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US3879950A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Special power generating unit using compressed air produced by ocean wave together with super-heated steam
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-08-13
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Granted: 1975-04-29
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Expires: 1993-08-13
Abstract
Abstract A special seashore or offshore electric power generating unit using compressed air together with superheated steam, which stores mechanical energy in the form of compressed air during off-peak load periods by using superfluoius output of the power plant and ocean wave energy. The plant uses the compressed air thus stored for producing electric power during peak-load periods. The compressed air is heated to the temperature of the superheated steam to be mixed therewith, prior to delivery to a turbine for driving an electric generator.
Inventors
- 👤 Kiichi Yamada
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:14
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04B; F04B35/00; F01; F01K; F01K21/00; F01K21/04; F03; F03B; F03B13/00; F03B13/12; F03B13/14; F03B13/24; F04B45/00; F04B45/02; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
An electric power generating unit for installation near a body of water and for generating electrical power from compressed air and steam, comprising: a steam generator for producing superheated steam; a gas turbine the input end of which is connected to said steam generator for driving said turbine; an electrical generator connected to said turbine for generating electrical power from the rotational mechanical output of said turbine; an electrically powered first compressor for compressing air using surplus electrical energy from said electrical generator; second means for compressing air and means for rigidly supporting said second compressing means above the surface of a body of water, said second means adapted to be mechanically actuated by wave energy from waves in the surface of said body of water; a tank for storing compressed air connected to the outputs of said first and second compressors; pressure regulating means associated with said tank for controlling the pressure of compressed air within said tank at a desired level; and an injection nozzle connecting both said steam generator and said compressed air storage tank to said gas turbine for driving said turbine by steam and/or compressed air.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
An electric power generating unit for installation near a body of water and for generating electrical power from compressed air and steam, comprising: a steam generator for producing superheated steam; a gas turbine the input end of which is connected to said steam generator for driving said turbine; an electrical generator connected to said turbine for generating electrical power from the rotational mechanical output of said turbine; an electrically powered first compressor for compressing air using surplus electrical energy from said electrical generator; second means for compressing air and means for rigidly supporting said second compressing means above the surface of a body of water, said second means adapted to be mechanically actuated by wave energy from waves in the surface of said body of water; a tank for storing compressed air connected to the outputs of said first and second compressors; pressure regulating means associated with said tank for controlling the pressure of compressed air within said tank at a desired level; and an injection nozzle connecting both said steam generator and said compressed air storage tank to said gas turbine for driving said turbine by steam and/or compressed air.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electric power generating unit of claim 1, additionally comprising means for selectively driving said turbine bY steam, or compressed air, or a mixture thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
130 words
The electric power generating unit of claim 1, wherein said second means for compressing air and means for rigidly supporting said second means over the surface of a body of water, comprise: pillars adapted to be secured to the bed of said body of water, and of sufficient length to extend above the surface of said body of water; a platform attached to said pillars above said surface; a plurality of floats floating on said surface, stationary portions of said compressor means secured to said platform and movable parts of said compressor means connected to said floats; guide means secured to said pillars for restricting movements of said floats to substantially vertical movements; and a conduit connecting the output of said second compressing means to said compressed air storage tank.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-28 | 1978-10-28 | 1979-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-28 | 1982-10-28 | 1983-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-28 | 1986-10-28 | 1987-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |