Energy storage and delivery system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy storage and delivery system (100) comprising a crane (120) or an elevator cage (1200), wherein the crane or elevator cage is operable to move one or more masses (1300) from a lower altitude to a higher altitude to store energy (e.g., via potential energy of the masses in the higher altitude), and the crane or elevator cage is operable to move the one or more masses from the higher altitude to the lower altitude (e.g., by gravity) to generate electricity (e.g., via kinetic energy of the masses as they move to the lower altitude). The masses move an equal vertical distance between the lower altitude and the higher altitude.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage and transmission system, and more particularly, to an energy storage and transmission system and method for storing and transmitting electricity via the vertical movement of blocks or assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Electricity generation from renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass) continues to grow. However, many of these renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind) are intermittent and unpredictable, which limits the amount of electricity that can be delivered to the grid from these intermittent renewable sources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, an improved system is needed to capture electricity generated from renewable energy sources for predictable delivery to the grid. As used in this paper, the grid is an interconnected network used to deliver electricity from producers to consumers and spans large geographical areas, including cities, states, and / or countries.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an energy storage and delivery system is provided. An exemplary energy storage and delivery system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, wherein the crane is operable to move one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., potential energy via the blocks at the higher elevation), and the crane is operable to move one or more blocks from the higher elevation to a lower elevation to generate electricity (e.g., kinetic energy via the blocks as they move to the lower elevation).

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a gravity-driven power storage and delivery system is provided. An exemplary gravity-driven power storage and delivery system includes a bridge crane or elevator cage operable to store energy by moving one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, and operable to generate electricity by moving one or more blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation under gravity.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, in one example, the energy storage and transmission system can store solar power to generate electricity during off-peak hours. The system can move multiple blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store solar energy as potential energy in the blocks during daytime periods when solar power is abundant. The energy storage system can then operate at night to move the blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation, thereby driving generators to produce electricity for transmission to the grid.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for storing energy and generating electricity is provided. The method includes operating a crane or elevator cage on a tower to move a plurality of blocks from a lower elevation on the tower to a higher elevation on the tower, thereby storing energy in the blocks, the amount of energy stored in each block corresponding to the potential energy of the block. The method also includes operating the crane or elevator cage to move the blocks from a higher elevation on the tower to a lower elevation on the tower under gravity, thereby generating electrical energy corresponding to the kinetic energy of the one or more blocks as they move from the higher elevation to the lower elevation. The method involves moving the blocks such that the average load on the tower is substantially constant during the operation of the crane or elevator cage.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, an energy storage and delivery system comprising one or more modules is provided. Each module comprises a plurality of blocks and a frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows. The frame includes an upper section having a first set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support a plurality of blocks thereon; a lower section having a second set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support a plurality of blocks thereon; an intermediate section without blocks between the upper and lower sections; a pair of elevator shafts disposed at opposite ends of the plurality of rows; and an elevator cage movably disposed in each elevator shaft of the pair of elevator shafts and operatively coupled to an electric motor-generator, the elevator cage being sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein. The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the pair of elevator shafts is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second set of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first set of rows, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Each elevator cage in the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of a first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of a second group of rows under gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage moves the blocks between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows along the same vertical distance.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an energy storage and transmission system is provided. The system includes a plurality of blocks and a frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows. The frame includes an upper section having a first set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support a plurality of blocks thereon; a lower section having a second set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support a plurality of blocks thereon; an intermediate section without blocks between the upper and lower sections; and a pair of elevator shafts disposed at opposite ends of the plurality of rows. A trolley is movably coupled to one or each of the first and second sets of rows, operable to travel beneath a block in that row, and configured to lift a block to move it horizontally along that row. An elevator cage is movably disposed in each elevator shaft of the pair of elevator shafts and operably coupled to an electric motor-generator. The elevator cage is sized to receive blocks from a row via a trolley and supports the blocks therein while moving along the elevator shaft. The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of a second group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of a first group of rows, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of a first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of a second group of rows under gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage moves the blocks between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows along the same vertical distance.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for storing energy and generating electricity is provided. The method includes operating a pair of elevator cages at opposite ends of a plurality of rows of a frame to move a plurality of blocks between a first set of rows in an upper section of the frame and a corresponding second set of rows in a lower section of the frame, the corresponding second set of rows in the lower section of the frame being disposed below a middle section of the frame, which contains no blocks. Operating the pair of elevator cages includes using the pair of elevator cages to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second set of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first set of rows to store electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Operating the pair of elevator cages also includes using the pair of elevator cages under gravity to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first set of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second set of rows to generate a certain amount of electricity via a motor-generator electrically connected to the elevator cages. The elevator cages move the blocks an equal vertical distance between each row of the second set of rows and each row of the corresponding first set of rows.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for storing energy and generating electricity is provided. The method includes using a trolley to horizontally move one or more blocks along alternating rows of a first set of rows in an upper section of a frame toward a lift cage at the opposite end of that row. The method also includes operating the lift cage to vertically move one or more blocks under gravity through a middle section of the frame to a corresponding alternating row of a second set of rows of the frame, thereby generating a quantity of electricity via a motor-generator electrically connected to the lift cage. The lift cage moves the blocks an equal vertical distance between each row of alternating rows of the first set of rows and the corresponding alternating rows of the second set of rows.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an energy storage and transmission system is provided. The system includes a plurality of blocks and a frame extending between one or more tracks at a bottom end and a top end of the frame. The frame has a plurality of columns between the bottom and top ends. Each column is configured to movably support a set of blocks at different vertical positions within the column via one or more uprights attached to front and rear supports, the uprights engaging corresponding uprights of the blocks such that the blocks in a column remain spaced apart from each other. The system also includes one or more cranes movably mounted on one or more tracks and configured to travel horizontally along the tracks in one or more columns. The system also includes an electric motor-generator electrically connected to one or more cranes. One or more cranes are operable to connect with one or more blocks in a column to move the blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation of the column, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks, and moving the blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation of the column under gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity via an electric motor-generator. The vertical distance between the lower and higher elevations for each block is the same.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for storing energy and generating electricity is provided. The method includes operating a crane movably mounted on one or more tracks to the top of a frame to move a plurality of blocks between a lower elevation and a higher elevation of a column of the frame. Each block is equidistant from the lower elevation to the higher elevation. Operating the crane includes connecting the crane to one or more blocks in a column of the frame and moving the one or more blocks from the lower elevation of the column to the higher elevation of the column to store electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the one or more blocks. Operating the crane also includes connecting the crane to one or more blocks in a column of the frame and moving the one or more blocks from the higher elevation of the column to the lower elevation of the column under gravity to generate a quantity of electricity via a motor-generator electrically connected to the crane.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a lift cage is provided for use in an energy storage and transmission system to move a block between a lower elevation and a higher elevation of a tower to store energy, and to move the block between a higher elevation and a lower elevation of the tower under gravity to generate electricity. The lift cage includes a top support, a pair of side supports attached to and extending laterally to the top support, and a bottom support attached to and extending laterally to the pair of side supports, the top support, the pair of side supports, and the bottom support defining openings that substantially correspond to the shape of the block. The lift cage also includes one or more pairs of guide rail portions attached to and extending laterally to the pair of side supports. Each of the one or more pairs of guide rail portions is configured to align with a row of crossbeam pairs in the tower to allow transfer of the block from the crossbeam pair to the guide rail portion pair.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a lift cage is provided for use in an energy storage and transmission system to move a block between a lower elevation and a higher elevation of a tower to store energy, and to move the block between a higher elevation and a lower elevation of the tower under gravity to generate electricity. The lift cage includes a top support and a frame including a rear support extending along a plane and one or more side arms attached to and extending laterally to the rear support. The lift cage also includes one or more actuated supports movably coupled to the rear support and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the one or more actuated supports extend laterally relative to the side arms; in the extended position, the one or more actuated supports extend laterally relative to the plane of the rear support. The one or more actuated supports in the extended position are configured to support the bottom of the block thereon when the block is adjacent to the rear support. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of an energy storage and transmission system used to store energy and generate electricity as needed;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the system, showing the bottom portion of the system;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of the system, showing the top portion of the system;

[0019] Figures 4A-4D yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system, showing the sequence of movement of the blocks used for energy storage;

[0020] Figure 5 It is a schematic perspective view of an energy storage and transmission system used to store energy and generate electricity as needed;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a part of the system;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of an energy storage and transmission system, showing its connection to... Figure 5 The arrangement of blocks in the upper part of the tower of two adjacent modules in the medium system;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of four modules of the energy storage and transmission system, each module being connected to... Figure 5Similar to the system in the text, these modules are arranged adjacent to each other;

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of a row and elevator assembly in the system, showing the movement of the block toward the elevator assembly;

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the system, showing a trolley movably connected to a row of crossbeams of the system, and a block supported on the row of crossbeams;

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic top view of the system shows a trolley movably connected to a row of crossbeams of the system, and a block supported on the row of crossbeams.

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A schematic end view of the system shows a trolley movably connected to a row of crossbeams of the system, and a block supported on the row of crossbeams.

[0028] Figure 13-19 yes Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of the system shows the sequence of steps for moving the block along a row of the tower and transferring the block to the elevator cage for vertical movement in the elevator shaft of the system.

[0029] Figure 20 yes Figure 5 A schematic end view of the system shows the arrangement of blocks in the tower and the movement of the blocks from the upper part of the tower to the lower part of the tower for generating electricity.

[0030] Figure 20A-20D yes Figure 5 A schematic end view of the system, showing the movement of blocks from the upper part of the tower to the lower part of the tower for generating electricity;

[0031] Figure 21 It is a schematic side view of a lift cage used to move one or more blocks simultaneously via a lift shaft of an energy storage and transmission system;

[0032] Figures 22A-22B It is a schematic side view of a lift cage used to move one or more blocks simultaneously via a lift shaft of an energy storage and transmission system. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following discloses an energy storage and transmission system operable to convert electrical energy into potential energy and to generate electricity using that potential energy when needed. The energy storage and transmission system is operable to be connected to a power grid for stabilizing the grid and delivering electricity to residential, commercial, and / or industrial consumers.

[0034] Figure 1-3 An exemplary energy storage and transmission system 100 is illustrated. System 100 includes a frame or tower 110 defining one or more columns 112 (e.g., four columns) and one or more rows 114 (e.g., ten rows). The frame or tower 110 may include multiple (e.g., reinforced concrete) supports 116 and lateral members 117 (e.g., cables) that provide lateral stability to the frame or tower 110 (e.g., providing diagonal bracing for the supports 116). The frame or tower 110 may be supported on one or more (e.g., multiple) bases 230. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As best shown, system 100 may have one or more cranes 120. One or more cranes 120 may be bridge cranes. The cranes 120 are movably coupled to the upper portion 111 of the frame or tower 110 and can move (horizontally) between columns 112 along one or more guide rails 115.

[0035] System 100 includes multiple ballast weights or blocks 130 (also referred to as blocks in this disclosure) and a motor-generator ( Figures 4A-4D (140 in the text). In one embodiment, block 130 may be made from local soil and / or paid waste (e.g., coal combustion residues such as bottom ash, fiberglass from decommissioned wind turbine blades, tailings from mining processes). In one embodiment, blocks 130 may have a length greater than their height or width (e.g., a generally rectangular longitudinal cross-section and a generally square transverse cross-section). Multiple blocks 130 (e.g., two blocks 130) may travel in each column of column 112. In one embodiment, each block 130 travels only within its associated column 112. Figure 1 As shown, the vertical travel distance of each block 130 is the same. For example, relative to other blocks 130 in the same column 112, the topmost block 130 in each column 112 can travel between the highest position in the upper portion 111 of the frame or tower 110 and the highest position in the lower portion 118 of the frame or tower 110. Similarly, relative to other blocks 130 in the same column 112, the bottommost block 130 in each column 112 can travel between the bottommost position in the lower portion 118 of the frame or tower 110 and the bottommost position in the upper portion 111 of the frame or tower 110.

