Air energy storage uninterruptible power supply

Abstract

The system (100) includes at least one storage tank (107) configured to store at least one of the first compressed air or liquid air. The system also includes a power supply system (109) including a turbine (110), a generator (232), and a flywheel (234). The power supply system is configured to receive second compressed air from the at least one storage tank, the second compressed air including either the first compressed air or liquid air heated to a gaseous state, the rotation of the turbine using the second compressed air to rotate the turbine and the flywheel, the rotation of the turbine generating electrical energy in the generator to provide electrical energy to the data center (120) for powering electronic devices of the data center, and providing at least a portion of the second compressed air exhausted by the turbine to the data center for cooling the electronic devices of the data center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an uninterruptible power supply system, and more particularly, to using an air energy storage device to supply power to an uninterruptible power supply device, for example, for critical power applications.

Background Art

[0002] Equipment operating in critical power applications requires a constant or nearly constant power supply to ensure that its critical power applications are always operable. These facilities typically use the utility grid as the primary power source, and in the event of power loss from the primary utility grid, they rely on an uninterruptible power supply device to provide power to their applications. An uninterruptible power supply device typically generates electricity using a generator powered by a diesel motor. Diesel motors emit toxins that can be harmful not only to the environment but also to human health. In addition, diesel motors require frequent and continuous maintenance. Critical power facilities are often limited to using diesel engines to ensure that the facility maintains uninterruptible power.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing cooling from an uninterruptible power supply and an intermittent power source for critical power applications.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In the first embodiment, the system includes at least one storage tank configured to store at least one of first compressed air or liquid air. The system also includes a power supply system comprising a turbine, a generator, and a flywheel. The power supply system is configured to receive second compressed air from at least one storage tank, the second compressed air comprising either the first compressed air or liquid air heated to a gaseous state, and uses the second compressed air to rotate the turbine and flywheel, the rotation of the turbine generating electrical energy in the generator, supplying electrical energy to the data center to power the electronic devices in the data center, and supplying at least a portion of the second compressed air exhausted by the turbine to the data center to cool the electronic devices in the data center. This may include supplying at least a portion of the coldness of the second compressed air or liquid air directly to the data center via a heat exchanger positioned in front of the turbine.

[0005] The method of the second embodiment includes storing at least one of first compressed air or liquid air in at least one storage tank. The method also includes receiving second compressed air from at least one storage tank in a power supply system comprising a turbine, a generator, and a flywheel, wherein the second compressed air includes either first compressed air or liquid air heated to a gaseous state. The method also includes using the second compressed air to rotate the turbine and flywheel, the rotation of the turbine generating electrical energy in the generator. The method also includes supplying electrical energy to a data center to power the electronic devices of the data center. The method also includes providing at least a portion of the second compressed air exhausted by the turbine to the data center to cool the electronic devices of the data center. This may include directly supplying at least a portion of the coldness of the second compressed air or liquid air to the data center via a heat exchanger positioned in front of the turbine.

[0006] In a third embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium embodies a computer program. The computer program, when executed by the processor of a computing device, includes computer-readable program code that controls at least one storage tank to store at least one of first compressed air or liquid air in at least one storage tank; controls a power supply system to receive second compressed air from at least one storage tank, the second compressed air comprising either the first compressed air or liquid air heated to a gaseous state, and the power supply system comprising a turbine, a generator, and a flywheel; controls the power supply system to rotate the turbine and flywheel using the second compressed air, the rotation of the turbine generating electrical energy in the generator; controls the power supply system to supply power to electronic devices in a data center; and controls the power supply system to supply at least a portion of the second compressed air exhausted by the turbine to the data center to cool the electronic devices in the data center. This may include supplying at least a portion of the second compressed or liquid air cooling directly to the data center via a heat exchanger positioned in front of the turbine.

[0007] Other technical features may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates exemplary systems for air energy storage, power supply, and cooling according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a power supply system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a power supply system according to various embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of a power supply system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of a power supply system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates computing devices in power supply and cooling devices according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Figures 1 to 6 described below, and the various embodiments used in this document to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately configured system or device.

[0010] For simplicity and clarity, some features and components are not explicitly shown in all figures, including those shown in reference to other figures. It will be understood that all features shown in the drawings may be used in any of the embodiments described. The omission of features or components from certain figures is for the purpose of simplification and clarity and does not imply that the features or components cannot be used in the embodiments described in reference to that figure.

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure recognize and consider that the facility uses diesel generators to supplement the power supplied to the facility by a primary power source. However, toxins released by diesel generators can be harmful to people working near the generators and to the environment. Furthermore, the need for fossil fuel supply can be costly and inefficient. Embodiments of this disclosure recognize and consider that the facility may not have alternative methods to guarantee uninterruptible power that rely on other energy sources, such as renewable energy sources.

[0012] Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that a stable power supply is required for facilities that require continuous operation capability, such as data centers. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that facilities such as data centers generate a considerable amount of heat by continuously operating the computer systems and associated electronic devices housed within the data center. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that the facility needs to be provided with cooling so that the facility's computer systems operate at a desired temperature and do not overheat. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide uninterruptible power and cooling for critical power applications.

[0013] Figure 1 shows an exemplary system 100 for air energy storage power and cooling according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of system 100 shown in Figure 1 are for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of system 100 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] System 100 may include a power source 101 that generates or receives electrical energy. Power source 101 may generate or receive electrical energy from renewable energy sources. Power source 101 may generate or receive electrical energy from wind, solar, tidal / wave, or any other renewable energy source (a utility grid may also provide power through the same input). System 100 may also receive electrical energy from a public utility power grid. The utility power grid and power source 101 may provide electrical energy to System 100 through the same input to System 100.

