Patent ID: 8763390
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: F02C,F03G,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A compressed-gas energy storage and recovery system comprising: a first cylinder assembly for at least one of, over a first pressure range, compressing gas to store energy or expanding gas to recover energy, the first cylinder assembly comprising two separated chambers; selectively fluidly connected to a chamber of the first cylinder assembly, a vent for admitting ambient air into the chamber of the first cylinder assembly for compression and for exhausting gas from the chamber of the first cylinder assembly after expansion; selectively fluidly connected to the first cylinder assembly, a second cylinder assembly for at least one of, over a second pressure range higher than the first pressure range, compressing gas to store energy or expanding gas to recover energy, the second cylinder assembly comprising two separated chambers; a first spray mechanism for mingling heat-exchange fluid and gas for at least one of compression or expansion within the second cylinder assembly; selectively fluidly connected to a chamber of the second cylinder assembly, a compressed-gas reservoir for storage of gas after compression and supply of compressed gas for expansion, the compressed-gas reservoir comprising an underground cavern; and a heat-exchange subsystem for thermally conditioning gas within the compressed-gas reservoir, the heat-exchange subsystem comprising (i) a second spray mechanism disposed within the underground cavern, (ii) a circulation apparatus for extracting liquid from a bottom portion of the underground cavern, and (iii) a conduit selectively fluidly connecting the circulation apparatus and the bottom portion of the underground cavern.