WO2015123613A1

WO2015123613A1 - Thermally charged liquid air energy storage systems, methods, and devices

Info

Publication number: WO2015123613A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/015974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnold J. Goldman
Original assignee: Mada Energie Llc
Priority date: 2014-02-14
Filing date: 2015-02-13
Publication date: 2015-08-20

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to electrical energy generation and conservation, in embodiments, to electrical energy generation by power plants that combust conventional fuels and also power plants that utilize renewable energy resources. In some embodiments, energy conservation and increased efficiency are realized using a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system in conjunction with these power plant(s), where charging the LAES is powered thermally and/or electrically.

Description

THERMALLY CHARGED LIQUID AIR ENERGY STORAGE

SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/940,106, filed February 14, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to electrical energy generation and conservation, and, more particularly, to electrical energy generation by power plants that combust

conventional fuels, and also power plants that utilize renewable energy resources. In some embodiments, energy conservation and increased efficiency are realized using a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system in conjunction with these power plant(s), where charging the LAES is powered thermally and/or electrically.

BACKGROUND

There is a growing demand for energy storage, for a variety of reasons. One reason is related to or associated with renewable energy entering the electrical grid. In some geographical regions the capacity of renewable sources is projected to increase. Such renewable sources may suffer from intermittency and/or reliability issues, as known to those skilled in the art. In some regions the renewable electrical energy is added to the electrical grid in addition to electrical energy from power plants which are base load plants (and may be the majority of plants), such as coal power plants, nuclear power plants, etc. The reliability and/or efficiency of base load power plants may suffer from being cycled up and down, as known by those skilled in the art. Thus, an electrical grid receiving electrical energy capacity from both sources of renewable energy and base load power plants can benefit from energy storage that balances the grid's total electrical energy output.

A variety of energy storage technologies exists today. Technologies such as Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), CAES, batteries, and others known to those of skill in the art are possible solutions for stabilizing an electrical grid. The above-mentioned technologies are charged via electrical energy during a period of time when electrical energy is abundant, and can be discharged when electrical energy is scarce. The electrical energy to charge these storage solutions can come directly from the electrical grid, or from the electrical energy output of an electrical energy generator. However, an energy storage facility charged from a thermal input is desirable in certain situations, as is an energy storage solution charged thermally and electrically. There are a variety of reasons to charge an electrical storage facility thermally, electrically, or both. One such reason is related to the efficiency of the facility.

Further, a desire exists for a flexible base load power plant which cycles up and down and/or switches its electrical output on and off. Such flexibility allows shifting electrical energy output to allow the grid operators (or others) to balance the supply and demand ratio.

SUMMARY

Systems, methods, and devices for energy generation and conservation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a system for generating and storing energy comprises a fuel burner, a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) apparatus, a heat exchanger, and an expander. The LAES can be of a type that compresses and cools air to form liquid air to store energy thereby and expands the liquid air to generate power. The heat exchanger can be connected to the fuel burner to transfer the heat from burning fuel to a working fluid. The expander can be connected to receive the working fluid from the heat exchanger, thereby generating mechanical energy. The expander can be mechanically connected such that the mechanical energy from the expander is output to a compressor within the LAES to generate liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES.

In one of more embodiments, a thermal system comprises a fuel heated channel, a first fluid circuit, a liquid air energy storage system, and a second fluid circuit. The fuel heated channel can have first heat transfer elements, each including a fluid circuit configured to circulate a respective heat transfer fluid. The first fluid circuit can be adapted to flow a working fluid over second heat transfer elements, each coupled to a respective one of the first heat transfer elements for transfer of heat therefrom to the working fluid. The first fluid circuit can be adapted to flow the heated working fluid to a thermal engine. The liquid air energy storage system can be configured to generate heated working fluid. The second fluid circuit can be adapted for delivering heat from the liquid air energy storage system to the first fluid circuit.

In one or more embodiments, a system for generating and storing energy comprises a fuel burner to burn fuel to produce heat, a LAES, a heat exchanger, and an expander. The heat exchanger can be in fluid communication with the fuel burner, to transfer the heat produced by the fuel burner to a working fluid. The expander can be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive the working fluid from the heat exchanger to generate mechanical energy. The expander can be operatively connected to the LAES such that the mechanical energy from the expander is usable to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES.

In one or more embodiments, a system for generating and storing energy comprises an energy storage system, a thermal energy source, a heat exchanger, and an expander. The energy storage system can comprise a compressor. The heat exchanger can be connected to the thermal energy source to transfer thermal energy from the thermal energy source to a working medium. The expander can be connected to receive the working medium from the heat exchanger to generate mechanical energy. The expander can be mechanically connected such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is output to the compressor of the energy storage system to store the mechanical energy.

Objects and advantages of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent from the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Where applicable, some features may not be illustrated to assist in the illustration and description of underlying features. Throughout the figures, like reference numerals denote like elements. As used herein, various embodiments can mean one, some, or all embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a LAES with an external high temperature external storage unit, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system for generating and storing energy that includes a coal power plant and a LAES, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for generating and storing energy that includes a coal power plant and a LAES that provides oxygen to the coal power plant, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 illustrates a heat exchanger with stacked thermal energy storage units, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5A illustrates a heat exchanger with stacked thermal energy storage units, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5B illustrates a heat exchanger with stacked thermal energy storage units, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 illustrates an external high temperature thermal energy storage unit, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of this disclosure, a facility includes a base load power plant, such as a coal power plant, and a Liquid Air Energy Storage (hereinafter LAES) system. The facility operates in several modes of operation. One mode of operation results in dispatching electrical energy from the facility to the electrical grid (or any other consumer). A second mode of operation results in not dispatching electrical energy from the facility to the electrical grid. Shifting from one mode of operation to a different mode of operation can occur in a short period of time and does not cause a large loss of efficiency. The LAES can be charged from several sources of energy; for example, an electrical source and/or a mechanical source.

The LAES apparatus, which is known in the art, is a storage system comprised of devices, air flows, heat storage units, vessels, etc. that together allow an air phase change. The LAES has a few modes of operation; in one mode the LAES processes air and generates liquid air by achieving a phase change of the air from gas to liquid. This mode of operation is referred to as the "charging cycle" or "charging the LAES." Air that has been liquefied is stored in suitable vessels, and utilized during a second mode of operation called a discharge mode or

"discharge cycle." When the LAES is operating in discharge mode, liquid air stored in a suitable vessel is pumped or otherwise circulated through the LAES. The liquid air evaporates and becomes a gas, and this air in a gas phase is directed to an expander to power a generator and generate electrical energy.

During the charging cycle, a compressor traps and compresses air from the environment into and throughout the LAES. During the compression process, the air's temperature rises. This high temperature thermal energy is extracted from the air and stored in suitable vessels to be utilized during the discharge cycle. The high temperature thermal energy from the compressed air is extracted and stored by a suitable heat exchanger, storage material, storage vessels etc. as known to those of skill in the art. The air can be further processed to achieve the phase change goal by purification of the air stream stream via air filters. Further reduction of the air's temperature is accomplished by passing the air stream through cold storage units (direct or non- direct heat exchanger). The cold storage units contain a suitable material inside a suitable vessel containing relatively low thermal energy temperatures. The relatively low temperature within the cold storage units is achieved during the discharge cycle, as will be detailed herein. Reduction of the air stream's pressure by expansion is achieved by a suitable air expander or other devices known in the art. The air stream exiting the expansion stage undergoes a phase change and becomes liquid air. In certain embodiments, a portion of the air stream is liquefied and a different portion remains in a gas form, and the air stream is directed to an air separator in which the liquid air and the air remaining in a gas form are separated. The liquid air is stored in a suitable liquid air vessel(s). The portion of the air stream which remains in a gas form

("byproduct") is circulated through the LAES, and exchanges thermal energy with the air stream circulated throughout the LAES, thus reducing the temperature of the air stream. The byproduct stream is then vented from the LAES.