[0036] Multiple cranes 120 may be selectively coupled to one or more blocks 130 (e.g., via cables 122 and hooks, hinges, or other gripping mechanisms 220). To store electricity or other forms of energy, cranes 120 lift the ballast or block 130 to a higher elevation (e.g., the top) of the frame or tower 110, where the ballast or block is locked in place, as further described below. To release the energy and generate electricity, the ballast or block 130 is lowered from the higher elevation (e.g., the top) of the frame or tower 110 to a lower elevation (e.g., the bottom) of the frame or tower 110 by cranes 120 (e.g., under gravity). As the block 130 descends, forces (e.g., gravity) on the block 130 are used to rotate a motor-generator to generate electricity, which can be supplied to a power grid electrically connected to the motor-generator.

[0037] In one embodiment, the ballast load or block 130 is a shipping container with internal ballast mass and a weight of approximately 67,000 pounds. Each crane 120 may include multiple cables 122 and grippers 220 that can securely hold the ballast load or block 130 when it is lifted or lowered by the crane 120. When viewed from a horizontal plane, the cables 122 and grippers 220 can operate above and around the ballast load or block 130. In this way, the grippers 220 can extend downward and engage (e.g., grip) the ballast load or block 130 even when multiple ballast loads or blocks 130 are vertically positioned between the crane 120 and the ballast load or block 130 being gripped or lifted.

[0038] In one embodiment, each ballast load or block 130 can be removably coupled to a frame or tower 110 via one or more posts 132 (e.g., metal posts attached to or embedded in the block 130), the posts engaging with one or more posts 250 of supports 116 attached to the frame or tower 110. Posts 250 can hold (e.g., support) each ballast load or block 130 (in a fixed vertical position) via three or more contact points (e.g., posts 132 of the block 130). In one embodiment, the posts 250 are movable (e.g., retractable). For example, the column 250 can be actuated electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically between an extended position and a retracted position (e.g., extending linearly in a direction generally parallel to the support column 116 of the defining column 112). In the extended position, the column 250 can support at least a portion of the ballast load or block 130 (in a fixed vertical position). In the retracted position, the column 250 does not engage the ballast load or block 130, thereby allowing the ballast load or block 130 to move past the position of the column 250 without engaging the column 250. In another embodiment, the column 250 is permanently fixed to the frame or tower 110 (e.g., permanently fixed to the support column 116 of the frame or tower 110), for example, in an orientation generally transverse to the support column 116. When the crane 120 aligns the ballast load or block 130 with the column 250, the crane 120 can move the ballast load or block 110 up and down to engage the column 250. To move the ballast load or block 130 past the column 250, the crane 120 can lift the block 130, displace it laterally (e.g., horizontally) along a row 114, thus freeing the block 130 from the column 250, and raise or lower the block 130 to a desired vertical position on the frame or tower 110. Once the desired vertical position on the frame or tower 110 is reached, the crane 120 can displace the block 130 laterally (e.g., horizontally) in the opposite direction, aligning the block with the column 250, and lower the block 130 to engage the column 250 at the desired vertical position. Figure 1-3 In the system 100 shown, the ballast weights or blocks 130 do not contact each other and are not stacked on top of each other.

[0039] Figures 4A-4B The schematic diagrams shown depict the lifting of ballast loads or blocks 440A, 440B within the frame or tower 410 of the energy storage system 400 using a crane 420. The energy storage system 400 may be similar to the energy storage system 100. Therefore, the reference numerals used to represent the various components of the system 400 are consistent with those used for identification. Figure 1-3 The reference numerals for the corresponding components in system 100 are the same, except that a "4" is added before the numerical identifier. Therefore, Figure 1-3 The structure and description of the various features of system 100 in the text should also be understood to apply to... Figures 4A-4D The corresponding features of system 400 in the above, except as described below.

[0040] To store electricity or other forms of energy, a crane 420 (e.g., a bridge crane) rolls to a position above the ballast load or block 440A (e.g., a shipping container) to be lifted. A cable 422 descends until the gripper 424 can securely attach to the ballast load or block 440A (e.g., a shipping container). Figure 4B As shown, in one embodiment, the column 450A is retracted and the transport container 440A is lifted to a new position at the top of the frame or tower 410 using a motor-generator 140. Once in place, the retractable column 460A extends (e.g., from the frame or tower 410) to hold the ballast or block 440A (e.g., the transport container). For example, in the elevated position, the ballast or block 440A may be approximately 100 meters above its initial position. To store additional electrical or other forms of energy, the crane 420 may lower the cable 422 until the gripper 424 can securely attach to the ballast or block 440B (e.g., the transport container), as... Figure 4C As shown. Figure 4B As shown, column 450A retracts, and motor-generator 140 lifts transport container 440B to a new position (e.g., near the top) of frame or tower 410. Once in place, retractable column 460B extends (e.g., from frame or tower 410) to hold ballast or block 440B (e.g., transport container). For example, in the raised position, ballast or block 440B may be approximately 100 meters above its initial position. Ballast or blocks 440A and 440B do not contact each other and are not stacked on top of each other. In another embodiment, columns 450A, 450B, 460A, and 460B are fixed to tower 410 (e.g., non-retractable), and crane 420 laterally displaces blocks 440A and 440B (e.g., into or out). Figures 4A-4B As described above, during the vertical movement of blocks 440A and 440B, they are freed from columns 450A, 450B, 460A, and 460B, and once the desired vertical position is reached, blocks 440A and 440B are laterally displaced (in the opposite direction) to connect blocks 440A and 440B with columns 450A, 450B, 460A, and 460B.

[0041] In another embodiment, two or more blocks 440A, 440B in a column are lifted simultaneously. For example, the spacing of the gripper 424 may correspond to the distance between blocks 440A, 440B to allow the gripper 424 to engage with multiple blocks 440A, 440B simultaneously, thereby subsequently lifting multiple blocks 440A, 440B simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above description regarding... Figures 4A-4B The description of the movement of blocks 440A and 440B should be understood as applicable to Figure 1-3 The movement of block 130 in the system.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 In one implementation of the energy storage process, all blocks 130 in the first column are first raised, then all blocks 130 in the next column 112 are raised, and so on. Optionally, the energy delivery process follows the same reverse order. In another implementation of the energy storage process, blocks 130 in the first column 112 are raised, followed by blocks 130 in the second column 112, and so on, until blocks 130 in all columns 112 have been raised. Then, the next block 130 in the first column 112 is raised, followed by the next block 130 in the second column 112, and so on. Optionally, the energy delivery process follows the same reverse order.

[0043] To release energy and generate electricity, crane 420 can lower ballast loads or blocks 130, such as blocks 440A, 440B in a column 112 (e.g., one at a time, multiple blocks simultaneously), from a higher elevation (e.g., the top) of frame or tower 410 to a lower elevation (e.g., the initial position of bottom blocks 440A, 440B). As blocks 440A, 440B descend, motor-generator 140 generates electricity (e.g., by converting a change in potential energy into electricity via rotation of motor-generator 140). The order in which ballast loads or blocks 440A, 440B are lowered may optionally be the reverse of the order used to raise ballast loads or blocks 440A, 440B.

[0044] Figure 5-6 An exemplary energy storage and transmission system 1000 (“System”) is shown, which is operable to convert electrical energy or power into potential energy for storage and to convert potential energy into electrical energy or power for transmission to the power grid, for example.

[0045] System 1000 includes a frame or tower 1100 (also referred to herein as a module) having one or more columns 1120 extending in the height direction Z of the tower 1100, one or more rows or layers 1140 extending in the width direction X of the frame or tower 1100, and one or more structures 1110 (e.g., segments of module 1100) defined by a set of rows 1140 and a set of columns 1120 in the depth direction Y of the frame or tower 1100. Each structure 1110 (e.g., a segment of module 1100) can operate independently according to the energy requirements from system 1000. Frame 1100 has an upper section 1102, a lower section 1104, and an intermediate section 1106. In one embodiment, as further described below, a ballast load or block 1300 moves between the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 to allow the intermediate section 1106 to be used for other purposes.

[0046] In one embodiment, the intermediate section 1106 can be used for vertical cultivation. For example, the intermediate section 1106 can operate like a greenhouse, providing illuminated hydroponic cultivation, where such illumination can be powered by electricity generated by the energy storage and delivery system 1000 (e.g., by lowering the block 1300). In another embodiment, the intermediate section 1106 can be used for water storage. In yet another embodiment, the intermediate section 1106 can be used as a warehouse for storing materials (e.g., unattended material storage). In still another embodiment, the intermediate section 1106 can be used as a data center (e.g., storing computer servers), where the data center can be powered by electricity generated by the energy storage and delivery system 1000 (e.g., by lowering the block 1300). Therefore, the intermediate section 1106 can be used effectively and is not always empty during the operation of the system 1000, thus providing added value to the system 1000.

[0047] The upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 may have the same size (e.g., the same number of rows 1140 and columns 1120). In some embodiments, the number of rows 1140 in both the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 is even (e.g., 8, 10, or 12 rows). In other embodiments, the number of rows 1140 in both the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 is odd (e.g., 9, 11, or 13 rows).

[0048] In one embodiment, the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 each occupy one-quarter of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100, and the middle section 1106 occupies the remaining one-half of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100. In another embodiment, the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 each occupy one-third of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100, and the middle section 1106 occupies the remaining one-third of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100.

[0049] Frame 1100 includes a plurality of elevator shafts 1130. For example, frame 1100 may have elevator shaft(s) 1130A at one end of row 1140 and elevator shaft(s) 1130B at the opposite end of row 1140 (for each structure 1110), via which block 1300 moves between one or more rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 and one or more rows in the lower section 1104 of frame 1100, as further described below. In one embodiment, the number of elevator shafts 1130A at one end of row 1140 of frame or tower 1100 is equal to the number of elevator shafts 1130B at the opposite end of row 1140. In one embodiment, frame or tower 1100 may have a height of 30 stories (e.g., approximately 90 meters). However, frame or tower 1100 may have a height less than or greater than 30 stories (e.g., 120 meters). Continue to refer to Figure 5 The block 1300 is moved horizontally along row 1140 (via trolleys in each row 1140, as further described below) to elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at the ends of row 1140, and then vertically along elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B via elevator cages 1200 (as described in more detail below) in each elevator shaft 1130A, 1130B. The elevator cages 1200 are moved (e.g., under gravity) to a lower elevation to generate electricity, which is then transmitted via a motor-generator at the top of the tower or frame 1100. Figure 9 The elevator cage 1200 rises (1500). The counterweight CW facilitates the movement of the elevator cage 1200. The movement of the elevator cage 1200 in the relative elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B is synchronized to maximize the efficiency of the system 1000.

[0050] The longer the row 1140 between elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B, the more blocks 1300 (e.g., mass) the row 1140 can hold, and the greater the energy (e.g., energy per hour) the system 1000 can deliver. The greater the depth of elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B (in the Y direction) (e.g., the greater the number of segments of structure 1110 or module 1100 in the Y direction), the greater the electrical power that system 1000 can generate. In one embodiment, the operation of elevator cage 1200 in each elevator shaft 1130A and 1130B can provide power between approximately 500kW and approximately 1000kW (e.g., approximately 800kW), such that two elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B in one segment of structure 1110 or module 1100 can generate approximately 1.6MW of power. In a system with eight structures 1110 (e.g., segments of module 1100) in the Y direction, each structure 1110 having two elevator shafts 1130, 1130B, the system can generate approximately 12.8 MW of power. Assuming the length of drain 1140 allows for four hours of energy, the total output of the system is approximately 12.8 MW × 4 hours, or 51.2 MW per hour.

[0051] like Figure 6 As best shown, frame 1100 may be made of a plurality of columns 1160 (e.g., reinforced concrete columns, precast concrete columns), transverse members 1170 (e.g., diagonal bracing members, made of metal), and a plurality of beams (e.g., I-beams) 1180. The columns define one or more columns 1120, and the transverse members connect the columns 1120 to each other to provide stability to frame 1100 (e.g., in the width direction X of frame 1100). The beams define one or more rows 1140 and are supported on transverse beams 1190, which extend between columns 1120 along the depth direction Y of frame 1100. Beams 1180 and transverse beams 1190 may be made of metal (e.g., steel). Columns 1120 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance 1122 in the depth direction Y of frame 1100, and rows 1140 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance 1142 in the height direction Z of frame 1100. The distances 1122 and 1142 are sized to allow one or more blocks 1300 to be assembled in each row (row after row) such that the blocks 1300 are supported on the crossbeam 1180, as discussed further below. In one embodiment, the distances 1122 and 1142 are identical, thereby allowing the blocks 1300 to have generally square end faces (see...). Figure 12For example, to simplify the manufacture of block 1300. In one embodiment, block 1300 may be made from local soil and / or paid waste (e.g., coal combustion residues such as bottom ash, glass fiber from decommissioned wind turbine blades, tailings from mining processes) or other recycled materials.

