Storage power plant, in particular pressure storage power plant, and method for operating a storage power plant

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage power plant (1-1c), in particular a pressure storage power plant, having a gas generation chamber (2-2b) and a pressure storage device (6; 6b) fluidly connected to the gas generation chamber and including at least one pressure storage (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c), wherein the gas generation chamber (2-2b) is configured to function as an explosion chamber in which a working fluid (3-3b) used to operate the storage power plant explodes. Preferably, at least one pressure storage (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) of the pressure storage device (6; 6b) is configured to contain explosion gas (21) generated in the gas generation chamber (2-2b) by the explosion of the working fluid (3-3b). Advantageously, the gas pressure generated during the explosion can be directly utilized, for example, to operate a turbine for generating electricity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a storage power plant (1-1c).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage power plant having a gas generation chamber and a pressure storage device fluidly connected to the gas generation chamber and including at least one pressure reservoir, the gas generation chamber configured to function as an explosion chamber in which fuel used to operate the storage power plant is exploded. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for operating a storage power plant.

[0002] Storage power plants are known in the art, where energy is stored in the form of compressed air and can be used to generate electricity when needed, for which purpose air is forced into underground caverns and extracted from the caverns when needed to operate turbines that generate electricity.

[0003] From US 2011 / 0283705 A1, a device is known in which a compression piston can be driven by the detonation of a dust-like explosive mixture or explosive, the movement of the compression piston resulting from the detonation sending compressed gas through a valve device into a pressure reservoir.

[0004] German Patent No. 958788 discloses a starting device for an internal combustion engine in which powder ignition drives a compressor which provides compression prior to the initial diesel ignition.

[0005] German Patent No. 3821304 discloses an apparatus for compressing metal powder to produce a dense solid component, which has an explosion chamber with a movable compression piston. The compression piston divides the explosion chamber into an explosion space and a compression space. In the compression space, there is metal powder that is compressed to produce a dense solid component. When an explosive is ignited in the explosion space, the movement of the piston reduces the compression space, compressing the metal powder.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a storage power plant, in particular a pressure storage power plant, as mentioned at the outset, which can be operated using the explosion gases that are generated when a working fluid (working medium) explodes.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved in that at least one pressure reservoir of the pressure reservoir device is configured to contain the explosion gas generated in the gas generation chamber by the explosion of the working fluid.

[0008] Upon detonation of the working fluid, which may be an explosive such as black powder, nitrocellulose, or C4, high pressure detonation gas is generated within the gas generation chamber and may be channeled from the gas generation chamber to at least one pressure reservoir where it may be stored and reduced in pressure. The at least one pressure reservoir may be a single pressure vessel. It is contemplated that the at least one pressure reservoir may include multiple pressure vessels fluidly connected in parallel.

[0009] Advantageously, the gas pressure generated during the explosion can be directly used, for example, to operate a turbine for generating electricity. Even more advantageously, the explosion gas is not discharged into the surrounding environment of the storage power plant, but is instead used for energy storage. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the explosion gas is purified and passed through a turbine driven by the explosion gas to generate electricity, before being forced underground and stored. This results in an emission-free storage power plant.

[0010] For filling the gas generating chamber with working fluid, a particularly pressure-resistant screw cap, known from use in howitzers, is preferably used.

[0011] It is further conceivable that the generated explosive gases could be used like compressed air to operate machines and similar devices, for example compressed air motors.

[0012] The method according to the invention for operating a storage power plant, in particular a pressure storage power plant, is characterized in that the explosion gas generated by explosion of a working fluid in a gas generation chamber is passed from the gas generation chamber to at least one pressure reservoir of a pressure storage device.

[0013] Preferably, the gas generation chamber has a valve device with at least one pressure relief valve through which the explosion gas generated upon explosion of the working fluid can flow into at least one pressure reservoir of a pressure reservoir device fluidly connected to the gas generation chamber. The pressure relief valve is a valve that opens when a threshold pressure is reached and closes when the pressure falls below the threshold pressure. When the working fluid explodes, a pressure high enough to open the at least one pressure relief valve is generated in the gas generation chamber, so that the explosion gas generated by the explosion is sent to at least one pressure reservoir, such as a pressure vessel or an underground cavity.

[0014] It is also conceivable that the valve device is configured as a pressure relief valve and has several valves which open at mutually different limit pressures.

[0015] It is also conceivable that the valve device has a plurality of pressure relief valves arranged adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction of the gas-generating chamber, which may be cylindrical, in particular at equal distances from one another, so that the gas-generating chamber is uniformly loaded in the event of an explosion of the working fluid.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gas-generating chamber includes a valve device with at least one control valve, the control of which is synchronized with the explosion of the working fluid. When an explosion occurs and the pressure in the gas-generating chamber exceeds the pressure in at least one pressure reservoir of the pressure storage device, the valve is instantly opened. When the pressure in the pressure reservoir or the gas-generating chamber reaches a predetermined pressure, the control valve can be instantly closed.

