The present disclosure relates to air compression. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to an air compressing system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding
the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior
art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or
implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Energy is one of the key components for development of economic infrastructure,
and a basic input required to sustain economic growth. In fact, there is a direct relation between
economic growth and per capita consumption of energy, as, more developed a country is, higher
is the per capita consumption of energy and vice-versa.
[0004] Various conventional sources are used for generation of energy, particularly
electrical energy, like coal, petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear energy. But, the said
conventional sources can run-out quickly, as they are exhaustible, that is limited in amount, and
are not even reusable. Moreover, reckless and continuous usage of most of the conventional
sources can lead to various environmental issues, such as, air pollution, water pollution, global
warming, and climate change, which can prove to be hazardous for the survival of flora and
fauna, all around the globe, including human beings.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide a cost-effective system to
overcome the above mentioned problems, and provide a means for generating energy.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment
herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for compressing air
and storing the compressed air.
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[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system to filter
compressed air.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for generating
electricity from compressed air.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system to provide a
supporting means at railway tracks.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system that is efficient,
reliable, and cost-effective.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates to air compression. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to an air compressing system.
[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a an air compressing system
comprising: one or more storage tanks to store compressed air; one or more flexible enclosures
configured with a track, the one or more enclosures being fluidically coupled to the one or more
storage tanks through one or more conduits; one or more suction elements configured with the
one or more enclosures to enable flow of air from the ambience to the one or more enclosures;
wherein the one or more enclosures are configured such that the one or more enclosures get
expanded due to filling of the air from the ambience by the one or more suction elements, and
wherein the one or more enclosures get compressed when any or combination of a vehicle and a
body having a predefined weight moves on the track, wherein compression of the one or more
enclosures facilitate flow of compressed air into the one or more storage tanks.
[0014] In an aspect, each of the one or more enclosures may be covered with an upper
cover and a lower cover configured for protection of the one or more enclosures.
[0015] In an aspect, each of the one or more enclosures comprises at least one one-way
valve to enable flow of the air from the ambient into the one or more enclosures.
[0016] In an aspect, the system comprises one or more nozzles configured between the
one or more conduits and the one or more storage tanks.
[0017] In an aspect, the system comprises a filtration and dehumidification unit
configured between at least one of the one or more enclosures and the one or more storage tanks,
4
wherein the filtration and dehumidification unit is configured to filter and dehumidify the air
before storage.
[0018] In an aspect, one or more parameters of the filtration and dehumidification unit
may be configured to facilitate optimal filtration and dehumidification, wherein the one or more
parameters comprise surface texture, size of pore, density, quantity and quality.
[0019] In an aspect, the compressed air may be utilized, at a power plant, for generating
electricity.
[0020] In an aspect, the track may be a railway track.
[0021] In an aspect, the one or more enclosures may be positioned at at least one side of
the railway track.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of
the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The
drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0023] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present
disclosure, and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary diagrams of the proposed air compressing
system to illustrate its overall working in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary implementation of the proposed air
compressing system at a railway track to generate electrical energy, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted
in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate
the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated
variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
5
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as
defined by the appended claims.
[0027] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a
claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art
have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0028] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written
description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired
properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the
numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits
and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and
parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are
approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely
as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may
contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective
testing measurements.
[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0030] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a
shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as
if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any
suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to
certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice
of the invention.
[0031] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed
herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed
6
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons
of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0032] The present disclosure relates to air compression. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to an air compressing system.
[0033] According to an aspect the present disclosure pertains to a an air compressing
system including: one or more storage tanks to store compressed air; one or more flexible
enclosures configured with a track, the one or more enclosures being fluidically coupled to the
one or more storage tanks through one or more conduits; one or more suction elements
configured with the one or more enclosures to enable flow of air from the ambience to the one or
more enclosures; wherein the one or more enclosures can be configured such that the one or
more enclosures get expanded due to filling of the air from the ambience by the one or more
suction elements, and wherein the one or more enclosures can get compressed when any or
combination of a vehicle and a body having a predefined weight moves on the track, wherein
compression of the one or more enclosures facilitate flow of compressed air into the one or more
storage tanks.
