Energy transport system using pressurised fluids

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy transport system using pressurised fluids, comprising: pneumatic compressors or hydraulic pumps; fluid storage chambers or tanks at the discharge point and others at the receiving point; pipes for transporting or transferring the pressurised fluids; pressure sensors; fluid flow or pressure regulators and shut-off valves; multi-stage turbines actuated by the fluids, said turbines driving the electric generators or alternators; and a microprocessor controlling its operation. The materials used are stainless steels, reinforced concrete and corrosion-resistant plastic polymers, such as polyethylene. The compressors are driven mechanically or by means of electric motors powered by the power generators of wind turbines, water turbines or photovoltaic panels. The fluids used are carbon dioxide, ammonia, biofuels, synthetic fuels, natural gas, methane, biomethane, alcohols, water and mixtures thereof, and especially air.

Description

[0001]DESCRIPTION OF AN ENERGY TRANSPORT SYSTEM USING PRESSURIZED FLUIDS. TECHNICAL FIELD: In systems for transporting electrical energy using pressurized gases or liquids. Includes fuels, except hydrogen, and non-fuels such as water and air. It can be considered a continuation of inventions U202100044 and U202400213. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: Hydrogen transport and transfer systems are complicated, expensive, dangerous, and / or ineffective. Something similar occurs with the transport of electrical energy. 142 years ago, at 3 p.m. on September 4, 1882, an engineer working at a power plant in midtown Manhattan closed a circuit breaker, and within seconds, six 27-ton, 100-kilowatt coal-fired dynamos sprang to life. Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Power Station (the world's first electric power station) supplied direct current (DC) power to residents within a radius of approximately onequarter mile. Since then, despite numerous advances, the electrical energy transmission system has not been modified. The present invention allows for the solution or improvement of these systems in a simple and economical way. Objective of the invention and advantages: To be able to transport electrical energy using pressurized fluids through the use of pipes, conduits, hoses, gas pipelines, or oil pipelines. To use a useful, practical, economical, simple, and safe system for transporting pressurized fluids. This system, whether underground or above ground, does not affect wildlife. To preferably use pressurized air for energy transport. It is only necessary to carry out the transfer, and at the destination point, it is stored and / or used directly to drive turbines that, in turn, power electric generators or alternators. The combustion of any type of fuel is not necessary. This is equally valid for pressurized CO2, which can also be recovered usingA closed-loop system. Other fluids can be used for combustion at the point of use or reception. In this case, biofuels or synthetic fuels, alcohols, ammonia, natural gas, methane, biomethane, etc., and their mixtures can be used. Water can also be used. However, this presents more difficulties than transporting gases. The ability to harness renewable energy to generate electricity. The ability to use multiple small installations for individual energy transmission. Compressors or hydraulic pumps can be additionally powered using turbines from coal and nuclear power plants, waterfalls, water currents, or wave energy, either directly or using the electricity generated by these sources or by photovoltaic panels to power electric motors that, in turn, drive air compressors or hydraulic pumps if dealing with liquids. Using compressed airUsing wind turbines, these systems do not require complicated and expensive electric generators. They are less affected by electrical discharges. Only small electric generators are needed to power the circuits. This system is very useful for offshore wind systems. It is also useful when these systems are located on land in remote locations, where large power grids and power plants are necessary. Summary of advantages: It is very simple, very economical, does not require complex generators, has fewer losses, and is easy to implement, repair, and maintain. It produces zero or minimal environmental pollution and has less impact on fauna and flora. It is less affected by electrical discharges, does not use fuels and their associated hazards or pollution, allows for a greater number of lines and supply points, which are more individual and versatile. It is easier to use in mountainous areas, on lakes, and at sea. DESCRIPTION OF THEINVENTION Problem to be solved. There is difficulty in transporting renewable energy, once obtained, over long distances. The transport of electrical energy is expensive and inefficient, with 60% losses due to power lines and 40% due to transformer equipment. It affects wildlife, is difficult to navigate over mountains and water, is highly exposed to weather phenomena, and is difficult to maintain. The proposed transport system solves these problems totally or partially. It is very environmentally friendly, especially when using renewable energy and even nuclear energy. The energy transport system using pressurized fluids utilizes pumping devices, conduits, and containers, and is characterized by comprising: a) Pneumatic (air) compressors or hydraulic pumps (mechanically driven by wind turbines, hydraulic turbines from waterfalls, water currents, power plants, or powered by other energy sources).waves, or electrically with electric motors powered by electricity from renewable energy sources, photovoltaic panels or power plants). b) Fluid