[0052] Figure 7 A partial perspective view of a portion of an energy storage and transmission system 1000' is shown, which has two modules 1000A and 1000B arranged adjacent to each other. Modules 1000A and 1000B are each similar to Figure 5-6 The energy storage and transmission system 1000 shown includes module 1100. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of modules 1000A and 1000B are used for identification... Figure 5-6 The reference numerals for the corresponding components in module 1100 are the same, except that an "A" or "B" is added to the end of the numerical identifier. Therefore, Figure 5-6 The structure and description of the various features of module 1100 should also be understood to apply to Figure 7 The corresponding features of modules 1000A and 1000B in system 1000' are not described below.

[0053] The elevator shafts 1130AA and 1130AB of modules 100A and 100B can be adjacent to each other, and the rows 1140A and 1140B of two modules 1000A and 1000B (e.g., in the upper sections 1102A and 1102B) are oriented in substantially the same direction (e.g., aligned). Figure 7 As shown, no storage block 1300 is present in the frames 1100A and 1106A and 1106B of modules 1000A and 1000B in system 1000'. As described above, intermediate sections 1106A and 1106B can be used for other purposes. Optionally, the purpose of intermediate section 1106A of module 1100A may differ from that of intermediate section 1106B of module 1100B.

[0054] Figure 8 A top view or plan view of an energy storage and transmission system 1000” is shown, which includes four modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D arranged adjacent to each other. Modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D are each similar to Figure 5-6 The module 1100 is shown. Therefore, the reference numerals used to represent the various components of modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D are used for identification. Figure 5-6The reference numerals for the corresponding components of module 1100 are the same, except that "A", "B", "C" or "D" are added to the end of the numerical identifiers. Therefore, Figure 5-6 The structure and description of the various features of system or module 1100 in the text should also be understood to apply to... Figure 8 The corresponding features of modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D in the system 1000, except as described below.

[0055] Similar to module 1100, each of modules 1000A-1000D has two sets of elevator shafts at opposite ends of each row in the system. For example, module 1000A has elevator shafts 1130AA and 1130BA at opposite ends of row 1140A, module 1000B has elevator shafts 1130AB and 1130BB at opposite ends of row 1140B, module 1000C has elevator shafts 1130AC and 1130BC at opposite ends of row 1140C, and module 1000D has elevator shafts 1130AD and 1130BD at opposite ends of row 1140D.

[0056] like Figure 8As shown, each of modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D is oriented such that each row of its respective groups of rows 1140A, 1140B, 1140C, and 1140D extends orthogonally (e.g., perpendicularly) to the rows of adjacent modules 1000A-1000D. For example, row 1140A of module 1000A extends orthogonally to row 1140B of module 1000B and row 1140D of module 1000D. This orthogonal arrangement among modules 1000A-1000D increases the stability of each module in modules 1000A-1000D, thereby facilitating the provision of automatic bracing (e.g., bracing against wind and / or seismic forces) for modules 1000A-1000D in any direction. As described above, transverse members 1170 (e.g., diagonal braces) connect columns 1120 to each other to provide stability to module 1100 along the direction of row 1140 (e.g., in the width direction X of frame 1100). However, there are no transverse members in the transverse direction of the frame or module 1100. Therefore, orthogonally oriented modules 1000A-1000D to each other allows the transverse members 1170 in one frame 1100 to provide structural stability or bracing to adjacent modules 1000A-1000D in directions where adjacent modules 1000A-1000D do not have any transverse members 1170. Each of modules 1000A-1000D can operate independently of each other. For example, during operation, one or more (e.g., one, two, three or four) modules of modules 1000A-1000D can be operated to store and generate power (e.g., as needed), or only some modules of modules 1000A-1000D can be operated while the remaining modules 1000A-1000D are maintained.

[0057] although Figure 8 Four modules 1000A-1000D are shown, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the system 1000” can have any number of modules (e.g., two, three, five, six, seven, eight, ten, twelve), which can optionally be arranged in the manner described above. Therefore, the energy storage and transmission system is scalable and can provide approximately several gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy storage and transmission. Modules 1000A-100D can operate near clean energy power plants (e.g., solar farms, wind farms) and are designed to store at least a portion of the energy from the clean energy power plants (e.g., for transmission to the grid during off-peak hours, such as at night).

[0058] Figure 9-12 Features of a system 1000 for moving block 1300 along row 1140 are shown, and all descriptions of the features of system 1000 above apply to... Figure 9-12 The features shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, Figure 9-12 The same features described below can be found in Figure 7-8 The system is implemented in systems 1000' and 1000" in the CM, therefore the following description also applies. Figure 7-8 System 1000', 1000".

[0059] refer to Figure 9 The block 1300 may (e.g., in a fixed position) be supported on a pair of crossbeams 1180 in a row 1140 of the frame or tower 1100. The crossbeams 1180 may have an I-shaped or C-shaped cross section, which defines a channel 1182 between the top (e.g., top flange) and the bottom (e.g., bottom flange) of the crossbeams 1180 supporting the block 1300. Figure 12 (Best shown in the diagram). A crossbeam 1180 extends toward the lift shaft 1130 to allow the block 1300 to be transferred to the lift cage 1400 within the lift shaft 1130, and the lift cage 1400 can be operated to move the block 1300 to different vertical positions, as further described below. A motor-generator 1500 may be installed in or on at least a portion of the lift shaft 1130 (e.g., at a vertical position above the highest position of the lift cage 1400).

[0060] When viewed from one end, block 1300 may have a generally rectangular (e.g., square) shape (see...). Figure 12 In one embodiment, block 1300 may have one or more (e.g., a pair) chamfers or truncated corners 1310, which generally correspond to the shape of the tapered end 1162 of strut 1160. The hook-shaped portion (e.g., C-shaped) 1183 of beam 1180 (see...) Figure 10 The row 1140 can be supported by the tapered end 1162 of the support column 1160 extending below the crossbeam 1180, and can be at least partially external to the support column 1160 extending above the crossbeam 1180 to facilitate connection between the crossbeam 1180 and the support column 1160, and to laterally fix the crossbeam 1180 to the support column 1160 (along the X direction). As described above, in one embodiment, the width 1122 and height 1142 of the row 1140 are generally equal and define a square shape. In one embodiment, the size of the block 1300 is close to the width 1122 and height 1142 of the row 1140, while allowing the block 1300 to pass through the opening of the row 1140.

[0061] The trolley 1200 can be movably connected to the crossbeam 1180 and can be selectively positioned below the block 1300 supported on the crossbeam 1180 (see...). Figure 12Each row 1140, having one or more blocks 1300 supported on crossbeams 1180 of row 1140, may have one or more trolleys 1200 for moving the blocks 1300 along row 1140. Trolleys 1200 may include wheels 1210 on opposite sides of frame 1230, wherein wheels 1210 move (e.g., rotate) within channels 1182 of the pair of crossbeams 1180 supporting the blocks 1300 (e.g., wheels 1210 roll on the bottom flange of crossbeam 1180). Trolleys 1200 also include one or more actuated support pistons 1220, for example on opposite sides of frame 1230, facing the bottom side of block 1300 when trolley 1200 is positioned below block 1300. The support piston 1220 can be actuated (e.g., hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically via an electric motor) between a retracted state and an extended position. In the retracted state, the support piston 1220 does not contact the block 1300. In the extended position, the support piston 1220 is vertically displaced away from the frame 1230 (e.g., upwards) to contact and lift the block 1300 above the crossbeam 1180 (e.g., lift it approximately 2 cm or 1 inch) (e.g., so that the weight of the block 1300 is supported only by the support piston 1220), thereby allowing the trolley 1200 to move the block 1300 horizontally (e.g., along the X direction). In one embodiment, as... Figure 10-11 As shown, the trolley 1200 may have two pairs of support pistons 1220 and two pairs of wheel assemblies 1210, with each support piston 1220 aligned with one of the wheel assemblies 1210. In another embodiment, the support 1210 may be a platform whose width generally corresponds to the width of the frame 1230, wherein the platform can move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the platform does not engage the bottom of the block 1300, and in the extended position, the platform contacts the block 1300 and lifts the block away from the crossbeam 1180.

[0062] Once the trolley 1200 has lifted the block 1300 above the crossbeam 1180 (e.g., so that the block 1300 is not in contact with the crossbeam 1180), the trolley 1200 can translate the block 1300 along the row 1140 (e.g., horizontally in the X direction), for example, towards the elevator shaft 1130, to transfer the block 1300 to the elevator cage 1400, as further described below.

[0063] The lift cage 1400 has side walls 1412 (e.g., one or more vertical beams spaced apart from each other) and bottom supports 1420 (e.g., pairs or two tracks) extending between the side walls 1412. The lift cage 1400 also has guide rail portions 1484, 1486, which are advantageously aligned with the beams 1180, allowing the trolley 1200 to travel into the lift cage 1400 while supporting blocks 1300 (e.g., extending between the side walls 1412 and above the bottom supports 1420). The lift cage 1400 has a top support 1430 extending between the side walls 1412. The top support 1430 is connected to one or more cables or strips (e.g., steel strips) 1520, and an electric motor-generator 1500 is connected to the lift shaft 1130 via mounting members 1510.

[0064] Once the trolley 1200 has positioned the block 1300 above the bottom support 1420, the support piston 1220 can be actuated to lower the block 1300 onto the bottom support 1420. In one embodiment, the trolley 1200 can then leave the elevator cage 1400, allowing the elevator cage 1400 to move the block 1300 vertically along the elevator shaft 1300. In another embodiment, the trolley 1200 remains in the elevator cage 1400, and the elevator cage 1400 moves along the elevator shaft 1300 to another row or another floor 1140 to transport the block 1300, wherein the trolley 1200 can raise the block 1300 above the bottom support 1420 and, together with the block 1300 thereon, leave the elevator cage 1400 to reach the row 1140. Once block 1300 has moved to the desired position, trolley 1200 can retract support piston 1220, allowing block 1300 to rest on crossbeam 1180, and trolley 1200 can move from under block 1300 and away from it (see...). Figure 10-11 ).

[0065] Figure 13-19 The sequence of steps is shown to move block 1300 along a row or layer 1140 of the frame or tower 1100 of the energy storage system 1000 and to transfer block 1300 to elevator cage 1400' to move block 1300 via elevator shaft 1130 (e.g., to another elevation in the frame or tower 1100). Figure 13-19 The steps in the same sequence can be performed in reverse to lower block 1300 onto a row 1140, thereby transferring block 1300 from the elevator cage 1400' in the elevator shaft 1130 onto a row or a floor 1140. Those skilled in the art will recognize that... Figure 13-19 The steps shown in the diagram and described below are sequentially implemented into the energy storage and transmission system 1000. Figure 7 The energy storage and transmission system 1000' in Figure 8 In any row of the energy storage and transmission system 1000” (e.g., all rows of the upper section 1102 and / or the lower section 1104), such that the following description applies. Figure 5-8 The system is 1000, 1000', 1000.

[0066] Figure 13 A portion of a row 1140 of a frame or tower 1100 is shown, where, as described above, a block 1300 is mounted on a trolley 1200 (e.g., a support piston 1220 lifts the block 1300 away from the crossbeam 1180). Actuable guide rail portions (e.g., cantilever joints, butterfly joints) 1184, 1186 are located at the ends of the crossbeam 1180, for example near the elevator shaft 1130 along which the elevator cage 1400' moves. Actuable guide rail portions 1184, 1186 can be in a retracted position (e.g., Figure 13 , 19 (as shown) and the extension position (e.g., Figure 14-18 The guide rails 1184 and 1186 move between the retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, the guide rail portions 1184 and 1186 extend laterally (e.g., perpendicularly) to the crossbeam 1180. In the extended position, the guide rail portions 1184 and 1186 extend collinearly with the crossbeam 1180. In one embodiment, in the retracted position, the guide rail portions 1184 and 1186 do not extend into the elevator shaft 1130, while in the extended position, the guide rail portions 1184 and 1186 extend into the elevator shaft 1130. The guide rail portions 1184 and 1186 can be actuated between the retracted and extended positions by electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic means.

