WO1997001029A1

WO1997001029A1 - Unified power block

Info

Publication number: WO1997001029A1
Application number: PCT/SK1996/000011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fridrich Zeman; Ivan Zeman; L^¿udovít ZEMAN
Original assignee: Fridrich Zeman; Ivan Zeman; Zeman Ludovit
Priority date: 1995-06-23
Filing date: 1996-06-21
Publication date: 1997-01-09
Also published as: SK83195A3; SK279395B6; AU6326496A

Abstract

The Unified Power Block enables, according to the invention, to convert any gaseous pressure medium into mechanical work within a rotary hydraulic engine (3) - to generate electric power from any of them and to accumulate pressure gas and electric power into pressure energy of pressure gas. The substance of the invention is, that the 'Unified Power Block', consisting of a hydraulic circuit (H) composed of inlet and drain piping, rotary hydraulic engine (3), electric generator (4) and pressureless fluid tank (29), is attached to the room (5) of fluid charge of at least one generator (2) of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, the room (8) of whose gaseous pressure charge is connected, through a pneumatic circuit (P), to at least one resource (1) of gaseous pressure medium and with a drain outlet (Vp). Figures 1 to 7 depict a general scheme of 'Unified Power Block', its functional schemes in a form of five new types of power plants for generation of electric power from pressure gas, such as 'Pressure-gas power plant'; from solar radiation, as a 'Solar/pressure power plant'; from the over-heated gases and steam, as a 'Thermohydraulic pressure-gas power plant' and 'Thermohydraulic steam power plant'; as a 'Storage pressure-gas power plant' and its block diagram; as a 'Multi-purpose reversing engine' with one of many of its applications, namely the 'Dual-chamber reversing compressor'.

Description

UNIFIED POWER BLOCK

Background ofthe invention:

The Unified Power Block described in this application enables, according to this invention, to convert any gaseous pressure medium into mechanical work within a rotary hydrauUc engine - to generate electric power and to store pressure gas and electric power in a form of pressure energy of pressure gas.

From its nature, it belongs into the sphere of energy technology destined for generation of electric power from pressure gas, as a "Pressure-gas electric power plant"; or, from solar radiation, as a "Solar/pressure electric power plant"; from over-heated gases and steam, as a "Thermohydraulic pressure-gas power plant" or a "Thermohydraulic steam electric power plant" with heating plant circuits and related technology; as an equipment for storage of pressure gas and electric power into pressure energy of pressure gas and for its re-generation within the same equipment, as a "Storage pressure-gas power plant". From its substance - as a "Multi-purpose reversing engine" - it belongs into the range of pumping and compressor technology and, as a "Pneumatic and hydraulic engine" and a "Thermohydraulic engine", into the range ofthe propelling engines. Brief description ofthe invention

The "Unified Power Block" described in this apphcation is destined to convert any gaseous pressure medium into mechanical work in a rotary hydrauUc engine. It is capable of generating electric power from any of them and to accumulate pressure gas and electric power in pressure energy of pressure gas.

The "Unified Power Block" consists of a hydraulic circuit, of a rotary hydrauUc engine, of an electric generator and a pressureless fluid tank, which is attached to the room of fluid charge of at least one generator of pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure. The room of gaseous pressure charge ofthe generator is connected, through a pneumatic circuit, to at least one resource of gaseous pressure medium. The system is connected to a distribution network of gaseous pressure medium.

The "Unified Power Block" may be used for wasteless generation of electric power from pressure gas, respectively from solar radiation, which will lead to increase of utilizable resources increase and enhancement of the sortiment of primary energy resources. It will be possible to utilize it for economical production of electric power as well, from the over-heated gases and steam, as a power plant with a heating plant gas and warm-water circuits. Survey ofthe recent state of technology:

Firstly, we have to certify that such an "Unified Power Block" destined for electric power generation from the energy of pressure gas, solar radiation, over-heated gases, steam and fluids, and for storage of this energy inclusive electric power, in a sense the "Unified Power Block" Invention enables this, exists nowhere in the world.

Only stand-alone energy blocks for conversion of thermal energy (gained from chemical, atomic, solar or geothermal energy) into mechanical work in the expansion turbines, of water energy in the water turbines, and the energy of wind in the wind motors - as thermal, atomic, geothermal, thermal/solar, water, repumping and wind Power Plants - do exist.