[0015] System 100 may include a measuring device 103. The measuring device 103 can, for example, receive electrical energy generated or received by a power supply 101 during periods when electrical energy is readily available and / or cost-effective, and distribute the energy to different locations within System 100. For example, System 100 may include a computing device 104 that controls the entire operation of System 100. The computing device 104 can be connected to the measuring device 103 and / or the power supply 101 to monitor the availability, reliability, and / or price of electrical energy. For example, the computing device 104 may decide to convert electrical energy for storage as potential mechanical energy based on a comparison of the availability, reliability, and / or price of electrical energy with one or more reference values ​​or thresholds. In some embodiments, the computing device 104 may be a service operated by a third party, such as an individual or a company. The computing device 104 may be housed and operated in a location separate from where the rest of the device 100 is located. That is, the computing device 104 is not bound to a specific location.

[0016] The measuring device 103 can supply power to the electrical load 120. The electrical load 120 will be described in more detail below. The measuring device 103 can supply electrical energy to the electromechanical energy converter 105. The measuring device may also be connected to a power grid from which the measuring device 103 can receive electrical energy generated by the power source 101, or from which it can receive electrical energy to supply to the electrical load 120 or the electromechanical energy converter 105.

[0017] The electromechanical energy converter 105 can receive electrical energy from the measuring device 103 and convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy. For example, the electromechanical energy converter 105 may include a gas-liquid conversion system. The gas-liquid conversion system may be configured to use electrical energy to convert a gas into a liquid. The gas-liquid conversion system may incorporate any known gas liquefaction system. For example, the gas-liquid conversion system may operate a Linde-Hampson cycle to convert a gas into a liquid. The gas-liquid conversion system may repeat a cycle of compressing, cooling, and expanding the gas to lower its temperature and convert it into a liquid. Thus, the gas-liquid conversion system may include a compressor, a cooler, a heat exchanger, a separator, an expander, and other equipment necessary to convert the gas into a liquid. The gas-liquid conversion system can be used to convert any number of gases into liquids. In various embodiments, the gas-liquid conversion system is used to convert the ambient air of system 100 into liquid air.

[0018] In other embodiments, the electromechanical energy converter 105 may include an air compressor configured to use electrical energy to compress air to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0019] The electromechanical energy conversion device 105 is not limited to a gas-liquid conversion system or an air compressor. Other embodiments of the electromechanical energy conversion device 105 can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] In some embodiments, the air liquefaction process can include an air separation process that separates air into at least oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) components. The oxygen produced in the air separation process can be used as an oxidant in a chemical element (e.g., iron (Fe)) bed to generate thermal energy that can be used for heating within system 100. The carbon sequestrant in the oxidation process can cause an exothermic chemical reaction in a rapidly oxidizing chemical element bed. In some embodiments, the thermal energy from the oxidation can be used instead of natural gas or other carbon-dependent heat sources.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air separation process can include multiple stages. In one stage, the atmosphere is filtered, compressed, passed through a molecular sieve to remove water vapor and separate CO2. In another stage, the CO2 is captured and the compressed air is sent to a compression system. This method can be nearly energy neutral for capturing CO2 and operating the compression system. The waste liquid stream from CO2 capture removes the energy necessary for the compression system to reach the second stage of compression. This then enables either reducing the total cost of operation of system 100 or reducing the cost of carbon capture or both.

[0022] System 100 further includes a mechanical battery 107 (or mechanical energy storage device). The mechanical battery can store mechanical energy generated by the electromechanical energy conversion device 105. For example, if the electromechanical energy conversion device 105 comprises a gas-liquid conversion system, the mechanical battery 107 may be an insulating container capable of containing the liquefied gas generated by the gas-liquid conversion system. The container may be any container suitable for containing the liquefied gas. The mechanical battery 107 may be an insulated and refrigerated storage tank to maintain a desired temperature for the liquefied gas generated by the gas-liquid conversion system. In embodiments where the electromechanical energy conversion device 105 is an air compressor, the mechanical battery 107 may be a storage tank configured to contain pressurized air. In some embodiments, the mechanical battery 107 may be a storage tank configured to contain both liquid air and compressed air. In some embodiments, the mechanical battery 107 may include one or more liquid or solid substances (e.g., liquid CO2, dry ice, zeolite crystals, etc.) that can thermochemically store (or cold store) thermal energy from (or for use by) the electromechanical energy converter 105. Other embodiments of the mechanical battery 107 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] System 100 can include a heater or heat exchanger 108 (hereinafter simply referred to as "heater"). The heater 108 can heat the air supplied from the mechanical battery 107 to the heater 108. For example, in an embodiment where the mechanical battery 107 stores liquid air, the heater 108 can heat the liquid air from the mechanical battery 107 in order to vaporize the liquid air and return it to a gaseous state. The heater 108 is configured to make the system 100 more efficient by improving the vaporization of the liquid air from the battery 107 before the air enters the power supply system 109. In various embodiments, the heater 108 may not be required for the vaporization of the liquid air stored in the battery 107. In these embodiments, the ambient heat acting on the liquid air as the liquid air moves from the battery 107 to the power supply system 109 may be sufficient to convert the liquid air to a gaseous state. For example, the liquid air can be stored in the battery 107 at a temperature below the temperature at which the liquid air converts to its gaseous state (e.g., at about -320°F at or near atmospheric pressure). Heat from the surrounding air can convert the liquid air to its gaseous state. In this example, the heater 108 is configured to accelerate the conversion of the liquefied gas from liquid to gas. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the heater 108 is not necessary for the system 100 and is configured to make the operation of the system 100 more efficient.

[0024] Heater 108 can heat air using one of several different sources. Heater 108 can generate heat specifically for heating air. In some embodiments, heater 108 may be a gaseous combustion heater, a hydrogen combustion heater or heat generator, an electric heater, or any other suitable heater configured to heat air from a battery 107. In other embodiments, heater 108 may be supplied with heat from a heat source 122 of system 100. The heat source 122 of system 100 will be described in more detail below. When heater 108 uses the heat generated by the heat source 122, the heater utilizes energy that would otherwise be wasted. As will be described in more detail below, the heat source 122 may be a data center server, computer system, and other electronic device that outputs heat during operation. The heat output from such a heat source is typically lost during the operation of the data center. Heater 108 can use the heat generated by the heat source 122 to heat liquid air and convert the liquid air into a gaseous state. Therefore, the heater 108 is configured to make the system 100 more efficient by effectively using the system's energy that would otherwise be lost.