[0017] Advantageously, a controlled pressure increase in the at least one pressure reservoir is achieved. It is also conceivable that the valve device has a plurality of valves, which are arranged adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction of the gas-generating chamber, which may be cylindrical, in particular at equidistant distances from one another. Advantageously, the gas-generating chamber is uniformly loaded upon explosion of the working fluid.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one pressure reservoir of the pressure reservoir device is arranged circumferentially around the gas generation chamber, in particular all around. This is advantageous in that the storage power plant can be designed to be particularly compact. The pressure reservoir arranged to surround the gas generation chamber can be configured as a pressure reservoir vessel and further serves as a reinforcing means for the gas generation chamber. Advantageously, the storage power plant according to the invention can be operated with particularly high explosion pressures.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure storage device comprises a number of pressure storage sections connected in series, the last of which is configured to extract gas produced during an explosion of the working fluid. The cascaded arrangement of the pressure storage sections allows the pressure generated by the explosion to be reduced with each successive pressure storage section, so that the last pressure storage section is maintained at a constant pressure required, for example, for the continuous operation of a turbine for generating electricity. The storage power plant according to the invention can be operated isobarically and / or adiabatically.

[0020] It is also conceivable that the final pressure reservoir comprises several pressure vessels connected in parallel, with this arrangement allowing the gas generating chamber to be vented directly to one of the parallel connected pressure reservoirs, which advantageously results in a particularly efficient storage power plant.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the pressure storage device comprises a plurality of pressure storages connected in series, the temperature of each of which can be adjusted. For this purpose, the pressure storages can be housed in a heat exchange bath, which can be a water bath, an oil bath or a molten salt bath. By adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange bath, the temperature of the explosion gases inside the pressure storage can be adjusted. It is also conceivable that heat is exchanged in the heat exchange bath, i.e., heat is extracted from the pressure storage during the explosion of the working fluid, and this heat is used to heat the heat storage. The stored heat can be used when needed. Advantageously, a particularly efficient operation of the storage power plant is achieved.

[0022] Preferably, the storage power plant has a heat exchange device including at least one heat exchanger arranged to surround the gas generation chamber, which can evacuate the heat generated during the explosion of the working fluid, advantageously significantly reducing thermal stress in the gas generation chamber.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, a damping means is arranged in the gas generation chamber, and includes, inter alia, a movable piston, the movement of which can change the volume of the gas generation chamber. The piston forms a movable wall of the gas generation chamber for this purpose. Movement of the piston during explosion of the working fluid can reduce the forces acting on the walls and valve of the gas generation chamber. Although not essential, the damping means can have a return means, which can be a mechanical return means, such as a coil spring, or a hydraulic or pneumatic return means. It is understood that the return means can be pre-tensioned to allow the damping effect to be adjusted. For example, a storage power plant according to the present invention can have a movable piston with a pre-loaded coil spring.

[0024] The damping means may include a plurality of weight elements arranged on the piston opposite the gas-generating chamber. These weight elements may be disk-shaped or ring-shaped, with the ring-shaped weight elements circumferentially surrounding the disk-shaped weight elements. Vertically adjacent weight elements form a weight element cascade, i.e., the weight elements are arranged in a cascade. The piston may contact the weight elements during expansion of the gas-generating chamber or may be spaced apart from the weight elements, and the piston may move the weight elements in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity during movement to expand the gas-generating chamber. Advantageously, an additional damping effect is achieved. Furthermore, particularly high pressures can be generated, thereby increasing efficiency. Also advantageously, a controlled pressure increase is possible.

[0025] Adjacent weight elements can be connected to one another by radially extending connecting webs, which run through slot-like openings in the wall, which serve as guides for the weight elements. It is also conceivable that ventilation channels are provided in the region of the connecting webs, through which compressed air can pass between vertically adjacent weight elements during operation of the storage power plant according to the invention.

[0026] Between vertically adjacent weight elements spaced apart from one another, damping means may be provided, which are configured to damp collisions between adjacent weight elements when the storage power plant according to the invention is in operation. The damping means may comprise stop plates which may be interconnected by return means which may comprise a plurality of coil springs.

[0027] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the gas-generating chamber has at least one through-opening in the wall of the gas-generating chamber, which through-opening is covered by the damping means in its base position and exposed in its operating position. The damping means is particularly configured to be movable. Advantageously, part of the pressure released upon explosion of the working fluid is used to move the damping means from its base position to its operating position so that at least one through-opening leading to the pressure reservoir of the pressure reservoir device is exposed. Also advantageously, no valves are required, which simplifies the construction of the storage power plant.