storage tanks or chambers at the point of discharge and others at the point of reception, (When using high pressure and long distances, pipelines can provide storage until the pressure drops to about 5 or 10 bar) c) Pipelines, conduits or hoses for the transport or transfer of pressurized fluids, (at an approximate pressure between 10 and 300 bar, but it can be higher), d) Pressure sensors or pressure switches that provide the pressures of the pipelines and tanks or chambers, e) Fluid flow regulators, f) Fluid pressure regulators, g) Shut-off valves that cut off the transfer of pressurized fluids in case of failures or leaks, h) Turbines of one or more stages driven by the fluids, which drive the electric generators oralternators, i) A system for recovering the heat released by the compressors and applying it to the ducts, j) A system for applying hot air to the ducts using wind, solar, photovoltaic energy, and an electric heater, k) A microprocessor which receives signals from the control panel, a mobile phone or remote control, atmospheric pressure, pressures in ducts, tanks or chambers, outside temperature in ducts and tanks, leaks in intermediate chambers of ducts and tanks (this is optional), processes them and sends activation signals to the solenoid valves for shut-off, flow and pressure regulation, activation signals to the pumps of the pumping stations, and gives audible and visual alerts. Optionally, expansion valves used for reducing the pressure of air or other gases at the discharge of the tanks. Optionally, heat exchangers at the outlet of the expansion valves for heating the expanded gas. If it is airBefore shipment, the fluid must be dehumidified and have suspended particles removed using filters. Pumping stations can be installed along the pipelines, where electrically driven pumps propel the fluid. Certain sections or areas of the pipelines can also be cooled or heated. Several pipelines, conduits, or hoses can be used in parallel to deliver the pressurized fluid to diversion points, where branches or supply lines are created for other areas. This makes the system more versatile. On land, these pipelines can run underground or above ground. At sea, they must be ballasted or made of a material whose weight prevents them from floating. As an alternative to pressurized air, CO2 or other gases can be used. However, if liquids, such as water, are used, they are suitable if the terrain is relatively flat and when the pipelines or conduits run submerged or for small applications.distances, as these offer much more resistance than gases. Pipelines and tanks or reservoirs can be double-walled for leak detection. Transporting energy using gas pipelines with pressurized gases avoids the losses that occur in the current transmission and transformation of electrical energy. Compressors or pumps can be driven directly by wind turbines, hydroelectric turbines from waterfalls or streams, nuclear or coal-fired power plants, or even by wave energy. An independent emergency system can be added using pressure switches, which, upon detecting a lack of pressure inside the pipes, activate solenoid valves and deactivate the pumps. For energy transport, the pressurized gas feeds a steam turbine, or in the case of liquids, a motor pump, which drives an alternator or generator that distributes the electricity totowns or industrial areas. The pressurized air or fluid can be used for other industrial purposes. The electrical current for operating pumps, compressors, etc., can also be obtained from renewable energy sources, nuclear power plants, etc. The materials used in the pipelines are: reinforced concrete or single or multi-layered stainless steel, aluminum, and corrosion-resistant plastic polymers, such as polyethylene, unaffected by corrosion from seawater and the environment. Multi-layered pipelines can be used, for example, three-layer pipelines with an insulating aluminum layer or plate between two layers of polyethylene. For air, pipelines used for natural gas can be used, as methane molecules have a kinetic diameter similar to that of nitrogen and oxygen in air. This is not a limitation; various corrosion-resistant and insulating metallic materials can be used. When ammonia is used, it is delivered and stored in tanks at the receiving point fromwhere they are sent by separating H2 from N2, using H2 or a mixture of H2 with ammonia for combustion. Four types of fluids can be used for transport: a) Liquid fuels are transferred as fluids. These are applied to a gas turbine where they are burned with the compressed air inside, driving an electric generator or alternator. Fig. 2. b) Gaseous fuels are transferred as fluids, especially natural gas. They are also applied to a gas turbine where they are burned with the compressed air inside, driving an electric generator or alternator. Fig. 2. c) Water is transferred as a fluid. In this case, the pressurized water drives a turbine or hydraulic motor, which in turn drives an electric generator or alternator. d) Carbon dioxide (CO2) is transferred. This could be done in a closed circuit. Fig. 3. e) Air is transferred as a fluid. In this case, the pressurized air comes from compressors driven by wind turbines.Hydraulic turbines or turbines from nuclear power plants, or photovoltaic panels, power motors which, in turn, drive air compressors. The pressurized air drives a steam turbine or pneumatic motor, which then drives an electric generator or alternator. They can also be powered by grid electricity. This is the simplest and most economical system since it does not require any fuel, which is generally more expensive, dangerous, and polluting. Figs. 4, 6, and 7. f) Air is transferred as a fluid. This is similar to the previous system. However, the compressors are driven by offshore wind turbines. In this system, the air is stored in chambers on the seabed from where it is sent to drive a steam turbine or a pneumatic motor, which in turn drives the electric generator or alternator. Fig. 5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows the state of the art for energy transport using a power plantand the distribution network. It is taken from Wikipedia. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a block diagram of the system of the invention using a fuel as the energy transfer fluid. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a block diagram variant of the system of the invention using carbon dioxide as the energy transfer fluid. The CO2 could be recovered using a closed loop. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a block diagram of another variant of the system using compressed air obtained from renewable energy sources as the energy transfer fluid. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a block diagram of another variant of the system using compressed air obtained from offshore wind turbines as the energy transfer fluid. Figures 6 and 7 show schematic views of block diagrams of other variants of the system of the invention using aircompressed air using nuclear power plants. Figure 8 shows a schematic and sectional view of a variant of the duct of the invention that carries an intermediate chamber for the application of hot or cold air. Figure 9 shows a schematic and sectional view of an underground duct to which solar radiation is applied by means of mirrors. Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a block diagram of another variant of the system using compressed air obtained from renewable energy sources as the fluid and a heat recovery system from the compressors, and the application of solar energy and energy from wind turbines for heating the duct. Figure 11 shows a flow diagram of a mode of utilizing the air or pressurized fluid of the invention. MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows the prior art using the installation of a power plant and the distribution network or transmission line for the transport of energy.Considered today to be the largest machines in the world. This is provided to highlight the significant difference with the system of the invention. The entire electrical installation would be eliminated, including the power plant's generator, which would be replaced by a pump, compressor (or compressors), a conduit (or conduits), and a generator (or generators) at the point (or points) of reception. Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the invention. It consists of an initial fuel storage tank (4f) from which fuel is recirculated via the main pipes or conduits (3) to storage tanks (4s) near the point of use. From there, via conduit (3s), it is applied by the pump or compressor (2c) to the combustion chamber (13) of a gas turbine, where it is burned along with air from the compressor (14), expanding and driving the turbine (15), whose shaft drives the generator or alternator (16). Along the conduit, certainFluid pumping stations (17). Biofuels or synthetic fuels, alcohols, ammonia, natural gas, methane, biomethane, etc., and their mixtures can be used. Natural gas is particularly useful due to its quantity. Figure 3 shows a variant of the embodiment of the invention, consisting of the CO2 storage tank (4f) from which it is resent via the main pipes or ducts (3) to the storage tanks (4s) near the point of use, from where it is applied via the expansion valve (20), the heat exchanger (5), and the flow regulating valve (7) to the steam turbine (15) whose shaft drives the generator or alternator (16). Figure 4 shows another variant of the embodiment of the invention, consisting of the onshore or terrestrial wind farm (1t) whose turbines drive compressors (2) which receive the air filtered and dehumidified by the filter (2f) and send itThe pressurized air is conveyed through pipes, ducts, or hoses (3i) to the initial storage and collection tank (4a). This tank also receives air from the compressor (2) driven by the hydraulic turbine (8) and from the compressor (2) driven by the electric motor (19), which is powered by electricity from the photovoltaic panels (18). From the tank (4a), the air is redirected through the main duct(s) or pipes (3) to the storage tanks (4s) near the point of use. From there, via duct (3s), it is heated through the expansion valve (20) and the optional heat exchanger (5) to the regulating valve (7), which controls the flow to the turbine (15). The turbine's shaft drives the generator or alternator (16). The turbine may have several stages. Some pipes are diverted via branches (3d) to other points of use, thus avoiding the use of...Large transformer stations. Check valves that isolate the air ducts from each other, preventing the failure of one from affecting the others, are not shown. Figure 5 shows the offshore or marine wind farm (1m) whose turbines drive the compressors (2). These compressors receive air filtered and dehumidified by the filter (2f) and send it to the seabed through pipes, ducts, or hoses (3i) to a storage bag or chamber (9). This chamber consists of peripheral ballast rings (10), a flexible cover or sheet (11), and compressed air inlet and outlet (12). In this case, at a depth of 2000 m, the pressure is the same as the outside pressure of the chamber, i.e., 206 bar. From this chamber, the water is redirected through the main pipes or ducts (3) to the storage tanks (4s) near the point of use, from where it is applied through the valve via the duct (3s).The expansion valve (20) and the heat exchanger (5) (for heating) supply air to the regulating valve (7), which regulates the flow applied to the turbine (15). The turbine's shaft drives the generator or alternator (16). In this case, the heat exchanger can be a simple coil that absorbs the water's temperature. The turbine may have several stages. Check valves, which isolate the air ducts from each other to prevent the failure of one from affecting the others, are not shown. Both of the previous systems utilize renewable energy sources and use only air as the fluid. A more competitive system in terms of simplicity, cost, utility, performance, safety, and lower emissions could not be presented. Figure 6 shows the nuclear power plant (30) with the reactor (31), the cooling tower (32), and the turbine (15p), which directly drives the air compressor (2). The compressor receives air filtered and dehumidified by the filter (2f) and delivers it under pressure.The duct (3) leads to the flow or pressure regulating valve (7), which may be a limiting valve, and supplies air to the turbine (15) whose shaft drives the generator or alternator (16). The turbine is a multi-stage axial turbine. Due to its simplicity, this system allows pressurized air to be sent to multiple locations. This system can be considered the simplest air transport installation of the invention. Figure 7 shows the nuclear power plant (30) with the reactor (31), the cooling tower (32), and the turbine (15p), which drives the generator (16p). The generator feeds the air compressor (2), which receives the air filtered and dehumidified by the filter (2f) and sends it under pressure through the duct (3) to the storage tanks (4s) near the point of use. From there, through the duct (3s), the air is supplied via the expansion valve (20) and the heat exchanger (5) (for heating) to the regulating valve (7), which regulates the flow.The flow is applied to the turbine (15), whose shaft drives the generator or alternator (16). The turbine may have several stages. Its simplicity allows for the delivery of pressurized air to multiple locations. Figure 8 shows a duct (3) containing an inner casing (3i) of one or more layers and an outer casing (3c). Hot or cold air is circulated between these layers as needed. The intermediate chamber can be used to detect leaks. Figure 9 shows a duct (3) buried or semi-buried in the ground (11). Its lower section is surrounded by polymer foam insulation (3f), and its upper section receives sunlight concentrated by a pair of mirrors (31) through a glass or plastic sheet (30). The glass allows sunlight to pass through but not heat to escape. Figure 10 shows the compressor (2) driven by a wind turbine (32) and enclosed in a chamber that collects the heat released by the turbine.During compression, the compressor sends the compressed air to the chamber (3t) located between the duct (3) and the casing (3c). This chamber also receives sunlight concentrated by mirrors (not shown in this figure) and heat applied by an electrical resistor (33) powered by a wind turbine (32). Alternatively, the resistor can be heated by a photovoltaic system. In all cases, this heat prevents the loss of efficiency that would occur if the air or fluid had to expand to feed the turbine. Figure 11 shows a microprocessor that receives signals from the control panel, mobile unit, or remote control, including atmospheric pressure, pressures in ducts, tanks, or air chambers, outside temperature, temperature in ducts and tanks, and leaks in intermediate chambers of ducts and tanks (this is optional). It processes these signals and sends actuation signals to the solenoid valves for shut-off, flow regulation, and pressure control, as well as signals to the pumps in the stations.pumping and compressor actuation signals and pressurization pumps tanks and gives audible and visual warnings.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on August 13, 2025 (13.08.2025) 1. An energy transport system using compressed air, employing pumping devices, ducts, and vessels, characterized in that it comprises: a) Pneumatic compressors, b) Air storage tanks or chambers at the point of delivery and others at the point of reception, c) Pipelines, ducts, or hoses for the transport or transfer of compressed air, d) Pressure sensors or pressure switches that provide the pressures of ducts and tanks or chambers, e) Air flow regulators, f) Air pressure regulators, g) Shut-off valves that cut off the transfer of compressed air in case of failures or leaks, h) Turbines of one or more stages driven by compressed air, which drive electric generators or alternators, i) A system for recovering the heat released by the compressors by applying it to the ducts, j) A system for applying hot air to the ducts using wind energy,Solar or photovoltaic and a thermal resistance yk) A microprocessor which receives signals from the control panel, from a mobile phone or remote control, atmospheric pressure, pressures in ducts, tanks or chambers, outside temperature in ducts and tanks, leaks in intermediate chambers of ducts and tanks, processes them and sends actuation signals to the solenoid valves of the cut-off, flow and pressure regulators, actuation signals to the pumps of the pumping stations and actuation signals to the pressurization compressor of the tanks and gives audible and visual warnings.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that several conduits, ducts or hoses are used in parallel.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the ducts and tanks have a double wall, creating intermediate chambers between them for transporting hot or cold air, and the ducts are smooth internally, 4. System according to claim 1, characterized in that hot air from the compressor recovery chamber is sent through the external or intermediate chamber between the duct and its cover.

