US6026349A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy storage and distribution system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1997-11-06
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Granted: 2000-02-15
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Expires: 2017-11-06
Abstract
Abstract An energy storage and distribution system provides energy from a first energy related infrastructure characterized by a first energy grid to a second energy related infrastructure characterized by a second energy grid that is substantially independent of the first energy grid. The system includes an energy storage facility that is located in substantial proximity to a common boundary of the first and second energy related infrastructures, and a first energy transport mechanism that is coupled to the first energy related infrastructure and is capable of providing energy for storage in the energy storage facility. The system also includes a second energy transport mechanism that is coupled to the energy storage facility and is capable of providing energy from the energy storage facility to the second energy related infrastructure. Each of the first and second energy grids has an electrical power generation unit and high voltage A/C transmission lines. In a method for providing energy from the first energy grid to the second energy grid, primary electrical power is generated at a base load electrical power generation facility operating in the first energy grid. The primary electrical power is then selectively transmitted to an energy storage and conversion facility situated in substantial proximity to the common boundary between the energy grids where it is converted into stored energy. Then, the stored energy is selectively converted into secondary electrical power, before being transmitted to the second energy grid.
Inventors
- 👤 Helmuth J. Heneman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:36
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J3/00; H02J3/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
An energy storage and distribution system for providing energy from a first energy-related infrastructure characterized by a first energy grid to a second energy-related infrastructure characterized by a second energy grid, the first and second energy-related infrastructures having a common boundary, the energy storage and distribution system comprising: an energy storage facility located in substantial proximity to the common boundary of the first and second energy-related infrastructures; a first energy transport mechanism coupled to the first energy-related infrastructure and the energy storage facility, the first energy transport mechanism capable of providing energy for storage in the energy storage facility; and a second energy transport mechanism coupled to the energy storage facility and the second energy-related infrastructure, the second energy transport mechanism capable of providing energy from the energy storage facility to the second energy-related infrastructure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
An energy storage and distribution system for providing energy from a first energy-related infrastructure characterized by a first energy grid to a second energy-related infrastructure characterized by a second energy grid, the first and second energy-related infrastructures having a common boundary, the energy storage and distribution system comprising: an energy storage facility located in substantial proximity to the common boundary of the first and second energy-related infrastructures; a first energy transport mechanism coupled to the first energy-related infrastructure and the energy storage facility, the first energy transport mechanism capable of providing energy for storage in the energy storage facility; and a second energy transport mechanism coupled to the energy storage facility and the second energy-related infrastructure, the second energy transport mechanism capable of providing energy from the energy storage facility to the second energy-related infrastructure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising: a communication network coupled to the second energy transport mechanism and the first and second energy-related infrastructures, the communication network being configured to generate control signals for energy transfer, wherein the second energy transport mechanism is further configured to transport energy in response to the control signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 2, wherein the second energy transport mechanism transports energy quantified by standardized energy units that are independent of the form of the energy stored in the energy storage facility.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 1, wherein the first and second energy-related infrastructures are electrical power grids.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 1, wherein the first energy transport mechanism is adapted to providing energy from the energy storage facility to the first energy-related infrastructure and the second energy transport mechanism is adapted to providing energy for storage in the energy storage facility.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 1, wherein the first energy transport mechanism is substantially independent of the second energy transport mechanism.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
168 words
An energy storage and distribution system for providing energy from a first electrical power grid to a second electrical power grid, each of the first and second electrical power grids comprising electrical power generation units and high voltage AC transmission lines, the first and second electrical power grids being substantially independent of one another and further having a common boundary, the energy storage and distribution system comprising: an energy storage facility located in substantial proximity to the common boundary of the first and second electrical power grids; and energy conversion circuitry coupled to the energy storage facility and the first and second electrical power grids, the energy conversion circuitry configured to selectively convert AC power received from the first electrical power grid into a form suitable for storage in the energy storage facility, the energy conversion circuitry further configured to selectively convert energy stored in the energy storage facility into AC power suitable for transmission via the high voltage AC transmission lines of the second electrical power grid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
168 words