[0067] The elevator cage 1400' has a frame 1410' with an open bottom and an open (front) side facing a row or floor. In one embodiment, the frame 1410' has a rear support 1411' that can be located near the surface of the block 1300 when the elevator cage 1400' is aligned and / or connected to the block 1300, and the frame has one or more side arms 1412' extending from the rear support 1411' and extending near the side of the block 1300 when the elevator cage 1400' is aligned and / or connected to the block 1300 (see...). Figure 16-18 The rear support member 1411' may have an area approximately the same as the surface of the block 1300. The elevator cage 1400' may have one or more (e.g., a pair) actuated supports 1420'. The actuated supports 1420' may be in the retracted position (see... Figure 13-16 ) and the position of the extension (see Figure 17-19Actuated between the two, in the retracted position, the actuable support is coplanar or parallel to the rear support 1411', and in the extended position, the actuable support generally extends transversely to the plane of the rear support 1411'. In the extended position (see... Figure 17-19 An actuable support 1420' can be located below the bottom of the block 1300 (e.g., similar to the orientation of forks in a forklift), and the actuable support can support the block 1300 as the lift cage 1400' moves vertically along the lift shaft 1130. The actuable support 1420 can be actuated between a retracted and extended position by electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic means. The lift cage 1400' has a proximal crossbeam 1430' via which the lift cage 1400' is raised and lowered by a motor-generator 1500 (e.g., by a cable or steel strip connected to the proximal crossbeam 1430, such as a cable or steel strip wound around the proximal crossbeam). In the illustrated embodiment, the lift cage 1400' is sized to transport one block 1300 at a time between the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 of the frame or tower 1100. In other embodiments discussed further below, the size of the elevator cage 1400' may be suitable for transporting more than one block 1300 at a time between the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 of the frame or tower 1100 (e.g., two, three, or four).

[0068] Figure 13 The diagram shows a block 1300 on a trolley 1200 moving toward a lift shaft 1130. Guide rail sections 1184, 1186 are in a retracted position (e.g., transverse to beam 1180), allowing the lift cage 1400' to pass through the lift shaft 1130 (e.g., without interference from guide rail sections 1184, 1186 after the block 1300 has been transported to another floor 1140). The lift cage 1400' is in a vertical position higher than floor 1140 (e.g., vertically offset from floor 1140), and its actuable support 1420' is in a retracted position (e.g., coplanar or parallel to the rear support 1411').

[0069] Figure 14 Guide rail portions 1184, 1186 (e.g., collinear with crossbeam 1180) are shown actuated to the extended position. The elevator cage 1400' remains in a vertical position higher than floor 1140 (e.g., in a position vertically offset from floor 1140), and its actuable support 1420' is in a retracted position (e.g., coplanar or parallel to rear support 1411').

[0070] Figure 15The diagram shows the trolley 1200 moving block 1300 along crossbeam 1180 and onto guide rail portions 1184, 1186 (cantilever guide rail portions) in an extended position. The trolley 1200 can actuate support piston 1220 to lower block 1300 onto guide rail portions 1184, 1186. The elevator cage 1400' remains in a vertical position higher than floor 1140 (e.g., in a position vertically offset from floor 1140), and its actuable support 1420' is in a retracted position (e.g., coplanar or parallel to rear support 1411').

[0071] Figure 16 The diagram shows the trolley 1200 having moved away from the block 1300, which remains supported on the extended guide rail portions 1184, 1186. The elevator cage 1400' descends onto the block 1300 such that the rear support 1411' of the frame 1410' is adjacent to the facing surface of the block 1300, and the side arm 1412' of the frame 1410' is adjacent to the side of the block 1300, which is laterally (e.g., perpendicular) to the facing surface of the block 1300. The elevator cage 1400' can be lowered such that the actuated support 1420' is located vertically below the bottom of the block 1300, wherein the actuated support 1420' is in a retracted position (e.g., coplanar or parallel to the rear support 1411').

[0072] Figure 17 The actuable support 1420' is shown moved to an extended position (e.g., transverse to the plane of the rear support 1411') such that it lies below the surface of the block 1300 (e.g., similar to the forks of a forklift). The lift cage 1400' can then be moved upward, causing the actuable support 1420' (in the extended position) to contact the bottom of the block 1300 and lift the block 1300 from the guide rail portions 1184, 1186. Figure 18 The image shows a hoist cage 1400' moving upward with a block 1300, the bottom of which is supported by an actuable support 1420' (in the extended position), the sides by a side arm 1412', and the facing surface by a rear support 1411' of a frame 1410'. Figure 19 The guide rail portions 1184, 1186 are shown moved to a retracted position (e.g., transverse to the crossbeam 1180) such that the guide rail portions 1184, 1186 do not protrude into (e.g., obstruct) the elevator shaft 1130, thereby allowing the elevator cage 1400' with block 1300 to move through the elevator shaft without being disturbed by the guide rail portions 1184, 1186.

[0073] Figure 20This is a schematic end view of an energy storage and transmission system or module 1000, showing the arrangement of blocks 1300 within a frame or tower 1100 and the movement of blocks 1300 between rows 1140 of the upper section 1102 and rows 1140 of the lower section 1104 of the frame or tower 1100 to store energy or generate electricity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the processes described below can be applied to... Figure 7 The energy storage system 1000' and Figure 8 The energy storage system 1000 in the system is implemented, therefore the following description also applies. Figure 7-8 The system 1000', 1000' in the middle moves ballast or block 1300 from row or layer 1140 in the upper section 1102 to a corresponding row or layer 1140 in the lower section 1104 to generate electricity (e.g., via motor-generator 1500), for example for transmission to the power grid or for use in the intermediate section 1106 (e.g., to power a data center or to power lighting for vertical farming). Moving ballast or block 1300 from row or layer 1140 in the lower section 1104 to a corresponding row or layer 1140 in the upper section 1102 stores electrical energy as potential energy of block 1300.

[0074] Ballast loads or blocks 1300 may be positioned in rows 1140 of the upper section 1102 of the tower or frame 1100 (e.g., rows U1 to U8). The blocks 1300 in each row 1140 of the upper section 1102 can be moved horizontally (in the X direction) to elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B via trolleys 1200 in each row U1-U8, and then vertically (in the Z direction) descended to the corresponding row 1140 in the lower section 1104 (e.g., rows L1 to L8) via their associated elevator cages 1400, 1400'. The blocks 1300 transported to rows L1 to L8 are moved horizontally by trolleys 1200 in each row L1-L8. Elevator cages 1400 and 1400' can lower block 1300 via elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B at the ends of drain 1140, for example via the above-described combination. Figure 9 and Figure 13-19 The described sequence of movements. The elevator cages 1400, 1400' and the fixed elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at the ends of row 1130 provide efficient, rapid, and guided movement of the block 1300 between the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104. During operation of the energy storage and delivery system 1000, the movement of the elevator cages 1400, 1400' in the right elevator shaft 1130A alternates with the movement of the elevator cages 1400, 1400' in the left elevator shaft 1130B, as described below. Although Figure 20The system 1000 shown herein illustrates eight rows U1-U8 in the upper section 1102 and eight rows L1-L8 in the lower section 1104, which support the block 1300. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of rows 1140 can vary, and the same process described herein for moving the block 1300 from the rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 to the corresponding rows 1140 in the lower section 1104, as well as the distribution of the block 1300, are applicable regardless of the total number of rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104.

[0075] refer to Figure 20 Each block 1300 removed from a row 1140 of the upper section 1102 is advantageously replaced by another block 1300 in the lower section 1104, such that the average foundation load of the frame or tower 1100 and / or the average load distribution on the ground (e.g., foundation) remains substantially constant (e.g., constant). In one embodiment, each block removed from a row 1140 of the upper section 1102 is advantageously replaced by another block 1300 in a row 1140 of the lower section 1104 located at the same column 1120 position, such that the load in the column 1120 remains unchanged. For example, in the case where the upper section 1102 has eight rows U1-U8 filled with blocks 1300 and the lower section 1104 has eight rows L1-L8 from which blocks 1300 can be moved from the upper section 1102, there are eight blocks 1300 in either column 1120. During operation of system 1000, each column 1120 maintains the same number of blocks 1300 (e.g., eight blocks), thereby advantageously keeping the frame or tower 1100 under balanced loads (e.g., each column 1120 maintains substantially the same load). Therefore, during operation of system 1000, the load on the foundation (or ground) of the frame or tower 1100 does not change, and thus, through the movement of blocks 1300 between rows or layers 1140 of the upper section 1102 and rows or layers 1140 of the lower section 1104, the foundation is advantageously not (e.g., periodically) subjected to stress or experience differential settlement.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figure 20Blocks 1300 in row U1 of upper section 1102 can be lowered to row L1 of lower section 1104 to generate electricity. Similarly, blocks 1300 in row U2 can be lowered to row L2, blocks 1300 in row U3 can be lowered to row L3, blocks 1300 in row U4 can be lowered to row L4, blocks 1300 in row U5 can be lowered to row L5, blocks 1300 in row U6 can be lowered to row L6, blocks 1300 in row U7 can be lowered to row L7, and blocks 1300 in row U8 can be lowered to row L8. Blocks in any row 1140 of upper section 1102 travel the same vertical distance to reach the corresponding row 1140 in lower section 1104, such that each block 1300 undergoes the same vertical jump. Figure 20 As shown, blocks 1300 in a subset of rows 1140 (e.g., rows U1, U3, U5, and U7) descend via a lift shaft 1130A, while the remaining rows 1140 (e.g., rows U2, U4, U6, and U8) descend via another lift shaft 1130B. As described above, the intermediate section 1106 remains free of blocks and can be used for other purposes.

[0077] The block 1300 can be moved simultaneously between the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104 via elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B. For example, the block 1300 can be lowered from row U1 to row L1 via elevator shaft 1130A and transferred to trolley 1200 (e.g., to match the above). Figure 13-19 (In the reverse order), the trolley can move block 1300 horizontally from its position on row U1 where it was removed towards the opposite end of row L1. Essentially simultaneously, block 1300 can be lowered from row U2 to row L2 via elevator shaft 1130B and transferred to trolley 1200 (e.g., to match the above). Figure 13-19 (In the reverse order), the trolley can move block 1300 horizontally from its position on row U2 where block 1300 is removed toward the opposite end of row L2. As described above, this advantageously allows the average ground load of the frame or tower 1100 and / or the average distribution of loads on the ground (e.g., foundation) to remain substantially constant.

[0078] Advantageously, the elevator cages 1400, 1400' move rapidly between rows U1-U8 in the upper section 1102 of the frame or tower 1100 and rows L1-L8 in the lower section 1104 (e.g., because the power cost for moving the block 1300 decreases as the elevator cages 1400, 1400' move the block 1300). Because the elevator cages 1400, 1400' move much faster than the trolley 1200, in one embodiment, the elevator cages 1400, 1400' will not return to the same row 1140 in the upper section 1102 until the elevator cage moves the block 1300 from the remaining rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 serving the associated elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B to its corresponding row 1140 in the lower section 1104.

