Patent ID: 6153943
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: F02C,Y02E

Abstract:
A power conditioning apparatus with energy conversion and storage capabilities for use to supplement power supplied to a load from a commercial power source, to operate using electrical power from an electrical power source, to operate using fossil fuel from a fuel power source, to provide an auxiliary power source, power conditioning and load shaping, said apparatus comprising:a rotary power shaft;a compression turbine connected to said rotary power shaft for being driven by said rotary power shaft, said compression turbine including a compression turbine housing defining a compression turbine cavity;an expansion turbine connected to said rotary power shaft for driving said rotary power shaft, said expansion turbine including an expansion turbine housing defining an expansion turbine cavity;a motor/generator connected to said rotary power shaft for selectively driving and being driven by said rotary power shaft, said motor/generator and said expansion turbine being selectively operable individually and in combination to maintain rotation of said expansion turbine and said compression turbine at a nominal operational speed;a gas storage reservoir selectively connectable to said compression turbine and said expansion turbine;an electrical circuit for providing electrical communication between said motor/generator, the power source and the load; andmeans for controlling the operation of said apparatus including means for monitoring electrical and mechanical conditions within said power conditioner, means for monitoring the power supply and means for controlling electrical and mechanical control devices associated with said power conditioning apparatus, said means for controlling electrical and mechanical control devices including means for selecting operation of said motor/generator and said expansion turbine to maintain rotation of said expansion turbine and said compression turbine at a nominal operational speed.