Method of producing power by storing wind energy in the form of compressed air

Abstract

A method of producing power stores wind energy in the form of compressed air in a tower of a wind power plant, releases compressed air from the tower, and preheats the released compressed air to produce heated air. The heated air is supplied to an air expander and the heated air is expanded in the air expander to produce power.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . A method of producing power including:
 storing wind energy in the form of compressed air in a tower of a wind power plant,   releasing compressed air from the tower,   preheating the released compressed air to produce heated air,   supplying the heated air to an air expander, and   expanding the heated air in the air expander to produce power.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further including providing a generator, associated with the expander, the method includes producing electric power via the generator. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of storing wind energy compressing air and storing the compressed air during off-peak power hours and the step of releasing compressed air includes releasing the compressed air during peak power hours. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of preheating the released compressed air includes heating the released compressed air in a combustor that feeds the air expander. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of preheating the released compressed air includes providing a source of heat to a heat exchanger, with the heat exchanger feeding the air expander. 
   
   
       18 - 20 . (canceled)