[0028] Preferably, the gas generating chamber has a vent line connecting it to the last pressure reservoir or one of the last pressure reservoirs of a pressure storage device comprising a plurality of pressure reservoirs connected in series. Advantageously, the gas generating chamber can be vented to the last pressure reservoir or one of the last pressure reservoirs, thereby minimizing pressure losses. The last pressure reservoir or one of the last pressure reservoirs can comprise a plurality of pressure vessels connected in parallel, which can be filled from another pressure vessel connected in a preceding stage or via the vent of the gas generating chamber. For this purpose, the valves of the pressure vessels can be individually controlled, so that the pressure vessel is first filled with explosive gas via the vent from the gas generating chamber before being filled with explosive gas from the pressure reservoir connected in a preceding stage. Furthermore, advantageously, such an operating mode ensures that explosive gas is continuously drawn off at a constant pressure from at least one of the plurality of pressure reservoirs or the last pressure reservoir.

[0029] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the explosion gas generated by the explosion of the working fluid in the gas-generating chamber is passed through a number of pressure reservoirs connected in series of a pressure storage device, the pressure reservoirs being at different pressures from one another. Advantageously, this cascade arrangement of pressure vessels ensures continuous operation of the storage power plant: the last pressure reservoir can be withdrawn at a constant pressure, despite the discontinuous operation of the gas-generating chamber due to the repeated introduction of the working fluid for explosion. The pressure in the series of pressure reservoirs can then be reduced from the gas-generating chamber towards the turbine for generating electricity.

[0030] In yet another aspect of the method according to the invention, the detonation gases produced by the explosion of the working fluid in the gas generation chamber are extracted from the last of the pressure reservoirs to operate a turbine for generating electricity, and it is also conceivable that the detonation gases produced are purified before being supplied to the turbine.

[0031] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the last pressure reservoir of a series of pressure reservoirs of a pressure reservoir device is heated, which advantageously ensures that the outlet nozzle through which the generated explosion gases are extracted and fed to the turbine does not become iced during the expansion of the explosion gases.

[0032] Preferably, the gas generating chamber is vented to at least one pressure reservoir.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the storage power plant comprises an additional power generating device that can be operated by moving a weight element in the direction of gravity or against gravity. The power generating device can have a moving means comprising at least one push rod or rack, the linear movement of which is converted into a rotational movement of the drive shaft of the generator. For this purpose, the moving means can be connected to a piston or weight element of the storage power plant. Advantageously, the efficiency of the storage power plant is further improved.

[0034] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of embodiments and the accompanying drawings which refer to these embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates several embodiments of a storage power plant according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows several alternative embodiments and details of a storage power plant according to the invention; [Figure 3] 2 shows another special embodiment of a storage power plant according to the invention. [Figure 4] 3 shows details of another embodiment of a storage power plant according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 shows details of another embodiment of a storage power plant according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 3 shows details of another particular embodiment of a storage power plant according to the invention. [Figure 7] 2 shows details of a particular embodiment of a storage power plant according to the invention; [Figure 8] 3 shows details of several further particular embodiments of a storage power plant according to the invention;

[0036] The storage power plant 1, shown schematically in a side view in Figure 1a, comprises a gas generation chamber 2 capable of exploding a solid working fluid (working medium) 3. The gas generation chamber 2 is fluidly connected to a pressure storage vessel 5 via a connecting line 4 so that the explosion gas produced during the explosion can flow from the gas generation chamber 2 into a first pressure storage vessel 5 of a pressure storage device 6 via a pressure release valve, not shown in Figure 1a.

[0037] The pressure storage device 6 further comprises two pressure storage vessels 7, 8, the first pressure storage vessel 5 being fluidly connected to the second pressure storage vessel 7 via a connecting line 9, and the second pressure storage vessel 7 being fluidly connected to the third pressure storage vessel 8 via a connecting line 10. The third pressure storage vessel 8 has a fluid connection means 11 which may include a gas outlet nozzle, and through this fluid connection means 11, the explosion gas generated by the explosion can flow towards the turbine 12 to operate the turbine 12. The storage power plant 1 is directly operated by the explosion gas generated upon explosion of the working fluid 3.

