Energy storage and delivery system and method

Abstract

An energy storage and delivery system includes an elevator cage, where the elevator cage is operable to move one or more masses from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., via potential energy of the masses at the higher elevation), and is operable to move one or more masses from the higher elevation to the lower elevation (e.g., by gravity) to generate electricity (e.g., via kinetic energy of the masses as they move to the lower elevation). The masses move an equal vertical distance between the lower elevation and the higher elevation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an energy storage and transmission system, and more specifically, 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 (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, biomass, etc.) continues to grow. However, many of these renewable energy sources (e.g., solar and wind power) are intermittent and unpredictable, thus limiting the amount of electricity that can be delivered to the grid from intermittent renewable energy sources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved system to capture electricity generated from renewable energy sources so that it can be predictably delivered 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 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 lift 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.

[0005] 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 lower to higher elevations 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 higher to lower elevations, thereby driving generators to produce electricity for transmission to the power grid.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for storing energy and generating electricity is provided. The method includes operating a hoist 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 hoist 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 remains substantially constant during operation of the crane or hoist cage.

[0007] 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 comprises: 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 of the pair of elevator shafts and operatively coupled to an electric generator, the elevator cage being sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein. The elevator cage in each 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. A lift cage in each of a pair of lift shafts 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 lift 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.

[0008] 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 crane 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 the block to move it horizontally along the row. An elevator cage is movably disposed in each of the pair of elevator shafts and operably coupled to an electric generator. The size of the elevator cage is suitable for lifting and supporting blocks from a row while moving along the elevator shaft. The elevator cage is further configured to lower the blocks to rows at different vertical elevations. The elevator cage in each of a pair of elevator shafts 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 of a pair of elevator shafts 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, 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 being disposed below a middle section of the frame, in which no blocks are present. 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 quantity of electricity via an electric generator electrically coupled 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.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for storing energy and generating electricity is provided. The method includes using a crane to horizontally move one or more blocks along alternating rows of a first set of rows in the 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 an electric generator electrically coupled 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.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a lift cage assembly is provided for use in an energy storage and transmission system 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 and lower elevations of the tower under gravity. The lift cage assembly includes a lift cage, a base disposed below the lift cage, and a sliding mechanism actuated to move the lift cage laterally relative to the base. The lift cage has one or more supports movable relative to a bottom support of the lift cage, which are actuated to raise or lower the block relative to the bottom support. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of an energy storage and transmission system used to store energy and generate electricity as needed.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a portion of the system shown.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of an energy storage and transmission system, showing its connection to... Figure 1 The system is similar to the arrangement of blocks in the upper part of the tower of two adjacent modules.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of four modules of the energy storage and transmission system, each module being connected to... Figure 1 Similar to the system in the text, these modules are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the system shows a crane movably connected to a row of crossbeams of the system, and blocks supported on the row of crossbeams.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic top view of the system shows a crane movably connected to a row of crossbeams of the system, and blocks supported on the row of crossbeams.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic end view of the system shows a crane movably connected to a row of crossbeams of the system, and a block supported on the row of crossbeams.

[0019] Figure 8-14 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial schematic perspective view of the system, illustrating 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 within the system's elevator shaft.

[0020] Figure 15-17 yes Figure 1 The system shown is a partial schematic side view, illustrating the sequence of steps for transferring the block from the elevator cage to a row on the tower.

[0021] Figure 18-20 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial schematic bottom view of the system, illustrating the sequence of steps for transferring the block to the elevator cage so that it can be moved vertically within the system's elevator shaft.

[0022] Figure 21-23 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial perspective view of the system, illustrating the sequence of steps for transferring the block from the elevator cage onto a row of towers.

[0023] Figure 24 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic side view of one embodiment of the lifting mechanism of the elevator cage in the system shown.

[0024] Figure 25 for Figure 24 A partial schematic side view of the operation of the lifting mechanism.

[0025] Figure 26 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic side view of another embodiment of the lifting mechanism of the elevator cage in the system shown.

[0026] Figure 27 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic side view of another embodiment of the lifting mechanism of the elevator cage in the system shown.

[0027] Figure 28 This is a schematic side view of part of the boost drive system.

[0028] Figure 29 This is a schematic side view of part of the boost drive system.

[0029] Figure 30 This is a schematic side view of a lifting drive system on a tower, operable to lift blocks in an adjacent elevator shaft.

[0030] Figure 31 yes Figure 1 A schematic end view of the system shows the arrangement of blocks in the tower and the movement of blocks from the upper part of the tower to the lower part of the tower for generating electricity.

[0031] Figures 32A-32D yes Figure 1 A schematic end view of the system shows the blocks moving from the upper part of the tower to the lower part of the tower to generate electricity. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, 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 operably coupled to an electrical grid for stabilizing the grid and delivering electricity to residential, commercial, and / or industrial consumers.

[0033] Figure 1-2 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 an electrical grid, for example.

[0034] 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 1000) 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 1000) can operate independently based on energy requirements from system 1000. Frame 1100 has an upper segment 1102, a lower segment 1104, and an intermediate segment 1106. In one embodiment, as further described below, a ballast load or block 1300 moves between the upper segment 1102 and the lower segment 1104, thereby allowing the intermediate segment 1106 to be used for other purposes.

[0035] 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 lighting for hydroponic cultivation, where this lighting 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 will not remain empty during the operation of the system 1000, thus providing added value to the system 1000.

[0036] The upper segment 1102 and the lower segment 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 segment 1102 and the lower segment 1104 is even (e.g., 8, 10, or 12 rows). In other embodiments, the number of rows 1140 in both the upper segment 1102 and the lower segment 1104 is odd (e.g., 9, 11, or 13 rows).

[0037] In one embodiment, the upper segment 1102 and the lower segment 1104 each occupy 1 / 4 of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100, and the middle segment 1106 occupies the remaining 1 / 2 of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100. In another embodiment, the upper segment 1102 and the lower segment 1104 each occupy 1 / 3 of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100, and the middle segment 1106 occupies the remaining 1 / 3 of the height or area of ​​the frame or tower 1100.

[0038] Frame 1100 includes a plurality of elevator shafts 1130. For example, frame 1100 may have elevator shafts 1130A at one end of row 1140 and elevator shafts 1130B at the opposite ends 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 ends 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).

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The block 1300 moves horizontally along the row 1140 (via a crane in each row 1140, as further described below) to the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at the ends of the row 1140, and then vertically along the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B via elevator cages 1400 (as described in more detail below) in each elevator shaft 1130A, 1130B. The elevator cages 1400 move (e.g., under gravity) to a lower elevation to generate electricity, and through an electric generator at the top of the tower or frame 1100 (…). Figure 24 1500 in the middle, Figure 28 The 2500) lift is achieved. The counterweight CW facilitates the movement of the elevator cage 1400. The movement of the elevator cage 1400 within the relative elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B is synchronized to maximize the efficiency of the system 1000.

[0040] The longer the row 1140 between elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B, the more blocks 1300 (e.g., mass) can be accommodated in the row 1140, and the greater the energy (e.g., energy per hour) that the system 1000 can deliver. The greater the depth (in the Y direction) of elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B (e.g., the greater the number of segments of structure 1110 or module 1000 in the Y direction), the more power the system 1000 can generate. In one embodiment, the operation of elevator cage 1400 in each elevator shaft 1130A and 1130B can provide power between approximately 500kW and approximately 1000kW (e.g., approximately 800kW), such that the two elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B in one segment of a structure 1110 or module 1000 can generate approximately 1.6MW. In a system with eight structures 1110 (e.g., segments of module 1000) 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.

[0041] like Figure 2 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, fiberglass from decommissioned wind turbine blades, tailings from mining processes) or other recycled materials.

[0042] Figure 3 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 1-2 The energy storage and transmission system 1000 shown is a module 1000. Therefore, the reference numerals used to indicate the various components of modules 1000A and 1000B are used for identification. Figure 1-2 The reference numerals for the corresponding components in module 1000 are the same, except that an "A" or "B" is added to the end of the numerical identifier. Therefore, Figure 1-2 The structure and description of the various features of module 1000 should also be understood to apply to Figure 3 The corresponding features of modules 1000A and 1000B in system 1000' are not described below.

[0043] The elevator shafts 1130AA and 1130AB of modules 1000A and 1000B can be adjacent to each other, and the rows 1140A and 1140B of the 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 the intermediate segments 1106A and 1106B of modules 1000A and 1000B of system 1000'. As described above, intermediate segments 1106A and 1106B can be used for other purposes. Optionally, intermediate segment 1106A of module 1000A is used for a different purpose than intermediate segment 1106B of module 1000B.

[0044] Figure 4 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 1-2 The module 1000 is shown. Therefore, the reference numerals used to represent the various components of modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D are used for identification. Figure 1-2The reference numerals for the corresponding components in module 1000 are the same, except that "A", "B", "C" or "D" are added to the end of the numerical identifiers. Therefore, Figure 1-2 The structure and description of the various features of system or module 1000 in the text should also be understood to apply to... Figure 4 The corresponding features of modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D in the system 1000, except as described below.

[0045] Similar to module 1000, each module in modules 1000A-1000D has two sets of elevator shafts at opposite ends of the system's rows. 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.

[0046] like Figure 4As shown, each module in modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, and 1000D is oriented such that each row in its respective group of rows 1140A, 1140B, 1140C, and 1140D extends orthogonally (e.g., perpendicularly) to the rows in 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 support (e.g., support against wind and / or seismic forces) for modules 1000A-1000D in any direction. As described above, the transverse members 1170 (e.g., diagonal supports) connect the columns 1120 to each other to provide stability to the module 1000 along the direction of the row 1140 (e.g., in the width direction X of the frame 1100). However, there are no transverse members in the transverse direction of the module 1000. Therefore, orthogonally oriented the modules 1000A-1000D to each other allows the transverse members 1170 in one frame 1100 to provide structural stability or support to adjacent modules 1000A-1000D in directions where adjacent modules 1000A-1000D do not have any transverse members 1170. Each module in the modules 1000A-1000D can operate independently of each other. For example, during operation, one or more (e.g., one, two, three or four) of modules 1000A-1000D can be operated to store and generate electricity (e.g., as needed), or only some of modules 1000A-1000D can be operated while the remaining modules 1000A-1000D are maintained.

[0047] although Figure 4 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 intended to store at least a portion of the energy from the clean energy power plants (e.g., for transmission to the electrical grid during non-working hours, such as at night).

[0048] Figure 5-7 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 5-7The features shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, Figure 5-7 The same features described below can be found in Figure 3-4 The system is implemented in systems 1000' and 1000" in the CM, therefore the following description also applies. Figure 3-4 System 1000', 1000".

[0049] refer to Figure 5 The block 1300 can be supported on a pair of crossbeams 1180 in a row 1140 of the frame or tower 1100 (e.g., supported in a fixed position). The crossbeams 1180 can have an I-shaped or C-shaped cross section, defining 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 7 (Best shown in the diagram). The crossbeam 1180 extends toward the elevator shaft 1130 to allow the block 1300 to be transferred to the elevator cage assembly 1400 in the elevator shaft 1130, and the elevator cage assembly 1400 can be operated to move the block 1300 to different vertical positions, as further described below. Figure 8-23 One embodiment of the elevator cage assembly 1400 is shown. Electric generator 1500 (see...) Figure 24 or Figure 28 The 2500 in the elevator shaft 1130 may be installed in at least a portion of the elevator shaft or on at least a portion of the elevator shaft (e.g., in a vertical position above the highest position of the elevator cage assembly 1400).

[0050] When viewed from one end, block 1300 may have a roughly rectangular (e.g., square) shape (see...). Figure 7 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 5 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 block 1300 is sized to approximate the width 1122 and height 1142 of the row 1140, while allowing the block 1300 to pass through the opening in the row 1140.

[0051] The crane 1200 is movably connected to the crossbeam 1180 and can be selectively positioned below the block 1300 supported on the crossbeam 1180 (see...). Figure 7 Each row 1140, having one or more blocks 1300 supported on crossbeams 1180 of row 1140, may have one or more trolleys 1200 for moving 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 blocks 1300 (e.g., wheels 1210 roll on the bottom flange of crossbeams 1180). Trolleys 1200 also include one or more actuable support pistons 1220 (e.g., on opposite sides of frame 1230) facing the bottom side of blocks 1300 when trolleys 1200 are positioned below blocks 1300. The support piston 1220 is actuated between a retracted position and an extended position (e.g., hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically actuated via an electric motor). In the retracted position, 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 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 crane 1200 to move the block 1300 horizontally (e.g., along the X direction). In one embodiment, as... Figure 5-6 As shown, the crane 1200 may have two pairs of support pistons 1220 and two pairs of wheel assemblies 1210, with each support piston 1220 aligned with one wheel assembly 1210. In another embodiment, the support 1220 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.

[0052] Once the crane 1200 lifts the block 1300 above the crossbeam 1180 (e.g., so that the block 1300 is not in contact with the crossbeam 1180), the crane 1200 can translate the block 1300 along the row 1140 (e.g., horizontally in the X direction), for example toward the elevator shaft 1130, to transfer the block 1300 to the elevator cage assembly 1400, as further described below.

[0053] The hoist cage assembly 1400 may include a cage 1410 movably coupled to a base 1420 below the cage 1400. The cage 1410 may include a bottom support 1412, a rear wall 1414, and a top support 1416. In one embodiment, the cage 1410 may further include a sidewall extending between the bottom support 1412 and the top support 1416. Figure 17 As best shown, the top support 1416 may have a shorter length than the bottom support 1412. The top support 1416 is connected at one end to one or more cables or straps (e.g., steel strips) 1520, the other end of which is connected to a counterweight CW, as discussed further below. In one embodiment, the cage 1410 may have a C-shaped cross-section (when viewed from the side, as shown in the image). Figure 17 (As shown).

[0054] One or more (e.g., multiple, four) support members 1430 are movably coupled to the bottom support member 1412. In one embodiment, one or more support members 1430 move simultaneously. Optionally, one or more support members 1430 are hydraulically actuated (e.g., actuated by a hydraulic actuator) to move between a lower elevation and a higher elevation relative to the bottom support member 1412. In another embodiment, one or more support members 1430 are moved between a lower elevation and a higher elevation relative to the bottom support member 1412 using a solenoid actuator (e.g., electrically actuated). In yet another embodiment, one or more support members 1430 are pneumatically actuated (e.g., actuated by a pneumatic actuator) to move between a lower elevation and a higher elevation relative to the bottom support member 1412. Advantageously, one or more support members 1430 have a travel distance relative to the bottom support member 1412 (e.g., between the collapsed and extended positions) greater than the elongation or elasticity of one or more cables or strips 1520 (e.g., when one or more support members 1430 are actuated to apply a lifting force to the block 1300). This allows one or more support members 1430 to lift the block 1300 away from the crossbeam 1180, as discussed further below. Therefore, the support members 1430 have sufficient travel to compensate for the elongation or elasticity of the cables or strips 1520, and are thus able to lift the block 1300 away from the crossbeam 1180. Advantageously, the support members 1430 are actuated (e.g., hydraulically) to lift the block 1300, rather than by operating the main motor 1500 (see...). Figure 24 ,or Figure 28The block 1300 is lifted by the 2500 in the middle, thereby lifting the cage 1410 via the cable or belt 1520, and thus operating the motor 1500 to move the cage 1410 only between rows or layers 1140.

[0055] As described above, the cage 1410 is movably coupled to a base 1420 below the cage 1410. This movement is provided by a sliding assembly 1440, which allows the cage 1410 to move horizontally or laterally relative to the base 1420, thereby allowing the cage 1410 to move into and out of the row or layer 1140 (e.g., as described above). Figure 10-13 (As shown). For example, as shown Figure 19 As shown, the sliding assembly 1440 includes one or more (e.g., two or more) tracks 1442 that are located between and connected to the base 1420 and the cage 1410, allowing relative movement between the base 1420 and the cage 1410. The sliding assembly 1440 also includes a linear actuator 1444 that causes lateral movement of the cage 1410 relative to the base 1420. In one embodiment, the linear actuator 1444 is a hydraulically actuated piston-cylinder assembly. In another embodiment, the linear actuator 1444 is a pneumatically actuated piston-cylinder assembly. In yet another embodiment, the linear actuator 1444 is an electrically actuated assembly (e.g., a piston-cylinder assembly in which the piston moves via a solenoid actuator). In still another embodiment, the linear actuator 1444 is a rack and pinion assembly in which the pinion is rotated (e.g., via an electric actuator) to cause linear movement of the rack.

[0056] In one embodiment, the linear actuators 1444 of one or more supports 1430 and sliding assemblies 1440 are hydraulically actuated, and the hydraulic system can operate rapidly to achieve rapid movement of one or more supports 1430 and linear actuators 1444. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system may include an accumulator, wherein a pump is operated (e.g., operated separately) to pressurize fluid (e.g., an incompressible liquid, such as oil) in the accumulator, for example, from 130 bar to 250 bar. A valve may then be actuated to allow fluid to flow through the hydraulic system to actuate one or more supports 1430 (e.g., extending supports 1430 to lift block 1300) or linear actuators 1444 (e.g., causing the elevator cage 1410 to move laterally relative to base 1420).

[0057] like Figure 8As shown, system 1000 has guide rails GR in elevator shaft 1130, along which elevator cage assembly 1400 and counterweight CW travel (e.g., base 1420 is movably coupled to one of the guide rails GR, and counterweight CW is movably coupled to another of the guide rails GR). For example, at each row or floor 1140, guide rails GB are coupled to transverse bars CB (see...). Figure 8 The transverse bar provides lateral support for the guide rail GB, and also provides lateral support for the cage 1410 when it moves horizontally relative to the base 1420 (e.g., as...). Figure 10-13 (As shown).

