An improved method of transporting and storing wind generated energy using a pipeline

摘要

A system and a method for storing and transporting compressed air energy are disclosed. The system comprises at least one power source at a first location (28). The power source is associated with a compressor (26) to store energy provided by the power source as compressed air energy. The system further comprises a pipeline (3) associated with the at least one power source for storing the compressed air energy and transporting the compressed air energy to a location remote from the first location. The pipeline has first and second segments with the first segment being connected to or otherwise communicates with the first location and the second segment being connected to or otherwise communicates with the first segment. The internal diameter of the first segment is larger than that of the second segment. The system further comprises at least one turbo expander and generator located at the second location remote from the first location and a device capable of using the compressed air energy from the second segment to provide energy at a third location. The compressed air energy from the first segment can be released by the turbo expander to generate electricity at the second location. The compressed air energy within the second segment is used to drive equipment at the third location that requires less pressure to operate than the generator at the second location. The equipment at the third location is capable of at least one of the following 1) generating chilled air to provide refrigeration, air conditioning and/or desalination at the third location which requires less pressure than the generator; 2) generating electricity and co-generating chilled air to provide refrigeration, air conditioning and/or desalination at the third location; and 3) driving at least one pneumatic tool or equipment at the third location without having to convert the compressed air energy into electricity first.