[0038] The internal pressure of the pressure storage vessels 5, 7, 8 decreases from the first pressure storage vessel 5 to the third or last pressure storage vessel 8, so that the last pressure storage vessel 8 always has the pressure required for the operation of the turbine 12. It is further understood that the first pressure storage vessel 5 and the second pressure storage vessel 7 have at least one pressure relief valve per pressure storage vessel 5, 7, which is not shown in FIG. 1a. The pressure storage vessels 5, 7, 8 are arranged in a cascade within the pressure storage device 6, and the pressure relief valve allows the explosion gases generated during the explosion of the working fluid 3 in the gas-generating chamber 2 to enter each next pressure storage vessel 5, 7, 8 at a sufficiently high pressure.

[0039] In the method according to the present invention for operating a storage power plant 1, a solid working fluid 3 explodes in the gas generation chamber 2. This causes a sudden volume expansion in the gas generation chamber, particularly due to the working fluid changing state from solid to gas. This causes a sudden and significant increase in pressure in the gas generation chamber 2, which in this embodiment has a constant volume, resulting in overpressure in the gas generation chamber 2. The explosion gas that causes this overpressure can escape from the gas generation chamber 2 through the pressure relief valve and flow into the pressure storage vessel 5 via the connecting line 4. The pressure relief valve closes when the pressure in the gas generation chamber is below a threshold pressure, preventing the explosion gas from flowing back into the gas generation chamber 2 from the pressure storage vessel 5.

[0040] Furthermore, the other pressure storage vessels 7 and 8 are also provided with pressure relief valves. Thus, in this embodiment, the three pressure storage vessels 5, 7, and 8 connected in series form a pressure storage vessel cascade through which the explosion gas generated upon explosion of the solid working fluid 3 can flow only in one direction, i.e., toward the turbine 12. The pressure storage vessels 5, 7, and 8 are sized so that, during operation of the storage power plant, a constant pressure is maintained in the last pressure storage vessel 8 of the cascade, which can be used for the continuous operation of the turbine 12. To enable such continuous operation of the storage power plant 1, new solid working fluid 3 must be introduced into the gas generation chamber 2 and exploded each time an explosion occurs in the gas generation chamber 2 and the gas generated therein is removed. It will be understood that venting the gas generation chamber 2 may be necessary in some cases. Despite the discontinuous explosions of the solid working fluid 3 one after another, continuous operation of the storage power plant 1 is achieved thanks to the pressure storage device 6. It will be understood that the storage power plant 1 according to the present invention may have a different number of pressure storage vessels, for example, only one, two, or more than two pressure storage vessels.

[0041] The storage power plant 1, shown diagrammatically in a side view in FIG. 1b, differs from the storage power plant shown in FIG. 1a in that it is provided with a heat exchanger 13, which comprises a first heat exchanger 14 configured for heat exchange with the gas-generating chamber 2 and a second heat exchanger 15 configured for heating the third pressure storage vessel 8. The two heat exchangers 14 and 15 are fluidly connected to each other via a connecting pipe 16, so that the heat extracted from the gas-generating chamber 2 can be used to heat the third pressure storage vessel 8. Advantageously, no additional heating is required to heat the explosion gases exiting the pressure storage vessel 8, which would otherwise cause icing. The heat exchanger 13 can be operated with a liquid medium, such as water, or a gaseous medium, such as steam.

[0042] Although not shown in Fig. 1b, it is also conceivable that the first heat exchanger 14 or the second heat exchanger 15 are configured for district or local heating, for generating electricity from heat, or for storing heat. With the storage power plant according to the invention, heat can advantageously be produced in addition to electricity.

[0043] The storage power plant 1, schematically illustrated in a cross-sectional plan view in FIG. 1c, differs from the storage power plant illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b in that in this embodiment, a first pressure storage vessel 5, which has a cylindrical cross section, is arranged circumferentially to surround the cylindrical gas generation chamber 2. The pressure storage vessel 5 is provided as a reinforcing means for reinforcing the gas generation chamber 2. Thus, the pressure storage vessel 5 functions as a reinforcing sleeve surrounding the gas generation chamber 2. Furthermore, FIG. 1c illustrates a plurality of pressure relief valves 17, through which explosion gas generated by explosion of the working fluid 3 (fuel) can flow from the gas generation chamber 2 towards the third pressure storage vessel 8.

[0044] Although not shown in any of Figures 1a to 1c, it is also conceivable that at least one, two or all of the pressure storage vessels 5 to 8 are arranged in a heat exchange bath. Advantageously, the temperature inside the pressure storage vessels 5 to 8 can be regulated.

[0045] Reference is now made to Figure 2. In Figure 2, parts that function identically or similarly are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 1, but the letter a is added to each related reference numeral.

[0046] The storage power plant 1a, shown schematically in a partially cross-sectional side view in FIGS. 2a and 2b, differs from the storage power plant shown in FIG. 1 in that a piston 18 is arranged in the gas-generating chamber 2a and is movable along a double-headed arrow 19 from a base position shown in FIG. 2a to an operating position shown in FIG. 2b against the restoring force of a restoring means, which in this embodiment is configured as a spring 20. The piston 18 damps a sudden pressure increase in the gas-generating chamber 2a when the solid working fluid 3 explodes and, as a result, explosion gas 21 is generated. Advantageously, the pressure acting on the load of the gas-generating chamber 2a and on the pressure relief valve 17a is lower than in the absence of a damping means including the piston 18. A vent opening 22 is provided to vent the area above the piston 18.

[0047] The storage power plant 1a, shown schematically in partial cross-sectional side views in FIGS. 2c and 2d, differs from the storage power plant shown in FIGS. 1, 2a, and 2b in that a through-hole 24 penetrates the wall 23 of the gas generation chamber 2a. This through-hole 24 fluidly connects the gas generation chamber 2a to the pressure storage vessel 5a and includes a pressure relief valve 17a. The through-hole 25 in the gas generation chamber 2a is covered in the base position of the movable piston 18 shown in FIG. 2c and is only exposed when the piston 18 moves from the base position shown in FIG. 2c to the operating position shown in FIG. 2d. This allows the explosion gas 21 generated upon explosion of the working fluid 3a to flow through the through-hole 24 into the pressure storage vessel 5a. When the internal pressure of the gas generation chamber 2a decreases, the piston 18 is returned to its base position by the return force of a return means, in this embodiment, a spring 20, thereby covering the through-hole 25. This embodiment achieves particularly material-friendly operation of the storage power plant 1a.

[0048] It is conceivable that the spring 20, which is in particular designed as a coil spring, is preloaded.

[0049] It is understood that in the basic position shown in Figures 2a and 2c, the piston 18 can rest against a stop, which is not shown in Figure 2. The stop can be formed, for example, as a ring-shaped stop element.

[0050] Reference is now made to Figure 3. In Figure 3, parts that function identically or similarly are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 2, but the letter b is added to each of the related reference numerals.

[0051] The storage power plant 1b shown in Fig. 3 differs from the storage power plant shown in Fig. 1 in that it is provided with a bypass line 26, which serves as a ventilation line, through which the high-temperature explosion gases generated during the explosion of the working fluid 3b can be removed from the gas-generating chamber 2b and directly fed to the third pressure storage vessel 8b. Advantageously, the temperature of the gas in the third pressure storage vessel 8b can be adjusted. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent icing of the nozzles through which the explosion gases are removed to operate the turbine.

[0052] Reference is now made to Figure 4. In Figure 4, parts that function identically or similarly are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 3, but the letter c is added to each of the related reference numerals.

[0053] The final pressure storage unit 8c of a pressure storage power plant 1c with multiple pressure storage units, shown in detail in FIG. 4, has three pressure storage vessels 27-29 arranged in parallel and connected to a gas generation chamber (not shown in FIG. 4) via a bypass line 26c. Via the bypass line 26c, the gas generation chamber can vent to the pressure storage vessels 27-29. A valve 30 is provided in the bypass line 26c before each pressure storage vessel 27-29, allowing control of the flow of gas into each pressure storage vessel 27-29. The connecting line 10c, through which the generated explosive gas can flow from the preceding pressure storage vessels to the pressure storage vessels 27-29, is divided into three sections 31-33, each of which has a control valve 34. The explosive gas can flow from the pressure storage vessels 27-29 to the fluid connection means 11c under the control of a valve 35.

[0054] It is also conceivable that the pressure reservoir 8c includes only a single pressure reservoir with multiple pressure reservoir chambers instead of multiple pressure reservoir vessels 27-29.

[0055] Although not shown in FIG. 4, it is also conceivable that the bypass pipe 26c has a compressor, by which the generated explosion gas can be compressed.

[0056] It is further conceivable that the explosion gas compressed by the compressor, coming from the vent of the gas generation chamber, is sent directly to the turbine. After the explosion of the working fluid, the remaining gas can be sucked out of the gas generation chamber and fed to a separate pressure storage vessel. The gas generation chamber can then be filled with fresh air. Advantageously, the generated explosion gas is not released into the environment.

[0057] Reference is now made to Figure 5. In this Figure, parts that function identically or similarly are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 4, but the letter d is added to each of the related reference numerals.

[0058] The storage power plant 1d, shown diagrammatically in a partially cross-sectional side view in FIGS. 5a and 5b, differs from the storage power plant shown in FIG. 2 in that a piston 18d, movable along the double arrow 19d, rests, in the piston's basic position shown in FIG. 5a, on a circumferentially arranged stop ring 36 and is connected by a spring 20 formed as a return means, to an additional weight element 37, which, in the piston's basic position shown in FIG. 5a, rests on a ring-shaped return damping element 38. The piston 18d damps the sudden pressure increase in the gas-generating chamber 2d when the solid working fluid 3d explodes as shown in FIG. 5b, resulting in the generation of explosion gas 21d. This additional damping effect is advantageous. Furthermore, particularly high pressures can be generated, which increases efficiency.

[0059] It is also conceivable that instead of the vent opening 22d an opening is provided through which the additional weight element 37 can be pushed out in an emergency.

[0060] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that above the additional weight element 37 further damping means are provided which can damp the upward movement of the weight element 37 .

[0061] It is further contemplated that a rigid coupling means may be used instead of the spring 20d.

[0062] Reference is now made to Figure 6. In Figure 6, parts that function identically or similarly are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 5, but the letter e is added to each of the related reference numerals.

[0063] The storage power plant 1e shown diagrammatically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Figure 6a differs from the storage power plants shown in Figures 2 and 5 in that the piston 18e, which is movable along the double arrow 19e, rests, in the basic piston position shown in Figure 5a, on a circumferentially arranged stop ring 36e and is connected by a spring 20e formed as a return means, to an additional disk-shaped weight element 39, which in this embodiment is surrounded by a ring-shaped weight element 40 and is arranged below further weight elements 42 to 47 forming a vertical weight element cascade.

[0064] The weight elements 39, 41, and 44 are disk-shaped, while the weight elements 40, 42, 43, and 45-47 are ring-shaped. The ring-shaped weight elements 42 and 43 circumferentially surround the disk-shaped weight element 41, while the ring-shaped weight elements 45-47 circumferentially surround the disk-shaped weight element 44. A damping member 48 is provided below each disk-shaped weight element 41 and 44, and this damping means 48 is connected to the underside of the weight elements 41 and 44 via a first stopper plate 49. A second stopper plate 50 is provided to rest the disk-shaped weight elements 39 and 41 below the second stopper plate 50 when the disk-shaped weight elements 39 and 41 move upward in the direction of arrow 19e. A total of nine coil springs 51 are provided between the two stopper plates 49 and 50 as damping return means.

[0065] The weight elements of one level of the weight element cascade are each interconnected by a total of eight connecting webs 52, which pass through vertical slot-like openings in the unnumbered walls. This is shown in Figure 6b, a cross-sectional plan view of the weight element cascade taken along section line AA in Figure 6a. For clarity, not all connecting webs are numbered in Figures 6a and 6b. The inventors have determined that this type of weight element cascade results in low-wear operation of the gas generating chamber 2e.

[0066] It is also conceivable that a rigid connecting means may be used instead of the spring 20e. The rate of descent of the weighted element can be controlled via a controllable vent valve in the gas generating chamber 2e, not shown in FIG.

[0067] Reference is now made to Figure 7. In this Figure, parts that function identically or similarly are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 6, but the letter f is added to each of the related reference numerals.

[0068] The storage power plant 1f, shown diagrammatically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Figure 7, differs from the storage power plant shown in Figure 5 in that a penetration pipe 24f passes through a wall 23f of the gas generation chamber 2f, fluidly connecting the gas generation chamber 2f to a pressure storage vessel and including a pressure relief valve 17f. It is also conceivable that a rigid connecting means would be used instead of the spring 20f.

[0069] Reference is now made to Figure 8. In Figure 8, parts that function identically or similarly are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 7, but the letter g is added to each of the related reference numerals.

[0070] The storage power plant 1g, shown schematically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Figure 8a, differs from the storage power plant shown in Figure 6 in that a through-pipe 24g passes through a wall 23g of the gas generation chamber 2g, fluidly connecting the gas generation chamber 2g to a pressure storage vessel and including a pressure relief valve 17g.

[0071] The storage power plant 1g shown diagrammatically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Figure 8b differs from the storage power plant shown in Figure 8a in that instead of a return means a rigid cylindrical connecting member 53 is provided between the piston 18g and the weight element 39g. The diameter of the connecting member 53 is in this embodiment half the diameter of the weight element 39g. It will be understood that the diameter of the connecting member 53 may be larger or smaller than in this embodiment.

[0072] The storage power plant 1g, shown schematically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Fig. 8c, differs from the storage power plants shown in Figs. 6a, 8a, and 8b in that the storage power plant 1g includes a device 54 for operating a generator 55, which device 54 has a push rod 56 and a wire rope 58 connected to the push rod 56 and guided via a deflection pulley 57. The wire rope 58 is connected to the push rod 56 at its upper and lower ends and can be wound up and unwound by two wire rope drums 59, 60 arranged on opposite sides of the generator 55. By winding up and unwinding, the wire rope drums 59, 60 drive the generator 55, and for this purpose, each of the wire rope drums 59, 60 can have a gear not shown in Fig. 8c.