[0058] like Figure 13 As best illustrated, when the block 1300 is moved along the elevator shaft 1130 (e.g., between rows or floors 1140), the cable or strip 1520 is advantageously aligned with the center of gravity of the block 1300 and the elevator cage assembly 1400. The cable or strip 1520 is also aligned with or centered on the guide rail GR of the adjacent elevator cage assembly 1400. This facilitates the movement of the block 1300 along the elevator shaft 1130 without applying undue forces (e.g., bending forces) to the guide rail GR. Similarly, when the cage 1410 is empty (e.g., without the load block 1300), the cable or strip 1520 is advantageously aligned with the center of gravity of the elevator cage assembly 1400 and the guide rail GR adjacent to the elevator cage assembly 1400 to suppress (e.g., prevent) tilting of the cage 1410 or the application of undue forces (e.g., bending forces) on the guide rail GR during movement of the elevator cage assembly 1400 along the elevator shaft 1130. Likewise, the cable or strip 1520 is aligned with the center of gravity of the counterweight CW and aligned with or centered on the guide rail GR adjacent to the counterweight CW to facilitate movement of the counterweight CW without applying undue forces on the guide rail GR or torques on the counterweight CW.

[0059] Figure 8-23 The diagram illustrates the sequence of operations in which the elevator cage assembly 1400 picks up a block 1300 from a row or floor 1140 and transports the block to different rows or floors 1140. Figure 8-14 A perspective view shows the operational sequence of an elevator cage assembly 1400 picking up a block 1300 from a row or floor 1140 and raising the block along the elevator shaft 1130 to a higher row or floor 1140. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sequence for lowering the block along the elevator shaft 1130 and conveying the block to a lower row or floor 1140 will be similar to... Figure 8-14 The order shown is the reverse. Figure 15-17A side view is shown illustrating the operational sequence of the elevator cage assembly 1400 conveying block 1300 onto beams 1180 of a row or layer 1140. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sequence of picking up block 1300 from beams 1180 of a row or layer 1140 will be related to... Figure 15-17 The order shown is the reverse. Figure 18-20 A top view shows the operational sequence of the elevator cage assembly 1400 picking up a block 1300 from a row or layer 1140 of beams 1180. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sequence of conveying the block 1300 onto the row or layer 1140 of beams 1180 will be related to... Figure 18-20 The order shown is the reverse. Figure 21-23 A bottom perspective view illustrates the operational sequence of the elevator cage assembly 1400 conveying block 1300 onto beams 1180 of a row or layer 1140. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sequence of picking up block 1300 from beams 1180 of a row or layer 1140 will be related to... Figure 21-23 The order shown is the reverse.

[0060] Figure 8-9 The diagram illustrates a crane 1200 transporting block 1300 to the end portion (e.g., cantilever end portion) 1180a of a crossbeam 1180 in a row or layer 1140 for pickup by a lift cage assembly 1400. Once past the end portion 1180a of the crossbeam 1180, the crane 1200 lowers block 1300 onto the end portion 1180a and moves away from block 1300 (e.g., to pick up another block 1300 from a row or layer 1140), with block 1300 supported by the end portion 1180a of the crossbeam 1180, as... Figure 10 As shown, and also as Figure 18 As shown. Advantageously, the block 1300 can be transported to the end portion 1180a of the crossbeam 1180 before the elevator cage assembly 1400 reaches the row or floor 1140.

[0061] Continue to refer to Figure 10The elevator cage assembly 1400 generally reaches the level of the row or floor 1140. Advantageously, the elevator cage assembly 1400 does not need to be precisely aligned or flush with the crossbeam 1180 of the row or floor 1140 in order to be able to pick up the block 1300 from or transport the block 1300 onto the crossbeam 1180 of the row or floor 1140. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the elevator cage assembly 1400 does not need to engage (e.g., lock to) the crossbeam 1180 of the row or floor 1140 to pick up the block 1300 from or transport the block 1300 onto it, thereby simplifying the structure and process of moving the block 1300 using the elevator cage assembly 1400 in the system 1000.

[0062] Figure 11-14 This illustrates the sequence of using a lift cage assembly 1400 to pick up a block 1300 from a beam 1180 of a row or floor 1140 and move the block 1300 to different vertical positions (e.g., different rows or different floors 1140). Figure 10 compared to, Figure 11 The illustration shows the lateral movement of the lift cage 1410 relative to the base 1420 (e.g., via the sliding assembly 1440, such as via actuation of the linear actuator 1444), such that the bottom support 1412 of the lift cage 1410 is positioned below the block 1300. This movement of the bottom support 1412 below the block 1300 also... Figure 18-20 and Figure 21-23 As shown in the diagram, the elevator cage 1410 (e.g., bottom support 1412) has a width smaller than the spacing D between the crossbeams 1180 (see Figure 1412). Figure 20 This allows the lift cage 1410 to move (unimpeded) relative to the end portion 1180a of the crossbeam 1180 so that the bottom support 1412 is positioned below the block 1300. The guide rail GR supports (e.g., laterally supports) the base 1420 of the lift cage assembly 1400 while the lift cage 1410 moves laterally toward the block 1300.

[0063] refer to Figure 12 Actuate (e.g., extend, such as via hydraulic actuation) one or more supports 1430 to lift the block 1300 away from the crossbeam 1180 (e.g., away from the end portion 1180a of the crossbeam 1180). Figure 12 compared to, Figure 13 The image shows the elevator cage 1410 moving rearward on the base 1420 such that the block 1300 is positioned within the elevator shaft 1130 and outside the row or floor 1140. The elevator cage assembly 1400 is then operated (e.g., via a motor 1500 that moves the cable or belt 1520) (see [link to diagram]). Figure 24 or Figure 28In the 2500), the block 1300 is vertically moved to different rows or different layers 1140, such as Figure 14 As shown.

[0064] Figure 15-17 The sequence of conveying block 1300 onto a row or floor 1140 using a lift cage assembly 1400 and lowering block 1300 onto a crossbeam 1180 of that row or floor 1140 is illustrated. Once the lift cage assembly 1400 has moved block 1300 along the lift shaft 1130 to the desired row or floor 1140, lift cage 1410 is laterally moved relative to base 1420 (e.g., via sliding assembly 1440, such as via actuation of linear actuator 1444, to extend lift cage 1410 relative to base 1420), such that the bottom support 1412 of lift cage 1410 and the block 1300 supported thereon move on crossbeam 1180 (e.g., on end portion 1180a of crossbeam 1180), as... Figure 15 As shown. Actuation (e.g., retraction, lowering, such as via hydraulic actuation) of one or more support members 1430 lowers the block 1300 onto the crossbeam 1180 (e.g., onto the end portion 1180a of the crossbeam 1180), and the elevator cage 1410 begins to move back to a position above the base 1420 (e.g., via the sliding assembly 1440, such as via actuation of the linear actuator 1444, to retract the elevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420), as... Figure 16 As shown. Move the elevator cage 1410 to its original position above the base 1420 (e.g.) Figure 17 (As shown), after which the elevator cage assembly 1400 can be operated to move to different rows or different floors 1140 (e.g., to pick up block 1300).

[0065] Advantageously, the movement of the lift cage 1410 in picking up, lifting, and lowering the block 1300 can be rapid. In one embodiment, when the lift cage 1410 is empty (e.g., not carrying the block 1300), the lift cage can move from its original position above the base 1420 (e.g., within approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds) to its original position above the base 1420. Figure 10 (As shown) Move to the position below block 1300 (see) Figure 11 In one embodiment, one or more supports 1430 can lift the block 1300 from the crossbeam 1180 or lower the block 1300 onto the crossbeam 1180 in approximately 3 seconds. In one embodiment, when the elevator cage 1410 carries the block 1300, the elevator cage can move from its original position above the base 1420 to its original position above the crossbeam 1180 in approximately 2 seconds (see [link to elevator cage]). Figure 15 Alternatively, it can be moved from its position above the crossbeam 1180 to its original position above the base 1420. Advantageously, due to the position of the elevator cage 1410 above the crossbeam 1180 (see...), Figure 12 ) and the location in the elevator shaft 1130 (see Figure 13 The system moves the suspended weight between the base 1420 and the hoist cage 1410, so the movement of the hoist cage 1410 relative to the base 1420 can be carried out with minimal friction or loss. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the system 1000 does not require the hoist 1200 and the hoist cage assembly 1400 to coordinate the movement of the block 1300. As described above, the hoist 1200 can be operated to move the block 1300 onto the end portion 1180a of the crossbeam 1180, and the hoist cage assembly 1400 can subsequently arrive to pick up the block 1300.

[0066] Figure 24-25 A schematic diagram of a lifting drive system D for moving elevator cage assemblies 1400 is shown. In one embodiment, each elevator cage assembly 1400 is driven by a separate lifting drive system D. In another embodiment, the lifting drive system D can operate two elevator cage assemblies 1400 in separate (e.g., adjacent) elevator shafts 1130 (e.g., with those discussed further below). Figures 28-30 (Similar to the lifting drive system 2000 shown). The lifting drive system D can be located on top of the system's tower 1100, such as above the elevator shaft 1130. The lifting drive system D may include an electric generator 1500 that drives (e.g., rotates shaft 1510). A cable or strip (e.g., steel strip) 1520 extends from one end attached to the elevator cage assembly 1400, around shaft 1510, to the other end of the cable or strip 1520 attached to the counterweight CW. Figure 24-25 As shown, the cable or strip 1520 may extend at least partially around the roller R1, which is vertically positioned above the elevator cage assembly 1400, and at least partially around the roller R2, which is vertically positioned above the counterweight CW.