During the discharge mode of the LAES, liquid air contained within the liquid air vessel(s) is pumped (or otherwise circulated) from the liquid air vessels throughout the LAES. The liquid air ("the reverse stream") is directed through one or more cold storage units. Thermal energy is exchanged to and from the reverse stream to and from a suitable material located within suitable vessels of the cold storage unit(s). Exchange of thermal energy can be by direct or non-direct methods. The reversed stream charges the cold storage unit(s) with cold thermal energy to be utilized during the charging cycle as detailed above. The reversed stream is further directed to one or more high temperature thermal storage units, where thermal energy is exchanged to and from the reversed stream to and from a suitable material located within suitable vessels of the high temperature thermal energy storage unit(s). The reversed air stream exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit(s) is directed through an air expander that powers a generator to generate electrical energy.

In certain embodiments, the LAES also includes one or more external thermal energy storage units that receive high temperature thermal energy external from the process of compressing air during the charging cycle. The reversed stream is directed to the external thermal energy storage unit(s), where high temperature thermal energy is extracted from the external thermal energy storage unit(s) to the reversed stream, and relatively low temperature is extracted from the reversed stream to the external thermal energy storage unit(s). The reversed air stream is then directed through an air expander that powers a generator to generate electrical energy.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a facility contains a power plant, such as a coal power plant, and a LAES. The facility operates in multiple modes of operation. In one of the modes of operation, the facility outputs electrical energy to the electrical grid (or any other consumer), and in a second mode of operation the facility does not output electrical energy.

In certain embodiments a coal power plant (hereinafter referred to as a coal plant) combusts coal via a burner. The combusted coal generates an exhaust containing high temperature thermal energy. The exhaust is directed through a heat exchanger prior to being released to the environment. A second gas stream is directed through the heat exchanger, and high temperature thermal energy is extracted and transferred from the exhaust and to the stream of gas (referred to as a working fluid stream). The working fluid stream enters the heat exchanger at or near the outlet of the exhaust, and exits the heat exchanger at or near the inlet of the exhaust. In this way, the working fluid stream is charged with high temperature thermal energy, and the charge grows gradually as the working fluid stream passes through the heat exchanger. Extracting the high temperature thermal energy from the exhaust and charging the working fluid stream can be achieved using a variety of methods. One method is to pass both the exhaust and the working fluid stream in opposite directions through a heat exchanger having multiple sets of pipes, one set allocated to the exhaust gas and another allocated to the working fluid stream. The different pipe sets are in contact, thus achieving heat transfer. Another heat exchange method includes providing a stack of thermal energy storage units, one storage unit differing from the other storage unit regarding the temperature range that the storage unit absorbs and stores. The stack of storage units are arranged so that the highest temperature range storage unit is located near the inlet of the exhaust and the lowest temperature range located near the outlet of the exhaust. The working fluid stream is directed from the lowest to highest temperature range units and charged during the process. Other well-known methods may achieve the same goal of charging the working fluid stream.

The working fluid stream can be air, air components, a mono gas, or other any other suitable gas. Directing the working fluid stream to and through the heat exchanger (and other devices) is achieved by one or more compressors that trap and compress the working fluid stream. The working fluid stream exiting the heat exchanger after being charged with high temperatures from the exhaust gas is directed through an expander; for example, a well-known type of expander that generates mechanical energy, such as a turbine. The working fluid stream exiting the expander is directed to a thermal energy storage unit external to the LAES. Relatively high temperature thermal energy still within the working fluid stream is extracted from the working fluid stream and stored within the external thermal energy storage unit, to be utilized during the discharge cycle of the LAES as will be described in detail herein below. According to one embodiment, the working fluid stream exiting the external thermal energy storage unit is vented to the atmosphere. According to another embodiment, the working fluid stream exiting the external thermal energy storage is directed to a gas reservoir. The compressor traps and compresses the working fluid stream from the gas reservoir through the heat exchanger as detailed above.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the mechanical energy generated by the turbine is directed to power a variety of devices. During a first period of time the mechanical energy drives a generator to generate electrical energy that can be dispatched to the electrical grid (or any other consumer). During a second period of time the mechanical energy is directed to power a compressor of the LAES to generate liquid air as detailed above. A gain in efficiency is achieved in comparison to the standard efficiency of a coal power plant by using the disclosed methodology. This gain in efficiency is associated with the operation of the gas expander (e.g., the above-described turbine) in comparison to the standard operation of a steam turbine typically used in a coal power plant.

According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the facility has a first mode of operation wherein no electrical output is generated from the facility, and the mechanical energy generated from the expander is used to power the compressor(s) of the LAES. During a second mode of operation, the facility operates to dispatch electrical energy to the electrical grid (or any other consumer) by either directing the mechanical energy generated from the expander to power a generator, or by discharging the LAES, or by both directing the mechanical energy generated from the expander to power a generator and by discharging the LAES. In some embodiments, the LAES's compressor and expander can be separate devices, and in such embodiments the LAES can be configured to both charge and discharge simultaneously. Embodiments that can be configured to chargs and dischargs the LAES simultaneously comprise an additional set of devices such as pipes, heat exchanger(s), etc. to facilitate such simultaneous charging and discharging of the LAES.

The coal power plant can operate constantly or near constantly at full load (with occasional cycling down for maintenance). There may be a need periodically to cycle down the coal plant; however, controlling the electrical output of the facility can be achieved by shifting from one mode of operation to the other. By not cycling the coal power plant up and down, a gain in efficiency is realized. Further gains are realized by eliminating efficiency losses associated with operating the coal power plant at partial load. Other efficiencies associated with operational loss and/or wear and tear associated with cycling up and down and switching on and off a coal plant are known to those of skill in the art.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, during a first period of time when the grid has an over-capacity of electrical energy, the disclosed facility draws electrical energy from the electrical grid and charges the LAES. Electrical energy may be drawn down from the grid and power a motor that powers the compressor(s) of the LAES. The LAES stores the energy as detailed above. During a second period of time when there is a need for electrical capacity, the facility discharges the stored electrical energy from the LAES, and generates electrical energy that is dispatched to the electrical grid (or any other consumer) as detailed above.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the coal burner of the coal plant is configured for high temperature burning, wherein during the process of combusting the coal, higher than typical temperatures are reached. This is achieved by enriching the amount of oxygen (02) fed to the coal burner during the combustion process. One of skill in the art would appreciate that a result of increasing the percentage of 02 during combustion is an increase in the exhaust temperature. By increasing the temperature of the exhaust, directing the exhaust through a heat exchanger, and charging the working fluid (as detailed above), the working fluid is charged with and at a high temperature. As a result of the increased temperature of the working fluid, the expander to which the working fluid is directed operates at a higher efficiency (i.e., it generates a larger output of mechanical energy), as also known to those of skill in the art. Likewise, as a result of the enriched 02 burning process, less coal is needed to fuel the burner due to the higher efficiency of the burning process.

