Energy transmission system using pressurized fluid

Abstract

Energy transfer systems using pressurized fluids include: pneumatic compressors or hydraulic pumps; tanks or liquid storage chambers, some located at the loading point and others at the receiving point; piping for transporting or transferring fluids under pressure; pressure sensors; flow or pressure regulators and shut-off valves. Fluid-driven multistage turbines power generators or alternators, and their operation is controlled by a microprocessor. Piping materials include stainless steel, reinforced concrete, and corrosion-resistant plastic polymers such as polyethylene. Compressors are mechanically driven or electrically driven, with the electric motor powered by a current generator from a wind turbine, hydro turbine, or photovoltaic panel. Fluids used include carbon dioxide, ammonia, biofuels, synthetic fuels, natural gas, methane, biomethane, alcohols, water, and mixtures thereof, especially air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In electrical power transmission systems using pressurized gases or liquids, the pressurized gases or liquids include fuels other than hydrogen, as well as non-fuels such as water and air. This invention can be considered a continuation of inventions U202100044 and U202400213. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen transport and transfer systems are complex, expensive, dangerous, and / or ineffective. The transport of electricity presents a similar problem. 142 years ago, at 3 p.m. on September 4, 1882, an engineer working at a power plant in downtown Manhattan switched off a circuit breaker, and within seconds, six 27-ton, 100-kilowatt coal-fired generators started up. Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Power Station (the world's first power plant) provided direct current (DC) electricity to residents within a radius of about a quarter mile. Since then, despite numerous advancements, the power transmission system has remained largely unchanged. This invention provides a simple and economical solution to or improvement of these systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose and advantages of the invention

[0004] It can transmit electrical energy using pressurized fluids through pipes, conduits, hoses, natural gas pipelines, or oil pipelines.

[0005] Use a useful, practical, economical, simple, and safe system to transport pressurized fluids. Whether underground or above ground, it will not affect wildlife.

[0006] Compressed air is preferred for energy transmission; it simply needs to be transferred to its destination, where it is stored and / or used directly to drive turbines, which in turn power generators or alternators. No type of fuel combustion is required. The same applies to pressurized CO2, which can also be recovered using a closed-loop system. Other fluids can be used for combustion at the point of use or receipt. In this case, biofuels or synthetic fuels, alcohols, ammonia, natural gas, methane, biomethane, and mixtures thereof can be used. Water can also be used, but it is more difficult to transport than gases.

[0007] It can obtain electricity using renewable energy sources.

[0008] It allows the use of multiple small devices to transmit energy individually.

[0009] Compressors or hydraulic pumps can also be powered directly by turbines, waterfalls, water flow, or wave energy from coal-fired and nuclear power plants, or by the current generated by these turbines or photovoltaic panels to drive electric motors, which in turn drive air compressors or hydraulic pumps (if liquids are involved).

[0010] By using compressed air through wind turbines, these systems do not require complex and expensive generators, are less affected by power outages, and only require small generators to power the circuits. This system is particularly useful for offshore wind power systems. Furthermore, when located on land in remote areas, large power grids and power plants are often necessary.

[0011] Advantages in summary: It is very simple and economical, requiring no complex generators, with minimal losses, and is easy to implement, repair, and maintain. It produces little or no environmental pollution and has minimal impact on flora and fauna. It is less affected by discharge, does not use fuel or its hazards or pollution, allows for a greater number of lines and supply points, and is more customizable and versatile. It is easier to use in mountainous areas, lakes, and oceans.

[0012] Problems to be solved

[0013] Once renewable energy is acquired, it is difficult to transport over long distances. Electricity transmission is expensive and inefficient, with 60% of losses occurring in power lines and 40% in transformers. It impacts wildlife, makes navigation difficult in mountains and waters, is highly susceptible to weather conditions, and is difficult to maintain. The proposed transmission system addresses all or part of these problems. It is also very environmentally friendly, especially when using renewable energy or even nuclear power.

