Wharf container gravity energy storage system and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a wharf container gravity energy storage system and method. The wharf container gravity energy storage system is mainly composed of a container storage area, a container transfer area and an energy storage device. The container storage area is located on the upper portion of the energy storage device and tightly connected with the container transfer area. A plurality of layers of storage platforms are arranged in the storage area and used for storing containers. The transfer area is provided with a lifting platform and a motor, and the motor is installed at the top of the transfer area and is responsible for controlling lifting motion of the lifting platform so as to achieve transfer of the containers among different storage platforms. The gravitational potential energy of the container is converted into electric energy for energy storage, and the energy utilization efficiency and the operation efficiency of the wharf are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of gravity energy storage, and relates to a terminal container gravity energy storage system and method. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing attention paid to environmental protection and sustainable development around the world, the development and utilization of renewable energy has become an important part of the energy strategy of various countries. Among them, wind power and photovoltaic power, as the two main renewable energy power generation methods, are highly favored due to their clean and pollution-free characteristics. However, both of these power generation methods have the problem of unstable output, that is, their power generation is greatly affected by natural conditions (such as wind speed, light intensity, etc.), and it is difficult to ensure a continuous and stable power supply. This problem has brought challenges to the stable operation of the power system and also limited the large-scale application of renewable energy.

[0003] In order to overcome the instability of wind power and photovoltaic power generation, power storage technology came into being. Power storage technology can collect and store unstable electric energy in the energy storage system, and then release the stored electric energy when the power grid needs it, thereby achieving stable power supply to the power grid. This technology can not only solve the instability problem of renewable energy power generation, but also achieve the optimal allocation of power resources and maximize economic benefits through the strategy of "valley absorption and peak release", that is, storing electric energy when power demand is low and releasing electric energy when power demand is peak.

[0004] Among many energy storage technologies, gravity energy storage, as a new type of energy storage method, has gradually attracted widespread attention in recent years. The essence of gravity energy storage is a mechanical energy storage method, which uses the height difference to lift and lower the energy storage medium to realize the charging and discharging process of the energy storage system. Depending on the energy storage medium, gravity energy storage can be divided into two categories: water-based gravity energy storage and solid-based gravity energy storage. Water-based gravity energy storage usually uses facilities such as reservoirs or water towers to lift water to a certain height through water pumps to store potential energy. When discharge is required, the water generates electricity through turbines and flows back to the reservoir; while solid-based gravity energy storage uses the lifting and lowering of heavy objects (such as concrete blocks, metal blocks, etc.) to store and release potential energy.

[0005] Gravity energy storage technology has significant advantages such as no environmental pollution, high energy storage density, and long energy storage cycle. Compared with electrochemical energy storage, gravity energy storage does not require the use of chemical materials such as batteries, so there are no environmental problems such as battery leakage and pollution. At the same time, gravity energy storage has a high energy storage density and can store a large amount of electrical energy in a small space. In addition, gravity energy storage has a long energy storage cycle and can maintain the energy storage state for a long time, which is suitable for various power demand scenarios.

[0006] In the process of loading and unloading containers at the dock, the lifting process of the crane lifting the container is actually a process of mutual conversion between electrical energy and potential energy. However, in the current operation process, the potential energy released by the crane in the process of lowering the container is not effectively recycled, resulting in a huge waste of energy. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the technical problem in the prior art that the potential energy released during container operation is not effectively recycled, resulting in a huge waste of energy, and to provide a terminal container gravity energy storage system and method.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A first aspect of the present invention provides a terminal container gravity energy storage system, comprising: a container storage area, a container transfer area and an energy storage device; The container storage area is arranged on the upper part of the energy storage device, and the container transfer area is connected to the container storage area; The container storage area includes multi-layer storage platforms; The container transfer area includes a lifting platform and an electric motor. The electric motor is arranged on the top of the container transfer area and is electrically connected to the energy storage device. The electric motor controls the lifting platform to transfer the container to the storage platform on the corresponding layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the energy storage device is an electrochemical energy storage battery.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a control center, which is connected to the energy storage device and the motor respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, each layer of the storage platform is provided with a movable tray; and the movable tray is provided with rollers.

[0012] Furthermore, a plurality of symmetrical rollers are arranged on the movable tray.

[0013] Furthermore, the lifting platform is arranged horizontally.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention further comprises a straddle carrier and a storage area for containers to be stored, and the containers in the storage area for containers to be stored are transported to the lifting platform by the straddle carrier.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for storing gravity energy in a container at a terminal, comprising the following steps: During off-peak hours, the container is transported to the lifting platform; the lifting platform is controlled to transport the container to the corresponding storage platform, and the energy storage device is charged at the same time; During peak electricity consumption, the containers on the storage platform are transported to the lifting platform, which is then controlled to unload the containers while the energy storage device is discharged.