5. System according to claim 1, characterized in that in the energy transport, pressurized air is used which is applied to steam turbines that drive generators or alternators that send the current to industrial areas or towns.

6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that in the outlet ducts (3s) of the storage tanks that receive the air for use, expansion valves are placed and behind these heat exchangers to increase the temperature of the air.

7. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressurized air is stored at the bottom of the sea in bags or chambers with a flexible or elastic cover which are weighted.

8. System according to claim 1, characterized in that pumping stations are applied interspersed along the channels, ducts or hoses, where electrically driven motor pumps propel the air.

9. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the materials used in the pipes or conduits are made of reinforced concrete, or several layers of stainless steels, aluminum and anti-corrosion plastic polymers, such as polyethylene, unaffected by corrosion from seawater and the environment.

10. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressors are driven directly by the turbines of wind turbines, hydraulic turbines of waterfalls, water currents, nuclear or coal thermal power plants or those driven by wave energy.

11. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressors are driven by electric motors powered by generators from wind turbines, hydraulic turbines from waterfalls, water currents, nuclear or coal thermal power plants, or powered by wave energy or produced by photovoltaic panels.

12. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar rays concentrated by a pair of mirrors are applied to the ducts and their cover through a glass.

13. System according to claim 1, characterized in that heating or cooling is applied to some sections of the ducts.

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