Air/oil mist lubrication system and method of use

摘要

Lubrication systems and methods for selectively lubricating bearings in a backup energy system (e.g., a compressed air storage system or a thermal and compressed air storage system) with an air/oil mixture are provided. The lubrication system may provide different levels of lubrication based on the operational status (e.g., standby mode or emergency power generation mode) of the backup system. For example, during periods of inactivity (e.g., standby mode), the lubrication system may intermittently apply the air/oil mixture to the bearings to compensate for oil burn-off and to ensure efficient transfer of power during backup power system startup. When the backup system is activated, the lubrication system may continuously apply the air/oil mixture to the bearings at a rate determined by the loading on the backup system.