined pressure jump to function properly and effectively prevent fluid passage. Various systems are known for controlling the temperature, speed, and pressure near the seal for this purpose, but these systems are complex and expensive or sometimes ineffective.

[0012] The applicant also notes that the fluid machinery used in the aforementioned equipment, like all fluid machinery, requires support for one or more moving mechanisms, whether these mechanisms move in a rotary or reciprocating motion; that is, its task is to position itself between the moving mechanism or mechanisms and the fixed parts of the machine. For example, in the case of a rotating shaft in a turbine, the support is a bearing. In the case of a rod in an alternative machine, the support is a bushing. Supports (bearings or bushings) typically require lubrication to limit friction and thus limit wear on components, and these bearings or bushings are typically in direct or indirect contact with the atmosphere. For example, in cases where the turbine operates at overpressure relative to the atmosphere, a known solution is that the bearings operating within the turbine (e.g., turbine-expander) operate at pressures significantly higher than atmospheric pressure. Lubricating oil is extracted from the bearing area via level regulation, depressurized, and delivered to a lubrication unit, which typically operates at pressures very close to atmospheric pressure. The oil is then pumped back into the bearing housing. However, this solution has a drawback: the pressurized oil inside the bearing housing tends to "absorb" the working fluid, which is then released into the tank due to depressurization and then leaves the process.

[0013] In this field, the applicant's primary aim is to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings in order to ensure the proper functioning of seals and supports in fluid machines operating in energy conversion and storage devices of the aforementioned type.

[0014] In particular, the applicant aims to overcome the problems of working fluid leakage or ambient air ingress through seals, especially the problems of rotating shaft seals, in fluid machines that are part of the aforementioned type of energy conversion and storage devices, without relying on complex and expensive solutions.

[0015] The applicant also aims to place the supports of the aforementioned fluid machinery under conditions suitable to ensure their proper operation, without relying on complex and expensive solutions.

[0016] More generally, the applicant aims to control the temperature and pressure of a defined area or portion of a fluid machine in a relatively simple and cost-effective manner, and ultimately control the temperature and pressure of other machines or devices (electric motors, generators, reducers, etc.) connected to them, which are part of the energy conversion and storage devices of the aforementioned type.

[0017] The applicant also aims to isolate the equipment from the external environment and / or thermally isolate parts of the equipment from other parts and / or cool specific areas or components of the equipment in a relatively simple and cost-effective manner.

[0018] The applicant discovered that the above and other objectives can be achieved by using a working fluid for closed-loop thermodynamic conversion in energy conversion and storage devices.

[0019] The applicant has found that the above-mentioned and other objectives can be achieved by an energy conversion and storage device according to the appended claims and / or according to one or more of the following aspects.

[0020] In a first independent aspect, the present invention relates to an energy conversion and storage device, comprising:

[0021] Working fluids other than atmospheric air;

[0022] A storage device having a variable volume defined internally and configured to store a working fluid in the gas phase at each stage of operation performed by the device, wherein the storage pressure Ps is kept in pressure balance with atmospheric pressure Patm and has low or no overpressure.

[0023] At least one reservoir configured to store a working fluid in a liquid or supercritical phase;

[0024] A compression unit, comprising at least one compressor and at least one electric motor mechanically connected to each other;

[0025] An expansion unit, comprising at least one expander and at least one generator mechanically connected to each other;

[0026] At least one heat accumulator, optionally, wherein the at least one heat accumulator includes at least one heat exchanger combined with at least one thermal mass;

[0027] The main circuit connects the variable volume of the storage device, the compression volume of the compressor, the at least one heat accumulator, the at least one storage device, and an expansion volume of the expander.

[0028] An apparatus configured to operate in an energy storage configuration or an energy emission and generation configuration via displacement of a working fluid through a main circuit between a storage device and the at least one reservoir, and via cyclic thermodynamic transformation of the working fluid.

[0029] The device also includes an auxiliary circuit. The auxiliary circuit connects at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit to at least one of the main circuit, the variable volume of the storage device, the compression volume of the compressor, and the expansion volume of the expander. The auxiliary circuit is configured to control the temperature and / or pressure of said at least one portion using the same working fluid obtained from the cyclic thermodynamic transformation.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature and / or pressure of at least one portion of a compression unit and / or at least one portion of an expansion unit of an apparatus of one of the first or subsequent aspects, the method comprising: connecting via an auxiliary circuit a variable volumetric main circuit and / or a storage device and / or a compressor compression volume and / or an expander expansion volume to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or the at least one portion of the expansion unit.

[0031] Auxiliary circuits may include lines / pipes located outside the machine (such as compressors and expanders with speed reducers), but may also be available inside the machine.

[0032] The applicant first demonstrates that the apparatus and method according to the invention allow for the achievement of the objectives listed above.

[0033] In particular, the applicant has demonstrated that the present invention allows the use of a working fluid and, through connection with a main circuit and / or with a variable volume of a storage device and / or with the compression volume of a compressor and / or with the expansion volume of an expander, to achieve the following technical effects:

[0034] - Create thermal barriers in areas or sections of fluid machinery where necessary (e.g., create barriers to cooler working fluids relative to the hotter working fluids in the compression volume of a compressor or the expansion volume of an expander);

[0035] - Maintain the supports and / or seals at the correct temperature for them to function properly (e.g., at a temperature lower than the temperature of the working fluid in the compressor's compression volume or the expander's expansion volume).

[0036] - Prevent or at least completely limit the leakage (loss) of working fluid from the equipment and its dispersion into the environment or into the ambient air inlet leading to the main circuit, and thus prevent contamination of the working fluid, even in the case of lubrication circuits operating at atmospheric pressure Patm.

[0037] Other aspects and additional technical effects of the invention are described below.

[0038] In a third aspect, the at least one compressor and the at least one expander each include: a housing; at least one moving mechanical mechanism movable relative to the housing and configured to exchange energy with a working fluid in a respective compression volume of the compressor or a respective expansion volume of the expander; and at least one transmission mechanism connecting the moving mechanical mechanism to a respective electric motor or generator.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, the at least one portion includes at least one chamber defined between the housing and the at least one transmission mechanism, wherein the at least one chamber is located near the compression volume of the compressor or the expansion volume of the expander. In this way, the working fluid obtained via an auxiliary circuit can be used as a barrier (both a thermal barrier and a barrier suitable for preventing fluid passage) to be placed between the compression volume or expansion volume and the external environment, support, or seal.

[0040] In a fifth aspect, the at least one compressor and / or the at least one expander includes at least one sealing element operatively coupled to the housing and the transmission mechanism and separating the environment within the housing from the external environment.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, the at least one chamber may optionally be in fluid communication with the at least one sealing element via a limiting portion.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, the at least one compressor and / or the at least one expander includes a support operatively positioned between the respective transmission mechanism and the respective housing.

[0043] In the eighth aspect, the at least one chamber may optionally be in fluid communication with the support via a limiting portion.

[0044] In the ninth aspect, the auxiliary circuit includes: at least one discharge conduit extending from the main circuit and / or from the variable volume of the storage device to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit, and configured to supply working fluid to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit at a discharge pressure P1 (P1>Ps) greater than the storage pressure Ps.

[0045] In a tenth aspect, the auxiliary circuit includes: at least one discharge conduit extending from the main circuit and / or from the variable volume of the storage device to the at least one chamber, and configured to supply working fluid to the at least one chamber at a discharge pressure P1 (P1>Ps) greater than the storage pressure Ps.

[0046] In the eleventh aspect, the auxiliary circuit includes: at least one return conduit extending from the compression unit and / or from the expansion unit to a variable volume at a storage pressure Ps or to a point in the main circuit where the pressure is less than the discharge pressure P1.

[0047] In the twelfth aspect, the at least one discharge conduit connects the extraction point of the main circuit at discharge pressure P1 to at least one portion of the at least one chamber or compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit, and / or wherein the at least one discharge conduit connects a variable volume to at least one portion of the at least one chamber or compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit, and includes a fan or auxiliary compressor that causes the storage pressure Ps of the working fluid from the variable volume to the discharge pressure P1.

[0048] In the thirteenth aspect, the main circuit includes: a first line connecting the storage device to the compression unit and the expansion unit, and a second line and optionally a third line connecting the at least one storage device to the compression unit and the expansion unit, wherein the at least one heat accumulator is operatively connected to the second line and / or the at least one storage device.

[0049] In the fourteenth aspect, the extraction point is located on the second and / or third pipeline between the at least one reservoir and the at least one heat accumulator and / or between the at least one heat accumulator and the compression unit or expansion unit. Optionally, the extraction point is extracted from the middle of the compression volume of the compressor and / or the expansion volume of the expander, i.e., at the intermediate pressure of the compressor and / or expander.

[0050] In a fifteenth aspect, the at least one return conduit extends from at least one auxiliary chamber of the compression unit and / or at least one auxiliary chamber of the expansion unit; optionally, the at least one auxiliary chamber is at a return pressure P0 (P0 < P1) that is lower than the discharge pressure P1; optionally, the return pressure P0 is greater than (e.g., a large number of millibars) or equal to the storage pressure Ps (P0 >= Ps); optionally, the return pressure P0 is lower than the operating pressure PL within the compression volume of the compressor or the expansion volume of the expander (P0 < PL).

[0051] In the sixteenth, ninth and fifteenth aspects, the support member is connected to the at least one chamber via a limiting part and is at a support pressure P2 (P2 < P1) that is less than the discharge pressure P1; wherein the support pressure P2 is greater than the return pressure P0 (P2 > P0).

[0052] In the seventeenth aspect, the compression unit and / or expansion unit includes a lubrication circuit operatively connected to the support and containing lubricating oil, wherein the lubrication circuit is under support pressure P2 and connected to the at least one return conduit.

[0053] In the eighteenth aspect, the lubrication circuit includes a pump configured to pump lubricating oil to a support and a closed container for collecting the lubricating oil; wherein a portion of the closed container located above the free surface of the lubricating oil is connected to the at least one return conduit.

[0054] In the nineteenth aspect, a separator is located on the at least one return conduit connected to the closed container, wherein the separator is configured to separate the lubricating oil adsorbed by the working fluid.

[0055] In a twentieth aspect, the compression unit and / or the expansion unit includes at least one speed reducer mechanically disposed between the transmission mechanism of the compressor and / or the transmission mechanism of the expander and a corresponding electric motor or generator; wherein the at least one speed reducer includes: a housing, a moving mechanism mounted in the housing, and a support member disposed between the moving mechanism and the housing; wherein the housing is in fluid communication with the at least one chamber.

[0056] In the twenty-first aspect, the box is mounted on the housing, the at least one chamber is in fluid communication with the box via a limiting part, and the box is under the support pressure P2.

[0057] In aspect twenty-two, the box is connected to the lubrication circuit.

[0058] In the twentieth aspect, the compression unit and / or the expansion unit includes a rigid or flexible joint that connects the respective reducer to the respective transmission mechanism.

[0059] In the twenty-fourth aspect, the joint is enclosed in a corresponding housing, wherein the housing is in fluid communication with the housing and box, and wherein the housing is in fluid communication with the auxiliary circuit.

[0060] In the twenty-fifth aspect, the housing is connected to the discharge conduit, and the housing is at discharge pressure P1.

[0061] In the twenty-sixth aspect, at least one of the electric motor and the generator includes a support member, and the support member is subjected to the support pressure P2.

[0062] In the twenty-seventh aspect, the support of at least one of the electric motor and the generator is operatively connected to the lubrication circuit.

[0063] In the twentieth aspect, the compression unit and / or the expansion unit includes a container housing a corresponding electric motor or generator; wherein the container is in fluid communication with the housing, and wherein the housing and the container are isolated from the external environment.

[0064] In aspect twenty-nine, the container is in fluid communication with the auxiliary circuit.

[0065] In the thirtieth aspect, the container is connected to a discharge conduit, and the container is at a discharge pressure P1.

[0066] In the thirtieth aspect, the container is connected to a reflux conduit, and the container is under reflux pressure P0.

[0067] In the thirty-first aspect, the container is in fluid communication with the box, and the box is in fluid communication with the shell.

[0068] In aspect thirty-two, the shell, box, and container are isolated from the external environment.

[0069] In the thirty-third aspect, the compression unit and / or the expansion unit includes an auxiliary connector that connects the corresponding reducer to the corresponding motor or generator.

[0070] In aspect thirty-four, the auxiliary connector is enclosed in the corresponding auxiliary housing.