To enrich the burning process with 02, there is a need to obtain 02 from an oxygen source. This is a hurdle for typical power plants. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the 02 needed for the high temperature burning process is obtained from the LAES apparatus by further processing the air stream of the LAES process detailed above. According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, during the charging cycle of the LAES, the air stream is further processed to separate the air components, and/or separate the 02 from the other air components, in a conventional manner. The separation process may occur prior to storing the liquid air and/or liquid air components, using one or methods known to those of skill in the art. Pure 02 produced by the separation process is directed to the coal burner, thus achieving the desired high temperature burning.

High temperature burning decreases the amount of NOx generated through the process, as known to those of skill in the art. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the increase of 02 to the coal burner results in a 100 percent (or other suitable percentage that may achieve the same result) 02 burning environment. The 02 is obtained from the LAES as detailed above. Further, the gas feed comes all, or near to all, from the 02 generated by the LAES. Due to the absence or limited participation of nitrogen (N) during the burning process, the NOx emitted is decreased or altogether absent. As a result of the limited nitrogen participation, the radiative heat transfer of the burner is more efficient, and enables a relatively smaller-sized coal burner in comparison to a typical coal burner. As a further result of limited nitrogen participation during the burning process, the exhaust gas mass flow decreases, enabling a decrease in the size of the required exhaust handling equipment, as known to one of skill in the art.

An exemplary LAES with an external high temperature thermal storage unit, usable with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 illustrates a LAES with an external high temperature external storage unit 9 (207), according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The LAES of FIG. 1 has a plurality of modes of operation. In a first mode, called a charging mode, one or more compressors 2 are powered by a motor 1 , or are powered mechanically as will be detailed herein below. The compressor(s) 2 trap air from the environment and compress the air throughout the LAES system. The temperature of the compressed air stream rises, and high temperature thermal energy is extracted from the air stream and stored in an internal waste thermal energy storage unit 3. The high thermal energy stored in the internal waste thermal energy storage unit 3 is utilized during the discharge cycle described below.

The air stream is further processed and undergoes a phase change. In particular, the air stream's temperature is further reduced in a deep cooling stage 4, and the air stream is expanded and transformed into liquid air in a deep cooling liquefaction stage 5. In certain embodiments, a first portion of the air stream undergoes a phase change to liquid, and a second portion does not undergo the phase change (the second portion is known as a byproduct). The first portion of the air stream (i.e., liquid air) is separated from the byproduct in an air separator 6, and stored in a suitable liquid air storage vessel 7. The byproduct stream is directed back throughout the LAES (see dotted lines in FIG. 1) and utilized to further reduce the temperature of the air stream circulated through the LAES. The by-product stream is then vented out of the LAES through a vent 13.

The LAES also operates in a second, discharge mode. During discharge mode, liquid air is pumped from the liquid air storage vessel 7 via liquid air pump 8. The liquid air (referred to as the reversed stream) is circulated through different areas of the LAES; e.g., the reversed stream exchanges thermal energy with a material located in or associated with the deep cooling stage 4. Low temperature thermal energy extracted from the reverse stream is stored in deep cooling stage 4, which is further utilized during the charging cycle. Exiting the deep cooling stage 4, the reversed stream is directed to internal waste thermal energy storage unit 3 and is charged with relatively high temperature thermal energy. The reversed stream exiting the internal waste thermal energy storage unit 3 is directed to high temperature external thermal energy storage unit 9, where it is further charged with high thermal energy temperature from high temperature external thermal energy storage unit 9. Exiting the high temperature external thermal energy storage unit 9, the reversed air stream is directed to one or more air expanders 10 to drive a generator 11. The high temperature external thermal energy storage unit 9 is charged from a thermal source external to the LAES, which will be described below, that is unrelated to the air stream compression process.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system for generating and storing energy that includes a coal power plant and a LAES 208, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. A facility 200 includes a conventional coal power plant and a LAES 208 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). The facility 200 can operate in a plurality of modes of operation. One mode of operation results in the facility 200 not dispatching any electrical output to the electrical grid (or other consumer). A conventional coal burner 201 operates to combust coal to generate a high temperature exhaust. The high temperature exhaust is directed through a heat exchanger 202. Exiting the heat exchanger 202, the exhaust is vented to the environment. The heat exchanger 202 receives a second gas stream (referred to as a working fluid stream) that enters the heat exchanger 202 at or near the outlet of the exhaust and passes through the heat exchanger 202 and exits at or near the exhaust inlet. Thermal energy is exchanged from the exhaust to the working fluid stream.

There are a number of methods to achieve thermal energy exchange between the high temperature exhaust and the working fluid stream. In certain embodiments, the heat exchanger 202 has multiple sets of pipes, where one set of pipes 202A is allocated for the exhaust and a second set of pipes 202B is allocated for the working fluid stream. The different pipe sets 202A, 202B are in contact, thus achieving heat transfer so that the working fluid stream is charged with high temperature thermal energy from the exhaust.

Another heat exchange method includes providing a stack of thermal energy storage units, one storage unit differing from the other storage unit regarding the temperature range that the storage unit absorbs and stores. The stack of storage units are arranged so that the highest temperature range storage unit is located near the inlet of the exhaust and the lowest temperature range located near the outlet of the exhaust. The working fluid stream is directed from the lowest to highest temperature range units and charged during the process. In some embodiments employing this method, heat exchanger 202 is replaced with one of heat exchanges 400, 500, or 5000 shown in FIGs. 4, 5A, and 5B, respectively, and described below.

Other well-known methods may achieve the same goal of charging the working fluid stream. For example, some embodiments include a gas-to-gas heat exchanger in place of heat exchanger 202.

Exiting the heat exchanger 202, the working fluid stream is directed to and drives a conventional expander 206. The expander 206 is a turbine that generates mechanical energy. Mechanical energy generated by the expander 206 is directed to multiple sources. One of the sources is a generator 210 for generating electrical energy, and another is a compressor 204 for compressing and circulating the working fluid. The mechanical energy generated by the expander 206 is also directed to drive one or more compressors 2 as shown in FIG. 1. Driving the compressor(s) 2 result in the generation of liquid air and the charging of the LAES 208. The mechanical energy generated by expander 206 is controlled and directed by a LAES mechanical drive unit 209, which functions as a transmission for selectively directing the mechanical energy generated by the expander 206 to drive the generator 210 or the LAES compressor(s) 2 as needed. In certain embodiments, a switch (not shown) is provided for selectively directing the electricity from generator 210 to the grid or other electrical output, or to the electric motor 1 operatively connected to compressor(s) 2 of the LAES.

The working fluid stream exiting expander 206 is directed to a LAES external high temperature thermal storage unit 207. The high temperature thermal energy still contained in the working fluid stream is extracted and stored in the LAES external high temperature thermal storage unit 207, to be utilized during the discharge of the LAES 208. In certain embodiments, the high temperature thermal energy storage unit 207 is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger 202 for receiving a portion of the working fluid directly from the heat exchanger 202. In certain embodiments, the high temperature thermal energy storage unit 207 is in fluid communication with an outlet of the system compressor 204 for receiving a portion of the working fluid from the outlet of the compressor 204.

In certain embodiments, high temperature thermal storage unit 207 contains a heat storage medium such as glass or salt, or both. In some embodiments, high temperature thermal storage unit 207 comprises a stack of heat storage modules as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. Working fluid from expander 206 enters the storage unit 207 and the heat is thereby transferred from the working fluid to the storage unit 207. The stored heat is thereafter transferred to air from LAES 208 during the LAES discharge process.

The working fluid stream exiting the LAES external high temperature thermal storage unit 207 is directed to a gas reservoir 203. A compressor 204 compresses the gas through the facility as detailed. In further embodiments, the working fluid stream exiting the LAES external high temperature thermal storage unit 207 is vented from facility 200 (not shown in figure ), or directly compressed via compressor 204.

Another mode of operation of the facility 200 results in electrical output from the facility 200 dispatched to the electrical grid (or any other consumer). During a period in which the facility 200 is configured to dispatch electrical energy, it can do so by generating electrical energy from a generator 210, which may be powered by mechanical energy generated by expander 206. In this mode, the LAES 208 dispatches electrical energy as detailed above in relation to FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the facility 200 is configured to generate electricity from one or both sources (i.e., coal burner 201 and LAES 208). In some embodiments, the LAES 208 operates in charge and discharge mode simultaneously. Additional devices are needed to operate the LAES 208 in both modes simultaneously, such as an additional set of pipes, heat exchanger(s) etc. not shown in FIG. 1, but well-known in the art.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the LAES 208 is charged by an electrical source, such as the electrical grid. In this embodiment, during a period in which the electrical grid is suffering from a state of overcapacity, the LAES 208 can draw down electrical energy and operate motor 1 (see FIG. 1) that drives one or more compressors 2, such that the LAES 208 FIG.2 generates liquid air as detailed above. During a second period, the LAES 208 generates electrical energy that is dispatched to the electrical grid.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for generating and storing energy that includes a coal power plant and a LAES that provides oxygen to the coal power plant, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In this embodiment, during the charging cycle of the LAES 208, the air stream is further processed to achieve air separation into air components, one of which is oxygen (02). The gathered 02 215 is directed to the coal burner 201. By increasing the 02 within the combustion process, the exhaust gas reaches a higher temperature than it would otherwise, with the resultant advantages described herein above. The other operations, flow diagrams etc. of facility 300 are similar to those of facility 200 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a heat exchanger 400 with stacked thermal energy storage units, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Heat exchanger 400, which can be substituted for heat exchanger 202 in FIGs. 2 and 3, comprises a stack of thermal energy storage units 400 A, 400B, and 400C. Storage unit 400 A is the highest temperature range storage unit and is located closest to the exhaust inlet. It comprises a circulatory system having a pump 402A for pumping a high-temperature heat storage medium such as molten glass through pipes 401 A. Glass is well-known as being capable of storing thermal energy at about 1000-1250 degrees Centigrade. The exhaust stream is passed over heat exchanger 420A, which absorbs heat from the exhaust stream and transfers it to the heat storage medium, which is pumped by pump 402A to a gas/liquid heat exchanger 422A. The working fluid absorbs the heat from radiator 422A.

Storage unit 400B is an intermediate temperature range storage unit and is located after storage unit 400A. It comprises a circulatory system having a pump 402B for pumping a medium-range-temperature heat storage medium such as molten salt through pipes 401B. Salt is well-known as being capable of storing thermal energy up to about 800 degrees Centigrade. The exhaust stream is passed over heat exchanger 420B, which absorbs heat from the exhaust stream and transfers it to the heat storage medium, which is pumped by pump 402B to gas/liquid heat exchanger 422B. The working fluid absorbs the heat from radiator 422B.

Storage unit 400C is a relatively low-temperature range storage unit and is located closest to the exhaust outlet. It comprises a circulatory system having a pump 402C for pumping a low- temperature heat storage medium such as oil through pipes 401C. The exhaust stream is passed over heat exchanger 420C, which absorbs heat from the exhaust stream and transfers it to the heat storage medium, which is pumped by pump 402C to gas/liquid heat exchanger 422C. The working fluid absorbs the heat from radiator 422C.

The working fluid passes over storage unit 400C first, then 400B and finally 400A, and is charged with heat from each of storage units 400 A-C before exiting heat exchanger 400. It should be understood that heat exchanger 400 can contain more or less than three thermal energy storage units, and that the storage units are not limited to using glass, salt, and/or oil as storage media. Those of skill in the art will realize that the number and type of thermal energy storage units can be varied according to the needs of a particular facility and/or to suit the particular working fluid and exhaust stream to achieve the desired heat transfer characteristics. Thus, any combination of such storage units is contemplated by this disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a heat exchanger with stacked thermal energy storage units, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Heat exchanger 500, which can also be substituted for heat exchanger 202 in FIGs. 2 and 3, comprises a stack 501 of boiler-tube-type primary heat exchangers 502, 504, 506. Each of the primary heat exchangers 502, 504, 506 is in fluid communication with a heat storage vessel 508, 510, 512, respectively, via a circulatory system having a pump 514 for pumping a heat storage medium through pipes 528, 532, 536, respectively. Heat exchanger 500 further includes a stack 540 of finned radiator-type secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526. Each of the secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526 is in fluid communication with a respective one of the heat storage vessels 508, 510, 512, via a circulatory system having a pump 516 for pumping the heat storage medium through pipes 530, 534, 538, respectively.

The exhaust stream from a burner 505 is passed over primary heat exchangers 502, 504, 506, each of which absorb heat from the exhaust stream and transfer it to the heat storage medium, which is pumped by one of pumps 514 to one of the storage vessels 508, 510, 512. The storage vessels 508, 510, 512 act as a buffer during periods of changing demand for heat and periods of changing supply of heat. The exhaust exits through pipe 548. The heat storage medium is pumped by pumps 516 to secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526. The working fluid passes through inlet 550 and over secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526, absorbs the heat therefrom, and exits heat exchanger 500 via outlet 552.

Similar to heat exchanger 400 shown in FIG. 4, the heat storage medium in each of storage vessels 508, 510, 512 differs from the others as far as the temperature range that the storage medium absorbs and stores. The storage vessels 508, 510, 512 are arranged so that the highest temperature range storage vessel is located near the inlet of the exhaust and the lowest temperature range is located near the outlet 548 of the exhaust. The working fluid stream is directed from the lowest to highest temperature range secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526, and charged during the process. Thus, primary heat exchanger 506, storage vessel 512, and secondary heat exchanger 526 have the highest temperature range storage medium (e.g., glass) and are located closest to the exhaust inlet, and so on for the other sets of fluidly connected heat exchangers and storage vessels, one of which can contain an intermediate temperature range storage medium such as salt, and a lower temperature range storage medium such as oil.

