Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for power conditioning and for storing electrical energy, fossil fuel energy, or both in the form of a compressed gas which may then be used in combination with a fossil fuel to generate conditioned electrical power is disclosed. The present invention provides a method wherein the energy so stored is used as a back-up power source to assure uninterrupted conditioned electrical power in the event of a failure of a primary electrical power source. Turbine rotors are maintained in rotation to provide a spinning reserve in that the inertia of the turbines can be used to generate power in the event of minor power disruptions, and the turbines can be powered for producing power in the event of greater power disruptions. The present invention provides an apparatus that enhances the flexibility and efficiency of a power consumer and the internconnected power providing system by allowing the user to have an efficient spinning reserve of power, by providing the capability of a user to shape the load, thereby reducing the spinning reserve requirement of the interconnected system, and to sell excess power and to control transportation costs. Since the present invention allows a user to purchase power from the most efficient source, the present invention promotes efficiency throughout the power generation and power transportation industry.

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First Claim