Compressed Air Energy Device with Integrated Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid air energy storage (LAES) and compressed air energy storage (CAES) devices have limited efficiency in generating energy from compressed air.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an air turbine, combustion chamber, and exhaust gas turbine with a common housing, where compressed air is expanded in the air turbine, fuel is combusted in the combustion chamber, and exhaust gas is utilized in the exhaust gas turbine to generate mechanical energy, enhancing efficiency by over double the power output compared to a simple air turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a simple air turbine is used to expand compressed air, then the device structure is simple, but the power output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an air turbine and an exhaust gas turbine into a single integrated device with a common housing. The air turbine expands compressed air to produce mechanical work, while the exhaust gas turbine further expands the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to produce additional mechanical work. This merging of two turbine systems allows the device to generate more than double the power output of a simple air turbine while maintaining a compact structure.
2Weight of stationary object
If a common housing is used for air turbine and exhaust gas turbine, then the device is compact and lightweight, but thermal stresses on the housing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air turbine and exhaust gas turbine are housed in a common housing structure, which reduces the overall device weight and footprint compared to separate housings. The housing is designed to withstand the thermal stresses generated during operation, achieving a balance between compactness and structural integrity.
3Loss of energy
If compressed air is expanded only in the air turbine, then the device is simple to operate, but the energy generation efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device continues the energy extraction process in two stages: first, compressed air is expanded in the air turbine to produce mechanical work; second, the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber are further expanded in the exhaust gas turbine to produce additional mechanical work. This continuous two-stage expansion process maximizes energy generation efficiency by utilizing the energy potential of both the compressed air and the combustion exhaust gases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves high efficiency in generating energy from compressed air, with the potential for more than double the power output and a compact, lightweight design, utilizing thermal energy for further efficiency gains.
Implementation Method 1
an air turbine (16) which is equipped for expanding gaseous air from a first pressure level to a second pressure level and produce first energy in the process
Implementation Method 2
a combustion chamber (17) which is equipped for receiving the air expanded in the air turbine (16) and combust fuel in the same in the presence of the air expanded to the first pressure level
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust gas turbine (18) which is equipped for expanding exhaust gas created during the combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber (17) and produce second energy in the process
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating energy from compressed air, having an air turbine for expanding gaseous air starting out from a first pressure level to a second pressure level and in the process produce first energy, a combustion chamber for receiving the air expanded in the air turbine and combust fuel in the same, and an exhaust gas turbine for expanding exhaust gas generated during the combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber and in the process produce second energy. At least the air turbine and the exhaust gas turbine have a common housing.