MXPA05012717A - A method of storing and transporting wind generated energy using a pipeline system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of using a pipeline system for storing and transporting compressed air energy generated by wind turbines, wherein the pipeline preferably extends along a predetermined route, between a remote location where wind conditions are relatively consistent and predicable, and a power grid or community needing the power located a distance away. The remote location is preferably provided with a large number of windmill stations for generating electrical and mechanical energy, which is used to compress air into the pipeline. The route is preferably extended along an existing road or easement, and can incorporate abandoned existing piping when available. Turbo expanders and alternators are preferably provided at the user end of the pipeline, to release the compressed air and generate electricity for the grid or community.

Description

METHOD FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING ENERGY GENERATED BY THE WIND USING A PIPING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a method for storing and transporting energy and in particular with a method for storing and transporting energy generated by the wind using a pipe system extended along a predetermined route.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The generation of energy from natural sources, such as sun and wind, has been an important objective in this country in the last several decades. Certainly, reducing dependence on oil, such as from foreign sources, has become an important national issue. Energy experts fear that some of these resources, which include oil, gas and coal, may one day be exhausted. Because of these concerns, many projects have been initiated in an attempt to harness the energy derived from what are called "alternative" sources of energy. While solar energy may be the most widely known alternative source, there is also the potential to take advantage of tremendous wind energy. Wind farms, for example, have been built in many areas of the country where the wind blows naturally. In many of these applications, a large number of windmills are built and "pointed" into the wind. As the wind blows against the windmills, rotational energy is created and then used to drive electric generators. This energy is often used to supplement the energy produced by electric power generating plants and distributed by electric power grids. Wind farms are put into better operation when wind conditions are relatively constant and predictable. Such conditions allow a consistent and predictable amount of energy to be generated and supplied, thereby avoiding sudden surges and oscillations that could adversely affect the attached system networks. Because the amount of energy generated by the wind is a function of the cube of the wind speed, the amount of energy that can be generated at any given time is subject to fluctuations in the wind and oscillations, which are unpredictable, uncertain and undesirable. This is particularly significant in the context of using an energy grid, which is a giant network composed of a multitude of smaller networks. When wind power is supplied to the grid, sudden elevations in one area can alter other areas and may even paralyze the entire system in some cases. The typical wind farm energy outputs are often difficult to deal with due to these variations. Additional problems may also occur concerning the peak energy sensitivity of the transmission lines. When fluctuations in wind speed are significant and substantial wind power output fluctuations occur, transmission lines must be designed with sufficient line capacity to take into account the extreme extreme of these variations. It is said that this effect reduces the "capacitance" of the cable transmission system. A potential solution that has been attempted has been to store the energy generated by the wind in such a way that it can be used in periods of peak demand and periods when little or no wind is available, that is, change of time. However, the storage of energy generated by the wind has presented its own difficulties in terms of cost and effectiveness. Attempts in the past have included using underground caverns as means to store compressed air energy. Large high-pressure storage tanks have also been built, but these systems are expensive to build. For these reasons, it has been highly desirable to find locations for wind farms where the wind is moderately predictable and constant, over extended periods of time, in such a way that less dependence on energy storage is necessary. The additional problem that this has created, however, is that in many cases these locations are far from the existing electricity grids and communities where energy is needed. Thus, there is often the additional problem of obtaining the energy generated by the wind to the places where the energy is needed, that is, through a distribution network of some kind. For example, in some situations, the ideal location for wind farms may be located on top of a hill or mountain, which may be many miles away from the city that needs the power. In such a case, it would be extremely expensive to require that power transmission lines be constructed to transmit electrical energy generated by the wind from the source to the user. In addition, it is often necessary to obtain permission from local communities to install power transmission towers, which are not only unpleasant and potentially dangerous, but the process of obtaining approval to build them can be time consuming and costly. Despite these problems, because wind is a significant natural resource that will never run out and is often abundant in many places around the world, there is a desire to try to develop a system that can not only take advantage of the energy generated by wind to provide electrical power, but to do this consistently and predictably and effectively at cost and efficiently, by allowing wind farms are located near where the weather conditions are ideal, while at the same time In the meantime, wind energy is allowed to be transported to places where energy is needed, without having to extend long and expensive energy transmission lines or having to build expensive compressed air storage tanks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with systems for generation and storage of energy generated by wind capable of transporting