[0079] Figure 20A-20D The process of moving block 1300 from upper section 1102 to lower section 1104 via elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B (e.g., using elevator cages 1400, 1400') to generate electricity is illustrated. Figure 20B As shown, block A1 is moved from one end of row U1 to row L1 via elevator shaft 1130A, and then to the opposite end of row L1. Similarly, block B1 is moved from one end of row U2 to row L2 via elevator shaft 1130B, and then to the opposite end of row L2. Once block A1 has been transported to row L1 as described above, the elevator cage in elevator shaft 1130A returns to the next row U3 in the upper section 1102, and block C1 is moved via elevator shaft 1130A to its corresponding row L3 in the lower section 1104, and then to the opposite end of row L3. Similarly, once block B1 has been transported to row L2 as described above, the elevator cage in elevator shaft 1130B returns to the next row U4 in upper section 1102, and block D1 is moved via elevator shaft 1130B to its corresponding row L4 in lower section 1104, and block D1 is moved to the opposite end of row L4. For the remaining rows in upper section 102 (e.g., for...), Figure 20 (U5 to U8 in the middle), the process can continue in this manner. See also... Figure 20B Once block 1300 is lowered from each row (e.g., U1-U4) in the upper section 102 to its corresponding row (e.g., L1-L4) in the lower section 104, the elevator cages 1400 and 1400' in the corresponding elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B repeat the same steps to move the next block (e.g., A2-D2) in the row (U1-U4) of the upper section 102 to its corresponding row (L1-L4) in the lower section, as follows. Figure 20CAs shown. Similarly, once the second block 1300 is lowered from each row (e.g., U1-U4) in the upper section 102 to its corresponding row (e.g., L1-L4) in the lower section 104, the elevator cages 1400, 1400' in the corresponding elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B again perform the same steps described above to move the next block (e.g., A3-D3) in the row (U1-U4) of the upper section 102 to its corresponding row (L1-L4) in the lower section, as shown. Figure 20D As shown, and so on. Because the elevator cages 1400, 1400' travel vertically along the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at a much faster speed than the trolleys 1200 travel horizontally along rows 1140 (e.g., U1-U4 and / or L1-L4), the above sequence advantageously provides the trolleys 1200 with sufficient time to travel along rows 1140 so that when the elevator cages 1400, 1400' reach the same row, they can pick up another block 1300 and move it to the vicinity of the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B, thereby allowing the system 1000 to operate efficiently. The above process advantageously allows the loads (e.g., average loads) on the foundation of the frame or tower 1100 and / or the load distribution (e.g., average loads) on the ground (e.g., foundation) to remain substantially constant.

[0080] In one implementation, one block 1300 is moved at a time (e.g., using the above combination). Figure 9-19 The brackets 1400 and 1400' are described. In another embodiment, the bracket or lift can move multiple blocks 1300 at a time, such as... Figure 21-22B As shown.

[0081] Figure 21 A schematic diagram shows an embodiment of an elevator cage 1400A traveling within an elevator shaft 1130A of a frame, tower, or module 1100. The elevator cage 1400A is similar to... Figure 9 The elevator cage 1400 shown and described above. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the elevator cage 1400A are consistent with those used for identification. Figure 9 The corresponding parts of the elevator cage 1400 in the drawings are labeled the same, except that an "A" is added to the end of the numerical identifier. Therefore, Figure 9 The various structural features and descriptions of the hoist cage 1400 in the text should also be understood to apply to... Figure 21 The corresponding features of the elevator cage 1400A are as described below. In one embodiment, the elevator cage 1400A can be operated to move the block 1300, as described above. Figure 20 As stated above.

[0082] The elevator cage 1400A differs from the elevator cage 1400 in that it is longer (e.g., 30 meters long) and can transport multiple blocks 1300 at a time, while the elevator cage 1400 can only transport one block 1300 at a time. Optionally, the length of the elevator cage 1400A allows it to be aligned simultaneously with all rows 1140 of the upper section 1102 of the frame, tower, or module 1100, or simultaneously with all rows 1140 of the lower section 104 of the frame, tower, or module 1100.

[0083] The hoist cage 1400A has multiple guide rail sections 1484A, 1486A, which are spaced apart at different vertical positions along the hoist cage 1400A. These guide rail sections are aligned with the ends of the crossbeams 1180 of multiple layers 1140 of the frame, tower, or module 1100. For example, refer to... Figure 20 When the upper section 1102 has layers U1 to U8, the guide rail portions 1484A and 1486A of the elevator cage 1400A can be simultaneously aligned with layers U1 to U8. Similarly, when the elevator cage 1400A moves to the bottom of the frame, tower, or module 1100, the guide rail portions 1484A and 1486A can be simultaneously aligned with layers L1 to L8 in the lower section 1104. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a similar elevator cage 1400A can be provided in another elevator cage 1130B, which is simultaneously aligned with all rows or layers 1140 in the upper section 1102, or simultaneously aligned with all rows or layers 1140 in the lower section 1104, wherein blocks 1300 from rows U2, U4, U6, and / or U8 can be moved to rows L2, L4, L6, and / or L8.

[0084] refer to Figure 21 The elevator cage 1400A can transport more than one block 1300 at a time (e.g., transporting two blocks, such as from rows U1 and U3 to rows L1 and L3; transporting three blocks, such as from rows U1, U3, and U5 to rows L1, L3, and L5; transporting four blocks, such as from rows U1, U3, U5, and U7 to rows L1, L3, L5, and L7, etc.). In another embodiment, the elevator cage 1400A can transport one block 1300 at a time (e.g., performing the actions described above). Figure 20(The same process is described for the moving block 1300). Advantageously, fewer controls are required to align the elevator cage 1400A with the beams 1180 of each row or floor 1140 because only two stops are needed along the elevator shaft 1130A to align the elevator cage 1400A with all rows 1140 of the transport block 1300: one stop is located at the top of the frame, tower, or module 1100, where the elevator cage 1400A is simultaneously aligned with each row 1140 in the upper section 1102, and another stop is located at the bottom of the frame, tower, or module 1100, where the elevator cage 1400A is aligned with each row 1140 in the lower section 1104.

[0085] In another embodiment, the elevator cage 1400A has a length that allows it to be aligned simultaneously with fewer than all rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 or lower section 104 of the frame, tower, or module 1100 (e.g., the length is typically the same height as two rows 1140, the length is typically the same height as three rows 1140, the length is typically the same height as four rows 1140, etc.).

[0086] Figures 22A-22B A schematic diagram is shown of an embodiment of an elevator cage 1400A' traveling within an elevator shaft 1130A of a frame, tower, or module 1100. The elevator cage 1400A' is similar to... Figure 13-19 The elevator cage 1400' shown and described above. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of the elevator cage 1400A' are consistent with those used for identification. Figure 13-19 The corresponding parts of the elevator cage 1400' in the attached drawings have the same reference numerals, except that an "A" is added to the numerical identifiers. Therefore, Figure 13-19 The structural features and descriptions of the various characteristics of the 1400' elevator cage in the text should also be understood to apply to... Figure 22B-22B The corresponding features of the elevator cage 1400A' are as described below. In one embodiment, the elevator cage 1400A' can be operated to move the block 1300, as described above. Figure 20 As stated above.

[0087] The difference between the elevator cage 1400A' and the elevator cage 1400' is that the former is longer (e.g., 30 meters long) and can transport multiple blocks 1300 at a time, while the elevator cage 1400' can only transport one block 1300 at a time. Optionally, the length of the elevator cage 1400A' allows it to be aligned simultaneously with all rows 1140 of the upper section 1102, or simultaneously with all rows 1140 of the lower section 104 of the frame, tower, or module 1100.

[0088] The elevator cage 1400A' has a plurality of actuable supports 1420A' that are spaced apart at different vertical positions along the elevator cage 1400A' to allow the block 1300 to be transferred from one or more such rows 1140 to the elevator cage 1400A'. Figure 22A The actuated guide sections 1184, 1186 at the ends of the beams 1180 of layer 1140 are shown in a retracted position (e.g., so that they do not protrude into the elevator shaft 1130A), for example, when the elevator cage 1400A' moves through these layers 1140. Figure 22B The actuated guide portions 1184, 1186 at the ends of the beams 1180 of one or more layers 1140 are shown in an extended position (e.g., such that they extend into the elevator shaft 1130A) to allow the transfer of blocks 1300 in the row 1140 to the elevator cage 1400A'.

[0089] For example, refer to Figure 20 In the case of upper section 1102 having layers U1 to U8, elevator cage 1400A' can be aligned with layers U1 to U8 simultaneously. Similarly, when elevator cage 1400A' moves to the bottom of frame, tower, or module 1100, elevator cage 1400A' can be aligned with layers L1 to L8 in lower section 1104 simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a similar elevator cage 1400A' can be provided in another elevator cage 1130B, which is simultaneously aligned with all rows or layers 1140 in upper section 1102, or simultaneously aligned with all rows or layers 1140 in lower section 1104, wherein blocks 1300 from rows U2, U4, U6, and / or U8 can be moved to rows L2, L4, L6, and / or L8.

[0090] refer to Figures 22A-22B The elevator cage 1400A' can transport more than one block 1300 at a time (e.g., transporting two blocks, such as from rows U1 and U3 to rows L1 and L3; transporting three blocks, such as from rows U1, U3, and U5 to rows L1, L3, and L5; transporting four blocks, such as from rows U1, U3, U5, and U7 to rows L1, L3, L5, and L7, etc.). In another embodiment, the elevator cage 1400A' can transport one block 1300 at a time (e.g., performing the actions described above). Figure 20(The same process is described for the moving block 1300). Advantageously, less control is required to align the elevator cage 1400A with the beams 1180 of each row or floor 1140 because the movement of the elevator cage 1400A' in the elevator shaft 1130A only requires two stops to align the elevator cage 1400A' with all rows 1140 of the transport block 1300. One stop is located at the top of the frame, tower, or module 1100, where the elevator cage 1400A' is simultaneously aligned with each row 1140 in the upper section 1102, and another stop is located at the bottom of the frame, tower, or module 1100, where the elevator cage 1400A' is aligned with each row 1140 in the lower section 1104.

[0091] In another embodiment, the elevator cage 1400A' has a length that allows it to be aligned simultaneously with fewer than all rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 or lower section 104 of the frame, tower, or module 1100 (e.g., the length is typically the same as the height of two rows 1140, the length is typically the same as the height of three rows 1140, the length is typically the same as the height of four rows 1140, etc.).

[0092] Alternatively, the weight of blocks 130 and 1300 may be between approximately 20 tons and 50 tons, such as approximately 30 tons (e.g., 30 metric tons). However, in other examples, the weight of blocks 130 and 1300 may be other suitable amounts.

[0093] Blocks 130 and 1300 may include ballast blocks (e.g., load-bearing fill material), for example, enclosed within a shell. In one example, the material of the ballast block differs from the material of the shell. For example, as described below, the ballast block or load-bearing fill material may be soil, coal, fly ash, debris, demolition materials, gravel, construction waste, and / or recycled materials mixed with and / or compressed with low-grade or inexpensive concrete. This advantageously reduces the cost of manufacturing blocks 130 and 1300 and provides a mechanism for distributing materials (e.g., demolition materials, construction waste, debris, etc.) that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. In another example, the ballast block and the shell are made of the same material (e.g., defining a monolithic or single block without any boundaries or joints). Advantageously, blocks 130 and 1300 may be manufactured using materials available near the system locations 1000, 1000', 1000”. Optionally, blocks 130 and 1300 may be reinforced (e.g., with steel), for example, by utilizing one or more layers of steel mesh or reinforcing bars (e.g., structural steel).

[0094] Optionally, blocks 130 and 1300 may be at least partially made of concrete (e.g., the shell of blocks 130 and 1300 may be made of concrete). Advantageously, because concrete has a higher density than water, the volume of blocks 130 and 1300 can store more potential energy compared to a corresponding volume of water. In one example, at least a portion of blocks 130 and 1300 may be made of low-grade concrete (e.g., having a compressive strength of less than 10 MPa, such as 3-8 MPa).

[0095] Energy storage and delivery systems 100, 1000, 1000', 1000" are operable to convert electrical energy or power into stored potential energy by lifting blocks 130, 1300 from a lower elevation (e.g., vertically lifting) to a higher elevation, and to convert potential energy into electrical energy or power by moving one or more blocks 130, 1300 from a higher elevation (e.g., vertically moving, vertically descending) to a lower elevation via gravity.

[0096] The electric motor-generator 1500 can operate the lifting cages 1400, 1400', 1400A, 1400A' to lift one or more blocks 130, 1300 from a lower elevation (e.g., vertically) and place the blocks 130, 1300 at a higher elevation. Each block 130, 1300 at the higher elevation stores a certain amount of potential energy, which corresponds to (e.g., is proportional to) the mass and height difference between the lower and higher elevations of the block 130, 1300 (e.g., potential energy = mass x gravity x reference plane, such as height above ground). The heavier the blocks 130, 1300 and the higher they are raised, the more potential energy can be stored.