An energy storage and distribution system for providing energy from a first electrical power grid to a second electrical power grid, each of the first and second electrical power grids comprising electrical power generation units and high voltage AC transmission lines, the first and second electrical power grids being substantially independent of one another and further having a common boundary, the energy storage and distribution system comprising: an energy storage facility located in substantial proximity to the common boundary of the first and second electrical power grids; and energy conversion circuitry coupled to the energy storage facility and the first and second electrical power grids, the energy conversion circuitry configured to selectively convert AC power received from the first electrical power grid into a form suitable for storage in the energy storage facility, the energy conversion circuitry further configured to selectively convert energy stored in the energy storage facility into AC power suitable for transmission via the high voltage AC transmission lines of the second electrical power grid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy storage facility is a compressed air energy storage system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein the compressed air energy storage system utilizes a competent geological formation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein the compressed air energy storage system utilizes a depleted hydrocarbon field.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy storage facility is a pumped-hydro facility.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy storage facility utilizes mass fly wheels.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy storage facility utilizes capacitive battery cells.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy conversion circuitry is further configured to selectively convert AC power received from the second electrical power grid into a form suitable for storage in the energy storage facility, and to selectively convert energy stored in the energy storage facility into AC power suitable for transmission via the high voltage AC transmission lines of the first electrical power grid.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy conversion circuitry converts AC power received from the first electrical power grid during off-peak periods of power consumption in the first electrical power grid.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy conversion circuitry converts energy stored in the energy storage facility into AC power in response to periods of peak power consumption in the second electrical power grid.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
74 words
The energy storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein the energy conversion circuitry is configured to selectively connect AC power received from the second electrical power grid into a form suitable for storage in the energy storage facility, the energy conversion circuitry further configured to selectively convert energy stored in the energy storage facility into AC power suitable for transmission via the high voltage AC transmission lines of the first electrical power grid.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
150 words
A method for providing energy from a first electrical power grid to a second electrical power grid, each of the first and second electrical power grids comprising a baseload electrical power generation facility coupled via high voltage AC transmission lines, the first and second electrical power grids further having a common boundary, the method comprising the steps of: generating primary electrical power at a baseload electrical power generation facility operating in the first electrical power grid; selectively transmitting the primary electrical power to an energy storage and conversion facility situated in substantial proximity to the common boundary between the first and second electrical power grids; converting, via the energy storage and conversion facility, the selectively transmitted primary electrical power into stored energy; selectively converting the stored energy in the energy storage and conversion facility into secondary electrical power; and transmitting the secondary electrical power to the second electrical power grid.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
150 words
A method for providing energy from a first electrical power grid to a second electrical power grid, each of the first and second electrical power grids comprising a baseload electrical power generation facility coupled via high voltage AC transmission lines, the first and second electrical power grids further having a common boundary, the method comprising the steps of: generating primary electrical power at a baseload electrical power generation facility operating in the first electrical power grid; selectively transmitting the primary electrical power to an energy storage and conversion facility situated in substantial proximity to the common boundary between the first and second electrical power grids; converting, via the energy storage and conversion facility, the selectively transmitted primary electrical power into stored energy; selectively converting the stored energy in the energy storage and conversion facility into secondary electrical power; and transmitting the secondary electrical power to the second electrical power grid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of converting the selectively transmitted primary electrical power comprises storing the primary electrical power in a compressed air energy storage system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of converting the selectively transmitted primary electrical power utilizes a pumped-hydro facility.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of converting the selectively transmitted primary electrical power utilizes a mass fly wheel.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of converting the selectively transmitted primary electrical power utilizes capacitive battery cells.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of selectively transmitting the primary electrical power is performed during off-peak periods of power consumption in the first electrical power grid.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the step of selectively converting the stored energy into secondary electrical power is performed in response to periods of peak power consumption in the second electrical power grid.
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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) | 2003-02-14 | 2003-08-16 | 2004-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-02-14 | 2007-08-16 | 2008-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-02-14 | 2011-08-16 | 2012-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |