Energy storage systems utilizing compressed air, and related systems and methods.

Abstract

This technology generally relates to energy storage systems utilizing compressed air. The energy storage systems disclosed herein compress, cool, and dehumidify air, store conditioned compressed air, and use it in various HVAC and non-HVAC applications. In HVAC applications, a flexible heat pump with NiTiNO3 wires arranged along a helical channel can be used to deliver compressed air to a room at a desired temperature. Compressed air can also be delivered at a desired rate related to the air extraction rate with little or no electrical components. The heat extracted from the compressed air during the cooling phase can be used to provide domestic hot water via liquid circulation. In non-HVAC applications, compressed air can be used to provide mechanical force or generate electricity via piezoelectric elements. For example, in residential environments, compressed air can be used to pneumatically power various household appliances.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 582,687, filed on September 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This technology generally relates to energy storage systems utilizing compressed air, as well as related systems and methods. Background Technology

[0004] To make renewable energy cost-competitive, reliable long-term energy storage systems are needed at both the macro (e.g., grid) and micro (e.g., residential) levels. It is important to consider not only energy density and efficiency, but also durability, resource utilization, and availability. For example, current renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power rely primarily on chemical storage systems (e.g., batteries), raising concerns about resource availability and inefficiencies attributable to the multiple energy state transitions required to store and utilize the energy generated. Therefore, reliable, cost-effective energy storage systems that reduce the number of energy state transitions are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This technology generally relates to energy storage systems utilizing compressed air. The energy storage systems disclosed herein compress, cool, and dehumidify air, store conditioned compressed air, and use it in various HVAC and non-HVAC applications. In HVAC applications, a flexible heat pump with NiTiNO3 wires arranged along a helical channel can be used to deliver compressed air to a room at a desired temperature. Compressed air can also be delivered at a desired rate related to the air extraction rate with little or no electrical components. The heat extracted from the compressed air during the cooling phase can be used to provide domestic hot water via liquid circulation. In non-HVAC applications, compressed air can be used to provide mechanical force or generate electricity via piezoelectric elements. For example, in residential environments, compressed air can be used to pneumatically power various household appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The following figures provide a better understanding of many aspects of this technology. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the focus is on clearly illustrating the principles of the technology. Furthermore, in some views, components may be shown as transparent, solely for clarity of illustration, not to indicate that the components must be transparent. Components may also be shown schematically.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a compressed air energy storage system configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a compressed air displacement ventilation system configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a radiant panel system configured according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0010] Figure 4A and 4B These are side views of a first heat pump and a second heat pump configured according to embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] Figure 4C and Figure 4D They are Figure 4A and Figure 4B A cross-sectional view and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first or second heat pump.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic flashlight configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. Detailed Implementation

[0013] A. Overview

[0014] This technology relates to an energy storage system utilizing compressed air, which can be used in various environments such as homes, office buildings, and aircraft cabins. The energy storage system configured according to this technology is designed to provide and use compressed air for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications and non-HVAC applications, such as pneumatically or electrically driving household appliances.

[0015] Conventional HVAC systems in residential environments utilize large air ducts (e.g., with a diameter of approximately 8 inches) extending into multiple rooms, resulting in a space-consuming duct network. Furthermore, conventional residential HVAC systems use electricity to power various components typically associated with high power consumption, such as compressors, heat pumps, coolers, dehumidifiers, etc. In the United States, there is also a heavy reliance on foreign and non-renewable resources (e.g., minerals), and refrigerants are becoming increasingly illegal due to their high global warming potential.

[0016] The energy storage system disclosed herein is configured to compress, cool, and dehumidify air from the environment, store conditioned compressed air, and use it in various HVAC and non-HVAC applications. In HVAC applications, a flexible heat pump with NiTiNO3 wires arranged along a spiral channel can be used to deliver the compressed air to a room at a desired temperature. The compressed air can also be delivered at a desired rate related to the air extraction rate with little or no electrical components. The heat extracted from the compressed air during the cooling phase can be used to provide domestic hot water via liquid circulation. In non-HVAC applications, the compressed air can be used to provide mechanical force or generate electricity via piezoelectric elements. For example, in residential environments, compressed air can be used to pneumatically power various machines and household appliances.

[0017] By utilizing compressed air, the energy storage system disclosed herein is expected to reduce the number of energy conversions and associated inefficiencies and resource problems compared to other energy systems. For example, conventional solar energy harvesting requires converting solar energy into electrical energy (e.g., via solar panels), into chemical energy (e.g., stored in batteries), back into electrical energy (e.g., via the power grid), and into mechanical energy (e.g., to power an air conditioner). Similarly, conventional wind energy harvesting requires converting wind into mechanical energy (e.g., via a wind turbine), into electrical energy (e.g., via a generator), into chemical energy (e.g., stored in batteries), back into electrical energy (e.g., via the power grid), and into mechanical energy (e.g., to power an air conditioner). In contrast, as further described herein, compressed air only requires compressing air (e.g., via a compressor) and converting it into either electrical or mechanical energy, depending on the usage. Furthermore, compressed air is compatible with other energy sources (e.g., solar, wind energy) because it can be used to store any generated energy.

[0018] The terminology used in the description given below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest and most reasonable manner, even when used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the present technology. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any term intended to be interpreted in any limiting manner will be disclosed and specifically defined in this Detailed Description section. Furthermore, the present technology may include, but is not limited to, the claims. Figure 1-5 Other embodiments described in detail.

