A multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of energy storage and power generation technology, and discloses a multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device, including a counterweight base, air bladders, rubber pistons, an inlet pipe, and a connecting pipe. Multiple outer shells are arrayed on the upper end of the counterweight base; multiple air bladders are correspondingly installed inside the multiple outer shells, and the multiple air bladders are interconnected through electric valves; the rubber pistons are located at both ends of the outer shells and contact the air bladders inside the outer shells; the inlet pipe is interconnected with the first section of air bladders on the counterweight base, and a shut-off valve is installed on the inlet pipe to control the gas entering the first section of air bladders on the counterweight base; one end of the connecting pipe is interconnected with multiple air bladders, and the other end of the connecting pipe is interconnected with an outlet pipe, and a pressure regulating valve is installed on the outlet pipe, which is used to input the gas in the air bladders into an external steam turbine for power generation; wherein, the pressure regulating valve can control the smooth release of gas in the air bladders to reduce power generation fluctuations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy storage and power generation technology, and in particular to a multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Compressed air energy storage refers to an energy storage method that uses electrical energy to compress air during periods of low grid load and releases the compressed air to drive a steam turbine to generate electricity during periods of high grid load. By storing electrical energy and releasing compressed air energy during peak periods, energy storage balance of electricity can be achieved, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the power system.

[0003] In compressed air energy storage, pressure tanks are now mostly used to store and release compressed air. However, during use, the temperature of high-pressure air rises during compression, which poses a significant risk to energy storage. Furthermore, when releasing high-pressure air, the output pressure decreases as the amount of compressed air decreases, making it impossible to guarantee constant pressure delivery. This leads to excessive fluctuations, resulting in unstable power generation and fluctuations in the entire power grid. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device to solve the technical problem in the prior art that when releasing high-pressure air, the output air pressure decreases as the amount of compressed air decreases, making it impossible to guarantee constant pressure air delivery.

[0005] The technical problem solved by this utility model embodiment is addressed by the following technical solution:

[0006] A multi-stage constant-pressure compressed air energy storage device is provided, installed at the bottom of a water body, comprising:

[0007] A counterweight base, wherein multiple outer shells are arranged in an array on the upper end of the counterweight base;

[0008] Multiple airbags are installed inside multiple housings, and the multiple airbags are interconnected by electric valves.

[0009] A rubber piston, wherein the rubber piston is disposed at both ends of the outer shell and in contact with the airbag inside the outer shell;

[0010] An air intake pipe is connected to the airbag in the first section of the counterweight base, and a shut-off valve is installed on the air intake pipe to control the gas entering the airbag in the first section of the counterweight base.

[0011] A connecting pipe is provided, one end of which is connected to multiple air bladders, and the other end of which is connected to an outlet pipe. A pressure stabilizing valve is provided on the outlet pipe. The outlet pipe is used to input the gas in the air bladders into an external steam turbine for power generation.

[0012] The gas inside the airbag can be released smoothly by controlling the pressure regulating valve to reduce power generation fluctuations.

[0013] In some embodiments, the airbag and the connecting tube are interconnected via a vertical tube;

[0014] The vertical tube is equipped with an air release valve to control each airbag to release air individually.

[0015] In some embodiments, the airbags are interconnected by a connecting pipe, and the electric valve is mounted on the connecting pipe;

[0016] The electric valve and the deflation valve can be opened or closed to control each airbag to form an individual sealed space.

[0017] In some embodiments, the counterweight base is provided with a plurality of connecting seats arranged in an array, the connecting seats are concave, and the outer shell is cylindrical.

[0018] The outer casing is mounted on the counterweight base via the connecting seat.

[0019] In some embodiments, the rubber piston includes a guide rod, and retainers are mounted at both ends of the housing. A guide hole is provided in the middle of the retainer, and the guide rod is inserted into the retainer through the guide hole.

[0020] In some embodiments, mounting holes are provided at both ends of the counterweight base. The mounting holes are waist-shaped, and the counterweight base is installed at the bottom of the water body through the mounting holes.

