Storing energy via compressed air when energy cost is low and using stored compressed air to generate energy when energy cost is high

摘要

A system for reducing the end-user cost of energy at a predetermined location is disclosed. The system comprises an energy storage system comprising at least one tank and at least one compressor capable of storing energy in the form of compressed air energy, and locating the energy storage system at an end-user site. The end-user is a consumer of energy rather than a supplier. The system also comprises a means for determining the amount of energy to be used at the site, and the nature and extent of the peak power surges or spikes expected to occur at the site, during a second period of time and a means for storing in the tank a predetermined amount of compressed air energy from an energy source during a first period of time, during which the energy cost is lower than during the second period of time. The first period of time is prior to the second period of time. The system also comprises a means for using the compressed air energy from the tank in a manner that offsets the energy used at the site or the peak power surges or spikes occurring at the site during the second period of time.