[0067] In one embodiment of the drive system D, the electric generator 1500 can cause the shaft 1510 to rotate counterclockwise (e.g., ...). Figure 24 (As shown) rotate to lower the elevator cage assembly 1400 (along the elevator shaft 1130, for example, to the desired row or floor 1140) and raise the counterweight CW, or to rotate the shaft 1510 clockwise (as shown) Figure 24The elevator cage assembly 1400 rotates to raise (along the elevator shaft 1130, for example, to the desired row or floor 1140) and lower the counterweight CW. As the elevator cage assembly 1400 and the counterweight CW move along the elevator shaft 1130, rollers R1, R2 hold the cable or strip 1520 in a vertical orientation. This helps to suppress (e.g., prevent) the cable or strip 1520 from exerting a tilting force or moment on the elevator cage assembly 1400 and the counterweight CW, which could cause the elevator cage assembly and the counterweight to sway or exert force on the guide rail GR during movement along the elevator shaft 1130, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing energy loss (e.g., due to friction) during the raising and lowering of the elevator cage assembly 1400 and the counterweight CW.

[0068] refer to Figure 25 In one embodiment, the roller R1, vertically positioned above the elevator cage assembly 1400, is in a fixed position. When the elevator cage 1410 moves laterally relative to the base 1420 (as described above)... Figure 8-23 As discussed, for example, when picking up block 1300 from a row or layer 1140 or transporting block 1300 to a row or layer 1140, the cable or strip 1520 moves from a vertical orientation to an orientation angular to the vertical orientation (at angle α) (e.g., because the cable or strip 1520 is connected to the elevator cage 1410). This angular displacement of the cable or strip 1520 may result in a tilting force or moment exerted by the elevator cage assembly 1400 on the guide rail GR. In one embodiment, when the elevator cage assembly 1400 is at a lower elevation of the tower 1100 (e.g., Figure 31 When the elevator cage assembly 1400 is raised (e.g., to L1-L8), this angle and the force applied to the guide rail GR can be relatively low, while this angle (α) and the force applied to the guide rail GR can increase as the elevator cage assembly 1400 rises (e.g., rises to...). Figure 31 The maximum angle (α) and force are located at the top row of tower 1100, which increases with the number of rows U1-U8.

[0069] Figure 26 It shows the relationship with Figure 24 The lifting drive system D in the diagram is similar to the lifting drive system D'. Therefore, the reference numerals used to represent the various components of the lifting drive system D' are the same as those used to identify... Figure 24 The corresponding components of the lifting drive system D have the same reference numerals, and Figure 24 The structure and description of the various features of the boost drive system D in the text should also be understood to apply to... Figure 26 The corresponding characteristics of the boost drive system D' in the above description are excluded.

[0070] Figure 26 The boost drive system D' in Figure 24 The difference in the lifting drive system D is that the roller R1, which is vertically positioned above the lifting cage assembly 1400, has a variable position when the lifting cage 1400 moves laterally relative to the base 1420 (as described above). Figure 8-23 The variable position allows the cable or strip 1520 to remain substantially vertical, for example, to pick up or transport block 1300 from or onto a row or layer 1140. Advantageously, this suppresses (e.g., prevents) the cable or strip 1520 from exerting a tilting force or moment on the elevator cage assembly 1400, which could cause it to exert a force on the guide rail GR, thereby generating a lower load or stress on the guide rail GR during the operation of the elevator cage assembly 1400 picking up or transporting block 1300.

[0071] In one embodiment, roller R1 is movably coupled to a sliding mechanism, wherein an actuator (e.g., a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator) can move roller R1 (e.g., ...). Figure 26 (As shown in the horizontal movement), for example, while the elevator cage 1410 moves relative to the base 1420, the cable or strip 1520 is kept substantially vertical between the elevator cage 1410 and the roller R1 as the elevator cage 1410 moves relative to the base 1420 of the elevator cage assembly 1400. Optionally, the same controller that controls the movement of the elevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420 also controls the movement of the roller R1. In one embodiment, the roller R1 is actuated so that it moves laterally (e.g., simultaneously) as the elevator cage 1410 moves relative to the base 1420 of the elevator cage assembly 1400, regardless of which row or floor 1140 the elevator cage assembly 1400 is in during such movement. In another implementation, for some (but not all) rows or floors 1140 of tower 1100, the controller may actuate rollers R1 to move laterally (e.g., simultaneously) as the elevator cage 1410 moves relative to the base 1420 of the elevator cage assembly 1400. For example, when at a lower floor of tower 1100 (e.g., Figure 31 When in rows L1-L8 of the elevator, the controller can maintain roller R1 in a fixed position during the movement of the elevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420, while when in a higher level of the tower 1100 (e.g., ... Figure 31 In rows U1-U3, U1-U5, and U1-U8, when (for example, where, such as Figure 25As shown, the angle α between the cable or strip 1520 and the vertical orientation, and the force applied to the guide rail GR may be greater, and the controller can cause the roller R1 to move laterally (simultaneously) as the elevator cage 1410 moves relative to the base 1420.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the tower 1100 may have multiple modules in the depth or Y direction, each module having multiple rows or floors 1140, with elevator shafts 1130 located at both ends of the rows or floors 1140, and the elevator cage assembly 1400 can travel within each elevator shaft 1130. (Reference) Figure 27 The electric generator 1500' can be installed above another elevator shaft 1130 (e.g., for access). Figure 27 (on the page), and operates in the same manner as the electric generator 1500 to move its associated elevator cage assembly 1400 along its elevator shaft 1130, thereby picking up the block 1300, raising or lowering the block, and conveying the block to the row or floor 1140 associated with its elevator shaft 1130 (e.g., in the depth direction of the page or Figure 1 (In different modules in the Y direction of the middle tower 1100). The electric generators 1500, 1500' and their associated shafts 1510, 1510' can be laterally offset (e.g. Figure 27 As shown), for example, to allow the lifting drive system D to be mounted above the lift shaft 1130 (e.g., without interfering with each other). Cables or strips 1520, moved by the electric generator 1500' and attached to its corresponding lift cage assembly 1400 and counterweight CV, can extend at least partially around their associated rollers R1, R2, and can be aligned with the rollers R1, R2 associated with the electric generator 1500 (in... Figure 27 depth direction or Figure 1 In one embodiment, rollers R1 and R2 can be in the depth direction (e.g., in the Y direction). Figure 1 The cable or strip 1520 is offset in the Y direction, such that the cable or strip 1520 is aligned in the depth direction between the rollers R1, R2 and their corresponding elevator cage assembly 1400 and counterweight CW, with the elevator cage assembly 1400 aligned (e.g., in the depth direction) and the counterweight CW aligned (in the depth direction).

[0073] Figure 28 It shows in Figure 1This is part of a lifting drive system 2000 used in the tower 1100 of system 1000. System 2000 includes an electric motor 2100 (e.g., similar to an electric generator 1500) with its output shaft 2110 attached to a clutch 2200. A shaft 2300 is coupled to the opposite end of the clutch 2200 such that the clutch 2200 is located between the electric motor 2100 and the shaft 2300. The shaft 2300 has a first portion 2310 and a second portion 2320. A braking assembly 2400 is at least partially disposed between the first portion 2310 and the second portion 2320 of the shaft 2300. The braking assembly 2400 includes a brake disc 2410 mounted around a shaft 2300 between a first portion 2310 and a second portion 2320, and a brake pad mechanism 2420 disposed on both sides of the brake disc 2410 and operable to selectively engage the disc 2410, thereby frictionally engaging the disc 2410 to suppress (e.g., prevent) rotation of the brake disc 2410, and thus suppress rotation of the shaft 2300, and selectively disengage from the brake disc 2410, thereby allowing rotation of the brake disc 2410, and thus leaving the shaft 2300 unobstructed. An end 2330 of the shaft 2300 may be coupled to a motor 2500 (e.g., an electric generator), as described further below. In one embodiment, the motor 2500 may be a 50 kW motor and may be an asynchronous motor. In one embodiment, the motor 2100 may be an 800 kW to 1000 kW motor and may be a synchronous motor.

[0074] Figure 29 An embodiment of the boost drive system 2000 is shown, and Figure 30 It shows Figure 29 The lifting drive system 2000 shown is located on top of a tower or frame 1100 above two adjacent elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B (e.g., in the Y direction or depth direction of the tower 1100, such as...). Figure 1 As shown above). Figure 27 The hoisting drive system 2000 discussed for two other adjacent elevator shafts (e.g., the left side of adjacent elevator shaft 1130A or the right side of adjacent elevator shaft 1130B) can be relative to Figure 30 The lift drive system 2000 shown is laterally offset (e.g., entering or leaving). Figure 30 (page).