A "Pressure-gas power plant", which would enable wasteless generation of electric power from pressure gas stored e.g. in natural deposits at temperatures of about 20°C, with an energetic efficiency approximately at the level ofthe gradient head power plants - provided no changes of chemical properties of the gas occur - exists nowhere in the world up till now. We have no evidence of equipment suitable for conversion of this energy into mechanical work in rotary engines at temperatures and energetic efficiency, which is the "Unified Power Block", according to the Invention, capable of. As a consequence, out of each 10 MPa.m3 of the pressure gas energy, an equivalent of 2.5 kWh remains unused, even after accounting for the losses. Also, no "Storage pressure-gas power plant" exists, which would allow to store electric power in a form of pressure energy of pressure gas, e.g. in an exploited natural deposit and then, to re-generate it at the same equipment. The "Unified Power Block", according to the Invention, enables this even without any negative impact on the land ecology, and, at the level of efficiency ofthe gradient head power plants. Up till now, it is only possible to accumulate water and electric energy in storage power plants with natural water accumulation and in repumping power plants. Moreover, the number of adequate sites for setting up repumping equipment is small and this process requires significant intervention into the ecology of the country. As for storage of the pressure gas into underground and other deposits by pressing the gas by electric compressors, the state-of-art of technology does not enable re-generation of electric power from the accumulated pressure gas at the same equipment.

Neither exists any "Solar/pressure-gas electric power plant", which would enable wasteless generation of electric power out of an unlimited resource of energy - the heat of Sun - converted into mechanical work in a rotary hydrauUc engine, in a way the "Unified Power Block", according to the Invention, would be capable of. The latter would be, moreover, able to work as a heating plant, to accumulate heat or to store electric power in the pressure energy of pressure gas and then to re-generate it at the same equipment, or to generate pressure gas, which would, by this process, be converted into a renewable resource of energy. There exists no "ThermohydrauUc steam power plant" or a "ThermohydrauUc pressure-gas electric power plant" with heating plant circuits, in which the pressure constituents ofthe over-heated gases and steam would convert, by means of the fluid charge, directly into mechanical work in a rotary hydraulic engine, and their thermal components would be utilized for heating purposes. Until today, only two ways of energy conversion ofthe over-heated gases and steam into mechanical work in rotary engines do exist: off-take of their expansion work by a piston of a piston engine or by a vane mechanism of expansion turbines. This is also the reason of their low efficiency.

Nowhere in the world there is a "Multi-purpose reversing engine" destined for mutual conversion of the energies of pressure gas, fluid, mechanical work and electrical energy. Only single-purpose engines, converting one type of energy into another, do exist. Only one dual-purpose engine executes a reversible process - the recuperation gas turbine. In contrary to this, the "Unified Power Block", according to the Invention, is able to work in one direction as a gas pressure pump, as a pneumatic and hydraulic electric power plant and, in the reverse direction, as an electric pump, electric compressor and as a storage gas-pressure power plant, capable of executing other pneumatic, hydrauUc and mechamcal operations at the same time. Summary ofthe invention:

The substantial feature of the Invention is, that the "Unified Power Block" consisting of hydraulic circuit made of inlet and outlet piping, of a rotary hydraulic engine, an electric generator and pressureless fluid chamber, is connected to a space of the fluid charge, of at least one generator of pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure, the space of whose gaseous pressure charge is, by means of a pneumatic circuit, connected to at least one source of gaseous pressure medium and leads into an outlet which is, at the same time, an inlet into a distribution network of gaseous pressure medium.

Further, the essential feature of the Invention is, that the pneumatic circuit is equipped by at least one control system, having at least one sensor of the gaseous pressure medium pressure, at least one plus one sensor ofthe minimum and maximum level ofthe fluid in the generators of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, at least one adjustment valve or a controUer of the gaseous pressure medium pressure, at least one main shutter and one shutter at the gaseous pressure medium outlet; as well as in the feature the circuit is equipped by automation technology or fully automated technology.

A feature of the Invention is, as well, that a natural deposit of pressure gas or an underground deposit of pressure gas or an above-ground gas tank or a distribution system of pressure gas is a resource of the gaseous pressure medium ; that a solar/pressure generator is a resource of gaseous pressure medium; that a pressure-gas combustion chamber is a resource of gaseous pressure medium; and, that a steam generator (boiler) or a geothermal source is a resource of gaseous pressure medium.