[0034] In an embodiment, each of the one or more enclosures can be covered with an
upper cover and a lower cover configured for protection of the one or more enclosures.
[0035] In an embodiment, each of the one or more enclosures can include at least one
one-way valve to enable flow of the air from the ambient into the one or more enclosures.
[0036] In an embodiment, the system can include one or more nozzles configured
between the one or more conduits and the one or more storage tanks.
[0037] In an embodiment, the system can include a filtration and dehumidification unit
configured between at least one of the one or more enclosures and the one or more storage tanks,
wherein the filtration and dehumidification unit can be configured to filter and dehumidify the air
before storage.
[0038] In an embodiment, one or more parameters of the filtration and dehumidification
unit can be configured to facilitate optimal filtration and dehumidification, wherein the one or
more parameters can include surface texture, size of pore, density, quantity and quality.
7
[0039] In an embodiment, the compressed air can be utilized, at a power plant, for
generating electricity.
[0040] In an aspect, the track can be a railway track.
[0041] In an aspect, the one or more enclosures can be positioned at at least one side of
the railway track.
[0042] FIG. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary diagrams of the proposed air compressing
system to illustrate its overall working in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the proposed air compressing system 100 (also, referred
to as proposed system 100, or, system 100, herein) includes one or more flexible enclosures 102-
1 and 102-2 (also, collectively referred to as enclosures 102, and individually referred to as
enclosure 102, herein) and one or more storage tanks 110-1, 110-2… 110-N (also, collectively
referred to as storage tanks 110, and individually referred to as storage tank 110, herein) to store
compressed air. The storage tanks 110 can be installed under ground or at a surface. In an
embodiment, the enclosures 102 can be fluidically coupled to the storage tanks 110 through one
or more conduits 104.
[0044] In an embodiment, the enclosures 102 can be configured with one or more suction
elements (not shown), which can enable flow of air from the ambience to the enclosures 102.
The enclosures 102 can include at least one one-way valve 106, which can facilitate one way
flow of the air, i.e., from the ambient to the enclosures 102. In an embodiment, one or more
nozzles 114-1, 114-2… 114-N (also, referred to as nozzles 114, herein) can be configured
between the one or more conduits 104 and the storage tanks 110.
[0045] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include a filtration and
dehumidification unit 112. The filtration and dehumidification unit 112 can be configured
between at least one of the enclosures 102 and the storage tanks 110. The filtration and
dehumidification unit 112 can facilitate filtration and dehumidification of the air to reduce
humidity and impurities such as dust particles, particulate matter (PM) particles, and suspended
particles, before storing of the air in the storage tanks 110.
[0046] In an embodiment, one or more parameters of the filtration and dehumidification
unit 112, such as, but not limited to surface texture, size of pore, density, quantity and quality of
the filtration and dehumidification unit 112, can be configured to facilitate enhanced filtration
8
and dehumidification. In an illustrative embodiment, to filter out the suspended particulate
matter, any kind of sieve, membrane or suction pump based filtration technique or any kind of
pressure or vacuum filtration system or otherwise can be included in the filtration and
dehumidification unit 112, which can be of any shape or size. In another illustrative embodiment,
for removal of access humidity, due to steam or water content that is present in the compressed
air, any kind of humidity absorbing material such as silica gel, bio-charcoal or any kind of other
absorbent material or surface, can be included in the filtration and dehumidification unit 112.
[0047] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can be configured at a track 120. The
enclosures 102 can be configured in a way such that the enclosures 102 get expanded due to
filling of the air from the ambience by the one or more suction elements, and get compressed
when any or combination of a vehicle and a body having a predefined weight moves on the track
120, whereby compression of the enclosures 102 can facilitate flow of compressed air into the
storage tanks 110. The compressed air, then, remain stored, in same quantity and pressure, in the
storage tanks 110, till further use.