[0075] refer to Figure 29The electric motor 2100 has two output shafts (not shown) connected to two clutches 2200A, 2200B on opposite sides of the motor 2100. These clutches are connected to shafts 2300A, 2300B having first shaft portions 2310A, 2310B and second shaft portions 2320A, 2320B. Braking assemblies 2400A, 2400B are located between the first shaft portions 2310A, 2310B and the second shaft portions 2320A, 2320B. Shafts 2300A, 2300B have end portions 2330A, 2330B. Although not shown, an electric motor similar to the electric motor 2500 (e.g., an electric generator) can be operatively connected to each end portion 2330A, 2330B.

[0076] refer to Figure 30 Cables or strips (e.g., steel strips) 1520A may extend at least partially around the first portion 2310A and the second portion 2320A and are operatively connected to a lift cage assembly 1400A (e.g., similar to the lift cage assembly 1400 described above) that travels within the lift shaft 1130A of the frame or tower 1100. Cables or strips (e.g., steel strips) 1520B may extend at least partially around the first portion 2310B and the second portion 2320B and are operatively connected to a lift cage assembly 1400B (e.g., similar to the lift cage assembly 1400 described above) that travels within the lift shaft 1130B of the frame or tower 1100. Although not shown, portions of cables or strips 1520A, 1520B extending onto the first shaft portions 2310A, 2310B and the second shaft portions 2320A, 2320B are connected to the counterweight, and their connection method is consistent with that in… Figure 1 and 8 The connection method in -23 is similar to that of the counterweight CW. Although Figure 30 A lifting drive system 2000 is shown positioned at the top of tower 1100, but in another embodiment, the lifting drive system may be positioned at the bottom of tower 1100, and cables or steel strips may extend upward from the tower and pass over pulleys to redirect the cables or steel strips to the elevator cage assembly and / or counterweight.

[0077] refer to Figures 29-30 During operation, the motor 2100 can be connected to the electrical grid and continuously rely on grid power for operation. The shaft 2110 of the motor 2100 rotates in only one direction. Figure 30The image shows a lift cage assembly 1400B at a lower elevation of tower 1100 and a lift cage assembly 1400A at a higher elevation of tower 1100. The lift cage assembly 1400B is held in a vertical position by disengaging the clutch 2200B from the motor 2100 and engaging the brake 2400B, thus maintaining it at a lower elevation (e.g., to pick up block 1300 and move it to a higher elevation). Once the lift cage assembly 1400B is ready to be lifted, the clutch 2200B is gradually engaged and the brake 2400B is gradually disengaged until the clutch 2200B is fully engaged (e.g., disengaged), allowing the shaft 2110 of the motor 2100 to rotate, thereby rotating the shaft 2300B to lift the lift cage assembly 1400B (e.g., by pulling up and passing the cable or strap 1520B over the first section 2310B and the second section 2320B). As the elevator cage assembly 1400B ascends, a counterweight (not shown) operably connected to the other side of the cable or belt 1520B descends. Once the elevator cage assembly 1400B reaches the desired higher elevation of the tower 1100, the clutch 2200B disengages and the brake 2400B engages, allowing the elevator cage assembly 1400B to lower the block 1300 onto the crossbeams 1180 of a row or layer 1140 (as described above). Once the elevator cage assembly 1400B is empty (and the elevator cage 1410 is in its original position above the base 1420) and ready to descend, the elevator cage assembly can be lowered in the same manner as the elevator cage assembly 1400A described below.

[0078] Continue to refer to Figure 30When the lift cage assembly 1400B is ready to ascend, the lift cage assembly 1400A is at a higher elevation ready to descend. At this higher position, the clutch 2200A is disengaged and the brake 2400A is engaged, allowing the lift cage assembly 1400A to lower block 1300 onto the crossbeams 1180 of a row or layer 1140 (as described above). Once the lift cage assembly 1400A is empty (and the lift cage 1410 is in its original position above the base 1420), the brake 2400A disengages and the clutch 2200A remains disengaged, and the motor 2100, attached to the end 2330A of the shaft 2300A, rotates the shaft 2300A in the opposite direction to rapidly descend the lift cage assembly 1400A to a lower elevation, thereby picking up another block 1300. Motor 2100 may optionally work with a variable frequency drive to accurately position the lift cage assembly 1400A during descent. Once the lift cage assembly 1400A has picked up block 1300 and is ready to rise, the lift cage assembly can be raised in the same manner described above for raising lift cage assembly 1400B.

[0079] In the manner described above, one of clutches 2200A and 2200B is always engaged, and the other of clutches 2200B and 2200A is always disengaged, with one of the lifting cage assemblies 1400A and 1400B rising while the other of the lifting cage assemblies 1400B and 1400A is descending. Therefore, continuous power is achieved by releasing one clutch (e.g., once block 1300 has risen and its lifting cage assembly is ready to descend) and engaging the other clutch (e.g., once block 1300 has been loaded onto the lifting cage assembly and is ready to rise). Advantageously, motor 2100 continuously operates on the electrical grid and does not use a gearbox or power electronics, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the lifting system 2000. Furthermore, although motor 2100 continuously operates on the electrical grid, the electricity cost is relatively low when the motor is not lifting a load.

[0080] To lower block 1300 from a higher elevation of tower 1100 to a lower elevation for generating and transmitting electricity (e.g., based on the force or kinetic energy of the descending block 1300), the process described above for lowering the elevator cage assembly 1400A is modified. The circuit of the asynchronous motor 2500 is disconnected, brake 2400A is released, and motor 2500 is allowed to spin in the opposite direction, allowing the generated electricity to be transmitted to the electrical grid. Once the elevator cage assembly 1400A reaches the lower elevation, brake 2400A is engaged. Block 1300 can then be transferred to row or floor 1140 as described above, and elevator cage assembly 1400A can be raised to pick up another block 1300. The same method can be used to generate electricity when elevator cage assembly 1400B is at a higher elevation, carrying block 1300 and ready to descend.

[0081] Figure 31 This 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 3 The energy storage system 1000' and Figure 4 The energy storage system 1000 in the "In" is implemented, therefore the following description also applies. Figure 3-4 The system 1000', 1000' generates electricity by moving ballast weights or blocks 1300 from rows or layers 1140 in the upper section 1102 to corresponding rows or layers 1140 in the lower section 1104 (e.g., via...). Figure 24 The electric generator 1500 or Figure 28 (e.g., 2500 in the lower section 1104) for example, to supply power to the electrical grid or for use in the intermediate section 1106 (e.g., to power a data center or to power lighting for vertical farming). Ballast weights or blocks 1300 are moved from rows or layers 1140 in the lower section 1104 to corresponding rows or layers 1140 in the upper section 1102 to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks 1300.

[0082] Ballast loads or blocks 1300 may be disposed in rows 1140 of the upper section 1102 of the tower or frame 1100 (e.g., rows U1 to U8). Blocks 1300 in each row 1140 of the upper section 1102 can be moved horizontally (in the X direction) to elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B by trolleys 1200 in each row U1-U8, and then vertically (in the Z direction) to the corresponding row 1140 in the lower section 1104 (e.g., rows L1 to L8) via their associated elevator cage assemblies 1400. Blocks 1300 delivered to rows L1 to L8 are moved horizontally by trolleys 1200 in each row L1-L8. The elevator cage assemblies 1400 can lower blocks 1300 via elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at the ends of rows 1140, for example via the methods described above. Figure 8-23 The described sequence of movements. The elevator cage assembly 1400 and the fixed elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B at the ends of the row 1140 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 cage assembly 1400 in the right elevator shaft 1130A alternates with the movement of the elevator cage assembly 1400 in the left elevator shaft 1130B, as described below. Although Figure 31 The 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.

[0083] refer to Figure 31Each block 1300 removed from row 1140 of upper segment 1102 is advantageously replaced by another block 1300 in lower segment 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. In one embodiment, each block removed from row 1140 of upper segment 1102 is advantageously replaced by another block 1300 in row 1140 of lower segment 1104 located in the same column 1120, such that the load in column 1120 remains unchanged. For example, in the case where upper segment 1102 has eight rows U1-U8 (these eight rows are filled with blocks 1300) and lower segment 1104 has eight rows L1-L8 (blocks 1300 can be moved from upper segment 1102 to these eight rows), 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, advantageously, the foundation is not subjected to stress (e.g., periodically) or experiences differential settlement due to 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.

[0084] Continue to refer to Figure 31 Blocks 1300 in row U1 of upper segment 1102 can be lowered to row L1 of lower segment 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 segment 1102 travel the same vertical distance to reach the corresponding row 1140 in lower segment 1104, such that each block 1300 undergoes the same vertical jump. Figure 31 As shown, blocks 1300 in a subset of row 1140 (e.g., rows U1, U3, U5, and U7) descend via a lift shaft 1130A, while the remainder of row 1140 (e.g., rows U2, U4, U6, and U8) descend via another lift shaft 1130B. As described above, the intermediate section 1106 remains without blocks and can be used for other purposes.