[0021] In some embodiments, the airbag has a cylindrical structure to accommodate installation within the housing.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided in this utility model embodiment includes a counterweight base, air bladders, rubber pistons, an inlet pipe, and a connecting pipe. Multiple outer shells are arrayed on the upper end of the counterweight base; multiple air bladders are correspondingly installed inside the multiple outer shells, and the multiple air bladders are interconnected through electric valves; the rubber pistons are located at both ends of the outer shells and contact the air bladders inside the outer shells; the inlet pipe is interconnected with the first section of air bladders on the counterweight base, and a shut-off valve is installed on the inlet pipe to control the gas entering the first section of air bladders on the counterweight base; one end of the connecting pipe is interconnected with multiple air bladders, and the other end of the connecting pipe is interconnected with an outlet pipe, and a pressure regulating valve is installed on the outlet pipe. The outlet pipe is used to input the gas inside the air bladders into an external steam turbine for power generation; wherein, the pressure regulating valve can control the smooth release of gas inside the air bladders to reduce power generation fluctuations. Attached Figure Description

[0023] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air bladder structure of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model.

[0029] Marked in the image:

[0030] 1. Counterweight base; 2. Outer shell; 3. Airbag; 4. Electric valve; 5. Inlet pipe; 6. Shut-off valve; 7. Rubber piston; 8. Connecting pipe; 9. Outlet pipe; 10. Pressure regulating valve; 11. Connecting pipe; 12. Vertical pipe; 13. Air release valve; 14. Connecting seat; 15. Cage; 16. Guide rod; 17. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "upper end," "lower end," "top," and "bottom," etc., used in this specification, indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0033] The following is combined Figures 1 to 5 The multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided in this application will be described in detail through specific embodiments.

[0034] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model; Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air bladder structure of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided by this utility model. One embodiment of this utility model provides a multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device, including a counterweight base 1, an air bladder 3, a rubber piston 7, an air inlet pipe 5, and a connecting pipe 8. Multiple outer shells 2 are arranged in an array on the upper end of the counterweight base 1; multiple airbags 3 are installed inside the multiple outer shells 2, and the multiple airbags 3 are interconnected by electric valves 4; rubber pistons 7 are set at both ends of the outer shells 2 and are in contact with the airbags 3 inside the outer shells 2; the air inlet pipe 5 is interconnected with the first section of the airbags 3 on the counterweight base 1, and a shut-off valve 6 is installed on the air inlet pipe 5 to control the gas entering the first section of the airbags 3 on the counterweight base 1; one end of the connecting pipe 8 is interconnected with multiple airbags 3, and the other end of the connecting pipe 8 is interconnected with the air outlet pipe 9, and a pressure regulating valve 10 is installed on the air outlet pipe 9. The air outlet pipe 9 is used to input the gas in the airbags 3 into an external steam turbine for power generation; wherein, the gas in the airbags 3 can be controlled by the pressure regulating valve 10 to release smoothly, so as to reduce power generation fluctuations.

[0035] During periods of low grid activity or when renewable energy is abundant, an electric motor drives an air compressor, and high-pressure air enters the first-stage airbag 3 (located at the front of the counterweight base 1) through the intake pipe 5 (with a shut-off valve 6). The increased air pressure inside the first-stage airbag 3 pushes the rubber pistons 7 at both ends to expand outwards, compressing the space inside the outer shell 2. Simultaneously, the high-pressure air is sequentially introduced into subsequent airbags 3 via the electric valve 4, achieving multi-stage compression energy storage. The water pressure at the bottom of the water body (generated by water depth) balances with the air pressure inside the airbag 3, ensuring stable air storage under high pressure. During peak grid activity or when power is needed, the electric valve 4 is opened, and the high-pressure air inside the airbag 3 is collected through the connecting pipe 8 to the outlet pipe 9. The pressure is then regulated to constant pressure by the pressure regulating valve 10, driving an external steam turbine to generate electricity. The rubber pistons 7 contract inwards under the water pressure, assisting in the expulsion of air from the airbag 3. Simultaneously, the pressure regulating valve 10 controls air pressure fluctuations in real time, ensuring stable turbine operation.

