Patents Held

Beneficial use structures are disclosed that include coal combustion residuals (“CCR”) mixed with water and a binder to form a structural material and adapted to be compacted for use in the formation of the beneficial use structure. Various structures having beneficial uses are described, including compressed air storage facilities and a pumped hydroelectric facility, including such a facility adapted for use with a lock system of a waterway.

A pumped storage electricity generating system that includes a water feed line for introducing water into a pressure vessel. Water flow valves communicate with the pressure vessel to control introduction of water into the pressure vessel. A push plate is mounted for movement in the pressure vessel between opposed first and second motors, for example, hydraulic radial piston motors adapted for reciprocating the push plate linearly between a first direction wherein water is drawn into the pressure vessel through the water flow valves and a second direction wherein water is conveyed downstream through the water discharge line under pressure to the hydroelectric turbine. Other embodiments are double-acting and convey water to the turbine on each stroke.

A facility for generating electricity includes a hydroelectric generating apparatus including an elongate penstock in flow communication with a source of water and a hydro-turbine and a plurality of water refill pumps for supplying refill water to a plurality of horizontal pistons on a synchronized and coordinated basis to supply pressurized water to the penstock. A pressure regulator is provided for supplying pressurized air to a storage container for supplying air to the pistons and respective air exhaust/release valves release the pressurized air in the pistons to the atmosphere after use. Respective water inflow valves are provided for refilling the pistons after the air exhaust/release valves open.

A facility for generating electricity that includes a water source, at least one water inlet valve for delivering water to a pressure vessel under pressure, a plurality of pressure vessel water outlet valves in flow communication with the pressure vessel and a turbine-powered electrical generator for delivery of water under pressure from the pressure vessel water outlet valves according to a predetermined sequence.

A facility for generating electricity, including a water source and a plurality of penstocks adapted for selective flow communication with the water source for delivering water from the water source to a turbine electricity generator. A compressed air storage reservoir is provided along with an outlet for selectively delivering the compressed air to the plurality of penstocks.

A facility for generating electricity that includes a hydroelectric generating apparatus including an elongate penstock in flow communication with a source of water and a hydro-turbine and piping for supplying refill water to a plurality of horizontal pistons on a synchronized and coordinated basis to supply pressurized water to the penstock. A cryogenic facility is provided for cryogenically producing and storing liquid air insulated in a layer of CCR.

A pumped storage electricity generating system that includes a water feed line for introducing water into a pressure vessel. Water flow valves communicate with the pressure vessel to control introduction of water into the pressure vessel. A push plate is mounted for movement in the pressure vessel between opposed first and second winches adapted for reciprocating the push plate linearly between a first direction wherein water is drawn into the pressure vessel through the water flow valves and a second direction wherein water is conveyed downstream through the water discharge line under pressure to the hydroelectric turbine.