FIG. 5B illustrates a heat exchanger 5000 with stacked thermal energy storage units, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Heat exchanger 5000, which can be substituted for heat exchanger 202 in FIGs. 2 and 3, comprises a stack 501 of boiler-tube-type primary heat exchangers 502, 504, 506. Each of the primary heat exchangers 502, 504, 506 is in fluid communication with an accumulator 562, 560, 558, respectively, via a circulatory system having a pump 545 for pumping a heat storage medium through pipes 528 and 530, 532 and 534, 536 and 538, respectively. Heat exchanger 500 further includes a stack 540 of finned radiator-type secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526. Each of the secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526 is in fluid communication with a respective one of the

accumulators 562, 560, 558, and one of the primary heat exchangers 502, 504, 506 via one of the respective circulatory systems.

The exhaust stream from a burner 505 is passed over primary heat exchangers 502, 504, 506, each of which absorb heat from the exhaust stream and transfer it to the heat storage medium, which is pumped by one of pumps 545 to one of the secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526, and then to one of the accumulators 562, 560, 558. The accumulators facilitate continuous operation of the heat exchanger 5000, increasing mechanical reliability; for example, by avoiding heat shock to the components. The exhaust exits through pipe 548. The working fluid passes through inlet 550 and over secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526, absorbs the heat therefrom, and exits heat exchanger 500 via outlet 552.

Similar to heat exchangers 400 and 500 shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, respectively, the heat storage medium in each of accumulators 558, 560, 562 differs from the others as far as the temperature range that the storage medium absorbs and stores. The accumulators 558, 560, 562 are arranged so that the highest temperature range storage vessel is located near the inlet of the exhaust and the lowest temperature range is located near the outlet 548 of the exhaust. The working fluid stream is directed from the lowest to highest temperature range secondary heat exchangers 522, 524, 526, and charged during the process. Thus, primary heat exchanger 506, accumulator 558, and secondary heat exchanger 526 have the highest temperature range storage medium (e.g., glass) and are located closest to the exhaust inlet, and so on for the other sets of fluidly connected heat exchangers and storage vessels, one of which can contain an intermediate temperature range storage medium such as salt, and a lower temperature range storage medium such as oil.

FIG. 6 illustrates an external high temperature thermal energy storage unit 207, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Storage unit 207 comprises a stack of heat storage modules 602, 604. Working fluid from expander 206 enters at inlet 616 and is directed to module 604 containing a high temperature range heat storage medium such as glass, and then passes to module 602 containing a lower-temperature range heat storage medium such as salt (and optionally then passes to other modules 618, 620 containing lower-temperature range heat storage media such as oil and water), then exits at outlet 612. The heat is thereby transferred from the working fluid to the storage unit 207. The stored heat is thereafter transferred to air from LAES 208 during the LAES discharge process.

In one or more first embodiments, a system for generating and storing energy comprises a fuel burner, a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) apparatus, a heat exchanger, and an expander. The LAES can be of a type that compresses and cools air to form liquid air to store energy thereby and expands the liquid air to generate power. The heat exchanger can be connected to the fuel burner to transfer the heat from burning fuel to a working fluid. The expander can be connected to receive the working fluid from the heat exchanger, thereby generating mechanical energy. The expander can be mechanically connected such that the mechanical energy from the expander is output to a compressor within the LAES to generate liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the fuel burner can generate a high temperature exhaust gas, and the heat exchanger can be of a gas to gas type that transfers heat from the high temperature exhaust gas to a gaseous working fluid.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the working fluid can be a high temperature gas when exiting the heat exchanger, and the high temperature gas can drive the expander to output the mechanical energy.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise an electrical generator and a transmission. The electrical generator can be mechanically connected to the expander. The transmission can be connected to direct mechanical energy generated by the expander to the electrical generator in a first period of time to generate an electrical output, and to a compressor of the LAES in a second period of time to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a high temperature thermal energy storage unit in fluid communication with an outlet of the expander such that it can store a remaining heat extracted following the expansion of the working fluid gas exiting the expander.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high temperature thermal energy storage unit can be separate from the LAES apparatus.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a gas reservoir and a system compressor. The gas reservoir can be in fluid communication with the high temperature thermal energy storage unit. A portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit can be directed to the gas reservoir. The system compressor can be in fluid communication with the gas reservoir and the heat exchanger, such that it compresses and directs the working fluid from the gas reservoir to the heat exchanger.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a system compressor in fluid communication with an outlet of the high temperature thermal energy storage unit and the heat exchanger, such that it compresses and directs a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit to the heat exchanger.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a transmission having a selector function that selectively directing the mechanical energy generated by the expander to drive the generator or the LAES compressor according to a command input.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the working fluid can include air, air components, or a mono gas.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise an electrical generator and a switch. The electrical generator can be operatively connected to the expander such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is directed to the electrical generator to generate electricity. The switch can be connected to selectively direct the electricity to an electrical output or to an electric motor operatively connected to a compressor of the LAES to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a generator and a drive unit that can be connected to the expander and the LAES to receive selectively mechanical energy from the expander, the LAES, or both, to generate electricity. In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, all of the mechanical energy can be directed to power the compressor of the LAES, and to generate liquid air and thermal energy.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the LAES can generate electricity by converting thermal energy contained within the LAES and within the high temperature thermal energy storage unit.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the LAES can include an air component separator configured to separate air into one or more air components.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, one of the air components can be oxygen.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the fuel burner can comprise a coal burner, and the oxygen can be directed to the coal burner to produce a high oxygen composition burning environment in the coal burner.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the oxygen percentage during the combustion process can be substantially 100%.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high temperature thermal energy storage unit can be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive a portion of the working fluid from the heat exchanger.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high temperature thermal energy storage unit can be in fluid communication with an outlet of the system compressor to receive a portion of the working fluid from the compressor.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat exchanger can comprise one or more thermal energy storage units, each comprising a heat storage medium absorbing heat from the high temperature exhaust gas, and a heat exchanger transferring heat from the heat storage medium to the working fluid.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat exchanger can comprise a plurality of stacked thermal energy storage units, each having a different temperature range within which it absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the exhaust gas, and the lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximate an outlet of the exhaust gas. The working fluid stream can be directed from the lowest to the highest temperature range units.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat storage medium can be one of a glass, a salt, and an oil. In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, each of the thermal energy storage units can have a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, and an oil.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high temperature thermal storage unit can comprise a stack of heat storage modules, each module having a different temperature range within which it absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the working fluid, and the lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an outlet for the working fluid.

In the first embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, each of the heat storage modules can have a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, an oil, and water.

In one or more second embodiments, a thermal system comprises a fuel heated channel, a first fluid circuit, a liquid air energy storage system, and a second fluid circuit. The fuel heated channel can have first heat transfer elements, each including a fluid circuit configured to circulate a respective heat transfer fluid. The first fluid circuit can be adapted to flow a working fluid over second heat transfer elements, each coupled to a respective one of the first heat transfer elements for transfer of heat therefrom to the working fluid. The first fluid circuit can be adapted to flow the heated working fluid to a thermal engine. The liquid air energy storage system can be configured to generate heated working fluid. The second fluid circuit can be adapted for delivering heat from the liquid air energy storage system to the first fluid circuit.

In the second embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the second fluid circuit can supply the working fluid to a compressor in the first fluid circuit.

