patented technology

Pnu Power compressed air batteries have been granted international patents as the first products to generate electricity using compressed air to drive a scroll expander, which in turn drives a generator.

proven components

1 air supply

Energy for the Pnu Power is supplied by ordinary compressed air from cylinders or ring mains. We also provide an optional compressor which automatically recharges cylinders after each discharge to make installations fully self-contained.

2 air control

The air supply is regulated by a highly sophisticated electro-pneumatic controller, which provides immediate start-up on demand and matches electrical output to load, both seamlessly and instantaneously. The component used in Pnu Power systems is a development of technologies which are well proven in applications including the control of submarine pneumatics.

3 scroll expander

The scroll expander is at the heart of the Pnu Power system. Its ultra low inertia design instantly responds to load and its simple design (around 70% fewer moving parts than a normal reciprocating compressor) makes it an inherently reliable device. The exhaust output is cold, clean air which can be used for cooling to reduce backup load. A scroll expander is effectively a scroll compressor working in reverse. The scroll is a tried and tested technology, used in many modern refrigerators, air conditioning, automotive superchargers and vacuum pumps.

4 generator

Electricity is produced by a very low inertia generator, with a ‘long and thin’ design which enables it to spin up and decelerate rapidly, instantaneously matching output to load.

5 output regulator

Output from Pnu Power products can be specified by the user as AC, DC or split AC/DC in any voltage from 24V to 240V

6 control electronics

Control electronics provide integration of all Pnu Power components to ensure instantaneous start-up and matching of output and load.

7 standard display

Unlike conventional batteries, every Pnu Power unit is fitted with an LCD display, which gives a reliable and accurate indication of run time availability.Units also feature a plug in port for a laptop or link to a communications network, enabling users to gain a full picture of status, availability and usage in real time, via a Windows compatible GUI.