[0019] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0020] As used herein, the use of relative terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., refers to the value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the term “about 100” refers to the range of 90 to 110, inclusive. Where the context otherwise requires and / or where relative terms are used to refer to things that do not include numerical values, these terms are given their usual meaning to those skilled in the art.

[0021] B. Systems and methods for utilizing compressed air in HVAC applications

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a compressed air energy storage system 100 (“System 100”) configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. System 100 may include an air inlet 110, a compressor 114 fluidly coupled to the air inlet 110, a cooler 116 (e.g., a heat exchanger) fluidly coupled to the compressor 114, an air dryer 118 fluidly coupled to the cooler 116, a first air receiver 120 fluidly coupled to the air dryer 118, a heat pump 122 fluidly coupled to the first air receiver 120, and a compressed air displacement ventilation system 160 fluidly coupled between the first air receiver 120 and a room 140 configured to receive HVAC. Room 140 may include a room in a residential building (e.g., a bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen, basement), an enclosed space in a commercial building (e.g., a lobby, meeting room, retail store, shopping mall), or a portion of an enclosed space (e.g., a furnace roof area ventilated via a hood).

[0023] The compressed air displacement ventilation system 160 may include a second air receiver 124 fluidly connected to a first air receiver 120, a ventilation air delivery assembly 128 fluidly connected between the second air receiver 124 and a room 140, one or more vortex tubes 130 fluidly connected between the second air receiver 124 and the room 140, and a ventilation air extraction assembly 132 fluidly connected between the second air receiver 124 and the room 140. In some embodiments, the system 100 may further include a CO2 extraction assembly 134 fluidly connected between the ventilation air extraction assembly 132 and an air inlet 110, and a domestic hot water (DHW) supply 136 fluidly connected to the room 140.

[0024] Each of the first air receiver 120 and the second air receiver 124 may include a tank of any size. In some embodiments, the first air receiver 120 and / or the second air receiver 124 further include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure the volume, pressure, inflow rate, and / or outflow rate of compressed air stored therein. The heat pump 122 may also be fluidly coupled to the ventilated air delivery assembly 128. In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes a first filter 112 located at the air inlet 110 and / or a second filter 126 located between the second air receiver 124 and the ventilated air delivery assembly 128. In some embodiments, the system 100 may omit one or more of the components shown, include more than one of the components shown, and / or include components not shown.

[0025] During operation of system 100, air inlet 110 is adapted to receive air from the environment, and first filter 112 removes any contaminants, dust, pollen, and / or other airborne particles from the air. Compressor 114 then compresses the air from air inlet 110 and outputs compressed air. In some embodiments, compressor 114 may be configured to open when sensors in first air receiver 120 and / or second air receiver 124 detect that the volume or pressure of the stored compressed air has reached a minimum threshold level to restore the desired availability of compressed air. In some cases, the compressed air may be at high temperatures (e.g., up to 200 degrees Celsius) and / or high humidity levels. Cooler 116 may then cool the compressed air from compressor 114 to output cooled compressed (but still humid) air toward air dryer 118 and direct recovered heat toward DHW supply source 136 and / or the exterior of the building. In some embodiments, the recovered heat can be transferred to DHW supply source 136 via water, air, and / or other fluids. The air dryer 118 can then dry the compressed air (e.g., by squeezing moisture out of the compressed air) to output cooled, dried, and compressed air to the first air receiver 120. In some embodiments, the air dryer 118 may include a hollow membrane air filter. The compressed state of the air allows cooling and drying to be performed more efficiently compared to uncompressed air.

[0026] The first air receiver 120 can store cooled, dried, and compressed air for HVAC or non-HVAC applications. For HVAC applications, the compressed air stored in the first air receiver 120 can be delivered to a heat pump 122 and a compressed air displacement ventilation system 160. The heat pump 122 can output air to the ventilation air delivery assembly 128 at a temperature higher or lower than the air stored in the first air receiver 120. In some embodiments, the heat pump 122 may include a flexible heat pump. (See below for further details.) Figures 4A-4DExamples of such heat pumps are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the second air receiver 124 can be used as a backup storage tank for HVAC and / or non-HVAC applications (e.g., when there is a high demand for cooling, drying, and compressed air). For non-HVAC applications, the compressed air stored in the first air receiver 120 and / or the second air receiver 124 can be delivered to other systems and components, as described in further detail below in Section C. In some embodiments, the second air receiver 124 is intended to reduce the need for the compressor 114 to operate each time air is drawn through the inlet 110.

[0027] To provide ventilation, the ventilation air delivery assembly 128 can deliver cooled and dry air stored in the second air receiver 124 to room 140. The second filter 126 can remove any contaminants, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. In some embodiments, the ventilation air extraction assembly 132 can receive and use compressed air from the second air receiver 124 to remove, extract, or expel air from room 140. When air is delivered to room 140, the ventilation air extraction assembly 132 can remove air from room 140 at an equal or similar flow rate to maintain a stable pressure in room 140. By controlling the removal rate to be similar to or equal to the delivery rate, the pressure in room 140 can be maintained at a suitable constant pressure. In some embodiments, the ventilation air extraction assembly 132 may include a Venturi vacuum or an air amplifier.