In one or more third embodiments, a system for generating and storing energy comprises a fuel burner to burn fuel to produce heat, a LAES, a heat exchanger, and an expander. The heat exchanger can be in fluid communication with the fuel burner, to transfer the heat produced by the fuel burner to a working fluid. The expander can be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive the working fluid from the heat exchanger to generate mechanical energy. The expander can be operatively connected to the LAES such that the mechanical energy from the expander is usable to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the fuel burner can combust the fuel to generate a high temperature exhaust gas, and the heat exchanger can transfer heat from the high temperature exhaust gas to the working fluid. In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the working fluid can be a high temperature gas when exiting the heat exchanger, and the high temperature gas can drive the expander to generate the mechanical energy.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise an electrical generator. The electrical generator can be operatively connected to the expander. The mechanical energy generated by the expander can be directed to the electrical generator in a first period of time to generate an electrical output, and can be directed to a compressor of the LAES in a second period of time to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a high temperature thermal energy storage unit in fluid communication with an outlet of the expander to store a remaining heat extracted following the expansion of the working fluid gas exiting the expander.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high

temperature thermal energy storage unit can be separate from the LAES apparatus.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a gas reservoir and a system compressor. The gas reservoir can be in fluid communication with the high temperature thermal energy storage unit. A portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is directed to the gas reservoir. The system compressor can be in fluid communication with the gas reservoir and the heat exchanger, to compress and direct the working fluid from the gas reservoir to the heat exchanger.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a system compressor in fluid communication with an outlet of the high temperature thermal energy storage unit and the heat exchanger, to compress and direct at least a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit to the heat exchanger.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise a transmission to selectively direct the mechanical energy generated by the expander to drive the generator or the LAES compressor as needed.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the working fluid can comprise air, air components, or a mono gas.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise an electrical generator and a switch. The electrical generator can be operatively connected to the expander, such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is directed to the electrical generator to generate electricity. The switch can selectively direct the electricity to an electrical output or to an electric motor operatively connected to a compressor of the LAES to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can generate the electrical output from the mechanical energy generated by the expander, or from the energy stored in the LAES, or by both simultaneously.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, all of the mechanical energy can be directed to power the compressor of the LAES, and to generate liquid air and thermal energy.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the LAES can generate electricity by converting thermal energy contained within the LAES and within the high temperature thermal energy storage unit.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the LAES can comprise an air component separator to separate air into one or more air components.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, one of the air components can be oxygen.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the fuel burner can comprise a coal burner, and the oxygen can be directed to the coal burner to produce a high oxygen composition burning environment in the coal burner.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the oxygen percentage during the combustion process can be substantially 100%.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high

temperature thermal energy storage unit can be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive at least a portion of the working fluid from the heat exchanger.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high

temperature thermal energy storage unit can be in fluid communication with an outlet of the system compressor to receive a portion of the working fluid from the compressor.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat exchanger can comprise one or more thermal energy storage units, each comprising a heat storage medium to absorb heat from the high temperature exhaust gas, and a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the heat storage medium to the working fluid.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat exchanger can comprise a plurality of stacked thermal energy storage units, each unit having a different temperature range within which the unit absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the exhaust gas, and a lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an outlet for the exhaust gas. The working fluid stream can be directed from the lowest to the highest temperature range units.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat storage medium can be one of a glass, a salt, and an oil.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, each of the thermal energy storage units can have a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, and an oil.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the high temperature thermal storage unit can comprise a stack of heat storage modules, each module having a different temperature range within which the module absorbs and stores heat, the stack of heat storage modules being arranged such that a highest temperature range module of the heat storage modules is located proximal an inlet of the working fluid, and a lowest temperature range module of the heat storage modules is located proximal an outlet for the working fluid.

In the third embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, each of the heat storage modules can have a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, an oil, and water.

In one or more fourth embodiments, a system for generating and storing energy comprises an energy storage system, a thermal energy source, a heat exchanger, and an expander. The energy storage system can comprise a compressor. The heat exchanger can be connected to the thermal energy source to transfer thermal energy from the thermal energy source to a working medium. The expander can be connected to receive the working medium from the heat exchanger to generate mechanical energy. The expander can be mechanically connected such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is output to the compressor of the energy storage system to store the mechanical energy.

In the fourth embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the system can further comprise an external high temperature thermal energy storage unit connected to the expander to receive the working medium and store thermal energy received from the working medium. The external high temperature thermal energy storage unit can be connected to the energy storage system to provide thermal energy from the stored thermal energy to the energy storage system during a discharge cycle of the energy storage system.

In the fourth embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the energy storage system can be a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system. In the fourth embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the thermal energy source can be a fuel burner. The LAES can be connected to the fuel burner to provide oxygen to the fuel burner, thereby improving heat output of the fuel burner.

In the fourth embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat exchanger can comprise one or more thermal energy storage units, each comprising a heat storage medium to absorb heat from the thermal energy source; and

another heat exchanger to transfer heat from the heat storage medium to the working medium.

In the fourth embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the one or more thermal energy storage units can be a plurality of stacked thermal energy storage units, each unit having a different temperature range within which the unit absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located closest to a thermal energy inlet of the heat exchanger, and a lowest temperature range storage unit is located closest to a thermal energy outlet of the heat exchanger. The working medium stream can be directed from the lowest to the highest temperature range units.

In the fourth embodiments or any other of the disclosed embodiments, the heat storage medium can be one of a glass, a salt, and an oil.

It will be appreciated that the modules, processes, systems, and sections described above can be implemented in hardware, hardware programmed by software, software instruction stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium or a combination of the above. For example, a method for controlling energy systems can be implemented, for example, using a processor configured to execute a sequence of programmed instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. For example, the processor can include, but not be limited to, a personal computer or workstation or other such computing system that includes a processor, microprocessor, microcontroller device, or is comprised of control logic including integrated circuits such as, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The instructions can be compiled from source code instructions provided in accordance with a programming language such as Java, C++, C#.net or the like. The instructions can also comprise code and data objects provided in accordance with, for example, the Visual Basic™ language, Lab VIEW, or another structured or object-oriented programming language. The sequence of programmed instructions and data associated therewith can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a computer memory or storage device which may be any suitable memory apparatus, such as, but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk drive and the like. Furthermore, the modules, processes, systems, and sections can be implemented as a single processor or as a distributed processor. Further, it should be appreciated that the steps mentioned above may be performed on a single or distributed processor (single and/or multi- core). Also, the processes, modules, and sub-modules described in the various figures of and for embodiments above may be distributed across multiple computers or systems or may be co- located in a single processor or system. Exemplary structural embodiment alternatives suitable for implementing the modules, sections, systems, means, or processes described herein are provided below.

The modules, processors or systems described above can be implemented as a programmed general purpose computer, an electronic device programmed with microcode, a hard-wired analog logic circuit, software stored on a computer-readable medium or signal, an optical computing device, a networked system of electronic and/or optical devices, a special purpose computing device, an integrated circuit device, a semiconductor chip, and a software module or object stored on a computer-readable medium or signal, for example.

Embodiments of the method and system (or their sub-components or modules), may be implemented on a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmed logic circuit such as a programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic (PAL) device, or the like. In general, any process capable of implementing the functions or steps described herein can be used to implement embodiments of the method, system, or a computer program product (software program stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium).