[0025] In an embodiment where the mechanical battery 107 stores liquid air, the vaporization of the liquid air results in an increase in the pressure of the gaseous air due to the expansion of the liquid into a gaseous state. The air released from the battery 107 is released as liquid air at approximately atmospheric pressure. The liquid air is then heated and converted into a gaseous state by atmospheric heat alone or by heater 108. During this heating process, the liquid air changes to a gaseous state and is pressurized above atmospheric pressure. The pressurized or compressed gaseous air is then supplied to the power supply system 109.

[0026] The power supply system 109 receives mechanical energy from the mechanical battery 107 and converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. In various embodiments, the power supply system 109 provides an uninterrupted or near-uninterrupted power supply to the electrical load 120. As used herein, uninterrupted, near-uninterrupted, and its derivatives refer to a power source that provides a constant level of power for a time period of several milliseconds or so from the time a backup power source is needed and / or started up. In various embodiments, the power supply system 109 provides consistent power to the load 120 and includes, for example, a mechanical energy storage mechanism such as a flywheel or chemical battery, either in combination or individually, as a backup instance of nearly instantaneous power to provide an uninterrupted or near-uninterrupted power supply in the event of power loss. In some embodiments, when electrical energy is not readily available and / or cost-inefficient, or when there is a failure of the primary energy source, the computing device 104 may decide to release the mechanical energy stored in the battery 107 and convert it into electrical energy to power (and, in some embodiments, cool) the electrical load 120. For example, the computing device 104 may decide to convert stored potential mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the load 120, based on a comparison of the availability, reliability, and / or price of electrical energy with one or more reference values ​​or thresholds. For example, the computing device 104 may be connected to a power supply unit 109 and be able to release mechanical energy and convert it into electrical energy to supply to the load 120.

[0027] In various embodiments, the power supply system 109 includes a compressed air power generation unit configured to use compressed air to generate electrical energy. In various embodiments, the power supply system 109 includes a turbo expander or expander turbine 110 coupled to a generator to convert the mechanical energy of compressed air into electrical energy. The power supply system 109 is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments of the power supply system 109 can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] The electrical load 120 may be supplied with electrical energy from the power supply system 109. As previously stated, the electrical load 120 may also be supplied with electrical energy generated by the power supply 101 from the measuring device 103 or directly from the public power grid. The electrical load 120 can be any component that consumes electrical energy. The electrical load 120 may be a building housing electronic devices, such as a data center. Other embodiments of the electrical load 120 can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] The heat source 122 may be a high-power environment that generates heat. The high-power environment may be part of the electrical load 120. For example, if the electrical load 120 is a data center, then, as described above, the heat source 122 may be servers, computer systems, and other electronic devices in the data center that generate heat during operation. Other embodiments of the heat source 122 can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] The heat source 122 may be cooled by the exhaust of the power supply system 109. For example, when the power supply system 109 includes a compressed air power turbine 110 as described above, the turbine 110 converts compressed air from the mechanical battery 107 into electrical energy. In the process of converting compressed air into electrical energy, the turbine 110 discharges cold air. The cold air exhausted by the turbine 110 may be supplied to the heat source 122 to cool it. Cooling can be done directly or indirectly. An example of direct cooling is simply injecting air from the exhaust of the turbine 110 or an upstream heat exchanger into the data center through one or more air ducts. An example of indirect cooling is cooling a fluid via a coil pumped into the data center's cooling system, which cools the data center using existing fans via cooling from a fluid circulating from the turbine 110 or an upstream heat exchanger byproduct. In some embodiments, the fluid is, for example, a non-freezing fluid with a temperature of -128°F to -6°F. Thermal energy from the data center hot aisle air can be transferred to a non-freezing fluid. Therefore, the fluid can be used as a heat conductor. Other embodiments for cooling the heat source 122 can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] The heat source 122 can be cooled by a heat capture cooling process from the liquid or compressed air cold content extracted into the heat transfer byproduct at the heater 108 upstream of the power supply system 109. The byproduct of heating the liquid air is the significant thermal mass of the cold air or cold fluid remaining after the heating or heat exchange process has boiled the cryogenic temperatures due to the extreme temperature difference of the liquid air (e.g., about -320°F at or near atmospheric pressure, and ambient air or fluid temperatures above 32°F).

[0032] For example, when compressed air is the energy source, the Joule-Thomson effect, which describes the change in gas temperature when subjected to a rapid change in pressure, comes into play. During decompression from the storage pressure in the mechanical cell 107 (e.g., 4000 psi) to the operating pressure in the turbine 110 (e.g., 600 psi), the air temperature drops rapidly. Heater 108 may be used to raise the air temperature to ambient temperature (e.g., above 32°F) to prevent freezing of any water molecules that may be present in the compressed air. Byproducts of raising and maintaining the compressed air temperature above 32°F are cold air from an air-to-air heat exchange upstream of the turbine 110 or cold fluid from an air-to-fluid heat exchange. A cryogenic thermal liquid or air-cooling solution for use in the heat source 122 can be obtained from the byproducts at this point.

