Method of and apparatus for producing power using compressed air
US5448889A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E70/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for producing power comprises compressing gas from an ambient source during a first period of time; storing the compressed gas in a storage reservoir; and supplying said compressed gas from the storage reservoir to a gas turbine during a second period of time to produce electric power. The first period of time may coincide with periods of off-peak demand for electricity, such as at night. In such case, the said second period of time is during the day. The compressed gas supplied to the gas turbine may be heated in a combustion chamber wherein fuel is burned, and/or a solar collector. The solar collector may comprise a receiver positioned at the top of a tower for receiving the compressed gas, and tracking reflectors for focusing solar on said receiver and heating the gas therein. The solar radiation receiver may comprise a rotatable ceramic member for transferring heat from solar radiation to the gas. A sensing/control unit may be provided which is responsive to the temperature of the gas exiting the solar receiver for effecting operation of the combustion chamber when the temperature of the gas falls below a predetermined value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.