Use of intersecting vane machines in combination with wind turbines

Abstract

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a fluid compressor comprising: a rotatable turbine mounted to a mast; a toroidal intersecting vane compressor (TIVC) characterized by a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening, wherein the rotation of the turbine drives the compressor. The combination of the TIVC and turbine permits good to excellent control over the hours of electrical power generation, thereby maximizing the commercial opportunity and meeting the public need during hours of high usage. Additionally, the invention avoids the need to place an electrical generator off-shore. Further, the apparatuses of the invention can be operated with good to excellent efficiency rates.

1 . A method of storing and transporting wind generated energy, comprising: determining a first site where wind speeds are sufficient for generating wind power that is remote from a user; providing a plurality of wind turbine stations for generating energy located at said first site; providing at least one compressor per dedicated wind turbine associated with said plurality of wind turbine stations; determining a planned route between said first site and a second site to be serviced by said wind turbine stations; determining the approximate distance between said first and second sites; providing a pipeline structure along said planned route between said first and second sites for storing compressed air energy generated by said wind turbine stations; determining the pipe size and air pressure based on the amount of storage space that is needed within said pipeline structure, taking into account the approximate distance between said first and second sites; extending said pipeline structure from said first site to said second site along said planned route; providing at least one turbo expander located at or near said second site to allow said compressed air energy to be released; and providing an electrical generator to convert said compressed air energy released by said turboexpander into electrical energy.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first site is located on a platform located in a body of water, wherein said pipeline structure is extended down into the ground below said body of water, and wherein said pipeline structure is extended to said second site located on land.  
     
     
         3 . A method of transporting wind generated energy, comprising: determining a first site where wind speeds are sufficient for generating wind power that is remote from a user; providing a plurality of wind turbine stations for generating energy located at said first site and providing at least one compressor associated therewith; determining a planned route between said first site and a second site to be serviced by said wind turbine stations, wherein said planned route extends substantially along an existing path which comprises at least one taken from the following: an existing road, an existing easement, an existing conduit, an existing open access area, an existing abandoned pipeline; providing a pipeline along said planned route between said first and second sites for storing compressed air energy generated by said wind turbine stations and transporting the compressed air energy from said first site to said second site; providing at least one turbo expander to release said compressed air energy from the pipeline structure at or near said second site; providing an electrical generator to convert the compressed air energy released by said turbo expander into electrical energy; and providing said electrical energy to a user at said second site.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein at least one compressor is provided per dedicated wind turbine associated with said plurality of wind turbine stations.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the compressor is a toroidal intersecting vane compressor.