[0085] 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 the crane 1200 (e.g., to match the above). Figure 8-14 (In the reverse order), the hoist 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 hoist 1200 (e.g., to match the above). Figure 8-14 (In the reverse order), the crane can move block 1300 horizontally from its position on row U2 where block 1300 was removed toward the opposite end of row L2. As described above, this advantageously allows the average ground load on the frame or tower 1100 and / or the average distribution of loads on the ground (e.g., foundation) to remain substantially constant.

[0086] Advantageously, the elevator cage assembly 1400 moves 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 cost of power used to move the block 1300 decreases as the elevator cage assembly 1400 moves the block 1300). Because the elevator cage assembly 1400 moves much faster than the crane 1200, in one embodiment, the elevator cage assembly 1400 will not return to the same row 1140 in the upper section 1102 until the elevator cage assembly 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.

[0087] Figures 32A-32D The process of moving block 1300 from upper section 1102 to lower section 1104 via elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B (e.g., using elevator cage assembly 1400) to generate electricity is illustrated. Figure 32BAs 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 1102 (e.g., for...), Figure 31 (U5 to U8 in the middle), the process can continue in this manner. See also... Figure 32B Once block 1300 is lowered from each row (e.g., U1-U4) in the upper section 1102 to its corresponding row (e.g., L1-L4) in the lower section 1104, the same steps are repeated for the elevator cage 1400 in the corresponding elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B to move the next block (e.g., A2-D2) in the row (U1-U4) of the upper section 1102 to its corresponding row (L1-L4) in the lower section 1104, as follows. Figure 32C As shown. Similarly, once the second block 1300 is lowered from each row (e.g., U1-U4) in the upper section 1102 to its corresponding row (e.g., L1-L4) in the lower section 1104, the same steps are repeated for the elevator cage 1400 in the corresponding elevator shafts 1130A and 1130B to move the next block (e.g., A3-D3) in the row (U1-U4) of the upper section 1102 to its corresponding row (L1-L4) in the lower section 1104, as shown. Figure 32DAs shown, and so on. Because the elevator cage assembly 1400 travels vertically along the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at a much faster speed than the trolley 1200 travels horizontally along rows 1140 (e.g., U1-U4 and / or L1-L4), the above sequence advantageously provides the trolley 1200 with sufficient time to travel along rows 1140 so that when the elevator cage assembly 1400 reaches the same row, it 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.

[0088] Alternatively, the weight of block 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 block 1300 may be other suitable amounts.

[0089] Block 1300 may include ballast mass (e.g., load-bearing fill material), for example encapsulated within a shell. In one example, the material of the ballast mass differs from the material of the shell. For example, as described below, the ballast mass 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 block 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 mass and shell are made of the same material (e.g., defining a monolithic or single block without any boundaries or joints). Advantageously, block 1300 may be manufactured using materials available near the system 1000, 1000', 1000” locations. Alternatively, block 1300 may be reinforced (e.g., with steel), for example using one or more reinforcing layers with steel mesh or reinforcing bars (e.g., structural steel).

[0090] Optionally, block 1300 may be at least partially made of concrete (e.g., the shell of block 1300 may be made of concrete). Advantageously, because concrete has a higher density than water, the volume of block 1300 can store more potential energy compared to a corresponding volume of water. In one example, at least a portion of block 1300 may be made of low-grade concrete (e.g., having a compressive strength of less than 10 MPa, such as 3-8 MPa).

[0091] Energy storage and transmission systems 1000, 1000', 1000" are operable to convert electrical energy or power into stored potential energy by lifting block 1300 from a lower elevation (e.g., vertically lifting) to a higher elevation, and by moving one or more blocks 1300 from a higher elevation (e.g., vertically moving, vertically descending) to a lower elevation via gravity, thereby converting potential energy into electrical energy or power. Electric generator 1500 (see...) Figure 24 ,or Figure 28 The 2500 in the model can operate the lifting cage assembly 1400 to lift (e.g., vertically lift) one or more blocks 1300 from a lower elevation and place the blocks 1300 at a higher elevation. Each block 1300 at the higher elevation can store a certain amount of potential energy, which corresponds to (e.g., is proportional to) the mass of the block 1300 and the height difference between the lower and higher elevations (e.g., potential energy = mass x gravity x height above a reference plane (e.g., the ground)). The heavier the block 1300 and the higher it rises, the more potential energy can be stored.

[0092] To convert stored potential energy into electricity, the elevator cage assembly 1400 can move one or more blocks 1300 from a higher altitude to a lower altitude (e.g., at least partially descend vertically under gravity), driven by one or more cables or steel belts. Figure 24 The electric generator 1500 (or Figure 28 The 2500 in the middle) generates electricity, which can be transmitted to the electric generator 1500 (or Figure 28 The 2500) is electrically connected to the power grid. Each time the block 1300 is lowered, it generates power in the form of electricity.

[0093] Advantageously, for example, the energy storage and transmission systems 1000, 1000', 1000" can store the electricity generated by solar power as potential energy in the rising block 1300 during the daytime when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the block 1300 into electricity by lowering one or more blocks 1300 during the nighttime when solar energy is unavailable, and transmit the converted electricity to the power grid.

[0094] This document describes an energy storage and transmission system (e.g., energy storage and transmission system 1000, 1000', 1000") that is 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 an electrical 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.

[0095] 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 electrical 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 a certain amount of 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.

[0096] 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, 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 electrical grid. Therefore, the energy storage and transmission system functions like a battery for the renewable energy power generation system and can transmit power from the renewable energy power generation system to the electrical grid during off-peak hours.

[0097] In the above embodiments, the energy storage and transmission systems 1000, 1000', 1000" lift the block 1300 to store electrical energy as potential energy and lower the block 1300 to generate electricity. In one embodiment, excess power from the electrical grid can be used to operate the elevator cage assembly 1400. For each unit of energy used to lift the block 1300, the amount of energy recovered by the energy storage systems 1000, 1000', 1000" can optionally be 80-90%.

[0098] Additional Examples

[0099] In embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage system, the operation method of the energy storage system, and the elevator cage assembly used in the energy storage system may meet any of the following conditions:

[0100] Clause 1: An energy storage and transmission system, comprising:

[0101] One or more modules, each module including

[0102] Multiple blocks, and

[0103] A frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising...

[0104] The upper section has a first set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks.

[0105] The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks.

[0106] In the intermediate section between the upper section and the lower section, the intermediate section contains no blocks, and a pair of elevator shafts are located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows.

[0107] A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed in each of the pair of hoist shafts and operably connected to an electric generator, the hoist cage assembly being sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein.

[0108] The elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts is operable 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, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts is operable 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 under the influence of gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage assembly moves the blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows.

[0109] Clause 2: The system according to Clause 1, wherein the intermediate section is configured to accommodate one or more vertical tillage units.

[0110] Clause 3: According to any of the preceding clauses, in the system, the elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts 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.

[0111] 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 pair of crossbeams defining a row in a first group and a second group, the 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.

[0112] Clause 5: The system according to Clause 4 further includes a plurality of transverse members that extend between the columns and provide diagonal support between the columns along the length of the row.

[0113] Clause 6: The system according to Clause 4, wherein one of the first and second rows, or each of the two rows, includes a hoist movably connected between a pair of crossbeams defining the row, the hoist being configured to extend between channels of the pair of crossbeams defining the row and to travel beneath a block disposed on the pair of crossbeams defining the row, the hoist being operable to lift the block above the pair of crossbeams and to move the block horizontally along the row.

[0114] Clause 7: The system according to Clause 6, wherein the hoisting vehicle includes a wheel assembly extending within a channel of the pair of crossbeams, a frame extending between the pair of crossbeams, and a support piston operable to lift the block above the pair of crossbeams for horizontal movement of the block along the row, and the support piston operable to lower the block onto the pair of crossbeams to fix the position of the block on the row.

[0115] Clause 8: The system according to Clause 6, wherein the lift cage assembly includes a lift cage movably coupled to a base, the lift cage being configured to move laterally relative to the base to facilitate positioning the bottom support of the lift cage below the block, thereby picking up the block.

[0116] Clause 9: The system according to Clause 8, wherein the elevator cage is able to pick up the block from a row by actuating one or more support members movably connected to the bottom support of the elevator cage, so as to lift the block away from a pair of crossbeams of the row.

[0117] Clause 10: The system according to Clause 8, wherein the elevator cage assembly includes a sliding mechanism between the base and the elevator cage, the sliding mechanism including a linear actuator actuated to cause the elevator cage to move laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly.

[0118] Clause 11: 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 extends orthogonally to the row of the adjacent module, thereby providing automatic support for the four modules against wind and seismic forces.

[0119] Clause 12: A system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more modules are two modules arranged in a straight line, such that the rows of each module are substantially aligned.

[0120] Clause 13: An energy storage and transmission system, comprising:

[0121] Multiple blocks, and

[0122] A frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising...

[0123] The upper section has a first set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks.

[0124] The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks.

[0125] In the middle section between the upper section and the lower section, there is no block in the middle section, and a pair of elevator shafts are arranged at opposite ends of the plurality of rows;

[0126] A crane movably coupled to one or each of the first and second groups of rows, the crane being operable to travel beneath blocks in the rows and configured to lift the blocks so that the blocks move horizontally along the rows; and

[0127] A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed in each of the pair of hoist shafts and operatively connected to an electric generator, is sized to hold and support a block therein while moving along the hoist shaft. The hoist cage assembly includes a hoist cage movably connected to a base via a sliding mechanism comprising a linear actuator selectively actuated to laterally displace the hoist cage relative to the base of the hoist cage assembly.

[0128] The elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts is operable 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, thereby storing electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts is operable 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 under the influence of gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage assembly moves the blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows.

[0129] Clause 14: The system according to Clause 13, wherein the intermediate section is configured to accommodate one or more vertical tillage units.

[0130] Clause 15: The system according to Clauses 13-14, wherein the elevator cage in each of the pair of elevator shafts is operable to move the block between the first and second rows, such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the module remains substantially constant.

[0131] Clause 16: The system according to any one of Clauses 13-15, wherein one of the first and second rows or each of the two rows is defined by a pair of crossbeams, and the crane is movably connected between the pair of crossbeams.

[0132] Clause 17: A method for storing energy and generating electricity via any of the energy storage and transmission systems described in the preceding clauses, comprising:

[0133] A pair of lifting cage assemblies are 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.

[0134] Operating each of the pair of elevator cage assemblies includes positioning the elevator cage assembly in or near a row.

[0135] The elevator cage is moved laterally in a first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the bottom support of the elevator cage below the block on the row.

[0136] Actuate one or more movable supports connected to the bottom support to lift the block away from the row.

[0137] The elevator cage is moved laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so as to position the elevator cage above the base.

[0138] The elevator cage assembly is moved vertically along the elevator shaft associated with the elevator cage assembly, causing the block to move an equal vertical distance between each row of the second group and each row of the corresponding first group.

[0139] Clause 18: The method according to Clause 17, 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, or 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: positioning the blocks such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains substantially constant.

[0140] Clause 19: The method according to any one of Clauses 17-18, wherein moving the one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows comprises: moving the blocks sequentially from each alternating row of the second group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows before returning to the first alternating row of the second group of rows.

[0141] Clause 20: The method according to any one of Clauses 17-19, wherein moving the one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows comprises: moving the 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 first group of rows.

[0142] Clause 21: The method according to any one of Clauses 17-20, 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: simultaneously moving the blocks from each alternating row of the second group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the first group of rows.

[0143] Clause 22: The method according to any one of Clauses 17-21, 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: simultaneously moving the blocks from each alternating row of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows.

[0144] Clause 23: The method according to any one of Clauses 17-22, 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 crane to move the one or more blocks horizontally along one or more rows of the second group of rows, the crane traveling below the blocks, and selectively lifting the blocks above the crossbeams of the rows to deliver the one or more blocks to an end portion of the rows.

[0145] Clause 24: The method according to Clause 23, wherein moving the elevator cage laterally in a first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the bottom support of the elevator cage below the block on the row comprises: actuating a linear actuator of a sliding mechanism between the base and the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly to move the elevator cage laterally relative to the base.

[0146] Clause 25: A method for storing energy and generating electricity using the energy storage and transmission system of any of the preceding claims, comprising:

[0147] Using a crane, one or more blocks are moved horizontally along a row of the first group in the upper section of the frame toward the end portion of said row; and

[0148] Operate the elevator cage assembly to move one or more blocks vertically to a row of the second set of rows of the frame under the action of gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity via an electric generator electrically coupled to the elevator cage.

[0149] The operation of the elevator cage assembly includes...

[0150] Position the elevator cage assembly at or near the row.

[0151] The elevator cage is moved laterally in a first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the bottom support of the elevator cage below the block at the end portion of the row.

[0152] Actuate one or more movable supports connected to the bottom support to lift the block away from the row.

[0153] The elevator cage is moved laterally in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the elevator cage above the base, and the elevator cage assembly is moved vertically along its associated elevator shaft.

[0154] Clause 26: The method according to Clause 25, wherein operating the elevator cage assembly further includes

[0155] Move the block vertically to the desired row.

[0156] The elevator cage assembly is typically aligned with the row.

[0157] The elevator cage is moved laterally in a first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the block above the end portion of the row.

[0158] Actuation of one or more movable supports connected to the bottom support member to lower the block onto the end portion of the row,

[0159] The elevator cage is moved laterally in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the elevator cage above the base, and the elevator cage assembly is moved vertically along its associated elevator shaft.

[0160] Clause 27: A lift cage assembly for use in any of the preceding claims' energy storage and transmission systems 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, the lift cage assembly comprising:

[0161] A lift cage includes a top support that can be connected to one or more cables or strips, a rear support attached to the top support, and a bottom support attached to the rear support, the lift cage having a C-shaped side profile.

[0162] The base located below the hoist cage; and

[0163] A sliding mechanism is provided between the elevator cage and the base, and is actuable to laterally displace the elevator cage relative to the base.

[0164] Clause 28: The elevator cage according to Clause 27, wherein the sliding mechanism includes a linear actuator actuated to laterally displace the elevator cage relative to the base.

[0165] Clause 29: The elevator cage according to any one of Clauses 27-28, wherein the bottom support comprises one or more support members actuated to extend to different heights relative to the bottom support, the one or more support members being configured to support a block thereon.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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 deleted, 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.

[0170] 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 can be practiced or carried out in a manner that achieves one or a set of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily requiring the achievement of other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0171] Conditional language, such as “can,” “able,” “may,” and “perhaps,” unless otherwise specifically stated 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 generally not 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 methods for determining whether to include or perform such features, elements, and / or steps in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0172] 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., may 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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 comprising: Multiple blocks, and A frame having a vertical height above the foundation and 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 the plurality of blocks. The lower section has a second set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support the plurality of blocks. The middle section between the upper section and the lower section has no blocks. A pair of elevator shafts, located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows, and A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed in each of the pair of hoist shafts and operatively connected to an electric generator, the hoist cage assembly being sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein. The elevator cage assembly in each of the elevator shafts is operable 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 an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks, and wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of the elevator shafts is operable 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 under the action of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity, the elevator cage assembly moving the blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows.

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

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator cage assembly in each of the elevator shafts is operable to move the block between the first and second rows, such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the module remains substantially constant.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes multiple columns defined by one or more pillars, on which multiple pairs of beams are supported, each pair of beams defining a row orthogonal to the column extending in a first group of rows and a second group of rows, the pairs of beams being configured to support blocks on their top surfaces, 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 columns and providing diagonal support between the columns along the length of the row.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein, Each of one or both of the first and second groups of rows includes a hoisting vehicle movably connected between the pairs of crossbeams defining the row, wherein the hoisting vehicle is configured to extend between the channels of the pairs of crossbeams defining the row and travel below blocks disposed on the pairs of crossbeams defining the row, wherein the hoisting vehicle is operable to lift the blocks above the pairs of crossbeams and to move the blocks horizontally along the row.

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

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The lift cage assembly includes a lift cage movably connected to a base, the lift cage being configured to move laterally relative to the base to facilitate positioning the bottom support of the lift cage below the block, thereby picking up the block.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The elevator cage picks up the block from a row by actuating one or more support members movably connected to the bottom support of the elevator cage, thereby lifting the block away from a pair of crossbeams in the row.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The elevator cage assembly includes a sliding mechanism between the base and the elevator cage, the sliding mechanism including a linear actuator actuated to move the elevator cage laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more modules are four modules arranged in a square in a plan view, wherein the row of each module is orthogonal to the row extension of the adjacent module, thereby providing automatic support for the four modules against wind and seismic forces.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more modules are two modules arranged in a straight line, such that the rows of each module are basically aligned.

13. An energy storage and transmission system, comprising: Multiple blocks; A frame having a vertical height above the foundation and 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 the plurality of blocks. The lower section has a second set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support the plurality of blocks. The middle section between the upper section and the lower section has no blocks, and A pair of elevator shafts are located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows; A crane movably coupled to each of one or both of the first and second groups of rows, the crane being operable to travel beneath blocks in the rows and configured to lift the blocks so that the blocks move horizontally along the rows; and A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed in each of the pair of hoist shafts and operatively coupled to an electric generator, is sized to hold and support a block therein while moving along the hoist shaft. The hoist cage assembly includes a hoist cage movably coupled to a base via a sliding mechanism comprising a linear actuator selectively actuated to laterally displace the hoist cage relative to the base of the hoist cage assembly. The elevator cage assembly in each of the elevator shafts is operable 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 an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks, and wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of the elevator shafts is operable 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 under the action of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity, the elevator cage assembly moving the blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each row of the corresponding first group of rows.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The middle section is configured to accommodate one or more vertical tillage units.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The elevator cage in each of the elevator shafts is operable to move the block between the first and second rows, such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains substantially constant.

