Abstract:
Thermo-dynamic battery is a energy storage unit for converting compressed gas energy into consumable electrical power for application uses with any device that requires electrical power to function. A method for storing electrical energy in the form of compressed gas and converting the same energy to electric power includes compressing gas and storing the compressed gas for release to drive a generator. A system and method for storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of gas compression and expansion comprises a method for expanding compressed gas in at least two stages and further provides for storing energy in the form of compressed gas through compression in at least two stages. Apparatus is provided to operate in accordance with the described procedure to contribute at or about 90% efficiency.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Generally, we mankind, have had major problems with relation to batteries that is, devices for storing energy for use when desired. The problems include: the charging of batteries, servicing of batteries, the non-reusability of batteries, and the highly dangerous, hazardous, and explosive, environmentally-polluting chemicals used in existing electrochemical batteries, and their heavy weight. 
         [0002]    The thermo-dynamic battery unit of the invention solves all of these issues. It generates clean, usable energy, while remaining chemical and explosion free, efficient, rapidly rechargeable, economical, and environmentally-friendly. 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a device for use in any application for providing power for any electrical device that employs battery power to function. More explicitly, the present invention discloses an innovative, high power device, which does not generate any harmful, environmentally-polluting residue. The present invention is extremely ecologically compatible in operation and design, actually replenishing clean ozone back into the atmosphere, is long lasting, and is designed to be re-usable unlike conventional units. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to a new electric power storage device. More distinctively, it provides and generation of electrical power in the form of compressed gas energy. 
         [0005]    Another positive attribute of the present-invention is that the compressed gas is passed through a generator, which exchanges heat with the generator to increase the efficiency of the generator and its driver device. This enhances efficiency of use of energy that is stored and conserved in the thermodynamic battery unit in accordance with the invention. 
         [0006]    Another positive attribute of the present invention is that the thermo-dynamic battery unit is modular unit comprised of, and connectable together a compressed air storage for storing energy in the form of compressed air, and Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter for converting the electricity to pressure and pressure to electricity by provided and coupled Expander-Compressor with Motor-Generator in single embodiment of apparatus. 
         [0007]    Another positive attribute of the present invention is that by dividing and partitioning the compressed air storage tank into separate smaller modular self-contained energy storing and producing units we can store and recover energy much more efficiently than existing compressed air energy storage systems. 
         [0008]    Another positive attribute of the present invention is that the working pressure of compressor-expander as much as possible is smaller to gain higher efficiency, which is effortless to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    A plurality of thermodynamic battery units is connectable to store and generate electrical energy by converting electrical power in the form of compressed gas, and reversing the process by converting compressed gas into the electricity. 
         [0010]    A system for storing and generating power from gas includes at least two (2) thermo-dynamic battery units connectable in series to one another for controllable compression and expansion of the gas to drive a compressor and generator. A method in accordance with the invention comprises providing at least two (2) thermo-dynamic battery units connectable in series with one another for controllable compression and expansion of the gas to drive a compressor and generator. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides a unique battery system, which stores and produces, from compressed gas energy, clean usable electrical power for use in any application in any device that can employ battery power to operate. The invention is much efficient for the same energy output than existing units, can be charged in rather than hours, and operates chemical and explosion free. Environmentally safe to operate, and operates at or about 90% efficiency. 
         [0012]    A system and method in accordance with the invention for storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of gas compression and expansion comprises a method for storing energy including the steps of providing power to compress gas in at least two stages with at least two pressure changes, to a receptacle where the gas is compressed and held for dissemination to provide power. The method provides for dissemination of stored energy when proceeding in reverse, i.e., when said compressed gas is expanded with at least two pressure changes and the output is coupled to at least one generator. A system in accordance with the invention operates in accordance with said method and employs apparatus to implement said method with at least two expanders-compressors coupleable to at least one motor-generator. When operated in the opposite manner, which is if electrical power supplied to motor-generator said system compressing gas and provides energy storage in the form of compressed gas. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a thermo-dynamic battery unit in accordance with the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an arrangement in accordance with the invention of a plurality of thermo-dynamic battery units. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a thermo-dynamic battery unit in accordance with the invention comprises a Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter  1  for converting electricity to compressed gas and converting compressed gas to electricity, a tank  2  for storing compressed gas, a Motor-Generator  7  connected with at least two Expander-Compressor sets  5 ,  9  in series with common shaft  6 , a heat exchanger chamber space  8  between Motor-Generator armature and rotor, four check valves  10  and a control unit  4 , including a flow control valve  3  and  11  for controlling release flow and direction of compressed gas from and to tank  2 . Tank  2 , control unit  4 , and generator  7  are of conventional type. 