[0028] At least a portion of the extracted air can then be returned to inlet 110 (or another inlet, not shown) via CO2 extraction assembly 134, which can remove CO2 and / or other fluids from the air. In some embodiments, CO2 extraction assembly 134 may utilize pressure swing absorption to provide gas separation. By returning the extracted air to inlet 110, system 100 can form at least a partially closed loop that recirculates air and improves the efficiency of system 100. In some embodiments, the extracted air is pumped to inlet 110 via the Venturi effect using a ventilation air extraction assembly 132 supplied with compressed air. In some embodiments, the extracted air is pumped to inlet 110 via an air amplifier (not shown) supplied with compressed air.

[0029] To provide heating and cooling, heat pump 122 can add warm or cold air to the airflow from second air receiver 124 to ventilation air delivery assembly 128, such that the air delivered to room 140 is at a desired temperature. Vortex tube 130 can also provide rapid cooling to the room (e.g., providing a temperature drop of approximately 10 degrees Celsius, 15 degrees Celsius, 20 degrees Celsius, etc.) with or without heat pump 122. DHW supply 136 can use the heat recovered by cooler 116 and / or vortex tube 130 to supply heated water to the room.

[0030] The air delivered to room 140 by the ventilation air delivery assembly 128 may be filtered, dehumidified, at a desired temperature, and otherwise adapted for human respiration. In some embodiments, the air delivered to room 140 and the delivery rate may meet local regulations and / or building codes governing air quality. In some embodiments, the amount of air dedicated to and used for HVAC applications stored in the first receiver 120 and / or the second receiver 124 may be determined at least in part based on such regulations and / or building codes, and the remainder of the stored air may be used for non-HVAC applications and / or saved for backup.

[0031] Air removed from room 140 by the ventilation air extraction component 132 can remove unwanted contents from the room. For example, the ventilation air extraction component 132 can remove humid air from a bathroom environment and odorous, oily, greasy, and hot air from a kitchen environment. In some embodiments, the ventilation air extraction component 132 may utilize the Venturi effect to improve the extraction process.

[0032] Furthermore, system 100 can obtain additional benefits related to or specific to the compression state of the air. For example, the mechanical dehumidification process employed by air dryer 118 is expected to operate more efficiently with compressed air and have reduced energy consumption compared to other dehumidification processes. The use of compressed air is also expected to reduce the size of the required ductwork and provide HVAC for multiple individual rooms, reducing energy consumption compared to other HVAC systems.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a compressed air displacement ventilation system 200 (“ventilation system 200”) configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. The ventilation system 200 may be as described above regarding… Figure 1 An example of the compressed air displacement ventilation system 160 shown and discussed.

[0034] Fresh air ventilation can be based on mixing or displacement. Mixing ventilation systems (not shown) provide fresh air to a central air processor and return it via a path (e.g., through ducts or conveyor grilles). However, air in mixing ventilation systems is mixed, shared, and recirculated, which can lead to the distribution of pollutants, pollen, viruses, and other airborne substances throughout the enclosed space. On the other hand, displacement ventilation systems (such as...) Figure 2 The ventilation system 200 shown typically provides fresh air at a lower height (e.g., at or near the floor) and removes stale air at a higher height (e.g., at or near the ceiling), utilizing the principle that air eventually heats up and rises, carrying away pollutants. Currently, hybrid ventilation systems are more commonly used in residential environments because displacement ventilation systems typically have more complex duct layouts and are more expensive to create and manage. However, embodiments of the present technology using compressed air promise to make displacement ventilation systems more feasible in residential environments because multiple diffuser valves can be arranged, as will be described in further detail below.

[0035] Ventilation system 200 can provide displacement ventilation to room 140. For example, ventilation system 200 may include a diversion valve 224, a sensor 250, one or more diffuser valves 227, one or more extraction valves 231, and one or more ventilation air extraction assemblies 232 (e.g., Figure 1 The ventilation air extraction assembly 232 is shown as 132. Sensor 250 may be operatively coupled to diversion valve 224. One or more diffuser valves 227 may be fluidly coupled to diversion valve 224. One or more extraction valves 231 may be fluidly coupled to diversion valve 224. One or more ventilation extraction assemblies 232 may be fluidly coupled to one or more extraction valves 231. In the illustrated embodiment, diffuser valve 227 is located near the floor of room 140, while extraction valves 231 and ventilation air extraction assembly 232 are located near the ceiling of room 140. In other embodiments, diffuser valve 227, extraction valve 231, and ventilation air extraction assembly 232 may be located at other locations around room 140. In some embodiments, ventilation system 200 may omit one or more of the illustrated components, include more than one of the illustrated components, and / or include components not shown.

[0036] During operation of the ventilation system 200, filtered, dehumidified at a desired temperature, and otherwise adapted for human respiration, compressed air may be delivered to the diversion valve 224. For example, the compressed air may originate from an air receiver (e.g., a second air receiver 124). In some embodiments, the diversion valve 224 may split the received airflow into multiple streams that flow simultaneously to both the diffuser valve 227 and the extraction valve 231 in any desired proportion. In some embodiments, the diversion valve 224 may direct the airflow entirely to either the diffuser valve 227 or the extraction valve 231. In some embodiments, the diversion valve 224 may pulsate the air at a desired amount and frequency. The diffuser valve 227 may release fresh air directly into the room 140. The ventilation air extraction assembly 232 may use compressed air to extract stale air from the room 140, as described above regarding... Figure 1 As described in the ventilation air extraction assembly 132. The extraction valve 231 can regulate the flow of compressed air to the ventilation air extraction assembly 232.

