Multistage hydraulic gas compression/expansion systems and methods
US8567183B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J15/006
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Multistage hydraulic systems and methods for converting the potential energy of a pressurized gas, particularly air, into mechanical work when operating in motor, and for producing compressed gas from the mechanical work of the rotating shaft when rotating when operating in compressor mode, by performing a successive expansion/compression of the said gas. Each of the systems comprises: a multistage Compression-Expansion Unit made of several hydraulic Compression-Expansion Modules having different capacity and integrating a gas/liquid separating heat exchanger, designed to convert pressure power into a hydraulic power and vice-versa, by performing an essentially isothermal compression/expansion of the gas; a single stage or multistage, direct or indirect, external forced-air Heat Exchanger for maintaining the active liquid at ambient temperature; and a multi-circuit, multi-displacement Hydraulic Motor/Pump for converting hydraulic power into mechanical power and vice-versa.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.