Compressed Air Energy Storage Pressure Control for Round-Trip Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical energy storage systems are either not safe, not efficient, or impractical for effective energy storage and re-generation.

Innovation Solution

A computer-controlled energy storage system that optimizes energy storage and electricity re-generation by using AI, ML, BD, robots, and VR/AR to control factors such as water pressure, compressed air pressure, and release, avoiding high-pressure levels and heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If gas is pressurized to high-pressure level (e.g., 100 atm) for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety and energy loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidsafety risk and energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pressure range for compressed air energy storage. Instead of using extremely high pressures (100 atm), the system operates within a moderate pressure range (e.g., 30-70 atm) that balances energy storage capacity with safety and energy efficiency. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal pressure level that provides sufficient storage capacity without the harmful effects of excessive pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If compressed air is used to drive hydroelectric generator directly, then system complexity is reduced, but energy storage efficiency decreases due to heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidenergy storage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat generation issue from the compressed air energy storage system by not relying on heat as the driving mechanism. Instead of allowing compressed air to drive generators directly through thermal expansion, the system uses compressed air to drive water, which then drives the hydroelectric generator. This separation removes the harmful thermal effects while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If AI, ML, BD, robots, and VR/AR are integrated into the control system, then energy storage optimization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage optimizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a computer-controlled system that can perform multiple functions: monitoring pressure levels, controlling water flow, managing energy release timing, and optimizing overall system performance. This multi-functional control system integrates AI, ML, and other advanced technologies into a unified platform that handles various control tasks, thereby improving energy storage optimization without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system achieves optimized energy storage and release efficiency, ensuring safety, efficiency, and practicality by maintaining a balanced pressure range and minimizing energy loss.

Implementation Method 1

the compressed gas provides a spring-like forces to push/move the water or liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12234797B2Smart controlling systems for energy storage
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 POWER8 TECH INC
  • US12234797B2 patent drawing
  • US12234797B2 patent drawing
  • US12234797B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-controlled energy storage system optimizes the process of energy storage and electricity re-generation. In an energy storage and release cycle, the gas is compressed and released in a pressure range that is optimized in terms of energy storage and release (e.g., round trip) efficiency. In some embodiments, the gas is not pressurized to an unneeded high-pressure level (e.g., 100 atm) and also does not release to an exhaust pressure level (e.g., 0 atm).