[0037] Sensor 250 can control diversion valve 224 based on one or more measurements to appropriately and automatically increase or decrease the ventilation rate. In some embodiments, sensor 250 may include a purely mechanical sensor that measures the CO2 level in room 140 and adjusts diversion valve 224 to increase the ventilation rate when the measured CO2 level increases and decrease the ventilation rate when the measured CO2 level decreases. For example, sensor 250 may include an absorbent medium (e.g., zeolite, heavy calcium carbonate) and a triggering mechanism that increases in weight by absorbing CO2 in room 140, the triggering mechanism being configured to trigger ventilation and extraction when the absorbent medium reaches a threshold weight, in order to, for example, reduce the CO2 concentration in room 140.

[0038] In some embodiments, the airflow directed to diffuser valve 227 is determined based on local regulations and / or building codes. In some embodiments, diffuser valves 227 are operatively connected such that when the airflow from diverter valve 224 increases or decreases, the airflow exiting each diffuser valve in diffuser valve 227 increases or decreases at the same or similar rate, proportionally, or at a predetermined ratio. This allows any variation in ventilation rate to be distributed throughout room 140 as needed (e.g., uniformly), rather than, for example, changing the flow rate of one diffuser valve 227 to be significantly greater or less than the flow rate of another diffuser valve 227. In some embodiments, the individual diffuser valves in diffuser valve 227 can be controlled to output airflow at different rates to provide, for example, local ventilation, local heating, and / or local air conditioning.

[0039] In some embodiments, the rate of fresh air delivery (e.g., via diffuser valve 227) can be correlated purely mechanically and / or pneumatically with the rate of air extraction (e.g., via ventilation air extraction assembly 232). This allows the pressure in the room to be maintained without the use of electrical components, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of system 200. Furthermore, correlating the extraction rate with the delivery rate can provide a central point for controlling the ventilation rate, since only the delivery rate needs to be controlled.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a radiant panel system 300 (“System 300”) configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. System 300 can provide heating and cooling to a room (e.g., room 140 having a compressed air displacement ventilation system 200) and may include a radiant panel 310, a valve 320 connected to a hot air line 340, a cold air line 350 and the radiant panel 310, and a controller 330 operatively connected to the valve 320.

[0041] The radiant panel 310 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity and may be at least partially filled with fluid. In some embodiments, the radiant panel 310 is filled with heated or cooled dehumidified air. In some embodiments, the radiant panel 310 may be attached to the ceiling of a room and covered with or integrated into a drywall. In some embodiments, the radiant panel 310 may be attached to other locations in the room (e.g., on a side wall, on the floor).

[0042] Valve 320 may include a selector component 322 and a pulse component 324. The selector component 322 may be configured to select or proportionally distribute airflow between hot air line 340 and cold air line 350 to radiant panel 310. The pulse component 324 may be configured to pulse the selected airflow to radiant panel 310 at a desired quantity and frequency. Controller 330 may be configured to control selector component 322 and / or pulse component 324. In some embodiments, controller 330 may include a thermostat that does not include any electrical components. In some embodiments, system 300 may also include a mechanical humidifier with dew point control, configured to control the temperature of the airflow through radiant panel 310. This can help prevent damage to the drywall, as below-dew-point air in radiant panel 310 poses a risk of condensation on the drywall. In some embodiments, system 300 may omit one or more of the components shown, include more than one of the components shown, and / or include components not shown.

[0043] During operation of system 300, radiant panel 310 can provide radiant heating and / or cooling to the room. In some embodiments, radiant panel 310 can be operatively coupled to system 100. Figure 1And with system 100 ( Figure 1 When used in combination, they provide an integrated, whole compressed air system. Using radiant panels 310 according to embodiments of this technology can be advantageous because the heating and cooling provided can be silent, and it avoids blowing cooler air directly onto the occupants of the room, which could be uncomfortable, as is the case with conventional heating and cooling systems.

[0044] Figure 4A and 4B These are side views of a first heat pump 400 and a second heat pump 420 configured according to embodiments of the present technology. Figure 4C and Figure 4D These are a cross-sectional view and an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first heat pump 400 or the second heat pump 420, respectively. The first heat pump 400 and the second heat pump 420 can be... Figure 1 An example of heat pump 122 is shown. In some embodiments, for example, the first heat pump 400 and / or the second heat pump 420 may include a flexible heat pump.

[0045] First refer to Figure 4A The first heat pump 400 includes a spiral / helical arrangement of channels 410. Channels 410 may include any number of spirals (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred, or one thousand), and each spiral may have any spiral diameter D1. In some embodiments, the individual spirals may have the same spiral diameter D1. In some embodiments, the individual spirals may have different spiral diameters D1.

[0046] Next reference Figure 4B The second heat pump 420 includes a double-helix arrangement of channels 410. Channels 410 may include any number of twists (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, ten, twenty, fifty, one hundred, or one thousand), and each twist may be separated by a twist distance D2. In some embodiments, the twist distance D2 may be zero, such that the twists do not contain gaps, and the portions of channels 410 are in contact. In some embodiments, the individual twists may have the same twist distance D2. In some embodiments, the individual twists may have different twist distances D2.

