Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange

摘要

A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a first chamber in fluid communication with a compressed gas storage unit; an element configured to effect gas-liquid heat exchange with gas expanding within the first chamber in an absence of combustion; an insulated tank storing a liquid and in fluid communication with the element a member moveable within the chamber to transmit a power of expanding gas, out of the chamber via a mechanical linkage; and a gas-liquid separator in fluid communication with the insulated tank, wherein the gas-liquid separator is configured to receive a gas-liquid mixture compressed within a second chamber.