[0036] In some embodiments, the airbag 3 and the connecting pipe 8 are interconnected by a vertical pipe 12; wherein, a deflation valve 13 is installed on the vertical pipe 12 to control each airbag 3 to release air individually.

[0037] When a gasbag 3 malfunctions or requires inspection or maintenance, the gasbag 3 can be isolated from other parts and operated independently by closing the vent valve 13 on the corresponding vertical pipe 12. This eliminates the need to shut down the entire energy storage device or vent all the gasbags 3, reducing maintenance time and workload, and improving the maintainability and availability of the device.

[0038] Furthermore, the deflation of each airbag 3 can be flexibly controlled according to actual needs. For example, when the power demand is low, only the deflation valve 13 of some airbags 3 can be opened to release some gas for power generation, achieving more precise power regulation and improving energy utilization efficiency. Alternatively, if an abnormal rise in the air pressure of a certain airbag 3 is detected during energy storage, gas can be appropriately released through the deflation valve 13 to adjust its pressure, making the energy storage state of each airbag 3 more uniform.

[0039] In some embodiments, the airbags 3 are interconnected by a connecting pipe 11, and an electric valve 4 is installed on the connecting pipe 11; wherein, by opening or closing the electric valve 4 and the deflation valve 13, each airbag 3 can be controlled to form an individual sealed space.

[0040] By switching on and off the electric valve 4 and the venting valve 13, different numbers of airbags 3 can be combined into independent working units. For example, when the grid load is low, the electric valve 4 of the connecting pipe 11 of some airbags 3 is closed, and only a small number of airbags 3 are activated to release energy, avoiding energy waste; when high-power generation is required, all electric valves 4 are opened, allowing multiple airbags 3 to release energy in parallel, increasing the output power. This modular control can be adapted to different power consumption scenarios (such as peak shaving and frequency regulation), improving the system's flexibility in responding to grid demands.

[0041] During the energy storage process (inflation stage), if the air pressure of a certain airbag 3 is uneven (such as the difference in compression efficiency of local airbag 3 caused by changes in water pressure), the inflation amount of that airbag 3 can be adjusted individually by closing the electric valve 4 of its connecting pipe 11, so that the energy storage distribution of the entire system is more uniform and local overpressure or underpressure is avoided.

[0042] In some embodiments, a plurality of connecting seats 14 are arranged in an array on the counterweight base 1. The connecting seats 14 are concave and the outer shell 2 is cylindrical. The outer shell 2 is mounted on the counterweight base 1 through the connecting seats 14.

[0043] The counterweight base 1 has a large weight, which can make the entire device sink stably to the bottom of the water, avoiding displacement or overturning of the device due to water flow impact and buoyancy changes.

[0044] The connecting seat 14 has a concave design, which can embed the bottom of the cylindrical outer shell 2 into it to form a "slot-type" fixing structure. On the one hand, it can prevent the outer shell 2 from swaying laterally under the action of water flow and reduce the friction loss between the airbag 3 and the outer shell 2. On the other hand, when the water pressure fluctuates or the device is subjected to external impact, the concave structure can absorb part of the impact force through slight deformation, avoid the outer shell 2 from directly colliding rigidly with the base, and protect the internal airbag 3 and rubber piston 7.

[0045] In some embodiments, the rubber piston 7 includes a guide rod 16, and retainers 15 are installed at both ends of the housing 2. A guide hole is provided in the middle of the retainer 15, and the guide rod 16 is inserted into the retainer 15 through the guide hole.

[0046] Both ends of the outer shell 2 are fixedly installed with a hollow structure retainer 15. One end of the rubber piston 7 is fixedly installed with a guide rod 16. One end of the guide rod 16 is inserted into the retainer 15. The retainer 15 and the guide rod 16 improve the guiding performance of the rubber piston 7, thereby facilitating the rubber piston 7 to use the pressure of the water to squeeze the airbag 3.