[0047] For both the first heat pump 400 and the second heat pump 420, the channel 410 may have an inlet 412 and an outlet 414 for fluid flow, although the direction of fluid flow may be reversed during operation, as will be described in further detail below. The channel 410 may have a channel diameter D3, which may remain constant or vary along the length of the channel 410.

[0048] Let's refer to the following. Figure 4C and Figure 4D Channel 410 may include multiple wires 440 projecting inward from the inner surface of channel 410. When fluid flows through channel 410, the fluid can deflect or bend the wires 440. In some embodiments, the wires 440 may include shape memory alloys. For example, individual wires in the wires 440 may include nickel-titanium (nickel-titanium), Cu-Al-Ni, Fe-Mn-Si, Cu-Zn-Al, Ti-Nb, Fe-Pd, Au-Cd, etc. The length of each wire 440, the spacing between wires 440, and / or the thickness of each wire 440 may be calibrated and optimized for maximum deflection of the wires 440. In some embodiments, the wires 440 may be grouped into bundles 430 along the inner surface of channel 410. Bundles 430 allow the wires 440 to be arranged with optimal spacing for deflection and recovery, for example, by avoiding overlap or interference between the wires 440. In some embodiments, the wires may be arranged based on length and thickness to accommodate different strain requirements. For example, a thicker wire 440 may be arranged closer to the inlet 412 and / or the outlet 414, while a thinner wire 440 may be arranged further away from the inlet 412 and / or the outlet 414.

[0049] In some embodiments, a spiral arrangement ( Figure 4A ) and line 440 ( Figure 4C and Figure 4D The cochlea can be arranged to mimic the geometry of the cochlea and hair cells in certain animals (e.g., humans, chinchillas). In some embodiments, a double helix arrangement ( Figure 4B This allows for a compact design and enables longer channels 410, thereby increasing the total heat transferred to and from the fluid. Helical and double-helical arrangements can provide a high ratio between the surface area of ​​line 440 and the volume of channel 410, thus allowing for rapid actuation and heat exchange.

[0050] During the operation of the first heat pump 400 and the second heat pump 420, fluid can be pumped from inlet 412, through channel 410 and line 440, and out through outlet 414. To provide heating, fluid can be drawn from the first storage tank (e.g., Figure 1The fluid is pumped through a first air receiver 120 and through channel 410 to induce strain on line 440, generating heat. The fluid can then transfer the heat to a heat storage tank until ready for use, or directly to a room (e.g., room 140). To provide cooling, before line 440 naturally relaxes to a steady state, fluid can be pumped from the first reservoir or another reservoir (e.g., a heat storage tank) through channel 410 to provide heat as a stimulus to return line 440 to its original state. The resulting cooler fluid can then be pumped to another reservoir (e.g., a cooled reservoir) until ready for use, or directly to a room (e.g., room 140). In some embodiments, the fluid is pumped in one direction (e.g., from inlet 412 to outlet 414) for heating and in the opposite direction (e.g., from outlet 414 to inlet 412) for cooling, such that line 440, after being deflected during the heating phase, more reliably returns to its original shape during the cooling phase. In some embodiments, an explosive force is applied to the fluid to ensure that the fluid flows through channel 410 and deflects line 440. In some embodiments, the first and / or second heat pumps 400, 420 use the Venturi effect from heated or cooled storage tanks to draw in preheated or pre-conditioned air and circulate the same amount of air until the temperature has sufficiently changed before use.

[0051] In some embodiments, channel 410 forms part of a heat exchanger. For example, one or more additional channels (not shown) may be arranged adjacent to or near the first heat pump 400 or the second heat pump 420, and separate fluid flows may be pumped through one or more additional channels. During operation, heat transfer can occur between the fluid flowing through the first heat pump 400 or the second heat pump 420 and the separate fluid flows flowing through one or more additional channels, thereby allowing the separate fluid flows to deliver heat or coolant to the storage tank and / or room. In some embodiments, the fluid flow through the first heat pump 400 or the second heat pump 420 and the separate fluid flows are pumped in opposite directions to increase the rate of heat exchange between them.

[0052] Compared to conventional flexible heat pumps, the heat pump configured according to embodiments of this technology is expected to provide a larger surface area for transferring heat from and to the fluid. Furthermore, by optimizing the arrangement of the lines 440 based on length, thickness, spacing, etc., the corresponding heating and / or cooling of such a pump can be optimized based on known fluid pressures, while minimizing the number of lines 440 required in each channel 410. Additionally, the bundles 430 are expected to provide ease of manufacture, can be individually monitored, and can be easily replaced based on the overall functional status of the bundles within the channels 410.

[0053] C. Utilizing compressed air in non-HVAC applications

[0054] Figure 1 One advantage of the compressed air system 100 shown is that the compressed air can provide dual functionality. More specifically, in addition to the HVAC applications discussed above in Section B, the compressed air (e.g., stored in the first and / or second air receivers 120, 124) can be used for non-HVAC applications. When the system 100 is used within a building (e.g., a residence), the compressed air can be used to generate heat, mechanical force, and / or electricity to power various installations and appliances. For example, as described above regarding... Figure 1 The heat recovered from the cooler 116 and / or vortex tube 130, as discussed, can be used to provide domestic hot water. The dimensions of the various components of the system 100 (e.g., compressor 114, first air receiver 120, second air receiver 124) can be configured based on the total expected demand for compressed air for both HVAC and non-HVAC applications.