[0097] To convert stored potential energy into electricity, elevator cages 1400, 1400', 1400A, 1400A' can move one or more blocks 130, 1300 from a higher altitude to a lower altitude (e.g., at least partially descending vertically under gravity) to drive an electric motor-generator 1500 (via one or more cables or steel belts) to generate electricity, which can then be transmitted to a power grid connected to the electric motor-generator 1500. Power is generated in the form of electricity each time blocks 130, 1300 are lowered.

[0098] Advantageously, for example, the energy storage and transmission systems 100, 1000, 1000', 1000" can store the electricity generated by solar power as potential energy in the raised blocks 130, 1300 during the daytime when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the blocks 130, 1300 into electricity by lowering one or more blocks 130, 1300 during the nighttime when solar energy is unavailable, and transmit the converted electricity to the power grid.

[0099] This article describes examples of energy storage and transmission systems (e.g., energy storage and transmission systems 100, 1000, 1000', 1000") that are operable to convert electrical energy or power into potential energy for storage, and to convert the potential energy into electrical energy or power for transmission to the power grid, for example. Advantageously, the energy storage system requires almost no maintenance and can operate for decades (e.g., 30-50 years) without significant reduction in energy storage capacity.

[0100] In some embodiments, the energy storage system described herein can store approximately 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) or more of energy (e.g., between 10 MWh and 100 MWh, such as 15 MWh, 20 MWh, 30 MWh, 50 MWh, 80 MWh, 90 MWh) and supply approximately 10 MWh or more of energy to the grid (e.g., between 10 MWh and 100 MWh, such as 15 MWh, 20 MWh, 30 MWh, 50 MWh, 80 MWh, 90 MWh). The energy storage system described herein can supply energy per hour (e.g., 1 MW to 6 MW or higher). However, in other embodiments, the energy storage and delivery system described herein may have other suitable energy storage and delivery capacities (e.g., 1 MWh, 3 MWh, 5 MWh, etc.). In one embodiment, optionally, the energy storage and delivery system can power approximately 1000 homes or more for one day.

[0101] Advantageously, the energy storage and transmission system described herein can be connected to renewable energy (e.g., green energy) power generation systems, such as solar-powered systems, wind-powered systems (e.g., wind turbines), etc. Advantageously, during the operation of the renewable energy power generation system (e.g., solar-powered systems operate during daytime hours, and wind-powered systems operate under windy conditions), the energy storage and transmission system captures the electricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system. When the renewable energy power generation system is inoperable (e.g., at night, under windless conditions), the energy storage and transmission system can later transmit the stored electricity to the grid. Therefore, the energy storage and transmission system operates like a battery for the renewable energy power generation system and can transmit electricity from the renewable energy power generation system to the grid during off-peak hours.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the energy storage and transmission systems 100, 1000, 1000', 1000” lift blocks 130, 1300 to store electrical energy as potential energy, and lower blocks 130, 1300 to generate electricity. In one embodiment, excess power from the power grid can be used to operate the elevator cages 1400, 1400', 1400A, 1400A'. For each unit of energy used to lift blocks 130, 1300, the amount of energy recovered by the energy storage systems 100, 1000, 1000', 1000” can optionally be 80-90%.

[0103] Additional Examples

[0104] In embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage system, the method of operating the energy storage system, and the elevator cage used in the energy storage system may conform to any of the following terms:

[0105] Clause 1: An energy storage and transmission system comprising:

[0106] One or more modules, each module including

[0107] Multiple blocks, and

[0108] A frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising...

[0109] The upper section has a first set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks thereon.

[0110] The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks thereon.

[0111] The intermediate section between the upper section and the lower section contains no blocks.

[0112] A pair of elevator shafts, located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows, and an elevator cage movably disposed in each elevator shaft of the pair and operatively connected to an electric motor-generator, the elevator cage being sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein.

[0113] The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group to corresponding alternating rows of the first group, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group to corresponding alternating rows of the second group under gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage moves the blocks between each row of the second group and each corresponding row of the first group along the same vertical distance.

[0114] Clause 2: The system according to Clause 1, wherein the intermediate section is configured to accommodate one or more vertical tillage units.

[0115] Clause 3: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move the block between the first row and the second row such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the module remains substantially constant.

[0116] Clause 4: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of columns defined by one or more pillars supporting crossbeams thereon, each crossbeam defining a row of a first group of rows and a second group of rows extending orthogonally to the columns, the crossbeams being configured to support blocks on their top surfaces, each crossbeam having a longitudinal channel below the top surface.

[0117] Clause 5: The system according to Clause 4 further includes a plurality of transverse members that extend between the columns and provide diagonal bracing between the columns along the length of the row.

[0118] Clause 6: The system according to Clause 4, wherein one of the first and second rows, or each of the two rows, includes a trolley movably connected between pairs of beams defining the row, the trolley being configured to extend between channels defining the pairs of beams defining the row and to travel beneath a block disposed on the pairs of beams defining the row, the trolley being operable to lift the block above the pairs of beams and to move the block horizontally along the row.

[0119] Clause 7: The system according to Clause 6, wherein the trolley includes a wheel assembly extending within the channel of the pair of beams, a frame extending between the pairs of beams, and a support piston operable to lift the block above the pair of beams for horizontal movement of the block along the row, and the support piston operable to lower the block onto the pair of beams to fix the position of the block on the row.

[0120] Clause 8: The system according to Clause 6, wherein the elevator cage includes a pair of guide rail portions configured to align with a row of beam pairs, such that the trolley travels from the beam pairs to the guide rail pairs to transport the block to the elevator cage.

[0121] Clause 9: The system according to Clause 8, wherein the trolley transports the block onto the top surface of the guide rail pair and leaves the elevator cage before the elevator cage moves the block along the elevator shaft.

[0122] Clause 10: The system according to Clause 6 further includes an actuable guide rail portion movably coupled to an end of the crossbeam near the elevator shaft, the guide rail portion being actuable between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the guide rail portion extends orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position, the guide rail portion extends collinearly with the crossbeam and into the space of the elevator shaft, wherein, in the extended position, the guide rail portion is capable of receiving the trolley therebetween for positioning a block on the surface of the guide rail portion, thereby transferring the block to the elevator cage.

[0123] Clause 11: The system according to Clause 10, wherein the elevator cage includes a frame defining a rear support, a side arm extending from the rear support, and one or more actuable supports, the one or more actuable supports being actuated between a retracted position and an extended position, the retracted position being substantially aligned with the plane of the rear support, the extended position being transverse to the plane of the rear support, the one or more actuable supports being configured, when in the extended position, to lift the block from the actuable guide portion and to support the block thereon during movement of the elevator cage in the elevator shaft.

[0124] Clause 12: The system according to Clause 11, wherein the one or more actuable supports are a pair of actuable supports that extend laterally to the rear support in the extended position and are configured to support a block thereon during the movement of the elevator cage in the elevator shaft.

[0125] Clause 13: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more modules are four modules arranged in a square in a plan view such that the row of each module is orthogonal to the row extension of the adjacent module, thereby providing automatic bracing for the four modules to resist wind and seismic forces.

[0126] Clause 14: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more modules are two modules arranged collinearly such that the rows of each module are substantially aligned.

[0127] Clause 15: An energy storage and transmission system comprising:

[0128] Multiple blocks, and

[0129] A frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising:

[0130] The upper section has a first set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks thereon.

[0131] The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks thereon.

[0132] The intermediate section between the upper section and the lower section contains no blocks.

[0133] The elevator shafts are located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows;

[0134] A trolley, movably coupled to one or each of the first and second rows, operable to travel beneath blocks in the rows, and configured to lift the blocks to move them horizontally along the rows; and

[0135] A hoist cage, movably disposed in each of the hoist shafts of the hoist shaft pair and operatively connected to an electric motor-generator, the hoist cage being sized to receive blocks from a row via the trolley and to support the blocks therein as they move along the hoist shafts.

[0136] The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group to a corresponding alternating row of the first group, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more of the blocks from alternating rows of the first group to a corresponding alternating row of the second group under the action of gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage moves the blocks between each row of the second group and each row of the corresponding first group along the same vertical distance.

[0137] Clause 16: The system according to Clause 15, wherein the intermediate section is configured to accommodate one or more vertical tillage units.

[0138] Clause 17: A system according to any one of Clauses 15-16, wherein the elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move the block between the first row and the second row such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the module remains substantially constant.

[0139] Clause 18: A system according to any one of Clauses 15-17, wherein one or each of the first and second rows is defined by a pair of crossbeams, and the trolley is movably connected between the pairs of crossbeams.

[0140] Clause 19: The system according to Clause 18, wherein the elevator cage includes a pair of guide rail portions configured to align with a row of beam pairs, such that the trolley travels from the beam pairs to the guide rail pairs to transport the block to the elevator cage, thereby moving along the elevator shaft.

[0141] Clause 20: The system according to Clause 18 further includes an actuable guide rail portion movably coupled to an end of the crossbeam near the elevator shaft, the guide rail portion being actuable between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the guide rail portion extends orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position, the guide rail portion extends collinearly with the crossbeam and into the space of the elevator shaft, wherein, in the extended position, the guide rail portion is capable of receiving the trolley therebetween for positioning a block on the surface of the guide rail portion, thereby transferring the block to the elevator cage.

[0142] Clause 21: The system according to Clause 20, wherein the elevator cage includes a frame defining a rear support, a side arm extending from the rear support, and a pair of actuated supports actuated between a retracted position and an extended position, the retracted position being substantially aligned with the plane of the rear support, and the extended position being transverse to the plane of the rear support, the pair of actuated supports being configured, when in the extended position, to lift a block from the actuated guide portion and to support the block thereon during movement of the elevator cage in the elevator shaft.

[0143] Clause 22: A method for storing and generating electricity via an energy storage and transmission system according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising:

[0144] A pair of lifting cages is operated at opposite ends of multiple rows of a frame to move multiple blocks between a first group of rows in the upper section of the frame and a corresponding second group of rows in the lower section of the frame, the corresponding second group of rows in the lower section of the frame being located below a middle section of the frame, in which there are no blocks.

[0145] The operation of the elevator cage includes:

[0146] The elevator cage is used to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows to store electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks; and

[0147] Under the influence of gravity, the elevator cage is used to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows, so as to generate a certain amount of electricity via a motor-generator electrically connected to the elevator cage, the elevator cage causing the blocks to move an equal vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows.

[0148] Clause 23: The method according to Clause 22, wherein moving the one or more blocks from the alternating rows of the second group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows, or moving the one or more blocks from the alternating rows of the first group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows comprises: positioning the blocks such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains substantially constant.

[0149] Clause 24: The method according to any one of Clauses 22-23, wherein moving the one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the first group of rows comprises: moving the blocks sequentially from each alternating row of the second group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the first group of rows before returning to a first alternating row of the alternating rows of the second group of rows.

[0150] Clause 25: The method according to any one of Clauses 22-24, wherein moving the one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows comprises: moving the blocks sequentially from each alternating row of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows before returning to a first alternating row of the alternating rows of the first group of rows.

[0151] Clause 26: The method according to any one of Clauses 22-25, wherein moving the one or more blocks from the alternating rows of the second group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows comprises: moving the blocks from each alternating row of the second group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows simultaneously.

[0152] Clause 27: The method according to any one of Clauses 22-26, wherein moving the one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows comprises: moving the blocks from each alternating row of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows simultaneously.

[0153] Clause 28: The method according to any one of Clauses 22-27, wherein moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from an alternating row of the second group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the first group of rows comprises: using a trolley to move the one or more blocks horizontally along one or more rows of the second group of rows, the trolley traveling below the blocks and selectively lifting the blocks above the crossbeams of the rows to deliver the one or more blocks to the elevator cage.

[0154] Clause 29: The method according to Clause 28, wherein transporting the one or more blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley comprises: aligning the guide rail portion of the elevator cage with the crossbeams of one or more rows of the second set of rows to allow the trolley to travel onto the elevator cage, thereby transporting the one or more blocks onto the guide rail portion.

[0155] Clause 30: The method according to Clause 28, wherein transporting the one or more blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley comprises: actuating a cantilever guide rail portion movably coupled to an end of the crossbeam, the guide rail portion being actuable between a retracted position, in which the guide rail portion extends orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position, the guide rail portion extends collinearly with the crossbeam, to allow the trolley to travel from the crossbeam to the guide rail portion.

[0156] Clause 31: The method according to Clause 30, wherein transporting the one or more blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley comprises: substantially aligning the elevator cage with the blocks disposed on the cantilever rail portion, and actuating the support of the elevator cage to an extended position below the bottom of the blocks, thereby allowing the elevator cage to lift the blocks away from the cantilever rail portion.

[0157] Clause 32: The method according to any one of Clauses 22-31, wherein moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from an alternating row of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows comprises: using a trolley to move the one or more blocks horizontally along one or more rows of the second group of rows, the trolley traveling below the blocks and selectively lifting the blocks above the crossbeams of the rows to deliver the one or more blocks to the elevator cage.

[0158] Clause 33: The method according to Clause 32, wherein transporting the one or more blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley comprises: aligning the guide rail portion of the elevator cage with the crossbeams of one or more rows of the second group of rows to allow the trolley to travel onto the elevator cage, thereby transporting the one or more blocks onto the guide rail portion.

[0159] Clause 34: The method according to Clause 32, wherein transporting the one or more blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley comprises: actuating cantilever guide rail portions movably coupled to the ends of the crossbeam, the guide rail portions being actuable between a retracted position, wherein in the retracted position the guide rail portions extend orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position the guide rail portions extend collinearly to the crossbeam, to allow the trolley to travel from the crossbeam to the guide rail portions.

[0160] Clause 35: The method according to Clause 34, wherein transporting the one or more blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley comprises: substantially aligning the elevator cage with the blocks disposed on the cantilever guide section, and actuating the support of the elevator cage to an extended position below the bottom of the blocks, thereby allowing the elevator cage to lift the blocks away from the cantilever guide section.

[0161] Clause 36: A method for storing and generating electricity using an energy storage and transmission system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising:

[0162] Using a trolley, one or more blocks are horizontally moved along alternating rows of a first set of rows in the upper section of the frame toward a lift cage at the opposite end of the rows; and

[0163] The elevator cage is operated to cause one or more blocks to move vertically under gravity through the middle section of the frame to the corresponding alternating row of the second group of the frame, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity via a motor-generator electrically connected to the elevator cage. The elevator cage causes the blocks to move an equal vertical distance between each alternating row of the first group of alternating rows and the corresponding alternating row of the second group of alternating rows.

[0164] Clause 37: The method according to Clause 36 further includes: operating the elevator cage to move the one or more blocks vertically from the alternating rows of the second group of rows and through the middle section of the frame to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks.

[0165] Clause 38: The method according to Clause 37, wherein moving the one or more blocks from the alternating rows of the second group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows, or moving the one or more blocks from the alternating rows of the first group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows comprises: positioning the blocks such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains substantially constant.

[0166] Clause 39: The method according to any one of Clauses 36-38, wherein moving the one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows comprises: moving the blocks sequentially from each alternating row of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows before returning to a first alternating row of the alternating rows of the first group of rows.

[0167] Clause 40: The method according to any one of Clauses 36-39, wherein moving the one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows comprises: moving the blocks from each alternating row of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows simultaneously.

[0168] Clause 41: The method according to any one of Clauses 36-40, wherein moving the one or more blocks horizontally using the trolley comprises: lifting the blocks above the crossbeams of the row.

[0169] Clause 42: An energy storage and transmission system comprising:

[0170] Multiple blocks;

[0171] A frame extending between one or more tracks at its bottom and top ends, the frame having multiple columns between the bottom and top ends, each column being configured to movably support a set of blocks at different vertical positions in the column between the front and rear supports via one or more uprights attached to front and rear supports, the one or more uprights engaging corresponding uprights of the blocks such that the blocks in a column remain spaced apart from each other;

[0172] One or more cranes, movably mounted on the one or more rails and configured to travel horizontally along the rails in one or more columns; and

[0173] The electric motor-generator is electrically connected to one or more of the cranes.

[0174] The one or more cranes are operable to connect with one or more blocks in a column to move the one or more blocks from a lower elevation of the column to a higher elevation of the column, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the one or more blocks, and moving the one or more blocks from a higher elevation of the column to a lower elevation of the column under the action of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity via the motor-generator, wherein the vertical distance between the lower elevation and the higher elevation of each block is the same.

[0175] Clause 43: The system described in Clause 42 further includes one or more bases at the bottom of the frame.

[0176] Clause 44: A system according to any one of Clauses 42-43, wherein one or more columns attached to the front column and the rear column are actuated between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the one or more columns engage the columns of the block to hold the block in a fixed position in the column, and in the retracted position the one or more columns disengage from the columns of the block to allow the crane to move the block vertically without interference from the columns of the columns.

[0177] Clause 45: A system according to any one of Clauses 42-44, wherein one or more columns attached to the front and rear columns are fixed, the crane is configured to engage with the blocks in the column and lift the blocks to separate the columns of the blocks from the columns of the columns, the crane being configured to: laterally displace the blocks relative to the columns such that the columns of the blocks disengage from the columns of the columns; vertically displace the blocks to a desired position; laterally displace the blocks in the opposite direction such that the columns of the blocks align with the columns of the columns; and lower the blocks such that the columns of the blocks engage the columns of the columns.

[0178] Clause 46: A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 42-45, wherein the block is a shipping container.

[0179] Clause 47: A system according to any one of Clauses 42-46, wherein the block moves only vertically.

[0180] Clause 48: The system according to any one of Clauses 42-47 further includes lateral members that connect the struts to each other to provide lateral stability to the frame.

[0181] Clause 49: The system according to Clause 48, wherein the transverse member is a cable.

[0182] Clause 50: A system according to any one of Clauses 42-49, wherein the one or more cranes are connected to the one or more blocks via a gripper mechanism operably connected to the cranes via one or more cables.

[0183] Clause 51: A system according to any one of Clauses 42-50, wherein the one or more cranes are a pair of bridge cranes movably coupled to the rails.

[0184] Clause 52: A method for storing and generating electricity using an energy storage and transmission system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising:

[0185] Operate a crane movably mounted on one or more tracks at the top of the frame to move multiple blocks between a lower elevation and a higher elevation of a column of the frame, wherein each block travels the same vertical distance between the lower and higher elevations.

[0186] Operating the crane includes:

[0187] The crane is connected to one or more blocks in a column of the frame, and the one or more blocks are moved from a lower elevation of the column to a higher elevation of the column to store electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the one or more blocks; and

[0188] The crane is connected to one or more blocks in the column of the frame, and the one or more blocks are moved from a higher elevation of the column to a lower elevation of the column under the action of gravity, so as to generate a certain amount of electricity via an electric motor-generator electrically connected to the crane.

[0189] Clause 53: The method according to Clause 52, wherein moving the one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation or from a higher elevation to a lower elevation comprises only: moving the blocks vertically.

[0190] Clause 54: The method according to any one of Clauses 52-53, wherein moving the one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation or from a higher elevation to a lower elevation comprises: retracting one or more columns movably coupled to the columns to allow the blocks to move unimpeded in the vertical direction along the columns.

[0191] Clause 55: The method according to any one of Clauses 52-54, wherein moving the one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation or from a higher elevation to a lower elevation comprises: lifting the one or more blocks using the crane to separate the uprights of the blocks from the uprights of the column; laterally displacing the blocks relative to the column so that the uprights of the blocks are freed from the uprights of the column; vertically displacing the blocks to a desired position; laterally displacing the blocks in the opposite direction so that the uprights of the blocks are aligned with the uprights of the column; and lowering the blocks so that the uprights of the blocks engage the uprights of the column to securely support the blocks in the desired position.

[0192] Clause 56: The method according to any one of Clauses 52-55, wherein moving the one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation or from a higher elevation to a lower elevation comprises: moving one block at a time between the lower elevation and the higher elevation.

[0193] Clause 57: The method according to any one of Clauses 52-56, wherein moving the one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation or from a higher elevation to a lower elevation comprises: moving multiple blocks at one time between a lower elevation and a higher elevation, the blocks being spaced apart from each other.

[0194] Clause 58: The method according to any one of Clauses 52-57, wherein the block is a shipping container.

[0195] Clause 59: The method according to any one of Clauses 52-58, wherein the crane is a bridge crane.

[0196] Clause 60: A lift cage for use in an energy storage and transmission system according to any of the preceding claims to store energy by moving a block between a lower elevation and a higher elevation of a tower, and to generate electricity by moving the block between the higher elevation and the lower elevation of the tower under gravity, said lift cage comprising:

[0197] Top support component;

[0198] A pair of side supports, which are attached to the top support and extend laterally to the top support;

[0199] A bottom support member, attached to and extending laterally to the pair of side supports, the top support member, the pair of side supports, and the bottom support member defining an opening substantially corresponding to the shape of the block; and

[0200] One or more rail section pairs, which are attached to the side support pair and extend laterally to the side support, each of the one or more rail section pairs is configured to align with a row of crossbeam pairs in the tower to allow the transfer of blocks from the crossbeam pairs to the rail section pairs.

[0201] Clause 61: The elevator cage as described in Clause 60, wherein the rectangular opening is a square opening.

[0202] Clause 62: A hoist cage according to any one of Clauses 60-61, wherein the top support, bottom support and side support define a front opening and a rear opening in the hoist cage.

[0203] Clause 63: The elevator cage according to any one of Clauses 60-62, wherein the bottom support comprises one or more rails.

[0204] Clause 64: The elevator cage according to any one of Clauses 60-63, wherein each side support pair comprises one or more rails.

[0205] Clause 65: The hoist cage according to any one of Clauses 60-64, wherein the one or more guide rail pairs are a plurality of guide rail pairs vertically spaced apart from each other, such that each guide rail pair is aligned with a pair of crossbeams in a row of the frame, and each of the plurality of guide rail pairs is configured to support a block thereon.

[0206] Clause 66: The elevator cage according to any one of Clauses 60-65, wherein the one or more guide rail pairs is a guide rail pair.

[0207] Clause 67: A hoist cage according to any one of Clauses 60-66, wherein each of the one or more guide rail portion pairs has a longitudinal channel between the top and bottom surfaces of the guide rail portion, the longitudinal channel of the one or more guide rail portion pairs being configured to align with a corresponding channel of the crossbeam to facilitate the transfer of blocks between the crossbeam and the guide rail portion.

[0208] Clause 68: A lift cage for use in an energy storage and transmission system according to any of the preceding claims to store energy by moving a block between a lower elevation and a higher elevation of a tower, and to generate electricity by moving the block between the higher elevation and the lower elevation of the tower under gravity, said lift cage comprising:

[0209] Top support component;

[0210] A frame comprising a rear support extending along a plane and one or more side arms attached to and extending transversely to the rear support; and

[0211] One or more actuable supports are movably coupled to the rear support and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the one or more actuable supports extend laterally relative to the side arm, and in the extended position the one or more actuable supports extend laterally relative to the plane of the rear support, wherein the one or more actuable supports in the extended position are configured to support the bottom of the block thereon when the block is adjacent to the rear support.

[0212] Clause 69: The elevator cage according to Clause 68, wherein the one or more actuated supports are a pair of actuated supports configured in the extended position to contact and support the bottom of the block.

[0213] Clause 70: The elevator cage according to any one of Clauses 68-69, wherein the one or more pairs of actuated supports are a plurality of actuated support pairs vertically spaced apart from each other, such that each pair of actuated supports is aligned with a pair of crossbeams in a row of the frame, and each of the plurality of actuated support pairs is configured to support a block thereon.

[0214] Clause 71: A system according to any one of Clauses 68-70, wherein the one or more side arms are one or more pairs of side arms, each pair of side arms extending from opposite sides of the rear support.

[0215] Clause 72: The system according to any one of Clauses 68-71, wherein the rear support has a rectangular shape.

[0216] Clause 73: The system according to any one of Clauses 68-72, wherein the rear support has a square shape.

[0217] Clause 74: A system according to any one of Clauses 68-73, wherein the rear support has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the block.

[0218] While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the systems and methods described herein without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover these forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0219] Features, materials, characteristics, or combinations described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification, unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except for at least some mutually exclusive combinations of such features and / or steps. Protection is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. Protection extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps of any disclosed method or process.