[0073] The lower end of the push rod 56 is connected to the weight element 40g, for example by screwing or welding it to the weight element 40g, and is guided through a through-hole 61 in the weight elements 40g, 42g, and 45g, through the return damping member 38g, and through an unreferenced opening in the housing of the storage power plant 1g. When an explosion in the gas-generating chamber 2g moves the piston 18g upward, i.e., in the direction of arrow 19g, the push rod 56 is driven by the weight element 40g. During this coupled movement, the wire rope 58, guided by the deflection pulley, is unwound from the wire rope drum 60, thereby operating the generator 55 to generate electricity. At the same time, the wire rope drum 59 operates synchronously with the wire rope drum 60 to reel in the wire rope 58. When the piston 18g descends, the driving motion of the push rod 56 and the wire rope 59 occurs in the opposite direction.

[0074] To prevent tilting of the weight element 40g, a group of push rods can be provided, which are arranged adjacent to each other around the circumference of the storage power plant 1g, for example three push rods arranged at an angle of 120 degrees to each other.

[0075] It is further conceivable that only one generator is provided for multiple push rod devices, in which case the wire rope of each push rod device can be guided by a deflection pulley to the respective wire rope drum associated with the push rod device in the area of ​​the generator.

[0076] The storage power plant 1g, shown diagrammatically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Fig. 8d, differs from the storage power plants shown in Fig. 6a and 8a to 8c in that the weight element 40g has an integrally formed bolt 62 which extends through the wall and by means of which the rack 63 with the gear 64 is held in the waiting position shown in Fig. 8d against the restoring force of a restoring means 66 which in this embodiment is configured as a spring. The gear 64 is connected by a shaft 65 to a generator not shown in Fig. 8d.

[0077] When the weight element 40g moves from its rest position shown in Figure 8d, the rack 63 moves upwards due to the return force of the spring 66, which causes the gear 64 to rotate and drive the generator via the shaft 65. When the weight element 40g moves down, the gear rack 63 returns to its rest position shown in Figure 8d against the return force of the spring 66, so that further rotation of the gear 64 can be used to generate electricity. To prevent tilting of the weight element 40g, a group of racks can be provided, the racks of which are arranged adjacent to each other around the periphery of the storage power plant 1g, for example three racks arranged at an angle of 120 degrees to each other.

[0078] It goes without saying that the rack 63 must be guided. It is also conceivable that the gear rack arrangement, including the rack 63, the gear 64, the shaft 65 and the generator (not shown in Figure 8d), is located in a separate housing. It is further conceivable that the bolt 62 is used to drive a spindle gear which operates the generator.

[0079] The storage power plant 1g shown schematically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Figure 8e differs from the storage power plants shown in Figures 6a, 8a to 8d in that the storage power plant 1g has a vent opening 22g to which a ventilation line 67 is connected, through which ventilation can be provided for operating a generator 68. Advantageously, a higher efficiency can be achieved.

[0080] The storage power plant 1g, shown diagrammatically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Figure 8f, differs from the storage power plants shown in Figures 6a and 8a-8e in that the storage power plant 1g has a lateral vent opening 22g and a removable upper cover 69. The cover 69 can be removably attached and can be removed by the acting internal pressure when the pressure exceeds a threshold pressure, thereby pushing the weight elements 40g, 42g, 43g, 45g-47g, 39g, 41g, 44g upwards as an emergency ejection. Advantageously, this can prevent damage to the storage power plant 1g when the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure.

[0081] It is also conceivable that a position detection device, which may have a photoelectric barrier, is arranged in the area of ​​the cover 69. The critical positions of the weight elements 44g-47g can be identified. For example, if a photoelectric barrier above the position detection device is activated, the critical position is exceeded and the removable cover 69 can be removed to prevent a collision with the weight elements. Advantageously, a safety measure is provided against damage to the storage power plant 1g.

[0082] The storage power plant 1g shown diagrammatically in a partially cross-sectional side view in Figure 8g differs from the storage power plants shown in Figures 6a and 8a to 8f in that the storage power plant 1g has a variably sized ventilation opening 70, like a kind of hatch. The size of this ventilation opening can be controlled depending on the internal pressure. Advantageously, if the internal pressure rises too much, a controlled or regulated decompression takes place.

[0083] Although not shown in any of Figures 1 to 8, it is also conceivable that the pressure relief valve or valve of the valve device has a filter device configured to filter solid components from the gases generated during the explosion of the working fluid. This advantageously prevents contamination of the pressure storage vessel and at the same time ensures that the turbine is operated with clean explosion gases.