[0055] Non-HVAC mechanical applications using compressed air may include, for example, (1) toilet flushing (e.g., compressed air-assisted vacuum waste transport), which reduces water usage, (2) pneumatic elevators, which may also use passive descent to recover at least a portion of the compressed air used for ascent, and may also be used as a compressed air storage medium, (3) supplying heated dry air to dryers, (4) pneumatic waste collection or sanitation systems, which may involve using compressed air and / or vacuum systems (e.g., Venturi vacuum) to transport garbage, recyclable materials and other disposable items from individual entry points to a central collection point, (5) pneumatic sewage pumps, (6) optimizing the distribution and coverage of water in sprinkler fire suppression systems, (7) generating cold plasma, which may help provide a universal cleaning process, etc.

[0056] Non-HVAC electrical applications using compressed air may include using compressed air to (1) operate a turbine to generate electricity or (2) operate a piezoelectric element to generate electricity. Using either or both of options (1) and (2), compressed air can be used to power any type of appliance, such as a blender, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, lighting fixture, television, etc. In particular, option (2), operating a piezoelectric element, can reduce or completely eliminate the need for electrical maintenance of such appliances.

[0057] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic flashlight 500 configured according to an embodiment of the present technology. The flashlight 500 may include an air reservoir 510, a valve 520, a compressed air utilization component 530, a piezoelectric element 540, a capacitor 550, and an LED 560. The air reservoir 510 may be configured to store compressed air, and the valve 520 may be coupled to selectively release compressed air from the air reservoir 510. The compressed air utilization component 530 may be coupled to the valve 520, and the piezoelectric element 540 may be coupled to the compressed air utilization component 530. The capacitor 550 may be electrically coupled to the piezoelectric element 540, and the LED 560 may be electrically coupled to the capacitor 550. In some embodiments, the compressed air utilization component 530 may include a piston positioned to be actuated by airflow from the valve 520 to apply force to the piezoelectric element 540. In some embodiments, the compressed air utilization component 530 may include a path (e.g., a channel) for high-pressure compressed air to flow from the valve 520 to apply force to the piezoelectric element 540. In some embodiments, the flashlight 500 may further include a port (not shown) configured to receive a manual pump, which a user can manually operate to store compressed air. In some embodiments, the flashlight 500 may omit one or more of the components shown, include more than one of the components shown, and / or include components not shown.

[0058] During operation of the flashlight 500, the user can press a button (not shown) to actuate valve 520 at a predetermined frequency. In some embodiments, valve 520 can pulse air from air reservoir 510 at a predetermined frequency to actuate a piston, which in turn operates piezoelectric element 540. In some components, valve 520 can output pressurized airflow (e.g., at a predetermined frequency) to operate piezoelectric element 540. The predetermined frequency can be calibrated so that piezoelectric element 540 generates a stable and appropriate current. The generated current then charges capacitor 550, which in turn powers LED 560 to emit light.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 5 The components shown can be adapted to power other electrical equipment. For example, LED 560 can be replaced by any other electrical component, such as an electric motor. Furthermore, the principles shown and discussed above can be applied to applications requiring a continuous supply of compressed air, such as human-powered air compressors that can reduce the need for batteries, etc.

[0060] D. Example

[0061] For convenience, this technique is illustrated, for example, by referring to the aspects described below as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples and do not limit the technique. Note that any dependent examples can be combined in any way and placed within their respective independent examples. Other examples can be presented in a similar manner.

[0062] 1. A compressed air energy storage system for buildings, the system comprising:

[0063] The air intake is configured to receive air from the external environment of the building;

[0064] A compressor operatively connected to the air inlet;

[0065] A cooler operatively connected to the compressor;

[0066] An air dryer, the air dryer being operatively connected to the cooler;

[0067] An air receiver, operatively connected to the air dryer;

[0068] A heat pump, operatively coupled to the air receiver; and

[0069] A displacement ventilation system, operatively connected between the air receiver and the room, the displacement ventilation system comprising:

[0070] A ventilation air delivery assembly, operatively connected between the air receiver and the room, wherein the ventilation air delivery assembly is fluidly connected to the heat pump; and

[0071] A ventilation air extraction assembly operatively coupled between the air receiver and the room, wherein the ventilation air extraction assembly is further fluidly coupled to the air inlet to form a loop.

[0072] 2. The system according to Example 1, wherein the displacement ventilation system further includes a diversion valve configured to selectively direct air from the air receiver to the ventilation air delivery assembly and / or the ventilation air extraction assembly.

[0073] 3. The system according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the displacement ventilation system further includes a sensor operatively connected to the diversion valve, and wherein the sensor includes:

[0074] An absorbent medium configured to increase its weight by absorbing carbon dioxide from the room; and

[0075] A triggering mechanism configured to actuate the diversion valve when the absorbent medium reaches a threshold weight.

[0076] 4. The system according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the heat pump comprises:

[0077] A channel, the channel being connected between the air receiver and the ventilated air delivery assembly; and

[0078] Multiple shape memory alloy wires extend from the inner surface of the channel, wherein the shape memory alloy wires are configured to exchange heat with the fluid flowing through the channel.