Last but not least, the feature ofthe Invention is, that the resources of the gaseous pressure medium are mutually interconnected; that a generator of pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure is a pressure vessel, as weU as any gasproof underground or above-ground space; that at least two generators of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure are interconnected, their interconnected pneumatic circuits being attached to at least one source of gaseous pressure medium and to one outlet of the gaseous pressure medium, and their hydrauUc circuits are closed and interconnected in front of the rotary hydraulic engine and next to the rotary hydraulic engine; that in the hydraulic circuit, between the outlet of the rotary hydraulic engine and pressureless fluid chamber there is a degasifier and gas pump-off equipment inserted; that the rotary hydrauUc engine is a recuperation gas turbine and the electrical generator is a motor/generator; that the solar/pressure generator is a pressure vessel or a tube block; that the solar/pressure generator is optically connected to a system of solar reflectors or mirrors; that a "pressureless fluid tank" means the surface waters or underground or above-ground fluid space or one's own generator of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure; that the system's pneumatic and hydraulic circuits are interconnected with the resources of gaseous pressure medium and with generators of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure and with rotary hydraulic engines and with pressureless fluid tanks, in other territorial sites. Survey ofthe figures in the design:

Figs 1 to 7 depict a general scheme of "Unified Power Block", its functional schemes in a form of 5 new types of power plants for generation of electric power from pressure gas (a "Pressure-gas electric power plant"), from solar radiation (a "Solar/pressure electric power plant"), from over-heated gases and steam (a "ThermohydrauUc steam and pressure power plant" or a "Thermohydraulic steam electric power plant" or a "Storage pressure-gas power plant"). There are also its block diagrams of mutual conversions of energy of the pressure gas, fluid, mechanical work and electric energy, as a "Multi-purpose reversing engine" with a functional schematics of one of its many applications, namely a "Dual-chamber reversing compressor".

Examples of realization of the Invention:

Example No.1:

A Modified "Pressure-gas electric power plant" for wasteless electric power generation from pressure gas (Figs. 2 and 7)

Natural gas 32, accumulated e.g. in a natural deposit 39 of pressure gas has, in this case, the nature of a primary energy resource 33. "Unified Power Block", for conversion of this energy into pressure energy of fluid within generator 2 of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, into mechanical work in a rotary hydraulic engine 3 - a water turbine -, with subsequent generation of electric power in an electric generator4, is clearly seen, as a pressure-gas power plant, in the functional scheme of Fig.3.

The overall cycle ofthe pressure-gas power plant runs as follows:

Natural gas 32, accumulated in a natural deposit 39 as an absolutely elastic gaseous pressure medium 32, able to exert work, enters the electric power plant through an inlet pipeline 17 of the pressure gas through a controller 13 ofthe gas pressure, where its pressure is reduced to desirable working pressure (e.g. 5 MPa), by which it exerts pressure onto the level 9 ofthe fluid charge in a generator 2 of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure. At this time, shutters 16 and 19 are closed; 14, 15 and 11 are open. After opening the shutters of fluid 22, 23 and 27, it extrudes the fluid into a rotary hydraulic engines (in this particular case by a pressure corresponding to a water gradient of 500 m water column), which drives the electric generator 4. At this time, water shutters 24, 30 and 38 are closed. Herefrom, the fluid flows off through the shutter 35 into the degasifier 34 (where the absorbed gas is removed) and, through a fluid drain pipe 28 into a pressureless fluid chamber29. The outlet gases from the degasifier 34 are, by means of a gas pump-off equipment 36 , transported to a site of consumption. In case there is no need for degasification ofthe fluid, the fluid is, through the drain shutter 27, propelled by a drainage piping 28 ofthe fluid directly into a pressureless fluid tank 29 or, through the 30 shutter, into the Vk2 fluid outlet and into the distribution network 31 ofthe fluid.

As soon as the sensor 6 ofthe minimum level magnitude 9 ofthe fluid charge in the generator 2 ofthe pneumatic and hydraulic pressure senses its minimum level, the shutter 15 next to the pressure controller shuts as well as the main shutter 22 ofthe fluid; the shutter 19 ofthe off-take of pressure gas opens and the pressure gas flows off through the Vp outlet into the distribution network 20 ofthe pressure gas. By these operations, the working cycle of the operation of the rotary hydrauUc engine 3 and generation of electrical power, are finished.

This situation leads to a dropdown ofthe gas pressure in the room 8, down to the pressure desired in the distribution network 20of the pressure gas. As soon as the sensor 18 registers dropdown of the gas pressure in the room 8 ofthe gaseous pressure charge, the shutter 38 for water drainage opens. This water, afterwards, flows due to gravity feed into the generator2 of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, extrudes the pressure gas therefrom and fills it at the same time.

As soon as the sensor 7 ofthe maximum level magnitude 9 ofthe fluid charge senses that this level was reached, shutter 38 is opened at the fluid off-take as well as the shutter 19 at the pressure gas outlet. Shutters 15, 22 and 23 are opened, and the water from the space 5 ofthe fluid tank begins to propel the rotary hydraulic engine 3 again.

This process is executed repeatedly at intervals required by consumption in the distribution network 20 ofthe pressure gas, or in a case the pressure-gas power plant works in variable power output mode, or as a peak-load one. Provided it should work continuously, it has to have at least two generators 2 of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, which are brought into action alternately.

Another way of electric power generation in a pressure-gas power plant comes out from a modified arrangement of "Unified Power Block" in a form of "Dual-chamber reversing compressor", described in an example No.6, Fig.7.

The whole cycle of electric power generation will have the same course as in the previous example. E.g.: Generator 2 'of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure commences to work; at this point, sensor 18" of gas pressure senses gas pressure dropdown in the room 8 "of the gaseous pressure medium in the generator 2" of the pneumatic and hydraulic pressure down to levels approaching pressure in the distribution network 20 ofthe pressure gas. Shutters 15", 22" and 30' are closed. Pressure gas 32 enters through the open shutters 15' and 11* the generator 2* of the pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, it expells water therefrom through the rotary hydraulic engine3 into the generator 2" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure through the open shutters22', 23 and30", with concurrent drainage of the pressure gas through the open shutters 11" and 19" into distribution network20 of the pressure gas. After filUng ofthe room 5" ofthe fluid charge with water - this is sensed by the sensor 7" of the maximum level - the cycle of electric energy generation is finished. Afterwards, shutters 19", 22", 30" and 15' are closed and, from the room 8' ofthe gaseous pressure medium, the pressure gas is flown off into consumer network 20. As soon as the sensor 18 of pressure of the pressure gas registers its dropdown to the levels approaching the gas pressure in the distribution network 2 shutters 15", 11", 22", 30' and 19' are opened and the generation of electric power or, respectively, the operation of the rotary hydraulic engine 3 continues.

Should the engine work this way - as a pressure-gas power plant with continuous electric power generation, it should possess at least three generators 2', 2", 2'" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, and at least two interconnected outlets Vpl and Vp2 of pressure gas into distribution network 20. After the first cycle is finished - e.g. after expelling water from generator 2' of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure through turbine 3 into generator 2" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure and after exhaustion of pressure gas from generator 2"'of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, down to a level approaching gas pressure in the distribution network 20 - interconnection ofthe relevant controlling equipment activates the generator 2" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure with an output of water through the turbine 3 into the generator 2'" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure; at the same time, pressure gas is being exhausted from the generator 2* into distribution network 20. When this cycle is finished, generator 2"' is activated and the process repeats continually.

In the view of the Invention, the main benefits of the "Pressure-gas power plants" are to be seen in the fact they enable to utilize, for generation of electric power, the up till now unusable energy of pressure gas from natural deposits 24 as a primary source of energy for exerting mechanical work in a rotary hydrauUc engine 3. Thereby, the Invention contributes to improvement of the world's overall power balance, at conditions of energy efficiency equivalent to water power plants. It broadens the portfolio and stocks of primary energy resources suitable for electric power generation - to the recent ones, the fossile, gaseous and nuclear fuels, the energy of water and wind, it adds the pressure energy of pressure gas which is, as for the quantity of electric power generated (2.5 kWh/10MPa.m ³ ), taking into account losses ( h = 0.9), equivalent to the quantity of electric power generated in thermal power stations, burning up 1 m³ at h = 0.33. This is derived from an equivalence of voluminal and pressure energy (p.V = MPa.m ³ ) and electrical energy (kWh): 10 MPa.m³ = 2.82 kWh. In this way, in fact, the world's resources of natural pressure gas for electric energy generation will multiply and, moreover, pressure gas wiU become a renewable natural resource, as it will become possible to generate it in solar/pressure power plants.

