Compressed-Air Wind Power Storage Without Lithium Batteries

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wind power storage solutions, such as lithium batteries, have limited lifespans, contribute to environmental pollution, and are costly for storing and utilizing extra wind power.

Innovation Solution

An air-actuated power generating system that utilizes wind energy to compress air, which is then stored and used to drive an air-actuated motor for electricity generation, eliminating the need for battery storage and reducing environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If lithium batteries are used to store extra wind power, then power storage capability is improved, but device lifespan is reduced and environmental harm increases due to limited battery lifespan and disposal issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage capabilityVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (lithium batteries) with a mechanical energy storage system (compressed air in storage caverns). The air compressor compresses excess wind power into stored pressurized air, which can be released to drive turbines when needed, eliminating battery replacement issues and extending system lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by storing energy in the form of compressed air within underground caverns. The air is compressed during periods of excess wind generation and expanded during periods of high demand, providing a reliable, long-lasting energy storage solution without the degradation issues of chemical batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Quantity of substance

If lithium batteries are used to store extra wind power, then power storage capability is improved, but environmental harm increases due to waste disposal issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (lithium batteries) with a mechanical energy storage system (compressed air in storage caverns). The air compressor compresses excess wind power into stored pressurized air, which can be released to drive turbines when needed, eliminating battery replacement issues and extending system lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses compressed air, an inert and environmentally benign substance, as the energy storage medium. Unlike lithium batteries that require complex disposal procedures due to toxic materials, compressed air poses no environmental harm and can be safely released back into the atmosphere after use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Quantity of substance

If lithium batteries are used to store extra wind power, then power storage capability is improved, but cost increases due to costs of storing and utilizing extra power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower storage capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (lithium batteries) with a mechanical energy storage system (compressed air in storage caverns). The air compressor compresses excess wind power into stored pressurized air, which can be released to drive turbines when needed, eliminating battery replacement issues and extending system lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively converts wind kinetic energy into stored pressurized air, allowing for efficient and cost-effective electricity generation without the environmental drawbacks of battery disposal, thus providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.

Implementation Method 1

an air compressor (3) disposed within the housing assembly (2) and fluidly communicating with the air storage device (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The air-actuated power generating system is operated by wind

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Implementation Method 3

a power generating device (5), wherein the power generating device (5) includes an air-actuated motor (51) that is operable by the pressurized air discharged from the air storage device (1), and a power generator (52) that is connected to the air-actuated motor (51)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir-actuated motor:

Data Source

PatentEP4328446B1Air-actuated power generating system

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 CHANG TIEN MING

Figure 1
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Figure 3

AI summary

An air-actuated power generating system includes a housing assembly (2) mounted on an air storage device (1). An air compressor (3) is disposed within the housing assembly (2) and communicates with the air storage device (1) to compress air into pressurized air and to transmit the pressurized air to the air storage device (1). A vane assembly (4) is disposed on the housing assembly (2) and is connected to the air compressor (3) so as to be rotated by wind to drive operation of the air compressor (3). An air-actuated motor (51) is connected to the air storage device (1). A power generator (52) is connected to the air-actuated motor (51). The air-actuated motor (51) is operable by the pressurized air discharged from the air storage device (1), thereby driving the power generator (52) to generate electricity.