초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for power conditioning and for storing electrical energy, fossil fuel energy, or both in the form of a compressed gas which may then be used in combination with a fossil fuel to generate conditioned electrical power is disclosed. The present invention provides a method wherein

A method and apparatus for power conditioning and for storing electrical energy, fossil fuel energy, or both in the form of a compressed gas which may then be used in combination with a fossil fuel to generate conditioned electrical power is disclosed. The present invention provides a method wherein the energy so stored is used as a back-up power source to assure uninterrupted conditioned electrical power in the event of a failure of a primary electrical power source. Turbine rotors are maintained in rotation to provide a spinning reserve in that the inertia of the turbines can be used to generate power in the event of minor power disruptions, and the turbines can be powered for producing power in the event of greater power disruptions. The present invention provides an apparatus that enhances the flexibility and efficiency of a power consumer and the internconnected power providing system by allowing the user to have an efficient spinning reserve of power, by providing the capability of a user to shape the load, thereby reducing the spinning reserve requirement of the interconnected system, and to sell excess power and to control transportation costs. Since the present invention allows a user to purchase power from the most efficient source, the present invention promotes efficiency throughout the power generation and power transportation industry.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] 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

[ I claim:] [1.] 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.