the energy generated by wind from areas where the wind conditions are ideal, to areas where energy is needed , without having to extend long and expensive power transmission lines from the source to grids or communities that need energy and without having to build expensive compressed air storage tanks. The present invention preferably comprises selecting an area where wind conditions are likely to be consistent and predictable or at least more than other areas that are available, which would be appropriate for generating wind energy. By their very nature, these areas are often located many miles from where the communities where people live and far from the existing energy grids. They can for example be located in deserts, canyons, areas far from the coast and in mountains and hills far from civilization. The present method encompasses making use of wind energy in preferably ideal conditions, by locating wind farms or a series of windmill stations, in locations where wind conditions are ideally suited to generate a consistent and predictable amount of energy. (such as those areas listed above). Although all sites suffer from some unpredictability and uncertainty, there are clearly locations that are better than others and the present method preferably takes into account the use of these preferred locations. Another aspect of the present invention is concerned with the use of windmill stations that are dedicated to creating electrical or mechanical energy, which include those that can be used to generate electric power for immediate use and those that accumulate energy mechanical rotational created by the wind to generate mechanical energy, where the energy produced by it can be used to compress air to storage. The system is preferably designed with a predetermined number and proportion of types of windmill station to allow the system to be both economical and energy efficient to generate the appropriate amount of wind power, although virtually any type of windmill or Wind turbine can be used, that is, that is capable of generating energy to compress air. A unique aspect of the present invention is concerned with the use of a pipe system (preferably but not necessarily underground) to which the compressed air of each windmill station can be channeled, where the pipeline can be used not only to store the compressed air, but also to transport the compressed air energy from a remote location (where the wind conditions are ideal) where the energy is needed (a town, city or grid of energy). The storage of compressed air in this way allows the energy derived from the wind to be stored for a period of time until it is needed and used. The pipeline can also be used as a means to transport the stored energy, from where the wind farm is located, to the place where the energy is needed, where the pipeline itself can serve both as a means of storage and transportation. For example, the pipe may be buried in the ground and spread between the windmill stations, that is, the wind farm and the grid or community where energy is needed, which may be a distance of many miles. By storing energy in this way, compressed air is stored and transported through the pipeline system along a planned route, where stored air can be released at the opposite end of the pipeline., such as with a turbo-expander and alternator, to generate electric power for the grid or community that needs the power. Thus, wind turbines and compressors are preferably located at one end of the pipe and the turbo-expanders and alternators are preferably located at the opposite end of the pipe. Another preferred aspect of the invention takes into account the following: When determining the location of the wind farm, also as in where the pipeline will be located, the method preferably takes into account the existing roads, passageways, underground pipes , lines, cables, etc. and where they are located, in such a way that the pipeline can be laid along the most economical and / or convenient path possible. That is, the pipe is preferably located along a direct line or path extended along or at least in close proximity to existing roads, throughways, pipes, conduits, cables, etc., in such a way that new roads, accesses and open areas, do not have to be integrated and in such a way that existing roads, land use permits, environmental impact reports, etc., can be used or depend on them in the installation of the new pipe. The effect, where there are abandoned pipe systems, such as natural gas lines or sewage lines, the present invention preferably re-uses the existing pipes, in whole or in part, also as their passageways, access areas , etc., to more economically install the pipe system. Another key aspect of the invention is the determination of the appropriate amount of energy storage capacity needed to operate the system efficiently and then appropriate the appropriate amount of storage space within the pipe to accommodate the expected loads. A first calculation is preferably made to determine the approximate amount of storage volume or space that is needed by the system, followed by the determination of the length of the pipe that will be laid between the wind farm and where the pipe connects to the wind farm. grid or community and then determine the air pressure and size (diameter) of the tube needed to provide the appropriate amount of storage space for the system. In this way, the entire pipe system can be designed for the specific loads that will be required, without the additional need to build additional pipe grids or networks or any extra storage tanks, which can increase the cost of the same. This is unlike U.S. Patent No. 4,118,637, issued to Tackett, which shows a grid or network of pipes for storing energy and specifies the largest possible available pipe size commercially. The present invention also contemplates using additional wind mill stations with compressors or other means to repeat the application of pressure to the pipe intermittently along the pipe route. In this way, as the friction inside the pipe causes the pressure to drop, that is, as the distance from the wind farm increases, additional pressure can be introduced into the pipe, to continue providing a source stable compressed air power that can be used continuously by the grid or community. Additional wind farms, such as those located in remote locations, which are connected to the pipeline, can also be used to provide additional compressed air