Methods and systems for generating power from a turbine using pressurized nitrogen
US8963347B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E20/34
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An air separation unit is integrated with a power generating plant to improve the efficiency of power generation. The methods and systems improve the efficiency of power generation by utilizing liquid nitrogen from the air separation unit as the working fluid in a turbine. The liquid nitrogen is pressurized while in the liquid state. After warming the pressurized nitrogen stream by cooling the air for the air separator unit, the compressed nitrogen is expanded in a turbine to perform work. After expansion, the nitrogen is vented to ambient air. The nitrogen in its pressurized state can be used for energy storage and/or for smoothing out power demand on a power grid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.