Charles M Grennan

US Patent:

56343400, Jun 3, 1997

Filed:

Oct 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/324516

Inventors:

Charles W. Grennan - Wellsville NY

Assignee:

Dresser Rand Company - Corning NY

International Classification:

F01K 1302

US Classification:

60652

Abstract:

One aspect of the present invention relates to a process of cogeneration utilizing a compressed gas energy storage system which includes a gas storage area, a compression train for pressurizing a gas to be stored in the gas storage area, and an expansion train for depressurizing high pressure gas released from the gas storage area. The process includes operating the compression train during off-peak electricity utilization periods to produce a compressed gas. The compressed gas is stored in the gas storage area and later released during peak electricity utilization periods through the expansion train to generate electricity. This reduces the compressed gas pressure and temperature. The gas can then be used for refrigeration by contacting it with a material to be chilled with that gas. One aspect of this invention involves generating electricity and effecting refrigeration by depressurization of natural gas from high pipeline transmission pressures to lower distribution pressures.