[0220] Furthermore, in the context of individual implementations, certain features described in this disclosure may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually in multiple implementations or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from that combination, and protection of that combination may be claimed as a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0221] Furthermore, although operations may be described in a specific order in the specification or depicted in the drawings, such operations need not be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, nor need all operations be performed to achieve the desired result. Other operations not depicted or described may be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the operations described. Furthermore, in other embodiments, operations may be rearranged or reordered. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from the steps shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, some steps described above may be omitted, and other steps may be added. Furthermore, the features and properties of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0222] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It is not necessarily possible to achieve all of these advantages according to any particular embodiment. Therefore, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure may be practiced or performed in a manner that achieves one or a set of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0223] Conditional language, such as “can,” “may,” “may,” and “perhaps,” unless otherwise specified or otherwise understood in the context in which they are used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, and / or steps in any way, or to imply that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether to include or perform such features, elements, and / or steps in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0224] Unless otherwise specified, connective language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," should generally be understood in conjunction with the context in which it is used to convey that an entry, term, etc., can be X, Y, or Z. Therefore, such connective language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0225] The degree language used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “usually,” and “substantially,” means a value, quantity, or characteristic that is close to the stated value, quantity, or characteristic while still performing the desired function or achieving the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “usually,” and “substantially” can refer to less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated quantity. As another example, in some embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, quantity, or characteristic that deviates from perfect parallelism by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees.

[0226] The scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by the claims set forth in this section or elsewhere in this specification or by any future claims. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and is not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the examination of this application, which should be interpreted as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. An energy storage and transmission system, comprising: One or more modules, each module including Multiple blocks, and A frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising... The upper section has a first set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support one or more of a plurality of blocks. The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support one or more of a plurality of blocks. The intermediate section between the upper section and the lower section contains no blocks. The elevator shaft pairs are located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows, and A hoist cage, movably disposed in each of the hoist shafts of the hoist shaft pair and operatively connected to an electric motor-generator, the hoist cage being sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein. In this configuration, the elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move multiple blocks from alternating rows of the second group to corresponding alternating rows of the first group, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the multiple blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move the multiple blocks from alternating rows of the first group to corresponding alternating rows of the second group under the action of gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage moves the multiple blocks between each row of the second group and each row of the corresponding first group along the same vertical distance.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate section is configured to accommodate one or more vertical tillage units.

3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move the plurality of blocks between the first and second rows, such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the one or more modules remains constant.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes multiple columns defined by one or more pillars supporting pairs of beams, each pair of beams defining a row in a first group and a second group extending orthogonally to the columns, the pairs of beams being configured to support the multiple blocks on their top surface, each pair of beams having a longitudinal channel below the top surface.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of transverse members extending between the plurality of columns and providing diagonal bracing between the plurality of columns along the length of the row.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein, Each row in the first and second sets of rows includes a trolley movably connected between pairs of beams defining the row. The trolley is configured to extend between the channels of the pairs of beams defining the row and travel below a block disposed on the pairs of beams defining the row. The trolley is operable to lift the block above the pairs of beams and to move the block horizontally along the row.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The trolley includes a wheel assembly extending within the channel of the beam pair, a trolley frame extending between the beam pairs, and a support piston operable to lift the block above the beam pair for horizontal movement of the block along the row, and the support piston operable to lower the block onto the beam pair to fix the block in position on the row.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The elevator cage includes a pair of guide rail sections configured to align with a row of crossbeams, such that the trolley travels from the crossbeams to the guide rail sections to transport the block into the elevator cage.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The trolley transports the block to the top surface of the guide rail pair and leaves the elevator cage before the block is moved along one of the elevator shaft pairs.

10. The system of claim 6, further comprising an actuable guide rail portion movably coupled to an end of the crossbeam near the elevator shaft, the guide rail portion being actuable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the guide rail portion extends orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position the guide rail portion extends collinearly with the crossbeam and extends into the space of the elevator shaft, wherein... In the extended position, the guide rail portion is able to receive the trolley therebetween for positioning the block on the surface of the guide rail portion, thereby transferring the block to the elevator cage.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The elevator cage includes a frame defining a rear support, side arms extending from the rear support, and one or more actuated supports capable of being actuated between a retracted position and an extended position, the retracted position being aligned with the plane of the rear support and the extended position being transverse to the plane of the rear support, the one or more actuated supports being configured, when in the extended position, to lift the block from the actuated guide portion and support the block thereon during movement of the elevator cage in one of the elevator shaft pairs.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more actuable supports are a pair of actuable supports that extend laterally to the rear support in the extended position and are configured to support a block thereon during movement of the elevator cage in one of the elevator shaft pairs.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The additional modules are four modules arranged in a square in the plan view, such that the row of each module in the additional modules is orthogonal to the row extension of the adjacent module, thereby providing automatic diagonal bracing for the four modules to resist wind and earthquake forces.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The additional modules are two modules arranged collinearly, such that the rows of each module in the additional modules are aligned.

15. An energy storage and transmission system, comprising: Multiple blocks, and A frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising: The upper section has a first set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support one or more of a plurality of blocks. The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support one or more of a plurality of blocks. The intermediate section between the upper section and the lower section contains no blocks. The elevator shafts are located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows; A trolley, movably coupled to one or each of the first and second rows, operable to travel beneath a block in the row, and configured to lift the block so that the block moves horizontally along the row; and A hoist cage, movably disposed in each of the hoist shafts of the hoist shaft pair and operatively connected to an electric motor-generator, the hoist cage being sized to receive blocks from a row via the trolley and to support the blocks therein as they move along the hoist shafts. The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group to a corresponding alternating row of the first group, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move one or more of the blocks from alternating rows of the first group to a corresponding alternating row of the second group under the action of gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage moves the blocks between each row of the second group and each row of the corresponding first group along the same vertical distance.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The intermediate section is configured to accommodate one or more vertical tillage units.

17. The system according to any one of claims 15-16, wherein, The elevator cage in each elevator shaft of the elevator shaft pair is operable to move the block between the first and second rows, so that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains constant.

18. The system according to claim 15, wherein, Each row in one of the first and second rows, or each row in both rows, is defined by a pair of crossbeams, and the trolley is movably connected between the pairs of crossbeams.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The elevator cage includes a pair of guide rail sections configured to align with a pair of crossbeams, such that the trolley travels from the pair of crossbeams to the pair of guide rail sections to transport the block to the elevator cage, thereby moving along one of the pairs of elevator shafts.

20. The system of claim 18, further comprising an actuable guide rail portion movably coupled to an end of the crossbeam near the elevator shaft, the guide rail portion being actuable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the guide rail portion extends orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position the guide rail portion extends collinearly with the crossbeam and extends into the space of the elevator shaft, wherein... In the extended position, the guide rail portion is able to receive the trolley therebetween for positioning the block on the surface of the guide rail portion, thereby transferring the block to the elevator cage.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein, The elevator cage includes a frame defining a rear support, side arms extending from the rear support, and a pair of actuated supports that are actuated between a retracted position and an extended position, the retracted position being aligned with the plane of the rear support and the extended position being transverse to the plane of the rear support. When in the extended position, the pair of actuated supports is configured to lift a block from the actuated guide portion and support the block thereon during movement of the elevator cage in the elevator shaft.

22. A method for storing and generating electricity, comprising: A pair of lifting cages is operated at opposite ends of multiple rows of a frame to move multiple blocks between a first group of rows in the upper section of the frame and a corresponding second group of rows in the lower section of the frame, the corresponding second group of rows in the lower section of the frame being located below a middle section of the frame, which contains no blocks. The operation of the elevator cage includes: The elevator cage is used to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows to store electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks; and Under the influence of gravity, the elevator cage is used to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows, so as to generate a certain amount of electricity via a motor-generator electrically connected to the elevator cage, the elevator cage causing the blocks to move an equal vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from alternating rows of the second group to a corresponding alternating row of the first group, or moving one or more of the blocks from alternating rows of the first group to a corresponding alternating row of the second group, comprises: positioning the blocks such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains constant.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22-23, wherein, Moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from alternating rows of the second group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows includes: moving blocks sequentially from each alternating row of the second group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows before returning to the first alternating row of the alternating rows of the second group of rows.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows includes: moving blocks sequentially from each alternating row of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows before returning to a first alternating row of the alternating rows of the first group of rows.

26. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from the alternating rows of the second group to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group includes: simultaneously moving the blocks from each alternating row of the second group to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group.

27. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from alternating rows of the first group to a corresponding alternating row of the second group includes: simultaneously moving blocks from each alternating row of the first group to a corresponding alternating row of the second group.

28. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Moving one or more of the blocks from an alternating row of the second group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the first group of rows includes: using a trolley to move the one or more blocks horizontally along one or more rows of the second group of rows, the trolley traveling below the blocks and selectively lifting the blocks above the crossbeams of the rows to transport the one or more blocks to the elevator cage.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, Using the trolley to transport one or more of the plurality of blocks to the elevator cage includes: aligning the guide rail portion of the elevator cage with the crossbeams of one or more rows of the second group of blocks to allow the trolley to travel onto the elevator cage, thereby transporting the one or more blocks onto the guide rail portion.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein, Transporting one or more of the plurality of blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley includes: actuating a cantilever guide rail portion movably connected to the end of the crossbeam, the guide rail portion being actuable between a retracted position and an extended position, in the retracted position extending orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position extending collinearly with the crossbeam, to allow the trolley to travel from the crossbeam to the guide rail portion.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, Transporting one or more of the plurality of blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley includes: substantially aligning the elevator cage with the blocks disposed on the cantilever guide rail portion, and actuating the support member of the elevator cage to an extended position below the bottom of the blocks, thereby allowing the elevator cage to lift the blocks away from the cantilever guide rail portion.

32. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Moving one or more of the plurality of blocks from an alternating row of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows includes: using a trolley to move the one or more blocks horizontally along one or more rows of the second group of rows, the trolley traveling below the blocks and selectively lifting the blocks above the crossbeams of the rows to transport the one or more blocks to the elevator cage.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein, Using the trolley to transport one or more of the plurality of blocks to the elevator cage includes: aligning the guide rail portion of the elevator cage with the crossbeams of one or more rows of the second group of blocks to allow the trolley to travel onto the elevator cage, thereby transporting the one or more blocks onto the guide rail portion.

34. The method according to claim 32, wherein, Transporting one or more of the plurality of blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley includes: actuating cantilever guide rail portions movably connected to the ends of the crossbeam, these guide rail portions being actuable between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the guide rail portions extend orthogonally to the crossbeam, and in the extended position, the guide rail portions extend collinearly with the crossbeam, to allow the trolley to travel from the crossbeam to the guide rail portions.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, Transporting one or more of the plurality of blocks to the elevator cage using the trolley includes: substantially aligning the elevator cage with the blocks disposed on the cantilever guide rail portion, and actuating the support member of the elevator cage to an extended position below the bottom of the blocks, thereby allowing the elevator cage to lift the blocks away from the cantilever guide rail portion.

36. A method for storing and generating electricity, comprising: Using a trolley, one or more blocks are moved horizontally along alternating rows of the first set of rows in the upper section of the frame toward the elevator cage at the opposite end of the row; as well as The elevator cage is operated to cause one or more blocks to move vertically under gravity through the middle section of the frame to the corresponding alternating row of the second group of the frame, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity via a motor-generator electrically connected to the elevator cage. The elevator cage causes one or more blocks to move an equal vertical distance between each alternating row of the first group of alternating rows and the corresponding alternating row of the second group of alternating rows.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising: The elevator cage is operated to move one or more blocks vertically from the alternating rows of the second group of rows and through the middle section of the frame to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the one or more blocks.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, Moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group to corresponding alternating rows of the first group, or moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group to corresponding alternating rows of the second group, includes: positioning the blocks such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains constant.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36-38, wherein, Moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows includes: moving blocks sequentially from each alternating row of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows before returning to the first alternating row of the alternating rows of the first group of rows.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein, Moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group to corresponding alternating rows of the second group includes: simultaneously moving blocks from each alternating row of the first group to corresponding alternating rows of the second group.

41. The method according to claim 36, wherein, Moving one or more blocks horizontally using the trolley includes lifting one or more blocks above the crossbeams of the row.

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