[0071] In aspect thirty-five, the auxiliary shell is in fluid communication with the container and box.

[0072] In the thirty-sixth aspect, the auxiliary housing is in fluid communication with the auxiliary circuit.

[0073] In the thirty-seventh aspect, the auxiliary housing is connected to the discharge conduit, and the auxiliary housing is at discharge pressure P1.

[0074] In the thirty-eighth aspect, the at least one chamber is separated from the compression volume of the compressor or the expansion volume of the expander by a single wall, and the discharge pressure P1 in the at least one chamber is greater than the working pressure PL in the compression volume of the compressor or the expansion volume of the expander (P1 > PL); optionally, the ratio between the discharge pressure P1 and the working pressure PL is between 1.0 and 2.

[0075] In the thirty-ninth aspect, the at least one auxiliary chamber is located between the at least one chamber and the compression volume of the compressor or the expansion volume of the expander.

[0076] In the fortieth aspect, at least one of the compressor and expander is a turbine, the transmission mechanism is a rotating shaft, the moving mechanism is an impeller, and the at least one chamber is delimited by the walls of the housing around the rotating shaft.

[0077] In the forty-first aspect, the ratio between the storage pressure Ps and the atmospheric pressure Patm is between 1 and 1.1.

[0078] In aspect 42, the ratio between the discharge pressure P1 and the storage pressure Ps is between 1.01 and 2.

[0079] In aspect 43, the ratio between the reflux pressure P0 and the storage pressure Ps is between 0.9 and 1.5.

[0080] In aspect 44, the ratio between the supporting pressure P2 and the storage pressure Ps is between 0.9 and 1.5.

[0081] All pressure ratios mentioned above are absolute pressures.

[0082] It is worth noting that all mechanisms of the equipment (turbines, compressors, electric motors, generators, reducers, etc.) operate at pressures close to atmospheric / ambient pressure.

[0083] In aspect forty-five, the working fluid is selected from the group consisting of CO2, SF6, N2O or mixtures thereof.

[0084] In the forty-sixth aspect, the temperature of the working fluid corresponding to the storage pressure Ps, i.e., the temperature of the working fluid in the variable volume of the storage device, is close to or in equilibrium with the ambient temperature; optionally, the temperature of the working fluid corresponding to the storage pressure Ps is between -40°C and +70°C, and optionally between -10°C and +45°C.

[0085] In aspect 47, the temperature of the working fluid corresponding to the working pressure PL of the compressor, i.e., the temperature in the compressor's compression volume, is between 60°C and 500°C.

[0086] In aspect 48, the temperature of the working fluid corresponding to the working pressure PL of the expander, i.e., the temperature in the expansion volume of the expander, is between 60°C and 500°C.

[0087] In aspect 49, the temperature of the working fluid corresponding to the return pressure P0 is between 20°C and 150°C.

[0088] In the fiftieth aspect, a storage device internally defined with a variable volume is, for example, a single-membrane or double-membrane gas meter. A double-membrane gas meter includes an inner membrane defining a variable volume and containing a working fluid, and an outer membrane in contact with the environment; the outer membrane maintains its own shape except for minor changes, with the purpose of protecting the inner membrane from the effects of the external environment and atmospheric factors.

[0089] In the fifty-first aspect, the working fluid is stored in a reservoir in the form of a liquid phase or a supercritical phase at a temperature close to the critical temperature; wherein the critical temperature is close to the ambient temperature, preferably between 0°C and 100°C.

[0090] In the fifty-second aspect, the energy conversion and storage device according to at least one of the foregoing aspects performs or is configured to perform the following energy conversion and storage process: a closed-loop thermodynamic conversion (TTC) is performed between a storage device and a reservoir internally defined by a variable volume, i.e., first in a storage configuration / stage in one direction and then in an emission configuration / stage in the opposite direction, wherein the process accumulates heat and pressure in the storage stage and generates energy in the emission stage.

[0091] In the fifty-third aspect:

[0092] During the storage phase, the working fluid stored in the internally defined storage device with variable volume undergoes the following processes:

[0093] Compressed

[0094] It is cooled, thus storing sensible heat.

[0095] By passing it through the saturated vapor region until it reaches the liquid phase and is condensed, latent heat is stored in the secondary fluid.

[0096] It is stored in a liquid phase in a storage container at a temperature close to but below the critical temperature;

[0097] During the discharge phase, the working fluid, stored in a liquid phase in a reservoir and at a temperature in equilibrium with the secondary fluid, is subjected to the following:

[0098] By passing it through the saturated vapor region until it reaches the gas phase, it is evaporated, thereby absorbing latent heat through cooling the secondary fluid.

[0099] It is heated and expanded by using the sensible heat stored during the storage phase.

[0100] It is stored in the gas phase in a storage device with a variable volume defined inside.

[0101] In aspect 54, under each operating condition during closed-loop thermodynamic conversion (TTC), the working fluid is in pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere, with low or no overpressure, and the temperature of the secondary fluid is close to ambient temperature.

[0102] In the fifty-fifth aspect, optionally, when the device is in a storage configuration or discharge configuration as described in document WO2021 / 191786, the energy conversion and storage device is further configured to define / define a closed loop and implement a closed thermodynamic cycle (CT) in the closed loop with at least a portion of the working fluid.

[0103] In aspect 56, the energy conversion and storage device is of the type described in one of the published documents under the same applicant’s name: WO2020 / 039416, WO2021 / 165809, WO2021 / 191786, or WO2022 / 101727.

[0104] Further features and advantages will become clearer from the detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the energy conversion and storage device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0105] The description will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not limiting. In the drawings:

[0106] Figure 1 An example of an energy conversion and storage device according to the present invention is shown;

[0107] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the equipment;

[0108] Figure 3 A portion of the device shown in the aforementioned figures;

[0109] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A variant implementation of the portion of the device;

[0110] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 Another variation of the aforementioned part. Detailed Implementation

[0111] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where reference numeral 200 generally indicates an energy conversion and storage device according to the present invention. The device 200 can be implemented according to one of the embodiments described in the publications of the same applicant, WO2020 / 039416, WO2021 / 165809, WO2021 / 191786, and WO2022 / 101727.

[0112] The illustrated device 200 operates using a working fluid other than atmospheric air, such as one selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen oxides (N2O), or mixtures thereof. The device 200 is configured to implement a closed-loop thermodynamic conversion (TTC), i.e., first proceeding in one direction in a storage configuration / stage and then in the opposite direction in a discharge configuration / stage, wherein the device 200 accumulates heat and pressure in the storage configuration and generates mechanical and / or electrical energy in the discharge configuration.

[0113] Reference Figure 1 The device 200 includes an expander, such as a turbine 202, and a compressor 203 mechanically connected to a shaft of an electric motor-generator 204. When the electric motor-generator 204 operates as a generator, the turbine 202 together with the electric motor-generator 204 forms an expansion unit. When the electric motor-generator 204 operates as an electric motor, the compressor 203 together with the electric motor-generator 204 forms a compression unit. In a variant of the embodiment, the turbine 202 is mechanically connected to a corresponding generator, and the compressor 203 is mechanically connected to a corresponding electric motor, wherein the electric motor and the generator are two different machines.

[0114] The device 200 includes a storage device 205 internally defined with a variable volume. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the storage device 205 is defined by a dual-membrane gas meter, which includes an inner membrane 302 defining a variable volume and containing working fluid, and an outer membrane 301 in contact with the environment. The gas meter is disposed on the ground and externally in contact with atmospheric air. The inner membrane 302 of the gas meter internally defines the aforementioned variable volume, which is configured to contain working fluid at a storage pressure “Ps” equal to or substantially at atmospheric pressure. During each operational phase performed by the device, the working fluid contained in the variable volume is in pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere. The outer membrane 301 maintains its own shape except for minor changes, with the aim of protecting the inner membrane from the external environment and atmospheric factors such as sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the defined gap between the inner membrane 302 and the outer membrane 301 is achieved by means of... Figure 2 The ventilator 303, schematically shown, is filled with ambient air and maintained at a constant overpressure of several millibars (relative to atmospheric pressure). In this case, the storage pressure "Ps" is equal to atmospheric pressure plus the pressure of the air in the gap used to support the outer membrane 301. The pressure in the gap remains constant or substantially constant, such that the working fluid contained in the variable volume is in pressure equilibrium with the atmosphere during each stage of operation performed by the device. The storage device 205 can also be implemented as any other gas storage system with low or no overpressure, wherein the pressure remains constant or substantially constant as the volume of the working fluid changes.

[0115] A first conduit 206 is formed between the storage device 205 and the inlet 203a of the compressor 203, and between the storage device 205 and the outlet 202b of the turbine 202, so that the internal volume of the storage device 205 is in fluid communication with the compressor 203 and the turbine 202. A valve or valve system, not shown, may be operatively mounted on the first conduit 206 to alternately provide fluid communication between the storage device 205 and the inlet 203a of the compressor 203, or between the outlet 202b of the turbine 202 and the storage device 205.

[0116] The device 200 includes a heat accumulator 100 (thermal energy storage device - TES), which can be selectively in fluid communication with either the outlet 203b of the compressor 203 or the inlet 202a of the turbine 202. For this purpose, a second conduit 208 is formed between the inlet 202a of the turbine 202 and the heat accumulator 100, and between the outlet 203b of the compressor 203 and the heat accumulator 100.

[0117] The heat storage device 100 may include a main heat exchanger and a hot material such as a solid or liquid, and allows heat to accumulate in the hot material.

[0118] A valve or valve system, not shown, is operatively positioned on the second conduit 208 to alternately fluidly connect the accumulator 100 to the inlet 202a of the turbine 202, or to the outlet 203b of the compressor 203 to the accumulator 100.

[0119] The storage tank 209 is in fluid communication with the heat accumulator 100 and is configured to accumulate a working fluid in a liquid or supercritical phase at a temperature close to its critical temperature. The critical temperature of the working fluid is close to the ambient temperature and preferably between 0°C and 100°C.

[0120] The secondary heat exchanger 210 operates operatively upstream of the reservoir 209 and is configured to operate the working fluid during the storage phase in the reservoir 209.

[0121] A third conduit 212 extends between the heat accumulator 100 and the storage tank 209 to provide fluid communication between the heat accumulator 100, the storage tank 209, and the secondary heat exchanger 210.

[0122] Possibly, the upper part of the reservoir 209 is connected to the secondary heat exchanger 210 via connecting lines and valves (not shown) to allow steam recirculation, thereby freeing up space for liquid.

[0123] The first pipe 206, the second pipe 208, and the third pipe 212 form the main circuit of the device 200, which connects the variable volume of the storage device 205, the compression volume of the compressor 203, the heat accumulator 100, the secondary heat exchanger 220, the storage device 209, and the expansion volume of the turbine 202.

[0124] exist Figure 1 In the illustration, device 200 also includes an additional heat exchanger 213 operatively positioned between storage device 205 and compressor 202, and between storage device 205e and turbine 202. In an alternative embodiment not shown, one additional heat exchanger is dedicated to compressor 202, and another additional heat exchanger is dedicated to turbine 202.

[0125] A basin-shaped component 2000 containing liquid, typically water, is connected to a secondary heat exchanger 210 and an auxiliary heat exchanger 213, and is connected to a radiator 223 equipped with a fan 224.

[0126] The heat exchanger is configured to store the heat energy released by the working fluid in the thermomass of the TES and in the liquid in the basin, or to release previously stored heat energy into the working fluid.

[0127] Suitable devices (e.g., the aforementioned valve controlled by a control unit) are configured to operate the device 200 in an energy storage configuration / stage or an energy emission and generation configuration / stage via the movement of the working fluid through the main loop between the storage device 205 and the reservoir 209 and via the cyclic thermodynamic transformation of the working fluid. The device is configured, for example, to implement the aforementioned closed-loop thermodynamic transformation as described in publications WO2020 / 039416, WO2021 / 165809, WO2021 / 191786, and WO2022 / 101727.

[0128] In the storage configuration / stage, the working fluid from storage device 205 is compressed and heated in compressor 203. The working fluid then flows through accumulator 100, which acts as a cooler to remove heat from the compressed working fluid, cool the working fluid, and accumulate the removed heat (sensible heat) as heat in the thermal mass of the TES. The working fluid transfers heat to the liquid (secondary fluid) in basin 2000 at secondary heat exchanger 210, where it condenses and accumulates in storage tank 209.