energy to the system. At the opposite end of the "user" of the pipe, turbo-expanders and alternators are preferably provided to allow the compressed air to be released and expanded to generate electricity, so that the stored energy can be used to drive an electrical generator, where the energy derived from the wind can be used to generate electric power on a base "as necessary", that is, when the energy is really needed, which may or may not coincide with when the wind really blows. Preferably, a series of servo-unidirectional valves, gauges and control logic are provided along the pipeline, such that the amount and speed at which the compressed air is stored and released can be controlled and verified. In this respect, the appropriate repartitioning of the amount of energy supplied using the present system is also necessary to know how much compressed air energy is available, by determining how much pressure is actually introduced into the pipeline at a given time and then be able to determine and control how much energy is released at the appropriate speed and location. The use of an underground pipeline formed along a planned route has several advantages. First, the thermal inertia of the wall thickness of the pipe, also like the earth covering the pipe, provides useful means for absorbing and releasing heat that can be used to prevent the system from freezing during expansion and overheating during the compression. Secondly, by doing the calculations discussed above, the proper amount, size and distance of pipe can be used, so that an appropriate system can be laid end to end, which is efficiently designed without having to build additional grids and in pipe networks or extra storage media. Third, where existing roads or pathways are available, such as where underground lines, cables, etc., are located, the system preferably uses existing roads, access roads and access areas, etc. , to install more efficiently and economically the new pipe. Fourth, where abandoned pipe systems, such as natural gas lines, wastewater lines or other pipelines are already in existence, the system can economically reuse existing pipelines, in whole or in part, to more economically provide storage and transportation capabilities necessary for the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a wind farm located in a remote location, connected by a pipeline system that extends along a planned route, such as along an existing road or path, between the wind farm and town or grid, whereby the compressed air energy of the wind farm can be stored and transported by the pipe to the village or grid and Figure 2 shows two wind farms located in remote, connected locations by a pipe system that extends along a planned route, such as along an existing road or throughway, between the wind farms and village or grid, where additional windmill stations are provided along the planned route, to provide intermittent sources of compressed air energy to maintain air pressure along the route.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with wind energy generation and storage systems capable of transporting energy generated by wind from areas where the wind conditions are ideal, to areas where energy is needed, without having to extend long and expensive power transmission lines to grids or communities and without having to build expensive compressed air storage tanks, etc. The present system preferably comprises selecting an area where wind conditions are likely to be consistent and predictable or at least more than other areas that are available, which would be appropriate for generating wind energy. By their very nature, these areas are often located in remote areas many miles away from communities where people live and away from existing energy grids. They can for example be located in deserts, canyons, areas far from the coast and in mountains or high up in hills far from civilization. They are also frequently located where property values are relatively low. The present method involves making use of wind energy in preferred or ideal conditions, by locating large numbers of windmill stations where wind conditions are ideally suited to generate a consistent and predictable amount of electrical energy. Although all locations suffer from some unpredictability and uncertainty, there are clearly locations that are better than others and the present method preferably takes into account the use of these preferred locations. Another preferred aspect of the present invention is concerned with the use of: (1) windmill stations that are dedicated to creating energy for direct and immediate use (hereinafter referred to herein as "stations of immediate use") , (2) windmill stations that are dedicated to energy storage using a compressed air power system (hereinafter referred to herein as "energy storage stations") and (3) wind mill stations. wind that can be switched between the two (hereinafter referred to as "hybrid stations"). The system is preferably designed with a predetermined number and proportion of these types of windmill station to allow the system to be both economical and energy efficient to generate the appropriate amount of energy for both immediate use and storage. This mode is preferably used in communities where there may be a need for a large number of windmill stations, such as a large wind farm or where there is access to an existing power grid, such that the power of the system it can be used to complement conventional energy sources. Each station of immediate use preferably has a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) and an electric generator located in the windmill nacelle, in such a way that the rotational movement caused by the wind is converted directly to electrical energy via the generator. This can be done, for example, by directly connecting the electric generator to the horizontal rotational shaft of the wind turbine, so that the mechanical energy derived from the wind can directly drive the generator. By locating the generator below the gearbox in the windmill shaft and by using the mechanical energy of the windmill directly, the energy losses commonly attributed to other types of arrangements can be avoided. The electrical energy generated by these stations can be used to directly power compressors that can be used to compress air energy to the connected pipe system or transmission lines can be provided to allow the electric power generated by the stations to be