[0047] Specifically, the guide rod 16 passes through the guide hole of the retainer 15 to form a "shaft-hole fit" structure, which can limit the radial displacement of the rubber piston 7 during axial movement (such as left and right swinging or tilting), ensure that the piston makes linear reciprocating motion along the axis of the outer shell 2, avoid local compression of the airbag 3 caused by displacement, and thus uniformly compress or release the gas in the airbag 3, and avoid local over-expansion or contraction of the airbag 3 due to uneven force.

[0048] In some embodiments, mounting holes 17 are provided at both ends of the counterweight base 1. The mounting holes 17 have an oblong structure, and the counterweight base 1 is installed on the bottom of the water body through the mounting holes 17. The airbag 3 has a cylindrical structure to accommodate installation inside the outer casing 2.

[0049] The upper two sides of the counterweight base 1 are fixedly mounted with connecting seats 14 in an array. The outer shell 2 is fixedly mounted on the connecting seats 14. The connecting seats 14 facilitate the installation of the outer shell 2 on the counterweight base 1 for easy fixation. Both ends of the counterweight base 1 are provided with mounting holes 17. The mounting holes 17 have an oblong structure, which facilitates the installation of the counterweight base 1 at the bottom of the water body. The counterweight base 1 and the outer shell 2 are both submerged at the bottom of the external water body. The lower end of the counterweight base 1 and the external water body are fixedly connected by anchors to improve the firmness after fixation and prevent the air from rising due to buoyancy when storing compressed air. The air bladder 3 has a cylindrical structure and is a high-pressure resistant air bladder 3. The air bladder 3 is confined inside the space formed by the outer shell 2 and the rubber piston 7, which facilitates the storage of compressed air and improves the safety during storage.

[0050] It should be noted that the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided in this utility model embodiment only shows the part related to the technical problem to be solved by this utility model embodiment. It can be understood that the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device provided in this utility model embodiment also includes other structures for realizing the function of the multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it; under the concept of this utility model, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of this utility model as described above. For the sake of brevity, they are not provided in detail; although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-stage constant-pressure compressed air energy storage device, installed at the bottom of a body of water, characterized in that, include: A counterweight base, wherein multiple outer shells are arranged in an array on the upper end of the counterweight base; Multiple airbags are installed inside multiple housings, and the multiple airbags are interconnected by electric valves. A rubber piston, wherein the rubber piston is disposed at both ends of the outer shell and in contact with the airbag inside the outer shell; An air intake pipe is connected to the airbag in the first section of the counterweight base, and a shut-off valve is installed on the air intake pipe to control the gas entering the airbag in the first section of the counterweight base. A connecting pipe is provided, one end of which is connected to multiple air bladders, and the other end of which is connected to an outlet pipe. A pressure stabilizing valve is provided on the outlet pipe. The outlet pipe is used to input the gas in the air bladders into an external steam turbine for power generation. The gas inside the airbag can be released smoothly by controlling the pressure regulating valve to reduce power generation fluctuations.

2. The multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag and the connecting tube are connected to each other via a vertical pipe; The vertical tube is equipped with an air release valve to control each airbag to release air individually.

3. The multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The airbags are interconnected by connecting pipes, and the electric valve is mounted on the connecting pipes; The electric valve and the deflation valve can be opened or closed to control each airbag to form an individual sealed space.

4. The multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The counterweight base has multiple connecting seats arranged in an array, the connecting seats are concave, and the outer shell is cylindrical. The outer casing is mounted on the counterweight base via the connecting seat.

5. The multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rubber piston includes a guide rod, and retainers are installed at both ends of the housing. A guide hole is provided in the middle of the retainer, and the guide rod is inserted into the retainer through the guide hole.

6. The multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The counterweight base has mounting holes at both ends. The mounting holes are waist-shaped, and the counterweight base is installed at the bottom of the water body through the mounting holes.

7. The multi-stage constant pressure compressed air energy storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The airbag has a cylindrical structure to accommodate installation within the outer casing.

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