[0033] Figure 2 shows an example of a power supply system 209 of a power supply and cooling system 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Power supply system 209 is an embodiment of power supply system 109 in Figure 1, and power supply and cooling system 200 in Figure 2 is an embodiment of system 100 in Figure 1. The embodiments of power supply system 209 shown in Figure 2 are for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of power supply system 209 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the power supply system 209 includes a turbine 230, a generator or AC generator 232 (hereinafter simply referred to as the “generator”), and a flywheel 234 (or, in various embodiments, a chemical battery individually or in combination with the flywheel 234) for supplying power to the data center 220. Compressed air from a storage tank 207 can be supplied to the turbine 230 through a supply line 217, as will be described in more detail below. The turbine 230 is powered by the compressed air to rotate a shaft coupled to the generator 232. The generator 232 is configured to convert the mechanical energy generated by the turbine 230 into electrical energy. Specifically, the rotor of the generator 232 can be coupled to the rotating shaft 236 of the turbine 230 to generate electrical energy.

[0035] In various embodiments, the shaft 236 of the turbine 230 may also be coupled to the flywheel 234, such that the turbine 230, generator 232, and flywheel 234 are on a common shaft or axis (236 and 238). In some embodiments, the turbine 230, generator 232, flywheel 234, and shafts 236, 238 may be oriented along a horizontal axis. However, the disclosure is not limited to horizontal arrangement. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of these components, including the flywheel 234 and shafts 236, 238, may be oriented vertically. In some embodiments, one or more of the turbine 230, generator 232, flywheel 234, and shafts 236, 238 may be assembled or positioned on a linear skid. In some embodiments, the turbine 230 and flywheel 234 may be configured as separate assemblies that can be separately added to or removed from the power supply and cooling unit 200 for retrofitting to an existing combustion engine power generation platform. In some embodiments, the turbine 230 and generator 232 are comprised of a vertically positioned flywheel 234 independent of the horizontal shaft 236, with power transmission carried out through one or more other devices (e.g., a stationary transfer switch, an automatic transfer switch, a chemical battery, etc., or any combination thereof).

[0036] The rotating shaft 236 of the turbine 230 can rotate the shaft 238 of the flywheel 234. The mechanical energy supplied to the turbine 230 can be stored in the motion of the rotating flywheel 234. In some embodiments, a small amount of electrical energy or a small amount of compressed or liquid air can maintain the rotation of the turbine 230, the generator 232, and the flywheel 234. Thus, as will be described in more detail below, if the turbine 230 ceases to supply mechanical energy to the generator 232, or if an alternative power source, such as the power supply 101 that powers the data center 220, fails or is desired to be turned off, the mechanical energy stored in the motion of the rotating flywheel 234 can be used to power the generator 232, and as a result, the generator 232 can continue to generate electrical energy even when the turbine 230 is not operating or is operating at a reduced speed, for example, during startup or switchover. That is, the flywheel 234 continues to rotate the common shafts 236, 238 for a length sufficient to open the air valve, and the turbine 230 again supplies power to rotate the common shafts 236, 238. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the system 200 may include a belt-driven or geared electric motor 242 that can rotate the common shafts 236, 238 during non-production periods to provide a soft start of rotation via a predetermined minimum rotational speed, as will be described in more detail below.

[0037] In various embodiments, the rotating elements of the turbine 230, generator 232, and flywheel 234 may be rotatably supported by magnetic bearings or other low-friction bearings. Magnetic bearings increase the efficiency of the components and reduce the maintenance required for the components compared to conventional bearings. For example, whether the power supply system 209 is used as a power source for the data center 220, the turbine 230 and flywheel 234 (and, in some embodiments, the generator 232 as well) can continue to rotate to provide instantaneous or near-instantaneous backup power in the event of a failure or switchover of the primary power source (e.g., power source 101). The use of magnetic bearings in these embodiments can make this consistent rotation achievable with reduced maintenance costs.

[0038] Therefore, in various embodiments, the power supply system 209 can be used as an uninterruptible power supply to the data center 220. The uninterruptible power supply is used to adjust and / or supply power to the load when the mains power supply fails. The uninterruptible power supply can provide near instantaneous protection from input power interruption. Therefore, the uninterruptible power supply can be configured to supply power to the load within a certain time after detecting that the mains power supply has failed to supply power to the load.

[0039] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a power supply and cooling system 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. This embodiment shown in Figure 3 is for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of the operation of the power supply system can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, in operation 301, the system 200 first decides to start generating power via the power supply system 209. As detailed below, the decision made in operation 301 can be made by the computing device 600 of the device 200. As will be described in more detail below, the system 200 can decide when to start generating power via the power supply system 209 based on several different factors that result in a favorable scenario. In some embodiments, the power supply system 209 may operate continuously or nearly continuously so that operation 301 is rarely performed.

[0041] The storage tank 207 may include the mechanical battery 107 shown in Figure 1. The storage tank 207 may be filled with air processed by the electromechanical energy converter 105. In some embodiments, the electromechanical energy converter 105 may be an air compressor configured to compress air. In these embodiments, the storage tank 207 may be configured to store compressed air compressed by the air compressor. Thus, the mechanical energy stored by the storage tank 207 can store compressed air having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0042] In other embodiments, the electromechanical energy converter 105 may be configured in a gas-liquid conversion system that converts the ambient air surrounding the system into liquid air. The gas-liquid conversion system can liquefy any liquefiable gas. In one embodiment, the gas-liquid conversion system can convert the ambient air surrounding the system into liquid. The gas-liquid conversion system can liquefy any liquefiable gas without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The gas-liquid conversion system can incorporate any known gas liquefaction system. For example, the gas-liquid conversion system can operate a Linde-Hampson cycle to convert a gas into a liquid. The gas-liquid conversion system can lower the temperature of the air and liquefy it by repeatedly compressing, cooling, and expanding the air. The gas-liquid conversion system may incorporate other methods of liquefying a gas without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0043] In these embodiments, liquid air from the gas-liquid conversion system can be delivered to the storage tank 207 by a liquid line connecting the liquid outlet of the gas-liquid conversion system to the inlet of the storage tank 207. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the storage tank 207 can include any number of storage tanks and is not limited to a single storage tank. Specifically, the storage tank 207 may be configured to store liquid air at atmospheric pressure. To store liquid air at atmospheric pressure, the storage tank 207 must maintain the liquid air below the temperature at which it converts to its gaseous state (e.g., about -320°F at atmospheric pressure). Thus, the liquid storage tank 207 may be insulated and may include a refrigeration system to ensure that the liquid air is maintained in a liquid state within the storage tank 207. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the storage tank 207 can be used in any size, shape, or quantity according to the specific operation of the system 200. In yet another embodiment, the power supply system 209 may be supplied via both liquid and compressed air energy storage.

