Patent ID: 7755212

Claim:
A method of storing and transporting compressed air energy, comprising: using at least one power source and a compressor to produce compressed air energy at a first location; storing the compressed air energy in a pipeline having a first segment followed substantially downstream by a second segment, wherein the internal diameter of said first segment is larger than that of said second segment; substantially transporting the compressed air energy within said pipeline to a location remote from said first location; releasing the compressed air energy from said first segment at a second location, wherein a generator is provided to generate electricity using the compressed air energy at said second location: and releasing the compressed air energy from said second segment to provide energy at a third location, wherein the compressed air energy within said second segment is used to 1) provide refrigeration and/or air conditioning at said third location, and/or 2) drive at least one pneumatic tool or equipment at said third location without having to convert the compressed air energy into electricity first.