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed method, system, and computer program product may be readily implemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer platforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed method, system, and computer program product can be implemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standard logic circuits or a very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design. Other hardware or software can be used to implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or particular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputer being utilized. Embodiments of the method, system, and computer program product can be implemented in hardware and/or software using any known or later developed systems or structures, devices and/or software by those of ordinary skill in the applicable art from the function description provided herein and with a general basic knowledge of energy processing and storage and/or computer programming arts.

Moreover, embodiments of the disclosed method, system, and computer program product can be implemented in software executed on a programmed general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like.

It is, thus, apparent that there is provided, in accordance with the present disclosure, thermally charged liquid air energy storage systems, methods, and devices. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations are enabled by the present disclosure. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, Applicants intend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for generating and storing energy comprising:

a fuel burner;

a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) apparatus of a type that compresses and cools air to form liquid air to store energy thereby and expands the liquid air to generate power;

a heat exchanger connected to the fuel burner to transfer the heat from burning fuel to a working fluid; and

an expander connected to receive the working fluid from the heat exchanger, thereby generating mechanical energy, the expander being mechanically connected such that the mechanical energy from the expander is output to a compressor within the LAES to generate liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fuel burner generates a high temperature exhaust gas, and the heat exchanger is of a gas to gas type that transfers heat from the high temperature exhaust gas to a gaseous working fluid.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the working fluid is a high temperature gas when exiting the heat exchanger, and the high temperature gas drives the expander to output the mechanical energy.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising an electrical generator mechanically connected to the expander, a transmission connected to direct mechanical energy generated by the expander to the electrical generator in a first period of time to generate an electrical output, and to a compressor of the LAES in a second period of time to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a high temperature thermal energy storage unit in fluid communication with an outlet of the expander such that it can store a remaining heat extracted following the expansion of the working fluid gas exiting the expander.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is separate from the LAES apparatus.

7. The system of claim 5, further comprising:

a gas reservoir in fluid communication with the high temperature thermal energy storage unit, wherein a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is directed to the gas reservoir; and

a system compressor in fluid communication with the gas reservoir and the heat exchanger, such that it compresses and directs the working fluid from the gas reservoir to the heat exchanger.

8. The system of claim 5, further comprising a system compressor in fluid communication with an outlet of the high temperature thermal energy storage unit and the heat exchanger, such that it compresses and directs a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit to the heat exchanger.

9. The system of claim 4, further comprising a transmission having a selector function that selectively directing the mechanical energy generated by the expander to drive the generator or the LAES compressor according to a command input.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the working fluid includes air, air components, or a mono gas.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

an electrical generator operatively connected to the expander, such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is directed to the electrical generator to generate electricity; and

a switch connected to selectively direct the electricity to an electrical output or to an electric motor operatively connected to a compressor of the LAES to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a generator and a drive unit that is connected to the expander and the LAES to receive selectively mechanical energy from the expander, the LAES, or both, to generate electricity.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein all of the mechanical energy is directed to power the compressor of the LAES, and to generate liquid air and thermal energy.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the LAES generates electricity by converting thermal energy contained within the LAES and within the high temperature thermal energy storage unit.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the LAES includes an air component separator configured to separate air into one or more air components.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein one of the air components is oxygen.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the fuel burner comprises a coal burner, and the oxygen is directed to the coal burner to produce a high oxygen composition burning environment in the coal burner.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the oxygen percentage during the combustion process is substantially 100%.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive a portion of the working fluid from the heat exchanger.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is in fluid communication with an outlet of the system compressor to receive a portion of the working fluid from the compressor.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the heat exchanger comprises one or more thermal energy storage units, each comprising a heat storage medium absorbing heat from the high temperature exhaust gas, and a heat exchanger transferring heat from the heat storage medium to the working fluid.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of stacked thermal energy storage units, each having a different temperature range within which it absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the exhaust gas, and the lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximate an outlet of the exhaust gas; and

wherein the working fluid stream is directed from the lowest to the highest temperature range units.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the heat storage medium is one of a glass, a salt, and an oil.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein each of the thermal energy storage units has a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, and an oil.

25. The system of claim 5, wherein the high temperature thermal storage unit comprises a stack of heat storage modules, each module having a different temperature range within which it absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the working fluid, and the lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an outlet for the working fluid.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein each of the heat storage modules has a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, an oil, and water.

27. A thermal system comprising:

a fuel heated channel having first heat transfer elements, each including a fluid circuit configured to circulate a respective heat transfer fluid;

a first fluid circuit adapted for flowing a working fluid over second heat transfer elements, each coupled to a respective one of said first heat transfer elements for transfer of heat therefrom to said working fluid;

the first fluid circuit being adapted for flowing the heated working fluid to a thermal engine;

a liquid air energy storage system configured to generate heated working fluid; a second fluid circuit adapted for delivering heat from the liquid air energy storage system to the first fluid circuit.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the second fluid circuit supplies the working fluid to a compressor in the first fluid circuit.

29. A system for generating and storing energy comprising:

a fuel burner to burn fuel to produce heat;

a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) apparatus;

a heat exchanger, in fluid communication with the fuel burner, to transfer the heat produced by the fuel burner to a working fluid; and

an expander in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive the working fluid from the heat exchanger to generate mechanical energy, the expander being operatively connected to the LAES such that the mechanical energy from the expander is usable to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the fuel burner combusts the fuel to generate a high temperature exhaust gas, and the heat exchanger transfers heat from the high temperature exhaust gas to the working fluid.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the working fluid is a high temperature gas when exiting the heat exchanger, and the high temperature gas drives the expander to generate the mechanical energy.

32. The system of claim 31 , further comprising:

an electrical generator operatively connected to the expander,

wherein the mechanical energy generated by the expander is directed to the electrical generator in a first period of time to generate an electrical output, and is directed to a compressor of the LAES in a second period of time to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

33. The system of claim 31 , further comprising:

a high temperature thermal energy storage unit in fluid communication with an outlet of the expander to store a remaining heat extracted following the expansion of the working fluid gas exiting the expander.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is separate from the LAES apparatus.

35. The system of claim 33, further comprising:

a gas reservoir in fluid communication with the high temperature thermal energy storage unit, wherein a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is directed to the gas reservoir; and a system compressor in fluid communication with the gas reservoir and the heat exchanger, to compress and direct the working fluid from the gas reservoir to the heat exchanger.

36. The system of claim 33, further comprising:

a system compressor in fluid communication with an outlet of the high temperature thermal energy storage unit and the heat exchanger, to compress and direct at least a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit to the heat exchanger.

37. The system of claim 32, further comprising:

a transmission to selectively direct the mechanical energy generated by the expander to drive the generator or the LAES compressor as needed.

38. The system of claim 30, wherein the working fluid comprises air, air components, or a mono gas.

39. The system of claim 31 , further comprising:

an electrical generator operatively connected to the expander, such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is directed to the electrical generator to generate electricity, and a switch to selectively direct the electricity to an electrical output or to an electric motor operatively connected to a compressor of the LAES to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

40. The system of claim 32, wherein the system generates the electrical output from the mechanical energy generated by the expander, or from the energy stored in the LAES, or by both simultaneously.

41. The system of claim 32, wherein all of the mechanical energy is directed to power the compressor of the LAES, and to generate liquid air and thermal energy.

42. The system of claim 40, wherein the LAES generates electricity by converting thermal energy contained within the LAES and within the high temperature thermal energy storage unit.

43. The system of claim 29, wherein the LAES comprises an air component separator to separate air into one or more air components.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein one of the air components is oxygen.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the fuel burner comprises a coal burner, and the oxygen is directed to the coal burner to produce a high oxygen composition burning environment in the coal burner.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the oxygen percentage during the combustion process is substantially 100%.

47. The system of claim 33, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to receive at least a portion of the working fluid from the heat exchanger.

48. The system of claim 35, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is in fluid communication with an outlet of the system compressor to receive a portion of the working fluid from the compressor.

49. The system of claim 30, wherein the heat exchanger comprises one or more thermal energy storage units, each comprising a heat storage medium to absorb heat from the high temperature exhaust gas, and a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the heat storage medium to the working fluid.

50. The system of claim 49,

wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of stacked thermal energy storage units, each unit having a different temperature range within which the unit absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the exhaust gas, and a lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an outlet for the exhaust gas; and

51. The system of claim 49, wherein the heat storage medium is one of a glass, a salt, and an oil.

52. The system of claim 50, wherein each of the thermal energy storage units has a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, and an oil.

53. The system of claim 33, wherein the high temperature thermal storage unit comprises a stack of heat storage modules, each module having a different temperature range within which the module absorbs and stores heat, the stack of heat storage modules being arranged such that a highest temperature range module of the heat storage modules is located proximal an inlet of the working fluid, and a lowest temperature range module of the heat storage modules is located proximal an outlet for the working fluid.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein each of the heat storage modules has a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, an oil, and water.

55. A system for generating and storing energy comprising:

an energy storage system comprising a compressor;

a thermal energy source;

a heat exchanger connected to the thermal energy source to transfer thermal energy from the thermal energy source to a working medium; and an expander connected to receive the working medium from the heat exchanger to generate mechanical energy, the expander being mechanically connected such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is output to the compressor of the energy storage system to store the mechanical energy.

56. The system of claim 55, further comprising:

an external high temperature thermal energy storage unit connected to the expander to receive the working medium and store thermal energy received from the working medium,

the external high temperature thermal energy storage unit being connected to the energy storage system to provide thermal energy from the stored thermal energy to the energy storage system during a discharge cycle of the energy storage system.

57. A system for generating and storing energy comprising:

a fuel burner for burning fuel to produce heat;

a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) apparatus;

a heat exchanger, in fluid communication with the fuel burner, for transferring the heat from the burning fuel to a working fluid; and

an expander in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for receiving the working fluid from the heat exchanger to generate mechanical energy, the expander being operatively connected to the LAES such that the mechanical energy from the expander is usable to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the fuel burner is for combusting the fuel to generate a high temperature exhaust gas, and the heat exchanger is for transferring heat from the high temperature exhaust gas to the working fluid.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein the working fluid is a high temperature gas when exiting the heat exchanger, and the high temperature gas drives the expander for generating the mechanical energy.

60. The system of claim 59, comprising an electrical generator operatively connected to the expander, wherein the mechanical energy generated by the expander is directed to the electrical generator in a first period of time to generate an electrical output, and is directed to a compressor of the LAES in a second period of time to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

61. The system of claim 59, comprising a high temperature thermal energy storage unit in fluid communication with an outlet of the expander for storing a remaining heat extracted following the expansion of the working fluid gas exiting the expander.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is separate from the LAES apparatus.

63. The system of claim 61, comprising a gas reservoir in fluid communication with the high temperature thermal energy storage unit, wherein a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is directed to the gas reservoir; and

a system compressor in fluid communication with the gas reservoir and the heat exchanger, for compressing and directing the working fluid from the gas reservoir to the heat exchanger.

64. The system of claim 61, comprising a system compressor in fluid communication with an outlet of the high temperature thermal energy storage unit and the heat exchanger, for compressing and directing a portion of the working fluid exiting the high temperature thermal energy storage unit to the heat exchanger.

65. The system of claim 60, comprising a transmission for selectively directing the mechanical energy generated by the expander to drive the generator or the LAES compressor as needed.

66. The system of claim 58, wherein the working fluid comprises air, air components, or a mono gas.

67. The system of claim 66, comprising an electrical generator operatively connected to the expander, such that the mechanical energy generated by the expander is directed to the electrical generator to generate electricity, and a switch for selectively directing the electricity to an electrical output or to an electric motor operatively connected to a compressor of the LAES to generate and store liquid air and high temperature thermal energy in the LAES apparatus.

68. The system of claim 67, wherein the system is for generating the electrical output from the mechanical energy generated by the expander, or from the energy stored in the LAES, or by both simultaneously.

69. The system of claim 67, wherein all of the mechanical energy is directed to power the compressor of the LAES, and to generate liquid air and thermal energy.

70. The system of claim 68, wherein the LAES generates electricity by converting thermal energy contained within the LAES and within the high temperature thermal energy storage unit.

71. The system of claim 57, wherein the LAES comprises an air component separator for separating air into one or more air components.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein one of the air components is oxygen.

73. The system of claim 72, wherein the fuel burner comprises a coal burner, and the oxygen is directed to the coal burner to produce a high oxygen composition burning environment in the coal burner.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the oxygen percentage during the combustion process is substantially 100%.

75. The system of claim 71, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for receiving a portion of the working fluid from the heat exchanger.

76. The system of claim 73, wherein the high temperature thermal energy storage unit is in fluid communication with an outlet of the system compressor for receiving a portion of the working fluid from the compressor.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein the heat exchanger comprises one or more thermal energy storage units, each comprising a heat storage medium for absorbing heat from the high temperature exhaust gas, and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the heat storage medium to the working fluid.

78. The system of claim 77, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of stacked thermal energy storage units, each having a different temperature range within which it absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the exhaust gas, and the lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an outlet for the exhaust gas; and

79. The system of claim 77, wherein the heat storage medium is one of a glass, a salt, and an oil.

80. The system of claim 78, wherein each of the thermal energy storage units has a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, and an oil.

81. The system of claim 61 , wherein the high temperature thermal storage unit comprises a stack of heat storage modules, each module having a different temperature range within which it absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an inlet of the working fluid, and the lowest temperature range storage unit is located proximal an outlet for the working fluid.

82. The system of claim 81, wherein each of the heat storage modules has a different heat storage medium, chosen from among a glass, a salt, an oil, and water.

83. The system of claim 56, wherein the energy storage system is a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system.

84. The system of claim 56,

wherein the thermal energy source is a fuel burner, wherein the LAES is connected to the fuel burner to provide oxygen to the fuel burner, thereby improving heat output of the fuel burner.

85. The system of claim 55, wherein the heat exchanger comprises:

one or more thermal energy storage units, each comprising a heat storage medium to absorb heat from the thermal energy source; and

86. The system of claim 85, wherein the one or more thermal energy storage units are a plurality of stacked thermal energy storage units, each unit having a different temperature range within which the unit absorbs and stores heat, the stack of thermal energy storage units being arranged such that a highest temperature range storage unit is located closest to a thermal energy inlet of the heat exchanger, and a lowest temperature range storage unit is located closest to a thermal energy outlet of the heat exchanger; and

wherein the working medium stream is directed from the lowest to the highest temperature range units .

87. The system of claim 86, wherein the heat storage medium is one of a glass, a salt, and an oil.