[0014] Energy transfer systems using pressurized fluids employ pumping devices, conduits, and containers, and include:

[0015] a) Some pneumatic compressors (air) or hydraulic pumps (mechanically driven by wind turbines or waterfalls, water flows, hydroelectric turbines in power plants, or driven by wave energy, or by electric motors powered by renewable energy, photovoltaic panels, or power plants) or power plants.

[0016] b) Storage tanks or liquid storage chambers at the sending point, and other storage tanks or liquid storage chambers (pipelines, which can provide storage when using high pressure and long distances, until the pressure drops to about 5 or 10 bar) at the receiving point.

[0017] c) Piping, conduits, or hoses used to transport or transfer pressurized fluids (pressures ranging from approximately 10 to 300 bar, but potentially higher).

[0018] d) Pressure sensors or pressure switches that provide pressure for pipelines and tanks or chambers.

[0019] e) Fluid flow regulator

[0020] f) Fluid pressure regulator

[0021] g) A shut-off valve that stops the transmission of pressurized fluid in the event of a malfunction or leak.

[0022] h) A single-stage or multi-stage turbine driven by fluid, which drives a generator or alternator, and

[0023] i) Systems that recover heat generated by the compressor and use it for piping.

[0024] j) Systems that utilize wind, solar, and photovoltaic energy, along with electric heaters, to deliver hot air into pipes, and

[0025] k) A microprocessor receives signals (optional) from control panels, mobile phones or remote controls, atmospheric pressure, pressure in pipes, tanks or chambers, external temperature in pipes and tanks, and leaks in intermediate chambers of pipes and tanks, processes them, and sends action signals to shut-off solenoid valves, flow and pressure regulators, and pumps in pumping stations, and provides audible and visual alarms.

[0026] Optionally, an expansion valve is used to reduce the pressure of air or other gases when the tank is discharged.

[0027] Optionally, a heat exchanger at the outlet of the expansion valve is used to heat the expanded gas.

[0028] If it is air, it must be dehumidified and a filter must be used to remove suspended particles before it can be transported.

[0029] Pump stations can be installed along pipelines, with fluid propelled by electric pumps. Certain sections or extensions of the pipeline can also be cooled or heated.

[0030] Multiple pipes, conduits, or hoses can be used in parallel to deliver pressurized fluid to a branch point, creating branches or supply lines to other areas, making it more versatile. On land, they can operate underground or on the surface. At sea, they must be compressed or made of a material heavy enough to prevent them from floating.

[0031] As an alternative to using compressed air, carbon dioxide or other gases can be used. However, liquids, such as water, are useful when the terrain is not very uneven and when pipes or conduits are running underwater or over short distances, because they provide much greater resistance than gases.

[0032] Pipelines and tanks or liquid storage chambers may have double walls to detect potential leaks.

[0033] By using pressurized gas pipelines to transport energy, losses that exist in current electrical energy transmission and conversion are avoided.

[0034] The compressor or pump can be directly driven by a wind turbine, waterfall, water flow, hydroelectric turbine in a nuclear or coal-fired power plant, or by wave energy.

[0035] A separate emergency system can be added using a pressure switch. When no pressure is detected in the pipeline, the pressure switch will activate the shut-off solenoid valve and stop the pump.

[0036] To transfer energy, pressurized gas is supplied to a steam turbine, or, if it is liquid, to an electric pump, which drives an alternator or generator to distribute the electricity to towns or industrial areas.

[0037] Pressurized air or fluid can be used for other industrial applications. The electricity used to drive pumps, compressors, etc., can also be obtained from renewable energy sources, nuclear power plants, etc.

[0038] Materials used in pipelines include reinforced concrete or one or more layers of stainless steel, aluminum, and corrosion-resistant plastic polymers such as polyethylene, unaffected by seawater and environmental corrosion. Multi-layer types can be used, such as a three-layer type with an insulation layer between two layers of polyethylene or an aluminum plate. For air, gases used for natural gas can be used because the kinetic diameter of methane molecules is similar to that of nitrogen and oxygen in air. This is not limiting; various corrosion-resistant metal materials and insulators can be employed.

[0039] When ammonia is used, it is sent and stored in tanks at the receiving point, H2 is separated from N2, and H2 or a mixture of H2 and ammonia is used for combustion.