[0079] 5. The system according to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the air dryer comprises a hollow membrane air filter.

[0080] 6. The system according to any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the air receiver is a first air receiver, and wherein the displacement ventilation system further comprises a second air receiver operatively coupled to the first air receiver, the ventilation air delivery assembly, and the ventilation air extraction assembly.

[0081] 7. The system according to any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the displacement ventilation system further includes one or more vortex tubes operatively coupled between the air receiver and the room.

[0082] 8. The system according to any one of Examples 1-7, wherein heat recovered from the cooler and / or vortex tube is transferred to the domestic hot water supply.

[0083] 9. The system according to any one of Examples 1-8 further includes a carbon dioxide extraction component operatively connected between the ventilation air extraction component and the air inlet, wherein the carbon dioxide extraction component is configured to extract carbon dioxide from the air flowing from the ventilation air extraction component to the air inlet.

[0084] 10. A flexible heat pump, comprising:

[0085] A channel extending between the first and second storage units; and

[0086] Multiple shape memory alloy wires extend from the inner surface of the channel.

[0087] in-

[0088] When the elastic heat pump is in a heating state, the shape memory alloy wire is configured to release heat to the fluid flowing through the channel, and

[0089] When the flexible heat pump is in a cooling state, the shape memory alloy wires are configured to absorb heat from the fluid flowing through the channels.

[0090] 11. The flexible heat pump according to Example 10, wherein the shape memory wire comprises NiTiNorm wire.

[0091] 12. The flexible heat pump according to Example 10 or Example 11, wherein the channel extends along a spiral or helix.

[0092] 13. The flexible heat pump according to any one of Examples 10-12, wherein the channel extends along a double helix such that a first end of the channel is close to a second end of the channel opposite to the first end.

[0093] 14. A flexible heat pump according to any one of Examples 10-13, wherein -

[0094] When the flexible heat pump is in heating mode, the fluid is configured to flow through the channel in a first direction, and

[0095] When the flexible heat pump is in a cooling state, the fluid is configured to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0096] 15. The flexible heat pump according to any one of Examples 10-14, wherein the shape memory alloy wires are grouped into a plurality of bundles disposed along the inner surface of the channel.

[0097] 16. The flexible heat pump according to any one of Examples 10-15, wherein a first subgroup of shape memory alloy wires disposed near a first end or a second end of the channel has a first average thickness, wherein a second subgroup of shape memory alloy wires disposed away from the first end or a second end of the channel has a second average thickness, and wherein the first average thickness is greater than the second average thickness.

[0098] 17. A radiating panel system, comprising:

[0099] Radiant panel;

[0100] A valve, fluidly connected to the radiant panel, the hot air line, and the cold air line, the valve comprising:

[0101] A selector component configured to select or proportionally distribute airflow between the hot air duct and the cold air duct; and

[0102] A pulsating component, configured to pulsate a selected or proportional airflow into the radiating panel; and

[0103] A controller, which is operatively connected to the valve.

[0104] 18. The system according to Example 17, wherein the selected or proportional airflow comprises dehumidified air.

[0105] 19. The system according to Example 17 or Example 18, wherein the controller includes a non-electric temperature thermostat.

[0106] 20. The system according to any one of Examples 17 to 19 further includes a mechanical humidifier configured to control the temperature of the airflow passing through the radiant panel using dew point control.

[0107] 21. A compressed air electrical device, comprising:

[0108] An air storage device configured to store compressed air;

[0109] A valve, which is fluidly connected to the gas storage tank;

[0110] A compressed air utilization component, which is operatively connected to the valve;

[0111] A piezoelectric element, operatively connected to the compressed air utilization component;

[0112] A capacitor, the capacitor being electrically connected to the piezoelectric element; and

[0113] Electrical components electrically connected to the capacitor.

[0114] 22. The compressed air electrical device according to Example 21, wherein the compressed air utilization component includes a piston.

[0115] 23. The compressed air electrical device according to Example 21, wherein the compressed air utilization component includes a channel configured to allow compressed air to flow from a valve to a piezoelectric element.

[0116] 24. The compressed air electrical device according to any one of Examples 21-23, wherein the electrical component includes a light-emitting diode.

[0117] 25. The compressed air electrical device according to any one of Examples 21-23, wherein the electrical component includes an electric motor.

[0118] E. in conclusion

[0119] The detailed description of embodiments of the present technology above is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise forms disclosed above. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made within the scope of the present technology, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. While the steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform the steps in a different order. Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein may be combined to provide further embodiments. References to “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” or similar expressions herein mean that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment may include in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Therefore, the appearance of these phrases or expressions herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0120] For ease of reference, the same reference numerals are used throughout this disclosure to identify similar or analogous parts or features; however, the use of the same reference numerals does not imply that these features should be interpreted as identical. In fact, in many examples described herein, features with the same number have multiple embodiments that differ from each other in structure and / or function. Furthermore, the same shading may be used to indicate materials that may be compositionally similar in cross-section; however, unless specifically indicated herein, the use of the same shading does not imply that the materials should be interpreted as identical.