         [0016]    Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter  1  able to work in two mode; compression and expansion. In the compression mode, while the electricity applied to Motor-Generator  7 , the Motor-Generator  7  rotates the Expander-Compressor van set  5 ,  9  toward one of two possible directions, and forces the gas to compress. In the enclosed heat exchanger chamber  8  a space where the gas exchanges heat with Motor-Generator, which according under the lows of thermodynamic contributes to increase the gas pressure. The check valves  10  arranged such so the pressurized gas will be forced to flow to the direction of the tank  2  for storage. Pressure sensors  12  and load demand sensor  25 , sensing to control unit  4  the pressure of the gas and the power demand. The control unit  4  decides and acts in which mode, how much flow, and how much pressure must be in each stage to achieve optimal pressure deferential on each stage for simultaneous compression and expansion of the gas. The control unit  4  controls the direction and flow rate of gas by flow control valves  3  and  11  in the form of varying voltage signals. The flow control valve  3  is combination of conventional two way solenoid valve and electro mechanical proportional valve. 
         [0017]    The tank volumes and maximum pressures are pre calculated and partitioned appropriately for various applications to meet the power demand for particular application. 
         [0018]    In the expansion mode the gas released from tank  2  under control of unit  4  passing through first Expander-Compressor van set  5  will cause expand the gas from smaller space to larger space, which will force the common drive shaft  6  to turn towards the other direction of said two possible directions. As long as Motor-Generator rotor attached to the same common drive shaft  6  will cause Motor-Generator  7  to operate, which in turn generates electricity and some incidental heat. Generated heat expands the released gas causing the second set of fan blades Expander-Compressor van  9  to operate, which is transmitted back to Motor-Generator  7  with a common drive shaft  6  to operate Motor-Generator  7 . Check valves  10  arranged such so the expanding gas flows towards the vent. 
         [0019]    The released gas is in thermal contact with heat exchanger chamber  8 , space between the Motor-Generator  7  armature and rotor, long enough to achieve expected results. At the same time, the released gas, which under the laws of thermodynamics cools as it expands upon release, cools Motor-Generator  7  and increases generator efficiency thereby. Generating of electricity is thus controlled by control unit  4  and flow control valve  3  and  11 . 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , a thermo-dynamic battery system comprises a plurality of individual Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter  12 , in the case depicted herein numbering four. This number is provided for specificity; the invention in this embodiment may operate with as few as two individual units as well as with an unlimited number thereof. 
         [0021]    Each individual unit  12  operates in the same manner as thermo-dynamic battery unit  1  described above. In the present embodiment, the respective units  12  are depicted as connected to one another within a tank  14 . Each unit  12  is held in place by conventional means and is sealed by O-rings  17 . The space between each Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter intended to store compressed gas. 
         [0022]    Each unit  12  includes a flow control valve  18  ( FIG. 2 ) controlled by a controller regulator  20 . In each unit  12  the gas is compressed and released controllably and simultaneously at a predetermined different pressure levels to create equal pressure differentials between tanks. As depicted, the unit  12  at the left end of tank  14  is at the highest pressure, shown here as P.sub.N and unit  12  at the right hand end of tank  14  is at the lowest pressure, shown herein as P.sub.1. The P.sub.1 unit  12  is connectable to a vent  22  to ambient. Pressure may be 5000 psi or higher in particular applications. Pressure differential between the input and output of units  12  is as low as possible and equal each and every one, to increase the overall system efficiency. 