[0040] Four types of fluids can be used for transportation.

[0041] a) Liquid fuels are transported in fluid form. They are used in gas turbines, where they are burned together with compressed air to drive generators or alternators. Figure 2 .

[0042] b) Gaseous fuels are transported in fluid form, especially natural gas. This is also suitable for gas turbines, where they are burned together with compressed air to drive generators or alternators. Figure 2 .

[0043] c) Water is used as a fluid for transport. In this case, pressurized water drives a turbine or hydraulic motor, which in turn drives a generator or alternator.

[0044] d) Transfer of carbon dioxide (CO2). In this case, it can be done in a closed loop. Figure 3 .

[0045] e) Air as a fluid transport. In this case, pressurized air comes from a compressor powered by a wind turbine, water turbine, or nuclear power plant turbine, or by a photovoltaic panel-driven motor that in turn drives the air compressor. The pressurized air drives a steam turbine or pneumatic motor, which in turn drives a generator or alternator. They can also be powered by the power grid. This is the simplest and most economical system because it does not require fuel, which is typically more expensive, dangerous, and polluting. Figure 4 , 6 And 7.

[0046] f) Air as a fluid transport. This is similar to the previous system, but the compressor is powered by an offshore wind turbine. In this system, air is stored in a chamber on the seabed and transported from there to drive a steam turbine or pneumatic motor, which in turn drives a generator or alternator. Figure 5 Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 It shows the latest technologies for energy transportation using power plants and distribution networks. (Source: Wikipedia)

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of the system of the present invention, which uses fuel as a fluid for energy transfer, is shown.

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a variant block diagram of the present invention system using carbon dioxide as the energy transfer fluid is shown. Carbon dioxide can be recovered using a closed-loop system.

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a block diagram of another variant of the system is shown, which uses compressed air obtained from renewable energy sources as the fluid for energy transfer.

[0051] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another variation of the system is shown, which uses compressed air obtained from an offshore wind turbine as a fluid for energy transfer.

[0052] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a block diagram of another variation of the system of the present invention using compressed air through a nuclear power plant is shown.

[0053] Figure 8 Schematic and cross-sectional views of a pipe variant of the present invention are shown, the pipe having an intermediate chamber for applying hot or cold air.

[0054] Figure 9 A schematic diagram and cross-sectional view of an underground pipe that applies solar radiation through a mirror are shown.

[0055] Figure 10 A block diagram of another variant of the system is shown, which uses compressed air obtained from renewable energy as the fluid, and a system that recovers heat from the compressor and applies energy from solar energy and wind turbines to heat the pipes.

[0056] Figure 11 A flowchart of the method of the present invention using pressurized air or fluid is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 This demonstrates the latest technological advancements in energy transportation using power plants and distribution networks or transmission lines. It is considered the largest machine in the world today. It is presented here to make the enormous differences of the system of this invention readily apparent. All electrical installations, including the central generator, will be eliminated; it will be replaced by pumps, compressors, piping, and generators at the receiving points.

[0058] Figure 2 An embodiment of the invention is shown, comprising an initial storage tank (4f) for the fuel as a fluid, from which the fuel is redistributed via a main pipeline or conduit (3) to a storage tank (4s) near the point of use, and from there via conduit (3s) to the combustion chamber (13) of a gas turbine using a pump or compressor (2c), where it is burned together with air from the compressor (14), expands, and drives a turbine (15), whose shaft drives a generator or alternator (16). Several fluid pumping stations (17) are provided along the pipeline. Biodiesel or synthetic fuels, alcohols, ammonia, natural gas, methane, biomethane, and mixtures thereof can be used. Natural gas is particularly useful due to its abundant reserves.

[0059] Figure 3 A variant of the present invention is shown, which includes a storage tank (4f) of carbon dioxide as a fluid, which is redistributed from the storage tank to a storage tank (4s) near the place of use via a main pipe or conduit (3), from where it is applied to a steam turbine (15) via a conduit (3s) through an expansion valve (20) and a heat exchanger (5) and a flow regulating valve (7), the shaft of which drives a generator or alternator (16).