used on a base as needed. The energy storage locations are more complex in terms of bringing the mechanical rotational energy from the high nacelle above ground to ground level as rotational mechanical energy. The horizontally oriented wind turbine of each energy storage station preferably has a horizontal shaft connected to a first gearbox, which is connected to a vertical shaft extending to the windmill tower, which in turn is connected to a second gearbox connected to another horizontal tree located on the ground. The lower horizontal shaft is then preferably connected to the compressor, in such a way that the mechanical rotational energy derived from the wind can be converted directly to compressed and stored air energy. This mechanical energy can be used to drive the compressor directly, without having to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy first, where the stages of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, which are part of the immediate use stations, can be eliminated . A unique aspect of the present invention is the use of a pipe system to which the compressed air of each windmill station is preferably harnessed and in which the compressed air can be stored and transported. The storage of compressed air allows the energy derived from the wind to be stored for a period of time until it is necessary. The pipe is also preferably used as a means to convey the energy of compressed air stored from the wind farm to the location where the energy is needed. For example, the pipe may be buried in the ground and extend between the wind farm and the grid or community, which may be many miles away. By storing energy in this way, the compressed air energy can not only be stored, but also transported through the pipeline, so that it can be released through a turbo-expander and alternator to generate electric power near the grid or community that needs the energy, that is, at the opposite end of the pipe. Thus, wind turbines and compressors are preferably located at one end of the pipe and the turbo-expanders and alternators are preferably located at the opposite end of the pipe. In this regard, the pipe preferably serves as both a means for storing and transporting energy. Another preferred aspect of the invention comprises using a planned route in connection with the installation of the pipe system to transport wind energy from a remote location (where wind conditions are ideal) to another location (where energy is needed). A planned route is essentially a direct line or path that extends from the energy source to the user, that is, grid or community, where the route preferably takes into account the most economical and / or convenient path possible. For example, in many cases, such a path preferably extends along or near an existing path, such as a service access path, which allows the pipe to be installed along an already clear path, which provides more access easy to wind farm. This also allows for faster installation of the pipeline, as well as easier access for repairs and service. The selected path could also be routed along an existing path, such as along an existing underground conduit, such as an electric or gas line, sewage pipe, etc., which can reduce the cost of installing the new pipeline, since it may be possible to use and / or rely on existing roadways, land use permits, environmental impact reports, etc., that were obtained for existing lines, to obtain approval for the new pipe. This will allow the pipeline to be installed faster and at a lower cost. In cases where there is an existing abandoned underground piping system, such as a gas or wastewater line, the present invention contemplates having the ability to use the abandoned piping, in whole or in part, to help form the new system of pipe and reduce the cost of it. In this regard, if the existing pipe is not of the correct size or does not extend over the entire length or is not completely abandoned, the present invention contemplates using at least a portion of the existing pipe, that is, any portion that may be used. All roadways, land use permits and environmental impact reports that were obtained for the existing pipeline can also be used and / or depend on them for the new pipeline system. Another key aspect of the invention is the determination of the appropriate amount of energy storage capacity necessary to operate the system efficiently and then adjust the appropriate amount of storage space in the pipe to accommodate the expected loads. Preferably a first calculation is made to determine the approximate amount of storage space that is needed by the system, followed by the determination of the length of the pipe that will be laid between the wind farm and where the pipe connects to the grid or community and then determine the air pressure and size (diameter) of the pipeline needed to provide the appropriate amount of storage space for the system. In this way, the entire pipe system can be designed for the specific loads that will be required, without the additional need to build grids or additional pipe networks, which can increase the cost of the same. Intermittently through the pipe system, additional wind mill stations with compressors or other means can be provided to repeat the application of pressure to the pipe. In this way, as the pressure inside the pipe reduces the air pressure, that is, as the distance from the wind farm increases, additional pressure can be introduced to the pipe, to continue providing a source stable compressed air power that can be used continuously by the grid or community. At the opposite end of the pipe system, means such as turbo-expanders are preferably provided to allow the compressed air to be released and expanded, so that the stored energy can be used to drive an electric generator, wherein the energy derived The wind can be used to generate electricity on a base "as necessary". This can be provided when the energy is really needed, which may or may not coincide with the time when the wind really blows. Preferably, a series of check servo valvesControl gauges and gauges are provided along the pipe, in such a way that the quantity and speed at which the compressed air is stored and released can be controlled and verified. In this regard, to properly allocate the amount of energy that is supplied using the present system, it is necessary to know how much compressed air energy is available, by determining how much pressure is actually in the pipeline at any given time and then having the possibility of releasing it. at an appropriate speed and location. In this system, it is preferably only necessary to combine the energy output of the wind mill stations for immediate use and the windmill stations for energy storage, according to a wind forecast of one hour to two hours, of such that an almost constant or slowly varying energy velocity can be provided to the grid of electric power generation or community, with only small variations in the energy supplied. In this way, the electric power generation network can easily assimilate the energy fed, without stability issues caused by interacting networks, where the system can provide a slowly changing history of energy, with few maximum peaks, that the capacitance of the transmission lines effectively. In this regard, it is important to note that these advantages will still be enhanced even when there are long periods of low wind or no wind and the windmill stations do not feed electrical power to the grid. Wind patterns in any given area of the country can change from time to time, from one season to another, from one month to another or even from one day to another or from one hour to another. At the same time, energy demand patterns for a given location may remain relatively constant from time to time or may change, but not, in most cases, coincident with changes in wind availability. That is, there will probably be many times during a given year where there is a complete mismatch between the availability of wind power and energy demand, that is, such as where the demand is high when the supply is low and where the supply is high when the demand is low. In this regard, the present invention contemplates that these issues can be taken into account when designing the applicable wind farm system, where an appropriate number of each type of windmill station can be installed, such that the The energy to be supplied and converted to electrical energy can be provided, in spite of any mismatch between supply and demand. The present invention contemplates that the selection of an appropriate number of windmill stations of each type will involve a study of wind availability patterns throughout the year, at a given wind farm site, as well as patterns and cycles of energy demand that are present. It is contemplated that worst-case scenarios, for example, the worst seasons or months when supply and demand are most mismatched, should be considered in the design selection for the system, since for the system to function properly, it must be designed , at a minimum, to provide a continuous (uniform) power supply during periods of worst mismatch. Again, there will be periods when no electric power generated by the wind is supplied to the grid or community. However, the system is still preferably operational in the sense that it can still supply energy that is readily accepted by the transmission system and also by the electric power generation networks, except that the amplitude of the energy is zero. The present invention contemplates that the system can be configured to maximize the amount of energy that can be derived from wind energy, when taking into account when and how much wind is available at any given time and when and how much energy is in demand at any given time, in such a way that the system can be coordinated and put into operation efficiently and reliably to provide power to the grid of energy or community. While it is often difficult to predict when and how much the wind will blow and the extent of the demand periods, the present invention seeks to use reliable data as means of calculating certain averages, that is, concerning the wind supply and the demand for energy and use those averages as means to use an iterative process to create an optimal system that can be applied to virtually any given application for the entire year. The system preferably uses the weather towers on the site, past wind history of the site and one of the statistical models currently available to accurately predict a specific site wind speed for more than one hour in advance, in such a way that the release of the stored energy can be synchronized to produce a uniform energy yield when combined with the release of instantaneous energy from the "immediate use stations". Some of the efficiency factors that are preferably taken into account are relative to the overall construction cost of the system, where it is desirable to use supply and demand averages to arrive at the optimum number of windmill stations that have to be installed to meet the energy demands placed on the system at any given time of the year. This would involve determining how many stations should be dedicated to the immediate use and storage of energy and how many hybrid stations are needed, to ensure that the system can operate efficiently and effectively throughout the

Claims (18)

1. Year. CLAIMS 1. A method for storing and transporting energy generated by the wind, characterized in that it comprises: determining a first site where the wind speeds are sufficient to generate wind energy, which is far from a user; providing a plurality of wind turbine stations to generate power, located in the first site; providing at least one compressor per dedicated wind turbine, associated with the plurality of wind turbine stations; determine a planned route between the first site and a second site to be serviced by the wind turbine stations; determine the approximate distance between the first and second sites; providing a pipe structure along the planned route between the first and second sites to store compressed air energy generated by the wind turbine stations; determine the tube size and air pressure, based on the amount of storage space that is necessary within the pipe structure, taking into account the approximate distance between the first and second sites; extend the pipe structure from the first site to the second site along the planned route; providing at least one turbo-expander located at or near the second site to allow the compressed air energy to be released and provide an electric generator to convert the compressed air energy released by the turbo-expander to electrical energy. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first site is located in an area that is remote from existing residences and communities, where the property values are otherwise relatively low and / or where the speeds of the Winds are generally relatively consistent and predictable when compared to other locations. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the user is a town, city or grid of energy located in or connected to the second site and where the pipe structure is operatively connected to the town, city or grid of energy. 4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the planned route is located along or in close proximity to an existing path, a path where pathways have already been obtained, a path where a conduit is located existing and / or open areas that have already been created. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the planned route is provided along a path where an existing pipeline system is located, wherein the method comprises using at least a portion of the existing pipeline system to create the pipe structure. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that additional wind turbines or other energy sources are provided intermittently along the planned route, to provide additional compressed air energy to the pipe structure to maintain the pressure of the pipeline. air in it. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a third site where the wind speeds are sufficient to generate wind energy is provided along the planned route and connected to the pipe structure and where the third site it is provided with a plurality of wind turbine stations for generating power located in the third site, wherein at least one compressor is provided by dedicated wind turbine associated with the plurality of wind turbine stations in the third site. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical energy is provided to the user in or in relation to the second site, wherein the second site is supplied with energy originating from the first site, without having to install lines of additional energy and / or transport electric power from the first site to the second site. 9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first site is located on a platform located in a body of water, wherein the pipe structure is extended to the ground below the body of water and where the pipe structure is extended to the second site located on the ground. 10. A method for transporting energy generated by the wind, characterized in that it comprises: determining a first place where the wind speeds are sufficient to generate wind energy, which is far from a user; providing a plurality of wind turbine stations for generating power, located in the first site and providing at least one compressor associated therewith; determining a planned route between the first site and a second site to be serviced by the wind turbine stations, wherein the planned route extends substantially along an existing path comprising at least one taken from the following: existing roadway, an existing roadway, an existing pipeline, an existing access area, an existing abandoned pipeline, - provide a pipeline along the planned route, between the first and second sites to store compressed air energy generated by the wind turbine stations and transport the compressed air energy from the first site to the second site; providing at least one turbo-expander to release the compressed air energy from the pipe structure at or near the second site; provide an electric generator to convert the compressed air energy released by the turbo-expander into electrical energy and provide the electrical power to a user in the second site. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one compressor is provided by a dedicated wind turbine associated with the plurality of wind turbine stations. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises the step of determining the tube size and air pressure, based on the amount of storage space that is necessary in the pipe structure, taking into account the distance approximate between the first and second sites. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the first site is located in an area that is remote from existing residences and communities, where the property values are otherwise relatively low and / or where the speeds of the Winds are generally relatively consistent and predictable when compared to other locations. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the user is a town, city or grid of energy located in or connected to the second site and where the pipe structure is operatively connected to the town, city or grid of energy. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the planned route is provided along a path where an existing pipeline system is located, wherein the method comprises using at least a portion of the existing pipeline system to create the pipe structure. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that additional wind turbines or other energy sources are provided intermittently along the planned route, to provide additional compressed air energy to the pipe structure to maintain the pressure of air in it. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the third site where the wind speeds are sufficient to generate wind power is provided along the planned route and connected to the pipe structure and where the third site it is provided with a plurality of wind turbine stations to generate energy located in the third site. 18. A method for using an existing pipe system to allow energy generated by the wind to be stored and transported from a first location to a second location, characterized in that it comprises: providing at least one wind turbine station for generating power, located at the first location and providing at least one compressor associated with the at least one wind turbine station; Operationally connect the compressor to the existing piping system to allow the compressed air energy generated by the wind turbine station to be introduced to the existing piping system; provide communication of the compressed air energy by means of the existing pipe system from the first location to the second location; providing at least one turbo-expander to release the compressed air energy at or near the second location; provide an electric generator to convert the compressed air energy that is released by the turbo-expander to electric power and provide the use of electric power in the second location, where the second location is supplied with energy that originates from the first location, without having to transport electric power from the first location to the second location.