         [0023]    To insure the stable and simultaneous performance of the unit the following condition must meet: 
         [0000]      V N &gt;V N-1 &gt; . . . &gt;V 3 &gt;V 2 &gt;V 1  
 
         [0024]    Where V is the volume of the storage tank, N is the number of stages. 
         [0025]    As depicted in  FIG. 2 , volume of the P.sub.N unit  12  is given as V.sub.N. Similar considerations apply to intermediate units  12 , whose pressure and volume, respectively, are P.sub.3 V.sub.3 and P.sub.2, V.sub.2. Pressure in units  12  diminishes from the highest pressure, to the lowest pressure P.sub.1 with intermediate units  12  having diminishing pressure from left to right as shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, in the specific configuration depicted, P.sub.3 is larger than P.sub.2, which in turn is larger than P.sub.1. 
         [0026]    As further depicted in  FIG. 2 , each unit  12  contributes power when the system is operated as stated below. For ease of reference, said power, in this case, voltage, is symbolized by U.sub.N through U.sub.1. Said individual contributions to the power may be employed in series, for increased voltage or in parallel for increased current. 
         [0027]    A charging valve  26  controls charging of tank  14  with compressed gas for storage of energy therein. This may be employed for a fast or booster charge. 
         [0028]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , a negative electrical terminal  23  is disposed at the high pressure end of tank  14  and a positive terminal  24  is disposed of the low pressure end of tank  14 . The phrase “high pressure end” and “low pressure end” means in this context the location in tank  14  where, respectively, the highest pressure unit  12  (the P.sub.N unit) and the lowest pressure unit  12  (the P.sub.1 unit  12 ) are located. 
         [0029]    In operation, controller regulator  20  is operable to regulate each and individual Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter to compress gas for storage and expand for electricity generation subject to load sensor  25  and pressure sensors  27  connected hereto. During the compression mode the electrical power applied to terminals  23  and  24  and the Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter under the influence of differential pressure simultaneously Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter will force to compress the gas and stored for power generation. Upon release of gas under the influence of differential pressure such that from each unit  12 , voltage is generated as described in connection with the system of  FIG. 1 . Load sensor  25  and pressure sensor  27  regulates operation of controller regulator  20  such that for a smaller load to diminish flow of gas and for higher loads to increase gas flow. Such devices are in common usage at present as, for example, in power generating facilities which seek to maximize efficiency by matching power generation to power demand. 
         [0030]    As noted above, the individual power outputs of units  12  can be placed in parallel to provide a larger current or in series for increased voltage. In addition, each unit  12  may be arranged (not shown) outside of partitioned tank  14  connected with the pipes. 
         [0031]    A method for storing and using energy and employing same for generating electric power includes the steps of: (1) applying electrical power to Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter for controllably compressing gas (2) storing energy in the form of compressed gas; (3) controllably releasing said gas to operate an Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter. The gas may comprise air, and the gas may pass in thermal contact with a Motor-Generator for improved efficiency. 
         [0032]    A method for storing energy and generating power comprises the steps of applying electrical power to Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter for controllably compressing gas, storing compressed gas for controllable release to drive an Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter and releasing the compressed gas in at least two pressure drops, thereby reducing energy loss from expansion of compressed gas. This method may be implemented by means of the apparatus depicted in  FIG. 2  or similar devices. The method of the invention may be employed with a plurality of pressure drops, numbering two or more. 
         [0033]    The foregoing-described system and method for storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of compressed gas, includes a method for storing energy in the form of gas compression by substantially reversible the foregoing-described method for generating power, using the same apparatus. Under the method, power is supplied to Electricity Pressure Mutual Converter  12  and as a result they function as motors causing the expanders therein to reverse such that air will be compressed through the above-described pressure changes for storage in tank  14 . 
         [0034]    Efficiency in the forward cycle as well as the reverse cycle is promoted by the multiple pressure change aspect of the invention. 
         [0035]    In the foregoing manner, energy losses from expansion of compressed gases are minimized, and efficiency improved. 
         [0036]    The within specification and drawings disclose particular embodiments of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims interpreted in light of the specification and drawings