Hydraulic Transformer CAES for Multi-Stage Gas Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently storing and managing energy fluctuations due to dynamic differences between energy production and consumption, particularly with renewable energy sources, is not adequately addressed by existing technologies, leading to significant discrepancies and inefficiencies in energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system using hydraulic transformers and tubular bundle modules to compress and store gas, utilizing renewable energy to pressurize a liquid, which is then used to compress atmospheric air or nitrogen to high pressures, storing the compressed gas in high-pressure tanks for later energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compressed air energy storage (CAES) is used to store renewable energy, then energy storage capacity is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple compression stages and hydraulic transformers
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the compression process into multiple stages, with each stage handling a specific pressure range. The first compressor handles initial compression, followed by intermediate storage, then a second compressor for final high-pressure compression. This segmentation allows manageable complexity at each stage while achieving overall high compression ratios needed for efficient energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic transformers serve as intermediary devices between compression stages, using incompressible liquid (water) to transfer and transform mechanical energy. The hydraulic transformer receives mechanical energy from the prime mover, converts it to hydraulic pressure, then uses that pressure to drive the compressors. This intermediary approach simplifies the direct mechanical coupling between prime mover and compressors.
2Loss of energy
If multiple compression stages with hydraulic transformers are implemented, then compression efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs hydraulic transformers that use liquid pressure to transmit and transform mechanical energy between compression stages. The hydraulic system allows efficient energy transfer with minimal losses, as liquids are incompressible and can transmit force effectively. The hydraulic transformer converts mechanical rotation to linear motion, then back to rotation at different speeds and torques, achieving efficient multi-stage compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic transformer changes operational parameters (speed, torque, pressure) between compression stages. The prime mover operates at optimal conditions to drive the hydraulic pump, which then delivers fluid at pressures and flow rates optimized for each compressor stage. This parameter transformation allows each compressor to operate in its most efficient range.
3Quantity of substance
If high-pressure gas storage tanks are used to store compressed gas, then energy density is improved, but safety concerns increase due to high pressure containment
Solution Approach 1:
The compression and storage system is divided into multiple stages with intermediate storage points. Rather than compressing gas directly to final high pressure in one step, the system compresses to intermediate pressure, stores temporarily, then further compresses to final pressure. This segmentation reduces the stress on any single containment component and allows for safer, more manageable pressure levels at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic transformer acts as an intermediary that indirectly transfers mechanical energy to the gas compression process. Instead of direct mechanical coupling that would require complex high-speed rotating machinery in direct contact with high-pressure zones, the hydraulic system provides a buffered, controlled energy transfer mechanism that enhances safety.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources are used to pressurize liquid for gas compression, then fossil fuel dependence is reduced, but energy production variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to capture and store energy when renewable sources are producing excess power, before that energy is needed. Compressed air energy storage allows surplus renewable energy to be converted into potential energy in the form of compressed gas, which can then be discharged when renewable production is insufficient. This preliminary action smooths out the variability of renewable energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy that would otherwise be wasted during periods of excess renewable generation. By storing compressed air during low-demand periods and recovering it during high-demand periods, the system maximizes the utilization of renewable energy resources and reduces reliance on fossil fuel backup generation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for using a pressurized gas for energy storage are disclosed. An energy storage system (ESS) comprising a prime mover, a liquid reservoir, hydraulic transformers (HTs), and tubular bundle modules (TBMs) is accessed. The reservoir is coupled to the prime mover and the HTs. The coupling includes filling the prime mover and the HTs with liquid. The prime mover liquid is pressurized at a first pressure, sending liquid to a TBM and an HT. The TBM compresses a gas to a first pressure, using the first pressure liquid. The gas at a first pressure is sent to a second TBM. The liquid at a first pressure is further pressurized to a second pressure. The liquid is sent to a second TBM. The gas at a first pressure is further compressed, resulting in a gas at a second pressure. The second pressure gas is stored in a high-pressure tank.