US3866058A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Power-generating system and method
Assignee: RWE AG
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Filing: 1973-07-23
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Granted: 1975-02-11
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Expires: 1993-07-23
Abstract
Abstract A system for the generation of electrical energy has a generator driven by a gas turbine which is fed by a compressor and, at least at peak periods or intermittently, with compressed air from a subterranean storage chamber in which the air is under hydrostatic pressure. The system thus includes a subterranean cavern in which the air is stored, a reservoir containing water at a level above the cavern and a passage connecting the reservoir with the cavern. Within the cavern there is provided a downwardly open bell-shaped hood of fluid-impermeable, preferably foil, material, such that the water may rise between the hood and the cavern wall. The system is designed such that, in the fully charged condition of the chamber, the water level is above the lower edge or mouth of the hood whereas in the discharged condition, an air cushion remains in the region of the roof or head of the chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerhard Lenssen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:33
CPC Classifications
F; F17; F17C; F17C3/00; F17C3/005; F02; F02C; F02C6/00; F02C6/14; F02C6/16; F05; F05D; F05D2260/00; F05D2260/20; F05D2260/211; F17C2201/00; F17C2201/01; F17C2201/0128; F17C2201/05; F17C2201/052; F17C2221/00; F17C2221/03; F17C2221/032; F17C2221/035; F17C2223/00; F17C2223/01; F17C2223/0146; F17C2223/0153; F17C2227/00; F17C2227/01; F17C2227/0128; F17C2227/0157; F17C2270/00; F17C2270/01; F17C2270/0142; F17C2270/0144; F17C2270/0147; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A power-generating system including an electrical generator, a gas turbine connected to said generator, a compressor connected to said turbine and a subterranean air-storage chamber connectable to said gas turbine at least intermittently for supplying air thereto under pressure, the improvement wherein said subterranean chamber comprises: a cavern below the ground; a downwardly open bell-shaped generally impermeable hood received in said cavern and supported thereagainst while having a free lower edge spaced from the bottom and lateral walls of said cavern means communicating with the interior of said hood for feeding air to and withdrawing it from said chamber; a reservoir containing a liquid to a level above the top of said chamber and hydraulically connected to said cavern for applying pressure to air in said hood upon displacement of the liquid by introduction of air into said chamber; and means for maintaining the level of said liquid in said hood above the mouth thereof in a condition of said chamber fully charged with air and below the top of said hood in the fully discharged condition of said chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A power-generating system including an electrical generator, a gas turbine connected to said generator, a compressor connected to said turbine and a subterranean air-storage chamber connectable to said gas turbine at least intermittently for supplying air thereto under pressure, the improvement wherein said subterranean chamber comprises: a cavern below the ground; a downwardly open bell-shaped generally impermeable hood received in said cavern and supported thereagainst while having a free lower edge spaced from the bottom and lateral walls of said cavern means communicating with the interior of said hood for feeding air to and withdrawing it from said chamber; a reservoir containing a liquid to a level above the top of said chamber and hydraulically connected to said cavern for applying pressure to air in said hood upon displacement of the liquid by introduction of air into said chamber; and means for maintaining the level of said liquid in said hood above the mouth thereof in a condition of said chamber fully charged with air and below the top of said hood in the fully discharged condition of said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement defined in claim 1, further comprising means for supporting said hood against the wall of said cavern at spaced-apart locations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement defined in claim 1 wherein said hood is composed of a synthetic-resin foil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The improvement defined in claim 1, further comprsiing a pressure-equalization channel connecting the space between said hood and said cavern above the upper level of said liquid and below the lower level of said liquid therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improvement defined in claim 4 wherein said channel is a tube between said hood and the cavern wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement defined in claim 4 wherein said channel is a groove formed formed in the cavern wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement defined in claim 4 wherein said channel is formed by retaining the mouth of said hood away from the wall of said cavern.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improvement defined in claim 4, further comprising means forming a passage connecting the space between said hood and the wall of said cavern to atmospheric pressure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-10 | 1978-08-12 | 1979-02-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-10 | 1982-08-12 | 1983-02-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-10 | 1986-08-12 | 1987-02-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |