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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Windmill power apparatus and method

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6339709

Air compressed by a windmill-driven compressor is stored as liquid in an underground cryogenic insulated tank. Pressurized air released from the tank is vaporized by a refrigerant circuit, heated, and used to operate an air motor which drives an electrical generator. Heat of compression extracted by compressor coolant heats vaporized air entering the motor and heats water stored in a ground-level tank located directly above the cryogenic tank. Solar and fossil fuel heating circuits further heat vaporized air entering the motor. Motor exhaust is used as a coolant in refrigeration circuits. The inlet and outlet conduits to the cryogenic tank are arranged to effect heat exchange. The windmill has a vertical axis rotor with curved blades mounted in a vaned housing.

Assignee:
EDB-84-189572
Patent Number(s):
US 4455834
OSTI ID:
6339709
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English