Further advantages come out from the facts that the plant may be built anywhere, without regard to landscape configuration; that the resource 1 of pressure gas may be connected to a solar/pressure generator or with a pressure-gas combustion chamber; that running it does not require any power supply from outside; that it has a character of wasteless generation plant and does not negatively affect the ecology of environment; that, being a high-pressure gas tank and a generator 2 of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, it allows utilization of objects or areas left after exploited natural gas deposits, abandoned mining or industrial objects, cavities and other underground and above-ground sites, this being advantageous from the investment aspect as weU, especially when there is no objection against them being spatially widespread in diverse landscape sites; that, as pressureless 29 fluid tanks, basins or surface waters' streams etc. may be used with advantage, this decreasing investment costs in comparison with water power plants, where the required gradients cannot be obtained without complex investment growth caused by occupation of land needed for dams, drainage ditches etc.; that, after exploitation ofthe natural deposit39 ofthe pressure gas, the pressure-gas power plant may be used as a storage one, having thereby a character of a pumped storage plant. In such a case its recuperation turbine offers a possibility to accumulate the electric power into pressurized gas and to re-generate it therefrom at the same equipment. In an another case, utilizing it we may concentrate, and thereby accumulate, the surface waters in its generators 2of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, like we do at the water power plants with natural storage. This is why it may work with variable output or as a peak-load one, with a potential of storage of pressure gas and fluid. It may be advantageously used for storage of pressure gas into underground and other deposits, and for re-generation of electric power from the accumulated pressure gas at the same equipment.

It is purposeful to utilize the total pressure gas gradient in at least two or in a cascade of pressure-gas power plants, which would make use of its pressure gradient, down to the pressure necessary to overcome pressure losses during pressure gas transport.

At natural sites 39 of the high-pressure gas, a gas with pressure over 10 MPa is no exception. This corresponds to a water gradient of over 1000 m, which is nowhere to be found in nature. For this reason, water turbines for such extremely high gradients are absent despite ofthe fact that, from the point of view of rational utilization of this primary energy resource, their usage would be appropriate. Conception of gas-pressure power plants, according to the Invention, stimulates their development, as weU as development of new types of rotary hydrauUc engines based on alternative fluids other than water (e.g. petrol, oil etc.) or ofthe counterpressure ones; at the same time, it offers possibilities to utilize all the actual low-pressure, medium-pressure and high-pressure water power plants. Example No.2:

"Storage pressure-gas electric power plant" destined for accumulation of electric power into pressure energy of pressure gas, respectively for storage of the pressure gas into underground and other deposits and for re-generation of electric power at the same equipment" (Figs.2 and 7)

Provided in the "Unified Power Block" (Fig.2) a recuperation turbine 3 with a motor/generatorf is used, it will be possible, in a straight direction 4->3 -> 2 -> 1, to convert electric power in an electrical pump 3 into pressure energy of fluid; this, in a generator 2 of pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure into pressure energy of pressure gas, and to store it in this form in e.g. an exploited natural deposit 39 or in a deposit of a pressure gas. In the reverse direction, 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4, it wiU be possible to generate electric power from the stored pressure gas in a way described already in Example 1. During gas compression depicted in Fig.2, shutters 35, 38, 30, 24, 19, 15 and 14 wiU be closed; the others will remain opened.

In case "Unified Power Block" should serve as a classic storage pressure-gas power plant, then the pneumatic and hydraulic circuits P and H are closed. If it should serve as a reservoir of pressure gas, then the accumulated pressure gas will be utilized for generation of electric power in the way already described. For smaller-scale outputs, for balancing of uneven generation and consumption of electric power, mostly at the smaU power plants based on renewable resources (sunlight: the Sun does not shine during the night, water: uneven water flow rates, wind: uneven air circulation), room 8 ofthe gas pressure medium above the level 9 ofthe fluid in the generator 2 of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure may serve as an accumulator of pressure gas.

Provided the "Storage pressure-gas power plant" is arranged as depicted in Fig.7, this will work in direction 4 ->3 ->2' ->1, respectively 4 -> 3 -> 2" -> 1 alternately as a dual-chamber compressor with a Uquid piston, where the enclosed room - a chamber, in which compression of gas takes place - is represented by generators 2' or 2" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure. If e.g. gas compression starts through the generator 2' of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, shutters 19", 11", 30", 23, 22", 11' and 16 are opened; the others are closed. As soon as sensor 6 ofthe minimum water level senses its minimum level, shutters 19", 30", 22", 15' are closed; shutters 19', 11', 30', 23, 22", 11", 15" andl6 are opened and the process of gas compression continues through generator 2" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure. Re-generation of electric power is realized in a way mentioned in Example 1, Paragraphs 4 and 5.