[0044] In operation 303, the air stored in the storage tank 207 can be supplied to the power supply system 209 via the supply line 217 from the outlet of the storage tank 207. According to various embodiments, the power supply system 209 may be configured to generate power using compressed air. In embodiments in which the storage tank 207 stores compressed air, the supply line 217 can supply the compressed air stored in the storage tank 207 to the power supply system 209.

[0045] In embodiments where the storage tank 207 stores liquid air, the liquid air stored in the storage tank 207 may be converted to compressed air before being delivered to the power supply system 209. As shown in Figure 1, a heater 108 may be used to heat the liquid air to convert it to a gaseous state (e.g., boiling). In various embodiments, the heater 108 may not be required for the gasification of the liquid air stored in the storage tank 207. For example, the liquid air may be stored in the storage tank 207 at a temperature below the temperature at which the liquid air converts to its gaseous state (e.g., about -320°F at atmospheric pressure). Heat from the ambient environment converts the liquid air to a gaseous state. In this example, the heater 108 is configured to accelerate the conversion of the liquefied gas from liquid to gaseous. The gasification of the liquid air results in an increase in pressure. This means that the air supplied to the power supply system 209 is compressed air and can be used to power the power supply system 209.

[0046] In operation 305, the power supply system 209 can use compressed air from the storage tank 207 to rotate the turbine 230, and thus generate electrical energy using the generator 232, and / or store mechanical energy using the flywheel 234 (or chemical battery). In operation 307, the electrical energy generated by the generator 232 can be supplied to the data center 220 to power the electrical devices of the data center 220.

[0047] The data center 220 may include the electrical load 120 and heat source 122 shown in Figure 1. In various embodiments, a byproduct of the operation of the turbine 230 is cold air (or possibly hot air). When the compressed air supplied to the turbine 230 is depressurized, the air is cooled and exhausted from the turbine 230. In operation 309, the cold air byproduct of the turbine 230 can be supplied to the heat source 122 in the data center 220. For example, the data center 220 may house a computer system and other associated electronic devices. The computer system and electronic devices in the data center may be powered by the generator 232 as described above. During operation, the computer system and electronic devices in the data center 220 may generate a considerable amount of heat and may need to be cooled to ensure proper operation of the computer system. In operation 309, while powered by the electrical energy generated by the generator 232 in operation 307, the computer system and electronic devices in the data center 220 may be cooled by the cold air byproduct exhausted by the turbine 230. In this way, the power supply system 209 supplies power to and cools the computer systems and electronic devices of the data center 220.

[0048] In other embodiments, the by-products of the operation of the turbine 230 may be hot air. For example, to improve the efficiency of the turbine 230, the cold air supplied from the tank 207 may be heated, for example, using heat from the data center 220 as described above, from the heat of storage generated during the process of air compression and / or liquefaction via the electromechanical energy converter 105, and / or by an external heat source. Heating may be carried out in several stages to ultimately generate hot air that can more efficiently generate rotation of the turbine 230. As a result, the by-products of the operation of the turbine 230 may be hot air that can be stored, transported (e.g., to provide compartment heating, or via an absorption chiller), or released.

[0049] In various embodiments, the efficiency of liquid air and compressed air is improved by adding thermal content (e.g., heat) to the material to reduce the mass flow rate of the product entering the turbine 230 upstream of the process. This added heat results in a higher exhaust temperature in the turbine 230. The higher exhaust temperature may not be a predetermined inflow air or fluid temperature for the data center 220.

[0050] In this situation, a thermal cooling solution for the data center 220 can be extracted from liquid or compressed air via heat transfer in the heater 108 upstream of the power supply system 109. Due to the extreme temperature difference between liquid air (e.g., about -320°F at or near atmospheric pressure) and ambient air (e.g., 32°F or below freezing), the thermal content of the compressed air under reduced pressure (below 32°F) upstream of the turbine 230 can be derived from a by-product of liquid or air at this point, via the Joule-Thomson effect (which explains the change in temperature of a gas when it experiences a rapid change in pressure).

[0051] The cooling of the data center 220 can discharge by-products or cryogenic liquid or air by-products from the heater (or heat exchanger) 218 ​​located upstream of the power supply system 109 via the turbine 230. The output of the heater 218, the by-products can still meet the predetermined incoming cooling temperature of the data center 220.

[0052] In operation 311, the power supply system 209 uses the mechanical energy stored by the flywheel 234 (or chemical battery) to generate electrical energy in the generator 232 (at least partially) when it detects an event. For example, in some embodiments, the event may be a system 200 that detects that the turbine 230 is unable to fully power the generator 232. In these embodiments, the power supply system 209 may be a primary power source for the data center 220. In these embodiments, the power supply system 209 may operate continuously to supply power and cooling to the data center 220. The mechanical energy stored in the rotating flywheel 234 (in the form of angular motion) may be used to generate electrical energy in the generator 232, which may be supplied to the data center 220. This helps ensure that the power supplied to the data center 220 remains constant in the event that the turbine 230 fails to function properly. For example, this could be due to insufficient storage of compressed and / or liquid air in tank 207, a switchover from power supply system 209, which is the primary power source for data center 220, a sudden increase in the amount of power required by data center 220, or a mechanical failure in system 200.

