Compressed Air Energy Storage System with Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage and generation systems face inefficiencies and high costs, particularly in utilizing energy outside peak consumption times and addressing environmental impacts, with existing systems like hydroelectric energy storage being limited by geographical requirements and other inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A combined energy storage and generation system using compressed air and fluid systems to store energy during low demand periods and release it during high demand, incorporating a feedback loop to enhance efficiency, with multiple vessels and liquid/gas configurations to optimize energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydroelectric energy storage system is used to store energy by pumping water from lower to higher elevation, then energy capacity and efficiency are improved, but the system is limited by geographical requirements and large upfront construction costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressed air (pneumatics) instead of water (hydraulics) as the storage medium. The system compresses air into storage vessels during low-demand periods and releases it during high-demand periods to drive turbines. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for large water bodies and elevation differences, providing geographical flexibility while maintaining energy storage capacity.
2Productivity
If hydroelectric energy storage system is used to store energy by pumping water from lower to higher elevation, then energy storage capacity is improved, but direct upfront construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively simple compressed air storage vessels and standard turbine equipment rather than expensive civil engineering infrastructure like dams and large reservoirs. The system uses off-the-shelf compressors, storage tanks, and turbines, which are cheaper and faster to deploy than hydroelectric infrastructure, reducing upfront construction costs while achieving comparable energy storage capacity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional energy storage systems are used to address environmental problems, then environmental impact is reduced, but capacity and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines compressed air energy storage with heat recovery systems and turbine generation in an integrated setup. The compression process generates heat that is captured and stored, then used during expansion to improve efficiency. This merged system achieves both environmental benefits (no greenhouse gas emissions) and high energy storage capacity with improved round-trip efficiency.
4Productivity
If energy is stored during low demand periods and released during peak consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to feedback loops and multiple vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that monitors energy demand patterns, storage vessel pressure levels, and turbine operation status. The controller automatically adjusts compression and expansion cycles, manages heat recovery processes, and coordinates multiple vessels to optimize energy efficiency. This automated feedback loop handles the system complexity while maximizing round-trip efficiency and energy recovery.
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
This system efficiently stores and generates energy, reducing upfront costs and environmental impact by utilizing energy storage mechanisms that are not limited by geographical constraints, achieving higher energy recovery and improved system efficiency through the use of compressed air and fluid systems in a closed feedback arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a gas supply device in communication with the receiving vessel to generate compressed gas into the receiving vessel
Implementation Method 2
the compressed gas forces the liquid through the hydroturbine
Implementation Method 3
a hydroturbine generator that generates electricity as the liquid passes through the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage and generation system uses a combination of compressed air energy storage systems and fluid energy systems, to store energy producing capability at a time when electricity requirements are low, to release that stored energy producing capability at a time when electricity requirements are high.