[0048] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can be designed and developed in
such a manner so that it can be installed at various types of tracks 120, such as, but not limited
to, a railway track, such as, meter gauge, broad gauge, narrow gauge, mono rail tracks, and metro
rail tracks, a road, like, concrete road, asphalt road, kaccha road, or any kind of pukka road, an
airport runway zone, such as, take-off and landing zones, pedestrian tracks or any kind of road
which is used for heavy vehicle transport, routine car transport or pedestrians or otherwise.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in an embodiment, each of the enclosures 102 can be
covered with a protective cover 108. In an illustrative embodiment, each of the enclosures 102
can be covered with the protective cover 108, which can be including an upper cover 108-1 and a
lower cover 108-2, configured for protection of the enclosures 102.
[0050] In an illustrative embodiment, any or a combination of the upper cover 108-1 and
upper surface the enclosure 102, can be made up of a hard material, such as metal plate, so that
the enclosure 102 cannot create any kind of obstacle while compression due to vehicular
movement. When a vehicle run over the enclosure 102, either front to rear end or rear to front
end, it compresses the enclosure 102, and along with the enclosure 102, the air inside the
enclosure 102 also get compressed. At a particular pressure, the at least one one-way valve 106
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can open and give way to the compressed air, facilitating storage of the compressed air in the
storage tanks 110.
[0051] In an embodiment, the storage of the compressed air, at high pressure, can serve
as an energy reserve, which can be used at any point of time to convert the compressed air stored
inside the storage tanks 110 into electricity or mechanical energy. Compressed air storage, unlike
chemical battery/ storage systems, can be more efficient, as the energy reserve in form of
compressed air cannot have self-discharging phenomenon, which happens in most of the
chemical storage systems.
[0052] In an embodiment, energy in the form of compressed air can be converted into
electricity through modified internal combustion engine, air piston and crank shaft based
reciprocating engines, compressed air turbines, compressed air motors, pelton turbines, or any
such assembly capable of converting compressed air into electricity. In an illustrative
embodiment, the electricity can be generated through a conversion unit including an assembly of
mechanical engines, which can provide torque using compressed air to a specified generator,
such as, but not limited to, axial flux permanent magnet generator, radial flux permanent magnet
generator, induction type or any other type of generator. In an illustrative embodiment, the
conversion unit can also include power stabilizer, which can stabilize voltage and current
generated by the generator, and a gear box to enhance or reduce speed, generated through the
energy of the compressed air, of the generator.
[0053] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary implementation of the proposed air
compressing system 100 at a railway track to generate electrical energy, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0054] As illustrated, in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the proposed system 100 can be implemented
at a railway track 120 to store compressed air produced due to movement of wheels 210-1 and
210-2 (also, collectively referred to as wheels 210, herein) of trains/ rails at the railway track
120.
[0055] In an illustrative embodiment, the enclosure 102 can be laid along with a gap
available at both sides of each of the railway track 120. Size of the enclosure 102 can vary
according to size, length, and width of the railway track 120, terrain and other such features that
can affect the railway track 120. Method of installation of the enclosure 102 at the railway track
120 can vary place to place and situation to situation, but the enclosure 102 can be installed
10
along with the railway track 120 in such a manner so that the enclosure 102 can experience direct
weight of the wheels 210 of the rails, and in accordance with the moment of the wheels 210, the
enclosure 102 can compress the air, and, further, the compressed air can be stored in the storage
tanks 110.