[0084] It is understood that a vent line, not shown in Figures 1-8, may be provided with an adjustable vent valve for the gas generating chamber.

[0085] It is further understood that all possible combinations of the features illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 are contemplated. For example, the storage power plant illustrated in Figure 1c can have a heat exchanger according to Figure 1b, and the storage power plant 1a according to Figure 2 can have a heat exchanger according to Figure 1b, and the storage power plant illustrated in Figure 7a can include a removable cover according to Figure 8f.

Claims

1. A storage power plant (1-1c), in particular a pressure storage power plant, comprising a gas generation chamber (2-2b) and a pressure storage device (6; 6b) fluidly connected to said gas generation chamber and comprising at least one pressure storage (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c), A storage power plant (1-1c), wherein the gas generation chamber (2-2b) is configured to function as an explosion chamber in which a working fluid (3-3b) used to operate the storage power plant explodes, the at least one pressure reservoir (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) of the pressure reservoir device (6; 6b) is configured to contain the explosion gas (21) generated in the gas generation chamber (2-2b) by the explosion of the working fluid (3-3b); A storage power plant (1-1c) characterized in that a damping means is arranged in the gas generation chamber (2-2b), the damping means including a movable piston (18, 18d, 18f, 18g), and the volume of the gas generation chamber (2-2b) can be changed by the movement of the piston (18, 18d, 18f, 18g).

2. 2. The storage power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas generation chamber (2-2b) has a valve device with at least one pressure release valve, through which the explosion gas (21) generated upon explosion of the working fluid can flow into at least one pressure reservoir (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) of the pressure reservoir device (6; 6b), which is fluidly connected to the gas generation chamber (2-2b).

3. 2. The storage power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas generation chamber (2-2b) has a valve device with at least one control valve, the control of which is synchronized with the explosion of the working fluid (3-3b).

4. 4. Storage power plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one pressure reservoir (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) of the pressure reservoir device (6; 6b) is arranged circumferentially around the gas generating chamber (2-2b), in particular all around.

5. 2. The storage power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure storage device (6; 6b) comprises a plurality of pressure storage sections (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) connected in series, the last pressure storage section (8-8b; 8c) being configured to extract the explosion gas (21) generated upon explosion of the working fluid (3-3b).

6. 2. The storage power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure storage device (6; 6b) includes a plurality of pressure storage sections (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) connected in series, and the temperature of each of the pressure storage sections (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) can be adjusted.

7. 2. The storage power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage power plant (1-1c) has a heat exchange device (13) including at least one heat exchanger (14) arranged to surround the gas generation chamber (2-2b).

8. 2. The storage power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas generation chamber (2-2b) has at least one through-opening (25) in a wall (23) of the gas generation chamber (2-2b), the through-opening (25) being covered by the damping means in a basic position of the damping means and being exposed in an operating position of the damping means.

9. 9. Storage power plant according to claim 8, characterized in that the gas generation chamber (2-2b) has a vent line connecting the gas generation chamber (2-2b) to the last pressure reservoir (8-8c) or to one of the last pressure reservoirs of a pressure storage device (6; 6b) comprising a plurality of pressure reservoirs (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) connected in series.

10. 1. A method for operating a storage power plant (1-1c), in particular a pressure storage power plant, comprising: A method for operating a storage power plant (1-1c), in which a working fluid (3-3b) used to operate the storage power plant (1-1c) is exploded in a gas generation chamber (2-2b) of the storage power plant, an explosion gas (21) generated by the explosion of the working fluid (3-3b) in the gas generation chamber (2-2b) is passed from the gas generation chamber (2-2b) to at least one pressure reservoir (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) of a pressure reservoir device (6; 6b); A method for operating a storage power plant, characterized in that a sudden increase in pressure in the gas generation chambers (2-2b) during the explosion of the working fluid (3-3b) and the resulting generation of explosion gas (21) is damped by pistons (18, 18d, 18f, 18g) of damping means arranged in the gas generation chambers (2-2b).

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the explosion gas (21) generated by the explosion of the working fluid (3-3b) in the gas generation chamber (2-2b) is passed through a plurality of pressure reservoirs (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) connected in series in a pressure reservoir device (6; 6b), and the pressure reservoirs (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) connected in series have mutually different pressures.

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the explosion gas (21) produced by the explosion of the working fluid in the gas generation chambers (2-2b) is extracted from the last of the pressure reservoirs (8-8c) to operate a turbine for generating electricity.

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that each pressure reservoir (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c) of a plurality of pressure reservoirs connected in series of the pressure reservoir device (6; 6b) is heated.

14. 11. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the gas generating chamber (2-2b) is vented to the at least one pressure reservoir (5-5b, 7-7b, 8-8b; 8c).

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