Example No.3:

"Solar/pressure power plant" for wasteless generation of electric energy from solar radiation (Fig.3)

The equipment for conversion of solar radiation transformed into heat as an unlimited energy resource33 into voluminal work of pressure gas 32 in a solar/pressure generator 40 is, in its other energetic conversions (e.g. into pressure energy of fluid in generator 2 of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure into mechanical work in a rotary hydraulic engine 3 - the fluid turbine), in principle, identical with the "Pressure-gas power plant". Its functional scheme is depicted in Fig.3. The operation of a solar/pressure power plant runs, basicaUy, in the same way Uke it does in the pressure-gas power plants described in Example 1.

Output ofthe solar/pressure power plants may be increased; namely by instaUing of solar reflectors or mirrors 37, reflecting solar radiation 33 transformed into heat, onto the surface of a solar/pressure generator 40, in accordance with the law of reflection and by rising the initial pressure ofthe gaseous pressure medium 3Z This may be achieved by connecting the solar/pressure generator 40 to the pressure-gas combustion chamber 41 , or to a natural deposit 39 of pressure gas, or to a reservoir of pressure gas, in a form of combined "Solar/pressure-gas power plant", or by gas compression during return motion of the recuperation turbine 3, or, if such a thing happens spontaneously during the cooling process ofthe solar/pressure generator 40, after sunset and because of gravity feed of the fluid 26from the higher situated pressureless tank 29 (see Alt.l, Fig. 2), or from the generator concerned (2' or 2") of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure filled with fluid (see Alt.2, Fig.7).

In the sites without any distribution networks, it is appropriate to utilize at least two, sequentially connected solar/pressure power plants, one of those working as a storage pressure-gas power plant (in the Example No.2), generating electric power from the accumulated pressure gas after sunset. By connecting also the solar/pressure generator 40 to to pressure-gas combustion chamber 41 or to the deposit 39 or a reservoir of pressure gas, generation of electric power may be secured even in periods without sunshine and, moreover, pressure gas becomes, in this way, a renewable source of energy. Accumulated heat may be utilized in distribution network 20 ofthe over-heated gases and of 25 heated fluid.

Example No.4:

"Thermohydraulic steam power plant" with a heating plant (steam and warm water) circuit (Fig.4)

In case steam generator 42 (boiler) is used as a source of gaseous pressure medium within the equipment, according to the Invention, the primary energy source 33 ofthe steam generator being e.g. fossile fuels or a geothermal source, then the unified power block will act as a thermohydraulic heating plant. The pressure constituent of the over-heated steam will, in a way already described, convert by means of a fluid charge directly into mechanical work in a rotary hydraulic engine 3, and its thermic components will be utilized for heating purposes.

For heating purposes, a part of steam volume may be utilized already during operation ofthe rotary hydraulic engine 3, or, alternatively, after finishing of the working cycle from the accumulated steam in the generator 2 of the pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure. The portion of steam which becomes fluid, and the heat which passes by convection from steam into fluid charge, will be utilized for heating plant purposes in a form of heated water, even in front of the outlet from the rotary hydrauUc engine 3, or next to it.

Example No.5: "Thermohydraulic pressure-gas electric power plant" with gaseous and heating circuits (Fig.5)

Provided the pressure gas will be heated inside the solar/pressure generator 40, or if a pressure-gas combustion chamber 41 , in which pressure gas will be heated by e.g. burning natural gas, will be the source 1 of gaseous pressure medium, then, the energy conversion of the over-heated pressure gas into mechanical work in a rotary hydraulic engine 3 will run in an analoguous way as it was described in the previous examples. Alternatively, the pressure combustion chamber 41 may be the one with indirect heating of the gaseous32 pressure medium - the residuals of burning are expelled into the chimney, or it may be the one with direct heating ofthe gaseous 32 pressure medium here, the residues are the pressure medium themselves.