[0056] In an embodiment, when the enclosure 102 is pressed by the wheels 210, the air,
available inside the enclosure 102 can get trapped and an area of the enclosure 102 can get
reduced due to which pressure of the air inside the enclosure 102 can increase. The increased
pressure of the air can result in opening of the at least one one-way valve 106, which can be
configured at an outlet of the enclosure 102. The at least one one-way valve 106 can, then,
remain open till the time pressurised air is imposing pressure on the at least one one-way valve
106, and can result in transferring of the compressed air to the storage tanks 110, through the one
or more conduits 104 and the nozzles 114.
[0057] In an illustrative embodiment, the enclosure 102 can be configured to provide an
additional support for balancing the wheels 210 of the rails running at the railway track 120. In
an illustrative embodiment, the enclosure 102 can be having sponge like structure, which can
provide a cushion to the wheels 210 of the rails, and can facilitate reduction of friction and jerk
transfer to wagons of the rails, hence, enhancing the life of the wagons of the rails, the railway
track 120 as well as wheels 210 of the rails, to a certain extent.
[0058] In an implementation, average length of each of the enclosures 102 can be 3
meters, and inner volume of each of the enclosures 102 can be of 4 litres. In 1 kilometre (km)
long railway track 120, there can be 1332 such enclosure 102, which can be installed on left side
and right side of each of the railway track 120 all along the 1 km length of the railway track 120.
The said configuration can facilitate production of 666 litres of the compressed air at 100 PSI or
7 ATM pressure, in case the entire 1 km length of the enclosure 102, configured at the railway
track 120, is pressed only one time.
[0059] In an embodiment, for electricity generation, the compressed air can be supplied,
from the storage tanks 110, to a power generation plant 220, which can include any or a
combination of compressed air engine, compressed air motor, compressed air piston or any such
system driven generator, which can produce electricity, using the compressed air. In an
illustrative embodiment, the compressed air can be directed at a rotating element at power
generation plant 220, which can cause the rotating element to rotate, hence, resulting in
11
generation of electricity. The generated electricity can be stabilized by a stabilizing unit 230, and
the stabilized electrical power can, finally, get transmitted, through transmission line 240, to any
or a combination of grid or user.
[0060] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is
intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other
contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located
between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used
synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are
also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two
or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or
more intermediary device.
[0061] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts
herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the
appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms
should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular,
the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,
components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components,
or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of
something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted
as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and
further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not
limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a
person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with
information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0063] The present disclosure provides a system to filter compressed air.
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[0064] The present disclosure provides a system for generating electricity from
compressed air.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a system to provide a supporting means at railway
tracks.
[0066] The present disclosure provides an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective system

We Claim:
1. An air compressing system comprising:
one or more storage tanks to store compressed air;
one or more flexible enclosures configured with a track, the one or more
enclosures being fluidically coupled to the one or more storage tanks through one or more
conduits;
one or more suction elements configured with the one or more enclosures to
enable flow of air from the ambience to the one or more enclosures;
wherein the one or more enclosures are configured such that the one or more enclosures
get expanded due to filling of the air from the ambience by the one or more suction
elements, and wherein the one or more enclosures get compressed when any or
combination of a vehicle and a body having a predefined weight moves on the track,
wherein compression of the one or more enclosures facilitate flow of compressed air into
the one or more storage tanks.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more enclosures is covered
with an upper cover and a lower cover configured for protection of the one or more
enclosures.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more enclosures comprises
at least one one-way valve to enable flow of the air from the ambient into the one or more
enclosures.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises one or more nozzles
configured between the one or more conduits and the one or more storage tanks.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a filtration and
dehumidification unit configured between at least one of the one or more enclosures and
the one or more storage tanks, wherein the filtration and dehumidification unit is
configured to filter and dehumidify the air before storage.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein one or more parameters of the filtration and
dehumidification unit are being configured to facilitate optimal filtration and
dehumidification, wherein the one or more parameters comprise surface texture, size of
pore, density, quantity and quality.
14
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compressed air is utilized, at a power
plant, for generating electricity.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the track is a railway track.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more enclosures are positioned at at
least one side of the railway track.