[0121] Furthermore, unless the word “or” is explicitly limited to referring only to a single item excluding other items in a list of two or more items, its use in such a list should be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in the list. Singular or plural terms may also include plural or singular terms, respectively, where the context permits. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean that at least the stated feature is included, such that no further number of the same feature and / or other features of other types are excluded. Directional terms such as “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “vertical,” and “horizontal” may be used herein to express and elucidate relationships between various elements. It should be understood that such terms do not indicate absolute orientation. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present technology have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments must exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, this disclosure and related technologies may cover other embodiments not explicitly shown or described herein.

Claims

1. A compressed air energy storage system for buildings, the system comprising: The air intake is configured to receive air from the external environment of the building; A compressor operatively connected to the air inlet; A cooler, operatively connected to the compressor; An air dryer, the air dryer being operatively connected to the cooler; An air receiver, operatively connected to the air dryer; A heat pump, operatively connected to the air receiver; and A displacement ventilation system, operatively connected between the air receiver and the room, the displacement ventilation system comprising: A ventilation air delivery assembly, operatively connected between the air receiver and the room, wherein the ventilation air delivery assembly is fluidly connected to the heat pump; and A ventilation air extraction assembly operatively coupled between the air receiver and the room, wherein the ventilation air extraction assembly is further fluidly coupled to the air inlet to form a loop.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The displacement ventilation system also includes a diversion valve configured to selectively direct air from the air receiver to the ventilation air delivery assembly and / or the ventilation air extraction assembly.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein, The displacement ventilation system further includes a sensor operatively coupled to the diversion valve, wherein the sensor includes: An absorbent medium configured to increase its weight by absorbing carbon dioxide from the room; and A triggering mechanism configured to actuate the diversion valve when the absorbent medium reaches a threshold weight.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the heat pump comprises: A channel connecting the air receiver and the ventilated air delivery assembly; and Multiple shape memory alloy wires extend from the inner surface of the channel, wherein the shape memory alloy wires are configured to exchange heat with the fluid flowing through the channel.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The air dryer includes a hollow membrane air filter.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the air receiver is a first air receiver, and wherein the displacement ventilation system further comprises a second air receiver operatively coupled to the first air receiver, the ventilation air delivery assembly, and the ventilation air extraction assembly.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein, The displacement ventilation system also includes one or more vortex tubes operatively connected between the air receiver and the room.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein, The heat recovered from the cooler and / or the vortex tube is transferred to the domestic hot water supply.

9. The system of claim 1 further includes a carbon dioxide extraction component operatively connected between the ventilation air extraction component and the air inlet, wherein the carbon dioxide extraction component is configured to extract carbon dioxide from air flowing from the ventilation air extraction component to the air inlet.

10. A flexible heat pump, comprising: A channel extending between the first and second storage units; and Multiple shape memory alloy wires extend from the inner surface of the channel. in- When the elastic heat pump is in a heating state, the shape memory alloy wire is configured to release heat to the fluid flowing through the channel, and When the flexible heat pump is in a cooling state, the shape memory alloy wire is configured to absorb heat from the fluid flowing through the channel.

11. The elastic thermal heat pump of claim 10, wherein, The shape memory line includes nitinol wire.

12. The elastic thermal heat pump of claim 10, wherein, The channel extends along a spiral or helix.

13. The elastic thermal heat pump of claim 10, wherein, The channel extends along a double helix such that a first end of the channel is close to a second end of the channel opposite to the first end.

14. The flexible heat pump according to claim 10, wherein - When the flexible heat pump is in heating mode, the fluid is configured to flow through the channel in a first direction, and When the flexible heat pump is in a cooling state, the fluid is configured to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

15. The elastic thermal heat pump of claim 10, wherein, The shape memory alloy wire is divided into multiple bundles arranged along the inner surface of the channel.

16. The elastic thermal heat pump of claim 10, wherein, A first subgroup of shape memory alloy wires disposed near the first or second end of the channel has a first average thickness, wherein a second subgroup of shape memory alloy wires disposed away from the first or second end of the channel has a second average thickness, and wherein the first average thickness is greater than the second average thickness.

17. A radiating panel system, comprising: Radiant panel; A valve, fluidly connected to the radiant panel, the hot air line, and the cold air line, the valve comprising: A selector component configured to select or proportionally distribute airflow between the hot air duct and the cold air duct; and A pulsating component, configured to pulsate a selected or proportional airflow into the radiating panel; and A controller, which is operatively connected to the valve.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein, The selected or proportional airflow includes dehumidified air.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein, The controller includes a non-electric temperature thermostat.

20. The system of claim 17 further includes a mechanical humidifier configured to control the temperature of the airflow passing through the radiant panel using dew point control.

21. A compressed air electrical device, comprising: An air storage device configured to store compressed air; A valve, which is fluidly connected to the air reservoir; A compressed air utilization component, which is operatively connected to the valve; A piezoelectric element, operatively connected to the compressed air utilization component; A capacitor, which is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element; and Electrical components electrically connected to the capacitor.

22. The compressed air electrical device according to claim 21, wherein, The compressed air utilization component includes a piston.

23. The compressed air electrical device according to claim 21, wherein, The compressed air utilization component includes a channel configured to allow compressed air to flow from the valve to the piezoelectric element.

24. The compressed air electrical device of claim 21, wherein, The electrical components include light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

25. The compressed air electrical device of claim 21, wherein, The electrical components include an electric motor.

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