Example No.6:

"Multi-purpose reversing engine" for mutual conversion of energies of pressure gas, fluid, mechanical work and electrical energy (Fig.6) and functional scheme of one of many applications - the "Dual-chamber reversing compressor" (Fig.7)

The Unified Power Block is capable to work, as a "Multi-purpose reversing engine", in its single-direction energy conversion appliances as follows:

1 : PETP - accumulator of pressure gas

1 -> 2 : TETP -> TEK - pressure-gas pump

1 -> 2 -> 3 : TETP -> TEK -> MP THS - pneumatic/hydrauUc motor 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 : TETP -> TEK -> MP THS -> EE - pressure-gas power plant

In the reverse direction:

4 : EE -electric motor

4 -> 3 : EE -> MP THS -> electric pump

4 -> 3 -> 2 : EE -> MP THS -> TEK - electric compressor with a liquid piston 4 -> 3 -> 2 -> 1 : EE -> MP THS -> TEK - storage power plant, respectively accumulation of pressure gas

From the block scheme (Fig.6) it is obvious the system is capable of executing other reversible pneumatic, hydrauUc and mechanical operations.

An evident example of realization of a "Dual-chamber reversing compressor", as one of many apphcations of this equipment, is shown in Fig.7.

The "Unified Power Block" modified as "Dual-chamber reversing compressor" has two interconnected generators 2' 2" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure. Their pneumatic circuits Pare attached to an exploited deposit 39 of pressure gas or other underground deposit of pressure gas or above-ground gas tank or windmill, as well as to a common outlet Vp, which is, at the same time, a reverse pipeline for inlet and outlet of pressure gas 32 into the distribution network 20 and from the distribution network 20 of gaseous pressure medium. Their hydraulic circuits H are closed and mutaUy interconnected in front ofthe rotary 3 hydrauUc engine - a reverse turbine. Pressureless fluid tank 29 is altemately substituted by one generator2' or the second generator2" of pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure.

Compression of pressure gas and accumulation of pressure gas, respectively accumulation of electric energy into pressure energy of pressure gas, will be realized by altemate interconnection of generators V and 2" of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, in directions 4->3 -> 2' -> 1, respectively 4 -> 3 -> 2" -> 1, in a way described in Example 2, Paragraph 3. Re-generation of electric power from the accumulated gas in direction 1 -> 2' -> 3 -> 4, respectively 1 -> 2" -> 3 -> 4, will be realized in away described in Example 1, Paragraphs 4 and 5.

Industrial exploitability:

An "Unified Power Block", or a complex of such blocks, according to the Invention, may be utilized for wasteless generation of electric power from pressure gas, as a "Pressure-gas power plant", respectively from solar radiation as a "Solar/pressure power plant", by means of which the utilizable resources increase and the sortiment of primary energy resources is enhanced by two renewable resources, as it will be possible to produce pressure gas as well in the solar/pressure generators. It will be possible to utilize it for economical production of electric power as well, from the over-heated gases and steam, as a "ThermohydrauUc steam power plant" with a heating plant gas and warm-water circuits.

Further, it may be used for electric power storage, as an "Storage pressure-gas power plant", for pressure gas storage, with re-generation of electric power, as well as for water and heat storage; for more rational utilization of surface waters and for further utilization of exploited deposits, abandoned mining objects, cavities and other underground and above-ground sites.

In its essence, this "Unified Power Block" may be utilized as a "Multi-purpose reversing engine" for mutual conversion of energies of pressure gas, fluid, mechanical work and electrical energy, mostly in the fields of pumping and compressor technology, e.g. as a "Dual-chamber reversing compressor" or as a /Pneumatic-hydraulic motor" or "Thermohydraulic motor". List of symbols in schematic drawings

1. Pressure gas medium resource

2. Generator of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure

3. Rotary hydraulic engine

4. Electric generator

5. Fluid charge room

6. Sensor of minimum fluid level

7. Sensor of maximum fluid level

8. Gaseous pressure charge room

9. Fluid charge level lO.Gaseous pressure medium piping

11. Main shutter ofthe gaseous pressure medium

12. Distribution piping ofthe gaseous pressure medium

13. Gaseous pressure medium pressure controUer

14. Shutter in front ofthe pressure controUer

15. Shutter next to the pressure controller

16. Shutter on the by-pass pipeline

17. Inlet piping ofthe gaseous pressure medium

18. Gaseous pressure medium pressure sensor

19. Gaseous pressure medium outlet shutter

20. Distribution network ofthe gaseous pressure medium

21. Fluid main piping

22. Fluid main shutter

23. Shutter of fluid intake into the rotary hydraulic engine

24. Shutter of fluid intake in front ofthe rotary hydraulic engine

25. Fluid distribution network in front ofthe rotary hydraulic engine 26. Fluid

27. Take-off shutter

28. Fluid take-off piping

29. Pressureless fluid tank

30. Shutter into the distribution network next to the rotary engine

31. Fluid distribution network next to the rotary engine

32. Gaseous pressure medium

33. Primary energy resource

34. Degasifier

35. Shutter next to degasifier

36. Gas venting equipment

37. Mirror reflecting sunUght

38. Fluid drain shutter

39. Natural resource of pressure gas

40. Solar/pressure generator

41. Pressure-gas combustion chamber

42. Steam generator - boiler P. Pneumatic circuit

H. HydrauUc circuit

Vp. Gaseous pressure medium outlet

Vkl .Fluid outlet in front ofthe rotary hydrauUc engine

Vk2.Fluid outlet next to the rotary hydraulic engine

Abbreviations used in Fig. 6:

