Compressed gas energy storage system

Abstract

An apparatus comprises an expander comprising a member moveable within a chamber in response to an expanding gas. A linkage is in communication with the member and configured to transmit out of the chamber, a power of the expanding gas. An element effects gas-liquid heat exchange with the expanding gas. The apparatus is configurable in a first mode of operation in which the member moves in response to the expanding gas as a result of combustion within the chamber, and in a second mode of operation in which the member moves in response to the expanding gas in an absence of combustion within the chamber. Also disclosed is a turbomachine where working fluid and plenum are rotated together, reducing losses from velocity shear. Further disclosed is a turbine comprising a nozzle on a rotatable member, where linear velocity of expanding gas from the nozzle substantially matches member rotational velocity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 an expander comprising a casing and a member rotatable in response to an expanding gas within the casing;   a rotating shaft in communication with the member and configured to transmit a power of the expanding gas; and   an element configured to effect gas-liquid heat exchange with the expanding gas.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the member comprises a turbine blade. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 2  wherein the element comprises an orifice in the turbine blade to flow a liquid to the chamber to exchange heat with the expanding gas. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the element comprises an orifice within the casing. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein the element comprises an orifice within the shaft. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  Wherein the shaft is in selective communication with an energy source to drive the member to compress gas within the casing. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as in  claim 6  wherein the element is configured to effect gas-liquid heat exchange with gas being compressed within the casing. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus comprising:
 a rotating casing enclosing a pressurizing region at a first end, a depressurizing region at a second end opposite to the first end, and a heat transfer region between the first end and the second end, wherein the rotating plenum is configured to,   receive at the first end, an inflow of a first fluid,   receive at the second end an inflow of a heat transfer fluid,   produce at the first end an outflow of the heat transfer fluid, and   produce at the second end an outflow of the first fluid.   
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  claim 8  further comprising a channel to flow the first fluid in a radial direction from the pressurizing region to the heat transfer region. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  claim 8  wherein the channel exhibits a spiral configuration. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as in  claim 8  wherein the channel exhibits a radial configuration. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as in  claim 8  further comprising a diffuser configured to receive the first fluid from the depressurizing region. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as in  claim 8  wherein the casing is configured to rotate in a vacuum. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus as in  claim 13  further comprising a labyrinth seal in contact with the casing.