[0060] Figure 4Another embodiment of the invention is shown, comprising an onshore or land-based wind farm (1t) whose turbine drives a compressor (2). The compressor (2) receives air filtered and dehumidified by a filter (2f) and sends it under pressure through pipes, ducts, or hoses (3i) to a storage and initial collection tank (4a). In this tank, air sent by the compressor (2) driven by a hydraulic turbine (8) and air received by the compressor (2) driven by an electric motor (19) powered by photovoltaic panels (18) are also received. From the collection tank (4a), this air is retransmitted through one or more main pipes or conduits (3) to a storage tank (4s) near the point of use, from where it is applied through pipes (3s) via an expansion valve (20) and an optional heat exchanger (5) for heating to a regulating valve (7). The regulating valve (7) regulates the flow applied to the turbine (15), whose shaft drives a generator or alternator (16). The turbine may have multiple stages. Some pipelines are routed to other points of use via a splitter (3d), thus avoiding the use of a large substation. Check valves, which isolate air pipelines from each other, are not shown; these check valves prevent a failure in one pipeline from affecting the others.

[0061] Figure 5 An offshore or offshore wind farm (1m) is shown, whose turbine drives a compressor (2). The compressor receives air filtered and dehumidified by a filter (2f) and sends it through pipes, conduits, or hoses (3i) to a bag or storage chamber (9) on the seabed, which consists of an outer ballast ring (10), a cover or flexible sheet (11), and an inlet and outlet (12) for compressed air. In this case, at a depth of 2000 meters, the pressure is the same as the external pressure of the chamber, both being 206 bar. From this storage chamber, the air is reintroduced through a main pipe or conduit (3) to a storage tank (4s) near the point of use, and from there through pipes (3s) via an expansion valve (20) and a heat exchanger (5) (for heating) to a regulating valve (7). The regulating valve (7) regulates the flow applied to the turbine (15), whose shaft drives a generator or alternator (16). In this case, the heat exchanger can be a simple coil used to remove or absorb the temperature of the water. The turbine can have multiple stages. No check valves are shown that isolate the air pipes from each other, preventing a failure in one pipe from affecting the others.

[0062] Both of the first two systems utilize renewable energy and use only air as the fluid. It is impossible to provide a system that is more competitive in terms of simplicity, cost, usability, performance, safety, and low pollution.

[0063] Figure 6A nuclear power plant (30) is shown, comprising a reactor (31), a cooling tower (32), and a turbine (15p) with a direct-drive air compressor (2). The compressor receives air filtered and dehumidified by a filter (2f) and sends it under pressure through a conduit (3) to a flow or pressure regulating valve (7) (which may be a limiting valve), which then applies it to the turbine (15), whose shaft drives a generator or alternator (16). The turbine is a multi-stage axial-flow turbine. Due to its simplicity, the system allows pressurized air to be sent to multiple different locations. This system can be considered the simplest air transport device of the invention.

[0064] Figure 7 A nuclear power plant (30) is shown, comprising a reactor (31), a cooling tower (32), and a turbine (15p) driving a generator (16p), which powers an air compressor (2). The compressor receives air filtered and dehumidified by a filter (2f) and sends it under pressure through a pipe or conduit (3) to a storage tank (4) near the point of use. From there, air travels through a conduit (3s) via an expansion valve (20) and a heat exchanger (5) (for heating) to a regulating valve (7), which regulates the flow applied to the turbine (15). The shaft of the turbine (15) drives a generator or alternator (16). The turbine can have multiple stages. Due to its simplicity, it allows compressed air to be delivered to multiple different locations.

[0065] Figure 8 A duct (3) is shown, which has one or more inner shells (3i) and outer shells (3c), through which hot or cold air circulates as needed. An intermediate chamber can be used to detect leaks.

[0066] Figure 9 The diagram shows a conduit (3) buried or partially buried underground (11), its lower region surrounded by a polymer foam insulator (3f), and in its upper region, it receives sunlight concentrated by a pair of mirrors (31) through a glass or plastic panel (30). The glass allows sunlight to pass through but does not allow heat to escape.