TETP - pressure energy of pressure gas

TEK - pressure energy of fluid

MP THS - mechanical work in a rotary hydraulic engine

EE - electric power

PETP - potential energy of pressure gas

Claims

1. Unified Power Block consisting of a hydraulic circuit, comprising inlet and outlet piping, rotary hydraulic engine, electric generator with a pressureless fluid tank distinguished by the feature that the hydrauUc circuit (H) is attached to the room (5) of fluid tank of at least one generator (2) of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, the room (8) of whose gaseous pressure charge is connected through a pneumatic circuit (P) to at least one resource (1) of gaseous pressure medium, and the pneumatic circuit (P) disembogues into an outlet (Vp).

2. Unified Power Block as described in Point 1 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the outlet (Vp) is, at the same time, an inlet into distribution network (20) ofthe gaseous pressure medium.

3. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 and 2 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the pneumatic circuit (P) is equipped by at least manual control technology system, whereby it comprises at least one sensor of pressure (18) ofthe gaseous pressure medium, at least one plus one sensor of the minimum height (6) and maximum height (7) of fluid within the generator (2) of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, at least one shutter on the by-pass piping (16) or a controller of pressure (13) of the gaseous pressure medium, at least one shutter (11) of the gaseous pressure medium and one shutter (19) of the gaseous pressure medium drain outlet.

4. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 3 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the system is equipped with automated technology or technology of complex automation or technology of complete automation.

5. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 4 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the hydrauUc circuit (H) has an outlet (Vkl) in front ofthe rotary hydraulic engine (3) and an outlet (Vk2) next to the rotary hydraulic engine (3).

6. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 5 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that as a resource (1) of gaseous pressure medium there is a natural deposit (39) of pressure gas, or an underground deposit of pressure gas or an above-ground gas tank or a distribution system.

7. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 5 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that as a resource (1) of gaseous pressure medium there is a solar/pressure generator (40).

8. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 5 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that as a resource (1) of gaseous pressure medium there is a pressure-gas combustion chamber.

9. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 5 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that as a resource (1) of gaseous pressure medium there is a steam generator (42) or a geothermal resource.

10. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 9 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the resources (1) of gaseous pressure medium are mutuaUy interconnected.

11. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 10 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the generator (2) of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure is a pressure vessel or any gasproof pressure underground or above-ground site.

12. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 11 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that at least two generators (2) of pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure are mutually interconnected, whereby their interconnected pneumatic circuits (P) are attached to at least one resource (1) of gaseous pressure medium and to one drain outlet (Vp), and their hydraulic circuits (H) are closed and mutually interconnected in front of the rotary (3) hydraulic engine and next to the rotary (3) hydraulic engine.

13. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 12 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that within the hydrauUc circuit (H), between the input and output of a rotary hydrauUc engine (3) and the pressureless fluid tank (29), degasifier (34) and gas venting equipment (36) are inserted.

14. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 13 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the rotary hydraulic engine (3) is a recuperation turbine and the electric generator (4) is a motor/generator.

15. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 5, 7, 10 to 14 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the solar/pressure generator (40) is a pressure vessel or a tube block or a gasproof, thermaUy conductive pressure room.

16. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 5, 7, 10 to 15 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the solar/pressure generator (40) is optically connected to the system of solar reflectors or mirrors (37).

17. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 16 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that the pressureless fluid tank (29) is surface waters, underground fluid space or above-ground fluid spaces or one's own generators (2) of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure.

18. Unified Power Block as described in Points 1 to 17 hereabove, distinguished by the feature that its pneumatic (P) and hydrauUc (H) circuits are, with the resources of gaseous pressure medium and with the generators (2) of pneumatic and hydrauUc pressure, as weU as with rotary (3) hydraulic engines and with pressureless (29) fluid tanks, mutually interconnected in other territorial sites.