[0129] In the emission configuration / stage, the working fluid from the storage tank 209, heated by the secondary heat exchanger 210, passes through the primary heat exchanger of the accumulator 100, which now acts as a heater and transfers additional heat previously accumulated in the incoherent material 19 to the working fluid, thus heating it. The working fluid evaporates and is then introduced into the turbine 202. The working fluid determines the rotation of the turbine 202 impeller and the energy generation via the electric motor-generator 204, and the working fluid is then stored again in gaseous form in the variable volume of the device 205.

[0130] Figure 2 More schematically shown Figure 1 The equipment, of which visible components are: a storage device 205, a machine block 400 including a compression unit and an expansion unit, a heat storage block 500 including a heat storage device 100 (thermal energy storage device - TES), and a working flow volume aggregation block 600 including a storage device 209 and a secondary heat exchanger 210. Figure 2The diagram also shows the first pipe 206, the second pipe 208, and the third pipe 212 of the main circuit.

[0131] The energy conversion and storage device 200 can also be configured to define / define a closed loop and implement a closed thermodynamic cycle (CT) within the closed loop using at least a portion of the working fluid, as described in document WO2021 / 191786. For this purpose, in Figure 1 The diagram shows an auxiliary heat exchanger 700 that receives heat from an additional heat source 705. The auxiliary heat exchanger 700 is located between the inlet 202a of the turbine 202 and the heat storage unit 100. The additional heat source 705 is, for example, solar energy, industrial waste heat recovery (waste heat recovery), or waste heat from a gas turbine.

[0132] The first bypass duct 310 is configured to connect the outlet 203b of the compressor 203 to the auxiliary heat exchanger 700, bypassing the heat accumulator 100. The first bypass duct is equipped with a corresponding first valve 311. The second bypass duct 320 is configured to connect the outlet 202b of the turbine 202 to the inlet 203a of the compressor 203, bypassing the storage device 205. The second bypass duct 320 is equipped with a corresponding second valve 321.

[0133] The first bypass conduit 310 and the second bypass conduit 320 can delineate a closed loop including the compressor 203, the turbine 202, the auxiliary heat exchanger 213 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 700.

[0134] According to the invention, the device 200 further includes an auxiliary circuit 1 that connects the variable volume of the main circuit and / or storage device 205 and / or the compression volume of the compressor 203 and / or the expansion volume of the turbine 202 to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit, so as to control the temperature and / or pressure of said at least one portion by means of the same working fluid circulating in the main circuit and used to achieve closed-loop thermodynamic conversion (TTC). Therefore, the device 200 according to the invention allows for the execution of a control method. This control method, also part of the invention, allows for the control of the temperature and / or pressure of said at least one portion of the compression unit and / or the expansion unit of the control device 200, and includes: connecting the variable volume of the main circuit and / or storage device 205 and / or the compression volume of the compressor 203 and / or the expansion volume of the turbine 202 to said at least one portion of the compression unit and / or the expansion unit via the auxiliary circuit 1. In the drawings, for simplicity, the auxiliary circuit 1 is indicated by lines outside the machine, but it may also be found inside the machine itself.

[0135] exist Figure 1In this circuit, auxiliary circuit 1 connects only the compression unit and expansion unit to the variable volume of storage device 205. Figure 2 The diagram shows a more complex auxiliary circuit 1, which includes a discharge line extending from the main circuit and storage device 205 with a variable volume to the compression unit and expansion unit.

[0136] Specifically, Figure 2 The auxiliary circuit 1 includes a first discharge conduit 2 connecting the variable volume of the storage device 205 to the machine block 400, a second discharge conduit 3 and a third discharge conduit 4 connecting the second line 208 to the machine block 400, and a fourth discharge conduit 5 connecting the third line 212 to the machine block 400. Additionally, a return conduit 6 connects the machine block 400 to the variable volume of the storage device 205, and an additional return conduit 7 connects the machine block 400 to the first line 206. A fan 8 (but could also be an auxiliary compressor) operably operates on the first discharge conduit 2, and the fan 8 has the function of increasing the storage pressure "Ps" of the working fluid from the storage device 205 to the discharge pressure "P1". Conversely, the working fluid obtained from the second discharge conduit 3, the third discharge conduit 4, and the fourth discharge conduit 5 is already at a pressure higher than the storage pressure "Ps", making the use of a fan or auxiliary compressor unnecessary.

[0137] The discharge lines 2, 3, 4, 5 and the return lines 6, 7 can be rigid or flexible, metallic or made of other materials, or they can be composite materials, such as fabric joints.

[0138] Figure 3 The turbine (which can be...) is shown in more detail. Figure 1 The device may be part of an expansion unit having a turbine 202 or a compression unit having a compressor 203, or may be Figure 2 (Part of the group machine 400) is connected to the aforementioned auxiliary circuit 1. For simplicity, reference will be made to the turbine 202 below, but the same description applies essentially to the compressor 203.

[0139] Figure 3 The turbine includes a housing 9 and an impeller 10 connected to a rotating shaft 11, which rotates within the housing 9 about its own axis of rotation and is supported by a support 12, such as a bearing. The impeller 10 is configured to exchange energy with working fluid in a corresponding expansion volume 13 of the turbine 202, wherein the expansion volume 13 is in fluid communication with the main circuit of the device 200 as described above.

[0140] Figure 3The turbine in this embodiment also includes a reducer 14. The reducer 14 can be used because the motor (electric motor, generator, or motor-generator) connected to the turbine or compressor typically operates at 1500 rpm (4 poles) or 3000 rpm (2 poles) at a network frequency of 50 Hz, or at 1800 rpm or 3600 rpm at a network frequency of 60 Hz, while the turbine achieves a higher rotational speed. The rotating shaft 11, which carries the impeller 10 at its own end, is supported by bearings in a housing 15 of the reducer 14. The reducer 14 is mechanically positioned between the turbine 202 and the corresponding generator ( Figure 3 Between (not shown). The reducer 14 includes a first gear 16, which is keyed to a rotating shaft 11 and meshes with a second gear 17, which is keyed to an auxiliary shaft 18, which is also supported in a housing 15 by means of bearings. The end of the auxiliary shaft 18 extends from the housing 15 through a seal 19 and is connected to a generator (not shown). The sealing element 19 is located on the slow shaft (auxiliary shaft 18) of the reducer 14 and separates the environment inside the housing 15 from the external environment.

[0141] A rotating shaft 11, supported by bearings within a housing 15, extends from the housing 15 into the interior of the casing 9. A housing 20 connects the housing 15 to the casing 9 and surrounds the rotating shaft 11, such that the housing 15 and casing 9 are in fluid communication with each other but isolated from the external environment. An impeller 10 is positioned at the distal end of the rotating shaft 11, opposite to the end housed within the housing 15, and is therefore suspended relative to the bearings.

[0142] The walls arranged within the housing 9 and surrounding the rotation axis 11 also define annular chambers. A first wall separates the expansion volume 13 from the adjacent auxiliary chamber 21, which in turn is separated from the adjacent chamber 22 by a second wall. A third wall separates chamber 22 from the housing 20. The auxiliary chamber 21 is then positioned between chamber 22 and the expansion volume 13 of the turbine 202. Each wall has its own radially inner edge near the rotation axis 11 to define an annular channel or restriction that connects adjacent chambers.

[0143] Figure 3 The turbine in this embodiment also includes a lubrication circuit 23, which is operatively connected to a support 12 (bearing) in the housing 15 and contains lubricating oil. The lubrication circuit 23 includes a closed container 24 for collecting the lubricating oil. The closed container 24 is connected to the housing 15 by means of a supply line 25 and a return line 26. A pump 27 is operatively arranged along the supply line and configured to pump the lubricating oil to the support housed in the housing 15.

[0144] The first discharge conduit 2 is connected to the chamber 22 and is connected thereto to a withdrawal point of the main circuit at the discharge pressure P1, or to the fan 8 and to the variable volume of the storage device 205. The working fluid flowing in the discharge conduit 2 is introduced into the chamber 22 at the discharge pressure "P1" (P1>Ps) greater than the storage pressure "Ps" mentioned above.

[0145] One of the return conduits in the return conduit 6 is connected to the auxiliary chamber 21 and is connected thereto to the variable volume of the storage device 205 or to a point in the main circuit where the pressure is less than the discharge pressure "P1". The auxiliary chamber 21 is at the return pressure "P0", the return pressure "P0" is less than the discharge pressure "P1" (P0<P1), and is also less than the working pressure "PL" in the expansion volume 13. The tank 15 and the support / bearing accommodated therein and the lubrication circuit 23 are at the support pressure "P2", the support pressure "P2" is less than the discharge pressure "P1" (P2<P1), and is greater than the return pressure "P0" (P2>P0). For example, the ratio between the storage pressure "Ps" and the atmospheric pressure "Patm" is between 1 and 1.1, the ratio between the discharge pressure "P1" and the storage pressure "Ps" is between 1.01 and 2, the ratio between the discharge pressure "P1" and the working pressure "PL" is between 1.01 and 2, the ratio between the return pressure "P0" and the storage pressure "Ps" is between 0.9 and 1.5, and the ratio between the support pressure "P2" and the storage pressure "Ps" is between 0.9 and 1.5. Thus, the working fluid present in the expansion volume 13 is discharged from the above-mentioned expansion volume 13 to the auxiliary chamber 21, and the working fluid in the chamber 22 is discharged from the chamber 22 to the auxiliary chamber 21. The working fluid flows back from the auxiliary chamber 21 via the return conduit 6 into the main circuit and / or the storage device 205. Thus, the auxiliary circuit 1 prevents the working fluid from overflowing from the expansion volume 13 towards the external environment and performs a thermal barrier function, that is, it prevents the heat of the working fluid present in the expansion volume from being transmitted to other elements of the turbomachine, such as bearings or seals.

[0146] For example, the temperature of the working fluid in the variable volume of the storage device is between 40°C and 70°C; the temperature of the working fluid in the compression volume of the compressor is between 60°C and 500°C; the temperature of the working fluid in the expansion volume of the expander is between 60°C and 500°C; the temperature of the working fluid corresponding to the return pressure P0 is between 20°C and 150°C.

[0147] One of the return conduits 6 is connected to the portion of the enclosed container 24 located above the free surface of the lubricating oil. A separator 28 is positioned along the return conduit 6 connected to the enclosed container 24 and configured to separate the lubricating oil adsorbed by the working fluid as it is transferred within the tank 15. An oil recovery line 29 connects the separator 28 to the enclosed container 24 to reintroduce the oil separated from the working fluid in the separator 28 into the lubrication circuit 23. The working fluid adsorbed by the lubricating oil flows from the enclosed container 24 back to the main circuit and / or storage device 205 via the corresponding return conduit 6. Therefore, the auxiliary circuit 1 prevents the working fluid from overflowing from the lubrication circuit towards the external environment.

[0148] Figure 4 Implementation methods and Figure 3 Unlike other turbines, the rotating shaft 11 is not suspended by the support / bearing 12 of the housing 15, but is supported by the support / bearing 12 located at opposite ends of the same rotating shaft 11 and in or near the housing 9. The support / bearing 12 is connected to the lubrication circuit 23. The chamber 22 and the auxiliary chamber 21 are symmetrically located on both sides of the impeller 10 and the expansion volume 13. Furthermore, the rotating shaft 11 is mechanically connected to the main shaft 30 of the corresponding reducer by means of a rigid or flexible joint 31 enclosed in the housing 20. In this case, the connection between the housing 20 and the discharge duct 6 can also be used to cool and remove the heat generated by the ventilation of the joint 31.

[0149] Figure 5 Another variation is shown, in which the turbine 202 and the reducer 14 are... Figure 4 The turbine and reducer are identical in this variant. In this variant, the auxiliary shaft 18 of the reducer 14 is connected to the shaft 32 of the generator 204 via an auxiliary joint 33 enclosed in a corresponding auxiliary housing 34. The generator 204 is supported by corresponding support members / bearings 12 and housed in a container 35. The auxiliary housing 34, support members / bearings 12, and container 35 are in fluid communication with each other through a restraint, but are isolated from the external environment. The support members / bearings 12 of the generator 204 are operatively connected to a lubrication circuit 23.

[0150] In addition to connecting to chamber 22, the first discharge conduit 2 is also connected to the outer casing 20, the auxiliary casing 34, and the chamber of the generator 204 located between the support / bearing 12 and the container 35. Therefore, the outer casing 20, the auxiliary casing 34, and the chamber of the generator 204 located between the support / bearing 12 and the container 35 are at discharge pressure “P1”. In addition to connecting to the closed container 24, which is connected to the auxiliary chamber 21 and the lubrication circuit 23, the return conduit 6 is also connected to the container 35. Therefore, the container 35 is at return pressure P0, and the support / bearing 12 is at support pressure “P2”. In this case, the space between the generator 204 (or, in the case of a compressor, an electric motor) and the support / bearing 12 is pressurized at discharge pressure “P1” and connected to the generator storage device 205.

[0151] In other embodiments not shown, the connection to the auxiliary circuit may differ from the connection in the example described above. For example, container 35 is connected to discharge duct 6 and is at discharge pressure "P1", that is, generator 204 (or electric motor in the case of a compressor, more generally: electric motor) is slightly pressurized at discharge pressure "P1".

[0152] In other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the turbine (compressor or expander) is simpler to construct than the one shown in the examples above.

[0153] For example, the support / bearing 12 is housed in the turbine housing 9, rather than in the reducer 14 (which may also be absent), and / or the sealing element 19 is operatively coupled to the housing 9 and the rotating shaft 11 (where the relative speed and size of the rotating shaft allow for direct mounting of the sealing element on the rotating shaft), separating the environment within the housing 9 from the external environment. In this case, for example, the chamber 22 defined in the housing 9 is in fluid communication with the sealing element 19 and / or the support / bearing 12 via a restraint.

[0154] For example, the sealing element is of the type of liquid film, double mechanical seal, or wet surface mechanical seal. In the case of a liquid film mechanical seal, there is a supply system for supplying barrier fluid to a barrier chamber that includes a portion of the mechanical seal and is further separated from chamber 22. This barrier chamber is connected to a separator that operates in a manner similar to a separator in a lubrication circuit to separate any adsorbed working fluid from the barrier fluid, and this separator may be connected to an auxiliary circuit 1.

[0155] For example, auxiliary chamber 21 is absent, and chamber 22 is adjacent to expansion or compression volume 13 and connected to discharge conduit 6.

[0156] For example, instead of a sealing element, there is only a barrier chamber that forms a barrier towards the external environment with or without a separator. The barrier chamber is connected to a supply system for the barrier liquid, and an auxiliary chamber 21 is placed between the barrier chamber and chamber 22 and is connected to a recovery system for the barrier fluid. Chamber 22 is at a discharge pressure "P1", auxiliary chamber 21 is at a pressure "P2", and the barrier chamber is at a barrier pressure "P3", where P2 < P1, P3 < P2 and P3 > Patm.

[0157] For example, the support / bearing is magnetic or of a type that, for instance, does not require a lubrication circuit and a sealing mechanism. In this case, the auxiliary circuit can only be used to create a thermal barrier and fix the pressure in the mechanical mechanism to be close to the pressure PS, thus avoiding the need to pressure-design components that are not typically designed / built to be pressure-bearing mechanisms (such as the housing of an electric motor, bearing, etc.).

[0158] List of reference numerals

[0159] 1 Auxiliary circuit

[0160] 2 First discharge conduit

[0161] 3 Second discharge conduit

[0162] 4 Third discharge conduit

[0163] 5 Fourth discharge conduit

[0164] 6 Return conduit

[0165] 7 Additional return conduit

[0166] 8 Fan

[0167] 9 Housing

[0168] 10 Impeller

[0169] 11 Rotating shaft

[0170] 12 Support

[0171] 13 Expansion volume

[0172] 14 Reducer

[0173] 15 Tank

[0174] 16 First gear

[0175] 17 Second gear

[0176] 18 Auxiliary shaft

[0177] 19 Sealing element

[0178] 20 Outer shell

[0179] 21 Auxiliary Chambers

[0180] 22 chambers

[0181] 23 Lubrication Circuit

[0182] 24. Closed containers

[0183] 25 Oil discharge pipeline

[0184] 26 Oil return pipeline

[0185] 27 pumps

[0186] 28 Separator

[0187] 29 Oil recovery pipeline

[0188] 30 spindle

[0189] 31 Connector

[0190] 32 Generator Shaft

[0191] 33 Auxiliary connector

[0192] 34 Auxiliary housing

[0193] 35 containers

[0194] 100 heat accumulator

[0195] 200 devices

[0196] 202 Turbine

[0197] 202a Turbine inlet

[0198] 202b Turbine outlet

[0199] 203 Compressor

[0200] 203a Compressor inlet

[0201] 203b Compressor outlet

[0202] 204 Electric Motor-Generator

[0203] 205 Storage device

[0204] 206 First Pipeline

[0205] 208 Second Pipeline

[0206] 209 Memory

[0207] 210 Secondary Heat Exchanger

[0208] 212 Third Pipeline

[0209] 213 Additional heat exchanger

[0210] 223 Radiator

[0211] 224 fans

[0212] 301 outer membrane

[0213] 302 Inner membrane

[0214] 303 Ventilation Fan

[0215] 310 First bypass catheter

[0216] 311 First Valve

[0217] 320 Second bypass catheter

[0218] 321 Second Valve

[0219] 400 machine blocks

[0220] 500 thermal storage blocks

[0221] 600 Working Fluid Storage Block

[0222] 700 Auxiliary Heat Exchanger

[0223] 705 Additional Heat Source

[0224] 2000 Basin-shaped pieces.

