Patent ID: 11927374
Assignee: GRIDWORTHY TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Field: Thermal processes and apparatus (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC F | IPC F

Claim 5:
6. A method of energy storage, the method comprising:
providing a system comprising:
a motor-generator unit;
a plurality of cylinders having each comprising a moveable piston in communication with the motor-generator unit, and wherein each of the moveable pistons are operable to receive and transmit energy to and from the motor-generator unit;
a plurality of valves associated with each of the plurality of cylinders, wherein each
of the plurality of valves are operable to control a flow rate of a working fluid relative to a cylinder;
a first thermal energy reservoir;
a second thermal energy reservoir;
a controller operable to receive information related to one of a working fluid property, a property of the first thermal energy reservoir, and a property of the second thermal energy reservoir and wherein the controller is operable to control an outlet pressure of the working fluid from a first cylinder in order to change a temperature at which the working fluid enters the first thermal energy reservoir or the second thermal energy reservoir;
wherein the working fluid is provided in communication with a fluid flow path, and
wherein the fluid flow path extends at least partially through the first and second thermal reservoirs;
drawing the working fluid into the first cylinder with an inlet valve of the first cylinder open and an outlet valve of the first cylinder closed;
closing the inlet valve and providing mechanical power to the piston to compress the working fluid in the first cylinder and increase temperature and pressure of the working fluid;
transferring the working fluid from the first cylinder to the first thermal energy reservoir and transferring thermal energy from the working fluid to the first thermal energy reservoir wherein the quantity of heat transfer is based on one of desired efficiency and power;
wherein transferring thermal energy from the working fluid to the first thermal energy reservoir increases the temperature of the first thermal energy reservoir; and
wherein based on at least one of the temperature of the first thermal energy reservoir and a temperature of the working fluid, the controller adjusts a temperature or pressure at which the working fluid is delivered to the first thermal energy reservoir;
transferring the working fluid from the first thermal energy reservoir to a second cylinder;
expanding the working fluid in the second cylinder;
transferring the expanded working fluid from the second cylinder to the second thermal energy reservoir;
transferring thermal energy from the second thermal energy reservoir to the working fluid; and
transferring the working fluid from the second thermal energy reservoir to the first cylinder.