[0053] In another example, the event might be that system 200 detects a switchover or failure of a primary power supply (e.g., power supply 101) for the data center 220. In these embodiments, the power supply system 209 may be a secondary power supply for the data center 220. In these embodiments, the data center 220 may have a primary energy power source, such as power from a power grid. In some embodiments, the power supply system 209 operates to supplement the power supplied to the data center 220 by a utility grid. For example, the utility grid may supply a portion of the amount of electrical energy required to power the data center 220, and the power supply system 209 may generate the remaining amount of electrical energy required to power the data center 220.

[0054] If the power supply system 209 is used as an uninterruptible power supply and the data center 220 is powered by a primary power source other than the power supply system 209, the power supply system 209 may operate as needed to maintain the rotation of the flywheel 234 with sufficient mechanical energy to power the generator 232 for a sufficient amount of time to power the data center until the turbine 230 is fully started to power the generator 232. For example, after system 200 detects a primary power loss to the data center 220, it may take several seconds (e.g., 3 seconds) for the turbine 230 to reach a speed at which the generator 232 can generate enough power to power the data center 220. Alternatively, if the turbine 230 is already rotating, it may take several seconds for the air valve to open and for the liquid or compressed air to fully expand through the turbine 230 to generate power. During these few seconds, the flywheel 234 may already be charged with enough mechanical energy to instantly drive the generator 232 to power the data center 220 during the 3 seconds it takes for the turbine 230 to gain speed. When the turbine 230 reaches high speed, it can be engaged with the generator 232 to drive the generator 232 and supply electrical energy to the data center.

[0055] Figure 4 shows another example of the power supply system 209 of the power supply and cooling system 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the power supply system 209 shown in Figure 4 is for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of the power supply system 209 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The power supply and cooling system 400 in Figure 4 is an embodiment of the system 100 of Figure 1.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the power supply system 209 may also include an energy storage tank 235, and liquid and compressed air energy storage can be used via a compressed air storage tank 207a and a liquid air storage tank 207b. The energy storage tank 235 may be supplied with air stored in storage tanks 207a and / or 207b by supply lines 217a and 217b, respectively. The energy storage tank 235 and storage tanks 207a and / or 207b may be in communication so that the energy storage tank 235 can be filled with a constant amount of air. In one example, the pressure in the energy storage tank 235 may be regulated to 3000 psi. In embodiments where the system 200 uses liquid air, the energy storage tank 235 may be configured to store a constant amount of liquid air. In embodiments where the system 200 uses compressed air, the energy storage tank 235 may be in communication with storage tank 207a, so that the energy storage tank 235 contains compressed air at a constant pressure. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the energy storage tank 235 can contain a mixture of expanded liquid air (e.g., via the heater 108 as described above) and compressed air or captured boil-off air from the liquid air storage tank 207b.

[0057] Figure 4 also shows a chemical battery 240, which may be an array of individual batteries and, as described above, may be used in addition to or instead of the flywheel 234 in various embodiments to store electrical energy for an uninterrupted or near-uninterrupted power supply to the data center 220. In these embodiments, the chemical battery 240 may be charged via the generator 232 in combination with the turbine 230, similar to the discussion of mechanical energy storage in the flywheel 234.

[0058] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the turbine operation of the power supply system 209 in the power supply and cooling system 400 of Figure 4, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments of operation of the power supply system 209 shown in Figure 5 are for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments for the operation of the power supply system 209 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some of the components and operations in Figures 4 and 5 may overlap with the components and operations described in Figures 2 and 3. For the sake of brevity, the description of overlapping components and operations in Figures 4 and 5 will be omitted.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5, in operation 501, the system 400 starts generating power as described above. In operation 503, compressed air is delivered from the energy storage tank 235 to the turbine 230. In embodiments where compressed air is supplied to the energy storage tank 235, the compressed air from the energy storage tank 235 may be delivered directly to the turbine 230. In embodiments where liquid air is supplied to the energy storage tank 235, the liquid air may be heated by one of the methods described above so that the air expands into compressed air before the air is delivered to the turbine 230.

[0060] In operation 505, the turbine 230 rotates to store mechanical energy in the flywheel 234 (or chemical battery) and also rotates the generator 232. In various embodiments, even when the turbine 230 is not being used to power the data center 220, when the power supply system 209 is operating as a backup power source, the turbine 230 is powered via the energy storage tank 235 to keep the turbine 230 rotating at a predetermined minimum speed. In these embodiments, it may be advantageous to use the energy storage tank 235 to maintain the rotation of the turbine 230 so that when the power supply system 209 is started to operate as an uninterruptible power supply, the turbine 230 is already rotating and does not need to be started from a completely stopped position. In addition, maintaining the rotation of the flywheel 234 and the generator 232 may allow the flywheel 234 to engage the generator 232, allowing the turbine 230 to rotate for a sufficiently long time, for example, to reach operating speed during a switchover to use the power supply system 209 as a primary power source for a load.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the energy storage tank 235 can be used to keep the turbine 230 and flywheel 234 rotating at a minimum speed, and in some embodiments, it can also provide cooling to the data center 220 as described above while the data center 220 is powered by a primary power supply, and the storage tank 207 can be used to power the turbine 230 when the power supply system 209 is used to power the data center, as described above. According to other embodiments, when it is determined that the power supply system 209 needs to be used to power the data center 220, the energy stored in the energy storage tank 235 may be readily available and can be used to start the operation of the turbine 230. The energy stored in the storage tank 207 can then be used when it becomes available or when the operation of the turbine 230 reaches a certain threshold. For example, when the turbine 230 causes the generator 232 to reach a certain output, or when the turbine 230 reaches a certain rotational speed, the turbine 230 can begin to be powered by the energy stored in the storage tank 207.

[0062] In addition, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the energy storage tank 235 can be operated and controlled more easily than the storage tank 207, based on its size and proximity to the turbine 230. Therefore, the energy storage tank 235 is more readily available in various scenarios where the turbine 230 requires compressed air quickly and is suitable for serving as a short-term power source for the turbine 230.

[0063] In operation 507, the generator 232 supplies the generated electrical energy to the data center 220 as described above. Then, in operation 509, the system 400 may supply air to the turbine 230 from both the energy storage tank 235 and the storage tank 207 for a period of time. The system 400 can eventually stop supplying air to the turbine 230 from the energy storage tank 235 and supply air to the turbine 230 from the storage tank 207. In this step, the depleted air from the energy storage tank 235 may also be replenished by the storage tank 207, or by a standalone compressor or compressor that is part of the electromechanical energy converter 105.

[0064] With respect to Figures 3 and 5, the flowcharts described above illustrate exemplary operations that can be implemented in accordance with the principles of this disclosure, and various modifications can be made to the methods shown in the flowcharts herein. For example, although shown as a series of steps, the various steps in each figure may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, steps may be omitted or replaced by other steps.

[0065] Figure 6 illustrates computing devices 600 in power supply and cooling systems according to various embodiments of the present invention. Computing device 600 may be computing device 104 described above in Figure 1. Computing device 600 can be configured to control the operations of systems 200 and 400 as described in Figures 3 and 5, respectively. Computing device 600 can be programmed to control systems 200 and 400 based on many of the various factors already discussed. For example, when controlling the performance of the operations discussed in Figures 3 and 5, computing device 600 may take into account the price of electrical energy from the relevant utility grid, the amount of energy generated by power supply 101, the amount of mechanical energy stored in storage tank 207, whether the utility grid and / or power supply are unexpectedly unable to supply electrical energy to the data center 220, the amount of electrical energy required by the data center 220, and the amount of time it takes for the power supply system 209 to become as fast as possible to generate enough energy to power the data center 220. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the computing devices 600 of systems 200 and 400 may operate based on factors related to systems 200 and 400 that are not explicitly enumerated above.

[0066] The computing device 600 can be configured to control various components of systems 200 and 400. For example, the computing device 600 can control or monitor operations related to the power supply 101.

[0067] The computing device 600 may control the operation of the measuring device 103. For example, the computing device 600 can control how the measuring device 103 distributes the power supplied to the power source 101 and the power grid. The computing device 600 may be configured to control the measuring device 103 to distribute electrical energy from the commercial grid or power source 101 to either the data center 220 or the electromechanical energy converter 105, based on any number of the above factors, such as the availability of renewable energy sources, the price of electricity from the grid, the amount of potential mechanical energy stored in the storage tank 207, the operability of the power supply system 209 in the event of a power outage, the amount of electricity required by the data center 220, or other factors that may be related to the operation and efficiency of systems 200, 400.

[0068] The computing device 600 can control the operation of the electromechanical energy converter 105. For example, the computing device 600 can control whether the electromechanical energy converter 105 is operating.

[0069] The computing device 600 can control the operation of the storage tank 207. For example, the computing device 600 can control valves associated with the storage tank 207 to allow treated air to flow into or out of the storage tank 207. The computing device 600 can also read sensor readings associated with the storage tank 207. For example, the computing device 600 can determine the pressure and temperature of the storage tank 207 from pressure and temperature sensors associated with the storage tank 207. In embodiments where the storage tank 207 stores liquid air, the computing device 600 can use a liquid level sensor associated with the storage tank 207 to determine the volume of liquid stored in the storage tank 207.

[0070] The computing device 600 may be configured to control the heater 108. For example, the computing device 600 can control whether the heater 108 is turned on or off. The computing device 600 can control the amount of heat emitted from the heater 108. When the heater 108 uses heat generated by the data center 220, the computing device 600 can control how and when the heat is transferred from the data center 220 to the heater 108.

[0071] The computing device 600 can control the power supply system 209. For example, the computing device 600 can control whether the power supply system 209 is turned on or off. The computing device 600 can control the amount of power from the power supply system 209. The computing device 600 can control whether the power supply system 209 is a primary power source to the data center 220, an auxiliary power source to the data center 220, or an uninterruptible power source to the data center 220. Furthermore, the computing device 600 can control individual components of the power supply system 209, such as the turbine 230, the generator 232, the flywheel 234, and the energy storage tank 235. The computing device 600 can control the equipment 200 based on the detected power demand of the data center 220.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the computing device 600 includes a processor 610, a storage device 615, a communication interface 620, and a bus system 605 that supports communication between the device and the input / output (I / O) unit 625. The processor 610 executes instructions that can be loaded into the memory 630. The processor 610 may include any number and type of processors or any other devices in any suitable configuration. Exemplary types of the processor 610 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, and discrete circuits.

[0073] Memory 630 and persistent storage 635 are examples of storage devices 615 that represent any structure capable of storing and retrieving information (such as data, program code, and / or other suitable temporary or persistent information). Memory 630 may represent random-access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 635 may include one or more components or devices that support long-term storage of data, such as read-only memory, a hard drive, flash memory, or an optical disc. For example, persistent storage 635 may store one or more databases, such as data, standard data, results, data, and client applications.

[0074] The communication interface 620 supports communication with other devices. For example, the communication interface 620 may include a network transceiver or wireless transceiver to facilitate communication via system 200 or system 100. The communication interface 620 may support communication via any suitable physical or wireless communication line. The I / O unit 625 performs data input and output. For example, the I / O unit 625 can provide connectivity for user input via a keyboard, mouse, keypad, touchscreen, or other suitable input device. The I / O unit 625 can also send output to a display, printer, or other suitable output device.

[0075] Figure 6 shows one embodiment of the computing device 600, but various modifications can be made to Figure 6. For example, the various components of Figure 6 may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to specific needs. In a particular example, although shown as a single system, the computing device 600 may include a number of computer systems that may be located remotely. In another embodiment, the computing device 600 may be a personal electronic device such as a telephone, tablet, or laptop, or it may provide or update a user interface for control, management, information, and / or connection to any aspect of the computing device 600 and / or apparatus 100, for example, via a software application or other communication interface to the personal electronic device.

[0076] It may be beneficial to provide definitions of specific terms used throughout this book. The term “combine” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether those elements are in physical contact with each other or not. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” and their derivatives, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The term “contain,” and its derivatives, means unrestricted inclusion. The term “or” is inclusive and means and / or. The phrase “related,” and its derivatives, means to be contained within, contained, connected, communicable and cooperating, interleave, juxtapose, adjacent, combined, have, or be related to, or have characteristics of, etc. When used in a term, the phrase “etc.” means that the later-listed terms are illustrative and unrestricted examples of the earlier-listed terms. When the phrase “at least one of” is used with a list of items, it means that one or more different combinations of the listed items may be used, and only one item from the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C.

[0077] Furthermore, the various functions described in this book may be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each formed from computer-readable program code and executed in computer-readable media. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or portions thereof adapted for implementation in appropriate computer-readable program code. The phrase “computer-readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer-readable media” includes any type of media that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drives, compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), or any other type of memory. Computer-readable media that are “non-transient” exclude wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-temporary computer-readable media include media on which data can be permanently stored, and media on which data is stored and can be later overwritten, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable memory devices.

[0078] Definitions of other specific terms are provided throughout this document. Those skilled in the art should understand that, in most but many cases, such definitions apply to the prior and future use of such defined words and terms. While this disclosure has been described using exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to those skilled in the art. This disclosure is intended to include changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Nothing in this application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included in the claims. The scope of the patented subject matter is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. At least one storage tank (107, 207, 207a, 207b) configured to store at least one of first compressed air and liquid air, and A power supply system (109, 209) including a turbine (110, 230), a generator (232), and a flywheel (234), Includes, The aforementioned power supply system is A second compressed air is received from at least one of the storage tanks. The second compressed air includes either the first compressed air or the liquid air, which has been heated to a gaseous state. The second compressed air is used to rotate the turbine and the flywheel. The rotation of the turbine generates electrical energy in the generator. To supply power to the electronic devices (122) of the data center (120, 220), electrical energy is supplied to the data center. In order to cool the electronic devices of the data center, at least a portion of the second compressed air exhausted by the turbine is supplied to the data center. In response to the detection of an event, electrical energy is generated using the angular motion of the flywheel, The turbine, the generator, and the flywheel are coupled to each other on a common shaft (236, 238). The aforementioned event is the detection of the turbine being unable to supply power to the generator, or the detection of a failure in the primary power supply to the data center. System (100, 200, 400).

2. The aforementioned power supply system further, The first compressed air and at least a portion of the liquid air are used to directly supply the data center with cold and hot content via heaters (108, 218) or heat exchangers (108, 218) positioned in front of the turbine. The system according to claim 1, configured as described above.

3. During the non-production period of the power supply system, a motor (242) is configured to rotate the common shaft at a predetermined minimum rotational speed. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. Before the second compressed air is supplied to the power supply system, heaters (108, 218) are configured to heat the liquid air from at least one of the storage tanks or the first compressed air into the second compressed air. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the heater uses heat generated by the electronic devices of the data center.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the turbine and the flywheel are configured as separate assemblies that can be separately added to or removed from the power supply system.

7. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply system is configured to supply power to the data center as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) when the main power supply is unavailable.

8. First compressed air and at least one of liquid air are stored in at least one storage tank (107, 207, 207a, 207b), In a power supply system (109, 209) including turbines (110, 230), a generator (232), and a flywheel (234), a second compressed air is received from at least one of the storage tanks. The second compressed air includes either the first compressed air or the liquid air, which has been heated to a gaseous state. The turbine and the flywheel are rotated using the second compressed air. The rotation of the turbine generates electrical energy in the generator. To supply power to the electronic devices (122) of the data center (120, 220), electrical energy is provided to the data center. To cool the electronic devices of the data center, at least a portion of the second compressed air exhausted by the turbine is supplied to the data center. In response to the detection of an event, electrical energy is generated using the angular motion of the flywheel, The turbine, the generator, and the flywheel are coupled to each other on a common shaft (236, 238). The aforementioned event is the detection of the turbine being unable to supply power to the generator, or the detection of a failure in the primary power supply to the data center. method.

9. The data center is directly supplied with cold or hot content from the first compressed air or at least a portion of the liquid air via heaters (108, 218) or heat exchangers (108, 218) positioned in front of the turbine. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the following:

10. The motor (242) is operated to rotate the common shaft at a predetermined minimum rotational speed during the non-production period of the power supply system. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the following:

11. Before the second compressed air is supplied to the power supply system, the liquid air or the first compressed air is heated from at least one of the storage tanks to form the second compressed air. This further includes, The liquid air or the first compressed air is heated using the heat generated by the electronic devices of the data center. The method according to claim 8.

12. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for realizing computer programs, The computer program includes computer-readable program code, When executed by the processor of a computing device, Control at least one storage tank (107, 207, 207a, 207b) to store at least one of first compressed air and liquid air in at least one of the storage tanks. The power supply system (109, 209) is controlled to receive second compressed air from at least one of the storage tanks, The second compressed air includes either the first compressed air or the liquid air heated to a gaseous state, and the power supply system includes a turbine (110, 230), a generator (232), and a flywheel (234). The power supply system is controlled to rotate the turbine and the flywheel using the second compressed air, and the rotation of the turbine generates electrical energy in the generator. In order to supply power to the electronic devices (122) of the data center (120, 220), the power supply system is controlled to supply electrical energy to the data center. To cool the electronic devices of the data center, the power supply system is controlled to supply at least a portion of the second compressed air exhausted by the turbine to the data center. In response to the detection of an event, the power supply system is controlled to generate electrical energy using the angular motion of the flywheel. This includes computer-readable program code that causes the computing device to perform the following actions: The turbine, the generator, and the flywheel are coupled to each other on a common shaft (236, 238). The aforementioned event is the detection of the turbine being unable to supply power to the generator, or the detection of a failure in the primary power supply to the data center. Non-temporary computer-readable media.

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