[0016] Further, the control of the lifting platform to transport the container to the corresponding storage platform is specifically as follows: According to the retrieval time, the lifting platform is controlled to transport the container to the corresponding storage platform.

[0017] Furthermore, the container of the storage platform is transported to the lifting platform, and the lifting platform is controlled to unload the container, and the energy storage device is discharged at the same time, specifically: Transport the container from the storage platform to the lifting platform, control the lifting platform to unload the container, and at the same time input the electric energy released by the engine into the energy storage device; The energy storage device outputs a regulated current.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The present invention discloses a gravity energy storage system for container at a wharf. By setting the container storage area on the upper part of the energy storage device, the vertical space is fully utilized, the ground occupation is effectively reduced, and more space is provided for other operation areas of the wharf. The design of the multi-layer storage platform enables the containers to be stored in layers according to different needs and time sequences, thereby improving the storage efficiency. The movement of the lifting platform is controlled by the motor, thereby realizing the rapid and accurate transfer of containers between different storage platforms. At the same time, during the lifting process, the motor can work as a generator to convert the gravity potential energy of the container into electrical energy for storage. The energy storage device can store the electrical energy converted from the gravity potential energy and release it when needed to provide power support for the wharf, thereby reducing the dependence on the traditional power grid and realizing the effective management and utilization of energy. The container transfer area is closely connected with the storage area, thereby making the container transfer process smoother, reducing the waiting time and transfer cost. At the same time, the automatic control of the lifting platform and the motor improves the transfer efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and reduces the difficulty of operation and labor cost.

[0019] Furthermore, the system can be combined with renewable energy power generation facilities (such as solar energy, wind energy, etc.) to convert excess electrical energy into gravitational potential energy and store it, thereby achieving effective utilization and storage of renewable energy.

[0020] Furthermore, the design of the energy storage device enables the system to perform flexible charging and discharging operations according to actual needs, meeting the power demand in different time periods and power usage scenarios.

[0021] Furthermore, the introduction of mobile pallets makes it easier to move containers on the storage platform. By operating the mobile pallets, containers can be quickly positioned and adjusted inside the platform, reducing the need for manual handling and significantly improving the efficiency of transportation. The setting of rollers further enhances the flexibility of the mobile pallet, which can reduce the friction resistance between the container and the storage platform, making the movement of the container on the mobile pallet smoother, reducing energy consumption and time costs during transportation. The symmetrical design of the rollers ensures that the mobile pallet can remain stable when pushing the container, avoiding displacement or tilting due to uneven force, thereby ensuring the stable storage of the container on the storage platform.

[0022] The present invention discloses a gravity energy storage method for a container at a terminal. During the off-peak period (i.e., the period with lower electricity prices), the lifting platform is driven by electric energy to lift the container to the storage platform, and the electric energy is converted into the gravitational potential energy of the container for storage. In this process, not only the high electricity price cost during the peak period is avoided, but also the valley electricity resources of the power grid are effectively utilized, thereby achieving energy conservation and emission reduction; during the peak period (i.e., the period with higher electricity prices), the gravity potential energy of the container is released to drive the lifting platform or related power generation equipment to work, and the gravitational potential energy is converted back into electric energy to supply the terminal or other power-consuming equipment. This conversion process not only reduces the electricity cost, but also improves the energy utilization efficiency, bringing significant economic benefits to the terminal operation. By controlling the lifting platform to transport the container to the corresponding storage platform according to the access time, the intelligent management and optimized scheduling of the container are realized. This can not only ensure that the container can be quickly and accurately accessed when needed, but also adjust the storage strategy according to actual needs, further improving the efficiency of energy storage and conversion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the container gravity energy storage system at the terminal of the present invention; Figure 2 A top view of a container pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the terminal container gravity energy storage method of the present invention.

[0025] Among them: 1-storage platform; 2-lifting platform; 3-motor; 4-mobile pallet; 5-straddle carrier; 6-storage area for containers to be stored; 7-control center; 8-electrochemical energy storage battery; 9-roller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and marked in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that if the terms "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "inner", etc. indicate an orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use, it is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish the description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In addition, if the term "horizontal" appears, it does not mean that the component must be absolutely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical", which does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0032] The present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: See also Figure 1-Figure 2 , the present invention provides a terminal container gravity energy storage system, including a container storage area, a container transfer area, an energy storage device, a straddle carrier 5 and a control center 7; The container storage area is located at the upper part of the energy storage device and is composed of a multi-layer storage platform 1. The storage platform is used to store containers. Each storage platform can carry a certain number of containers. The storage platform is located on the land side of the wharf and is a reinforced concrete structure.

[0033] The container transfer area is connected to the container storage area. The container transfer area is set close to the dock side and includes a lifting platform 2 and a motor 3. The lifting platform 2 has a weighing function; the motor 3 is a power unit of the lifting platform, which has the functions of a motor and a generator. The motor 3 is set at the top of the container transfer area. By controlling the lifting movement of the lifting platform 2, the container is transferred from the container storage area 6 to be stored to the storage platform 1 on the corresponding layer. The lifting platform 2 is set horizontally to ensure the stability and safety of the container during the transfer process.

[0034] The energy storage device is an electrochemical energy storage battery 8. When the container is lifted onto the storage platform 1, the electrical energy is converted into gravitational potential energy for storage. When energy needs to be released, the container is unloaded from the storage platform 1, the stored gravitational potential energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in the electrochemical energy storage battery 8, and then the electrical energy is output through the electrochemical energy storage battery 8 to provide power support for the terminal.

[0035] The control center 7 is the core part of the system, responsible for monitoring the operating status of the entire system, and adjusting the speed of the motor 3, the lifting height of the lifting platform 2 and other parameters as needed. The control center 7 is also responsible for receiving the power information from the electrochemical energy storage battery 8, and adjusting the energy storage and discharge strategies according to the power situation; at the same time, it sorts the containers according to the needs of the terminal and arranges the storage and retrieval schedule of the containers; controls the motor 3 to work according to the schedule, and raises or lowers the container; at the same time, it controls the output of the energy storage device according to the power consumption situation, and cooperates with the external power grid to meet the power demand.

[0036] In order to facilitate the movement and positioning of the container on the storage platform 1, a mobile pallet 4 is provided on each storage platform 1. The mobile pallet 4 is provided with a plurality of symmetrical rollers 9, which can reduce the friction between the container and the storage platform, so that the container can be easily moved on the platform.

[0037] The straddle carrier 5 is a special vehicle for transporting containers in the terminal. In this embodiment, the straddle carrier 5 is responsible for transporting the containers to be stored from the container storage area 6 to the lifting platform (2). The container storage area 6 is the entrance for containers to enter the system and is used to temporarily store containers waiting for transshipment.

[0038] The working process of the present invention is as follows: When a ship arrives at the terminal to unload, the container is first placed in the container storage area 6. In order to effectively utilize the off-peak hours at night or the abandoned electricity generated by offshore photovoltaic and wind power, the system will start the following energy storage process: Using the straddle carrier 5, the container to be stored is transferred from the container storage area 6 to the lifting platform 2; The lifting platform 2 is driven by the motor 3 to lift the container to the storage platform 1 at different heights. This process is arranged according to the time sequence in which the containers are expected to be taken to ensure that the potential energy can be released quickly when needed.

[0039] After the container is lifted to the storage platform 1, it is accurately placed inside the platform using the container moving pallet 4. The design of the moving pallet 4 helps to reduce the friction between the container and the storage platform 1, making it easier to move and access the container later.

[0040] Through the above steps, the low-cost electrical energy is converted into the gravitational potential energy of the container for storage.

[0041] During peak hours, when the terminal needs to use electricity, the system will start the following discharge and power consumption process: According to the shipping order of the containers, the lifting platform 2 is operated in reverse order to lower the containers from the storage platform 1 to the lifting platform 2 and then to the ground. In this process, the gravitational potential energy of the containers is released and converted into electrical energy.

[0042] The released electric energy first enters the electrochemical energy storage battery 8 for storage. When the electric quantity in the electrochemical energy storage battery reaches a certain level, it will start to output a regulated current to the electric equipment to meet the electricity demand of the terminal.

[0043] If there is still some electricity left in the electrochemical energy storage battery 8 after meeting the electricity demand of the terminal, the system will connect the excess electricity to the grid to provide power support for the grid. This can not only ensure the stable operation of the grid, but also bring additional economic benefits to the terminal.

[0044] The present invention greatly saves the ground space of the wharf by placing the container on the storage platform. This change not only makes the passage of ground vehicles and personnel more convenient, but also improves the overall operational efficiency of the wharf. Secondly, during the lifting process of the container, the wharf container gravity energy storage of the present invention can efficiently capture and store most of the consumed electrical energy and convert it into gravitational potential energy. This storage and reuse of energy not only reduces the operating costs of the wharf, but also significantly improves the economic benefits. Because when electricity is needed, these stored potential energies can be released and converted into electrical energy in a timely manner, thereby reducing the dependence on traditional energy. In addition, the wharf container gravity energy storage system of the present invention can also be closely coordinated with offshore photovoltaic, wind power and other new energy power generation facilities as their supporting energy storage equipment. Through the mutual conversion of electrical energy and potential energy, the system can effectively collect and store the abandoned electricity generated by the new energy power generation equipment, avoiding energy waste. Further, the wharf container gravity energy storage system of the present invention can flexibly switch the charging and discharging conditions under different power consumption scenarios to adapt to the actual needs of the wharf. This flexibility not only helps to optimize the utilization of energy, but also can bring additional economic benefits to the wharf. The container gravity energy storage system of the present invention not only effectively saves the ground space of the dock by combining the mutual conversion of electric energy and potential energy, but also reduces the operating cost, improves the economic benefit, and realizes the effective utilization and storage of new energy.

[0045] See also Figure 3 One embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for storing gravity energy in a container at a terminal, comprising the following steps: During off-peak hours when electricity demand is low, the terminal begins to perform the following steps: The containers to be stored are transported from the dock unloading area to the lifting platform 2 using a straddle carrier or other transport means.

[0046] The lifting platform 2 is controlled to lift the container onto the corresponding storage platform 1. These storage platforms are located at different heights to optimize energy storage according to the expected usage time and weight of the container.

[0047] During the process of lifting the container, the energy storage device connected to the lifting platform begins to charge, converting the consumed electrical energy into gravitational potential energy and storing it.

[0048] During peak hours when electricity demand is high, the terminal performs the following steps to release the stored energy: The lifting platform 2 is controlled to descend to the container position corresponding to the storage platform 1, and then the mechanical arm or other tools of the lifting platform are used to remove the container from the storage platform.

[0049] The lifting platform lowers the container to the ground or designated unloading area to complete the unloading operation.

[0050] As the container is lowered, the energy storage device begins to discharge, converting the stored gravitational potential energy into electrical energy for use by electrical equipment on the dock. If the generated electricity exceeds the demand of the dock, the excess electricity can be sold to the grid, bringing additional income to the dock.

[0051] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container gravity energy storage system at a terminal, characterized in that: include: container storage areas, container transshipment areas and energy storage facilities; The container storage area is arranged on the upper part of the energy storage device, and the container transfer area is connected to the container storage area; The container storage area comprises a multi-layer storage platform (1); The container transfer area comprises a lifting platform (2) and a motor (3); the motor (3) is arranged at the top of the container transfer area and is electrically connected to the energy storage device; the motor (3) controls the lifting platform (2) to transfer the container to the storage platform (1) at the corresponding layer.

2. The terminal container gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage device is an electrochemical energy storage battery (8).

3. The terminal container gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control center (7), wherein the control center (7) is connected to the energy storage device and the electric motor (3) respectively.

4. The terminal container gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each layer of the storage platform (1) is provided with a movable tray (4); and the movable tray (4) is provided with rollers (9).

5. The terminal container gravity energy storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of symmetrical rollers (9) are arranged on the movable tray (4).

6. The terminal container gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting platform (2) is arranged horizontally.

7. The terminal container gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a straddle carrier (5) and a storage area (6) for containers to be stored, wherein the containers in the storage area (6) for containers to be stored are transported to the lifting platform (2) via the straddle carrier (5).

8. A method for storing gravity energy in a wharf container, based on the wharf container gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: During off-peak hours, the container is transported to the lifting platform (2); the lifting platform (2) is controlled to transport the container to the corresponding storage platform (1), and the energy storage device is charged at the same time; During peak electricity consumption, the containers on the storage platform (1) are transported to the lifting platform (2), and the lifting platform (2) is controlled to unload the containers, while the energy storage device is discharged.

9. The method for storing gravity energy in a container at a dock according to claim 8, characterized in that: The controlling the lifting platform (2) to transport the container to the corresponding storage platform (1) is specifically as follows: According to the retrieval time, the lifting platform (2) is controlled to transport the container to the corresponding storage platform (1).

10. The method for storing gravity energy of a container at a dock according to claim 8, characterized in that: The method of transporting the container of the storage platform (1) to the lifting platform (2), controlling the lifting platform (2) to unload the container, and discharging the energy storage device, is specifically as follows: Transporting the container on the storage platform (1) to the lifting platform (2), controlling the lifting platform (2) to unload the container, and simultaneously inputting the electric energy released by the engine (3) into the energy storage device; The energy storage device outputs a regulated current.

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