[0067] Figure 10 The image shows a compressor (2) driven by a wind turbine (32) and enclosed in a chamber that collects the heat released by the same compressor during compression and sends it to chambers (3t) and (3c) between the pipe (3) and the outer casing. Additionally, the camera receives concentrated sunlight through a mirror (not shown). Heat is also applied by a resistor (32) fed by the wind turbine. However, the resistor could also be heated using a photovoltaic system. In all cases, this heat can be prevented from causing performance loss by expanding air or liquid to apply it to the turbine. Figure 11The display shows a microprocessor that receives signals from a control panel, mobile phone, or remote control, atmospheric pressure, pressure in pipes, tanks, or air chambers, external temperature in pipes and tanks, and leaks in intermediate chambers of pipes and tanks (optional), processes them, and sends action signals to shut-off solenoid valves, flow and pressure regulators, pumps in the pumping station, tank compressors, and booster pumps, and provides audible and visual alarms.

Claims

1. An energy transfer system using pressurized fluid, which utilizes pumping devices, conduits, and containers, including: a) Pneumatic compressor or hydraulic pump b) Liquid storage tanks or chambers located at the point of shipment, and other liquid storage tanks or chambers located at the point of receipt. c) Pipes, conduits, or hoses used to transport or transfer pressurized fluids. d) Pressure sensors or pressure switches that report the pressure of pipelines, tanks, or chambers. e) Fluid flow regulator f) Fluid pressure regulator g) A shut-off valve that stops the transmission of pressurized fluid in the event of a malfunction or leak. h) A turbine with one or more stages, driven by compressed air or other fluids, to drive a generator or alternator; i) A system for recovering heat generated by the compressor and applying it to the pipeline. j) Systems that utilize wind, solar, and photovoltaic energy, as well as thermoelectric coupling, to apply hot air to pipes, and k) A microprocessor receives and processes signals from control panels, mobile phones or remote controls, atmospheric pressure, pressure in pipes, tanks or chambers, external temperature in pipes and tanks, and leaks in intermediate chambers of pipes and tanks. It also sends action signals to shut-off solenoid valves, flow and pressure regulators, pumps in pumping stations, tank compressors and booster pumps, and provides audible and visual alarms.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple pipes, conduits, or hoses can be used in parallel.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipes and tanks have double walls, forming an intermediate cavity between them to transport hot or cold air, and the internal friction of the pipes is very small.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Hot air from the compressor recovery chamber is delivered through an external or intermediate chamber between the duct and its cover.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Pressurized air is used for energy transmission, which is applied to steam turbines that drive generators or alternators that transmit electricity to industrial areas or towns.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, An expansion valve is placed in the output conduit (3s) of the storage tank that receives the air for use, and a heat exchanger is placed after the expansion valve to raise the temperature of the air.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurized air is stored in bags or chambers on the seabed, the bags or chambers having ballasted flexible or elastic covers.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Pump stations are distributed along the pipes, conduits, or hoses, where electric pumps drive the fluid.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipes or conduits are made of reinforced concrete, or multi-layered stainless steel, aluminum, and corrosion-resistant plastic polymers, such as polyethylene, which are not susceptible to corrosion from seawater and the environment.

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor or pump is directly driven by a wind turbine, waterfall, water flow, hydroelectric turbine of a nuclear or coal-fired power plant, or by wave energy.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor or pump is driven by an electric motor, which is powered by a wind turbine generator, a hydroelectric generator from a waterfall, water flow, nuclear or coal-fired power plant, or by wave energy or energy generated by photovoltaic panels.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sunlight, focused by a pair of mirrors, is applied through glass to the pipe and its covering.

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In addition to air, carbon dioxide, ammonia, biofuels, synthetic fuels, natural gas, methane, biomethane, alcohols, water, and mixtures thereof are used as fluids.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, Ammonia is transported and stored in receiving tanks, where H2 is separated from N2, and H2 or a mixture of H2 and ammonia is used for combustion.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, To heat or cool certain parts of the pipeline.

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