Claims

1. An energy conversion and storage device, comprising: Working fluids other than atmospheric air; Storage device (205) having a variable volume internally and configured to store working fluid in the gas phase at each stage of operation performed by the device, wherein the storage pressure (Ps) is kept in pressure balance with the atmosphere and has low or no overpressure. At least one reservoir (209) configured to store the working fluid in a liquid or supercritical phase; A compression unit, the compression unit comprising at least one compressor (203) and at least one electric motor mechanically connected to each other; An expansion unit comprising at least one expander (202) and at least one generator mechanically connected to each other; At least one heat accumulator (100, 210); The main circuit connects the variable volume of the storage device (205), the compression volume of the compressor (203), the at least one heat accumulator (100, 210), the at least one storage device (209), and the expansion volume of the expander (202). An apparatus configured to operate the device in an energy storage configuration or an energy emission and generation configuration by means of the displacement of the working fluid between the storage device (205) and the at least one reservoir (209) through the main circuit and by means of the cyclic thermodynamic transformation of the working fluid; The device also includes an auxiliary circuit (1); The auxiliary circuit (1) connects at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit to at least one of the main circuit, the variable volume of the storage device (205), the compression volume of the compressor (203), and the expansion volume of the expander (202); The auxiliary circuit (1) is configured to control the temperature and / or pressure of at least one part using the same working fluid obtained from the cyclic thermodynamic transformation.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one compressor (203) and the at least one expander (202) each include: Shell (9); At least one movable mechanical mechanism, which is movable relative to the housing (9) and configured to exchange energy with the working fluid in a corresponding compression volume of the compressor (203) or a corresponding expansion volume of the expander (202); At least one transmission mechanism connects the moving mechanical mechanism to a corresponding electric motor or generator; The at least one portion includes at least one chamber (22) defined between the housing (9) and the at least one transmission mechanism, wherein the at least one chamber (22) is located near the compression volume of the compressor (203) or the expansion volume of the expander (202).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one compressor (203) and / or the at least one expander (202) includes at least one sealing element (19) operatively coupled to the housing (9) and the drive mechanism and separating the environment inside the housing (9) from the external environment; wherein the at least one chamber (22) is optionally in fluid communication with the at least one sealing element (19) via a limiting portion.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The at least one compressor (203) and / or the at least one expander (202) includes a support (12) operatively positioned between the respective transmission mechanism and the respective housing (9); wherein the at least one chamber (22) is optionally in fluid communication with the support (12) via a limiting portion.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The auxiliary circuit (1) includes: At least one discharge conduit (2, 3, 4, 5) extends from the main circuit and / or from the variable volume of the storage device (205) to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or the expansion unit, and is configured to supply the working fluid to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or the expansion unit at a discharge pressure (P1) greater than the storage pressure (Ps); and / or At least one return conduit (6, 7) extends from the compression unit and / or from the expansion unit to the variable volume at the storage pressure (Ps) or to a point in the main circuit at a pressure lower than the discharge pressure (P1).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one discharge conduit (2, 3, 4, 5) connects the extraction point of the main circuit at the discharge pressure (P1) to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit, and / or wherein the at least one discharge conduit (2, 3, 4, 5) connects the variable volume to at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit and includes a fan or auxiliary compressor (8) configured to increase the storage pressure (Ps) of the working fluid from the variable volume to the discharge pressure (P1).

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The main circuit includes: A first conduit (206) connects the storage device (205) to the compression unit and the expansion unit; and A second pipeline (208) connects the at least one reservoir (209) to the compression unit and the expansion unit, and the at least one heat accumulator (100, 210) is operatively connected to the second pipeline (208) and / or the at least one reservoir (209). The extraction point is located on the second pipeline (208) between the at least one reservoir (209) and the at least one heat accumulator (100, 210) and / or between the at least one heat accumulator (100, 210) and the compression unit or the expansion unit.

8. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The at least one reflux conduit (6, 7) extends from at least one auxiliary chamber (21) of the compression unit and / or at least one auxiliary chamber (21) of the expansion unit, wherein the at least one auxiliary chamber (21) is at a reflux pressure (P0) lower than the discharge pressure (P1).

9. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 when claim 5 is dependent on claim 4, wherein, The support member (12) is connected to the at least one chamber (22) via a limiting portion and is at a support pressure (P2) lower than the discharge pressure (P1); wherein the support pressure (P2) is greater than the return pressure (P0); wherein the compression unit and / or the expansion unit includes a lubrication circuit (23) operatively connected to the support member (12) and containing lubricating oil, wherein the lubrication circuit (23) is at the support pressure (P2) and connected to the at least one return conduit (6, 7); wherein the lubrication circuit (23) includes a pump (27) configured to pump the lubricating oil to the support member (12) and a closed container (24) for collecting the lubricating oil; wherein a portion of the closed container (24) located above the free surface of the lubricating oil is connected to the at least one return conduit (6, 7).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The compression unit and / or the expansion unit includes at least one reducer (14) mechanically positioned between the transmission mechanism of the compressor (203) and / or the transmission mechanism of the expander (202) and the corresponding electric motor or generator; wherein the at least one reducer (14) includes: a housing (15), a moving mechanism mounted in the housing (15), and a support (12) positioned between the moving mechanism and the housing (15); wherein the housing (15) is in fluid communication with the at least one chamber (22); wherein the housing (15) is connected to the lubrication circuit (23).

11. The device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein, At least one of the electric motor and the generator includes a support (12), and the support (12) is under the support pressure (P2); wherein the support (12) of at least one of the electric motor and the generator is operatively connected to the lubrication circuit (23).

12. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 9 when claim 5 is subordinate to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The compression unit and / or the expansion unit includes a container (35) housing a corresponding electric motor or generator; wherein the container (35) is in fluid communication with the housing (9), and wherein the housing (9) and the container (35) are isolated from the external environment; wherein the container (35) is in fluid communication with the auxiliary circuit (1); wherein the container (35) is connected to the discharge conduit (6, 7) and the container (35) is at the discharge pressure (P1).

13. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 12 when claim 5 is subordinate to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The at least one chamber (22) is separated from the compression volume of the compressor (203) or the expansion volume of the expander (202) by a single wall, and the discharge pressure (P1) in the at least one chamber (22) is greater than the working pressure (PL) in the compression volume of the compressor (203) or the expansion volume of the expander (202); wherein the at least one auxiliary chamber (21) is located between the at least one chamber (22) and the compression volume of the compressor (203) or the expansion volume of the expander (202).

14. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, or any one of claims 5 to 13 when claim 5 is subordinate to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: At least one of the compressor (203) and the expander (202) is a turbine; The transmission mechanism is a rotating shaft (11); The moving mechanical mechanism is an impeller (10); The at least one chamber (22) is delimited by the walls of the housing (9) around the axis of rotation (11).

15. A method for controlling the temperature and / or pressure of at least one portion of the compression unit and / or at least one portion of the expansion unit of the apparatus according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: The auxiliary circuit (1) connects the main circuit and / or the variable volume of the storage device (205) and / or the compression volume of the compressor (203) and / or the expansion volume of the expander (202) to at least one part of the compression unit and / or the at least one part of the expansion unit.

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