16. The system according to claim 13, wherein, Each row in one or both of the first and second groups is defined by a pair of crossbeams, and the crane is movably connected between the pair of crossbeams.

17. A method for storing and generating electricity, comprising: A pair of lifting cage assemblies operate 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, the middle section having no blocks. The operation of each of the elevator cage assembly includes: Position the elevator cage assembly at or near a row. The elevator cage is moved laterally in a first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the bottom support of the elevator cage below the block on the row. Actuate one or more movable supports connected to the bottom support to lift the block away from the row. The elevator cage is moved laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so as to position the elevator cage above the base. The elevator cage assembly is moved vertically along the elevator shaft associated with it, causing the block to move an equal vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and the corresponding row of the first group of rows. The elevator cage assembly is operable 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 an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. The elevator cage assembly is also operable 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 under the influence of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage assembly moves the blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each corresponding row of the first group of rows.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group to a corresponding alternating row of the first group, or moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group to a corresponding alternating row of the second group, includes: positioning the blocks such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains substantially constant.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, Moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows includes: sequentially moving the blocks from each alternating row of the second group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows before returning to the first alternating row of the second group of rows.

20. The method of claim 17, 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: sequentially moving the blocks 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 first group of rows.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group to the corresponding alternating row of the first group includes: simultaneously moving the blocks from each alternating row of the second group to the corresponding alternating row of the first group.

22. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Moving one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group to the corresponding alternating rows of the second group includes: simultaneously moving the blocks from each alternating row of the first group to the corresponding alternating row of the second group.

23. The method according to claim 17, 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 includes: using a crane to move the one or more blocks horizontally along one or more rows of the second group of rows, the crane traveling below the blocks, and selectively lifting the blocks above the crossbeams of the rows to deliver the one or more blocks to the end portion of the rows.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Moving the elevator cage laterally in a first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the bottom support of the elevator cage below the block on the row includes: actuating a linear actuator of a sliding mechanism between the base of the elevator cage assembly and the elevator cage to move the elevator cage laterally relative to the base.

25. A method for storing and generating electricity, comprising: Using a crane, one or more blocks are moved horizontally along a row of the first group of rows in the upper section of the frame toward the end portion of the row; as well as The elevator cage assembly is operated to vertically move one or more blocks to a row of the second set of rows of the frame under gravity, thereby generating a certain amount of electricity via an electric generator electrically coupled to the elevator cage. Operating the elevator cage assembly includes: Position the elevator cage assembly at or near the row. The elevator cage is moved laterally in a first direction relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position the bottom support of the elevator cage below the block at the end portion of the row. Actuate one or more movable supports connected to the bottom support to lift the block away from the row. The elevator cage is moved laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so as to position the elevator cage above the base. The elevator cage assembly is moved vertically along its associated elevator shaft, and The elevator cage assembly is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the second group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the first group of rows to store an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of each of the one or more blocks, and wherein the elevator cage assembly is operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to a corresponding alternating row of the second group of rows under the action of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity, wherein the elevator cage assembly moves the one or more blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each corresponding row of the first group of rows.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, Operating the elevator cage assembly further includes: vertically moving the block to a desired row, typically aligning the elevator cage assembly with the row; laterally moving the elevator cage relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly in a first direction to position the block above an end portion of the row; actuating one or more movable supports connected to the bottom support to lower the block onto the end portion of the row; laterally moving the elevator cage relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction to position the elevator cage above the base; and vertically moving the elevator cage assembly along its associated elevator shaft.

27. An energy storage and transmission system, comprising: A frame having a vertical height above the foundation and 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 multiple blocks. The lower section has a second set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support the plurality of blocks. The middle section between the upper section and the lower section, and A pair of elevator shafts, located at opposite ends of the plurality of rows; and A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed in each of the pair of hoist shafts and operatively coupled to an electric generator, is sized to hold and support the block within it while moving along the hoist shaft. The hoist cage assembly includes a hoist cage movably coupled to a base to allow lateral movement of the hoist cage relative to the base. The elevator cage assembly in each of the elevator shafts is operable to move 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 to store an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks, and wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of the elevator shafts is operable to move 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 under the action of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity.

28. The system of claim 27, further comprising a lifting drive system for moving the elevator cage assembly, wherein the lifting drive system includes an electric motor having a shaft on which one or more cables coupled to the elevator cage assembly extend, the one or more cables extending about a pulley disposed above the elevator cage assembly to maintain the one or more cables substantially vertically oriented as the elevator cage assembly moves up and down in the frame to suppress the application of torque on the elevator cage assembly.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein, The pulley is actuated to move laterally as the elevator cage moves relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly, in order to keep the one or more cables substantially vertically oriented as the elevator cage moves in and out relative to the row to suppress the application of torque on the elevator cage.

30. The system according to claim 27, wherein, The lift cage assembly includes a lift cage movably coupled to a base, the lift cage being configured to move laterally relative to the base to facilitate positioning the bottom support of the lift cage below the block, thereby picking up the block.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein, The elevator cage in each elevator shaft is operable to move the block between the first and second rows, such that the average load distribution on the foundation of the frame remains substantially constant.

32. The system according to claim 27, wherein, A crane is movably connected to one or each of the first and second rows, and the crane is operable to travel beneath a block in the row and is configured to lift the block so that the block moves horizontally along the row.

33. An energy storage and transmission system, comprising: One or more modules, each of the one or more modules comprising: A frame having a vertical height above the foundation and 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 multiple blocks. The lower section has a second set of rows, each row of which is configured to receive and support the plurality of blocks. The elevator shaft is located at the end of the plurality of rows, and A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed within the hoist shaft, the hoist cage assembly being sized to receive one or more of the plurality of blocks; and A lifting drive system for moving the elevator cage assembly, the lifting drive system comprising: An electric motor configured to rotate the shaft; and One or more cables extending from the elevator cage assembly around the axis; The lifting drive system is operable to rotate the shaft counterclockwise to lower the elevator cage assembly, and the lifting drive system is also configured to rotate the shaft clockwise to raise the elevator cage assembly. The elevator cage assembly in the elevator shaft is operable to pick up and 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 an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage assembly in the elevator shaft is operable to pick up and move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows under the influence of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage assembly moves the blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each corresponding row of the first group of rows.

34. The system according to claim 33, wherein, The one or more cables extend around a pulley vertically positioned above the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables in a vertical orientation as the elevator cage assembly moves up and down in the elevator shaft.

35. The system according to claim 34, wherein, The pulley is actuated to move laterally together with the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables substantially vertically oriented as the elevator cage picks up or lowers one or more of the plurality of blocks.

36. The system according to claim 34, wherein, The lifting drive system includes a counterweight attached to the end of one or more cables extending around a second pulley, and the counterweight is configured to facilitate movement of the elevator cage assembly.

37. The system according to claim 36, wherein, The one or more cables are aligned with the center of gravity of the counterweight to facilitate the movement of the counterweight.

38. The system according to claim 34, wherein, During the vertical movement of the elevator cage assembly within the elevator shaft, the pulleys inhibit the one or more cables from exerting an oblique force or torque on the elevator cage assembly.

39. The system according to claim 34, wherein, The pulley is vertically arranged at a fixed position above the hoist cage assembly.

40. The system according to claim 39, wherein, When the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly moves laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly, one or more cables move from a vertical orientation to an angled orientation to pick up or transport blocks from at least one of the plurality of rows.

41. The system according to claim 33, wherein, The one or more cables extend in variable positions around pulleys vertically arranged above the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables in a vertical orientation as the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly moves laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly.

42. The system according to claim 41, wherein, The pulley is movably connected to a sliding mechanism to move the pulley horizontally, thereby keeping the one or more cables in a vertical orientation.

43. The system according to claim 41, wherein, The pulley is movably coupled to the actuator to move laterally as the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly moves, so as to keep the one or more cables substantially vertically oriented as the elevator cage moves in and out relative to the drain to suppress the application of torque on the elevator cage.

44. The system according to claim 33, wherein, The lifting drive system also includes a second electric generator configured to rotate a second shaft that is laterally offset from the electric generator and the shaft.

45. The system according to claim 44, wherein, A second or more cables extend at least partially around the second elevator cage assembly and around the second axis, wherein pulleys are arranged vertically above the second elevator cage assembly to keep the second or more cables in a vertical orientation as the second elevator cage assembly moves upward in the elevator shaft.

46. ​​An energy storage and transmission system, comprising: A frame having a vertical height above the foundation and defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising: The upper section has a first set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks; The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support the plurality of blocks; The middle section between the upper section and the lower section; A hoist shaft is located at the end of the plurality of rows; and A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed within the hoist shaft and operatively connected to an electric generator, is sized to hold and support one or more of the plurality of blocks simultaneously moving along the hoist shaft. The hoist cage assembly includes a hoist cage movably connected to a base via a sliding mechanism comprising a linear actuator selectively actuated to laterally move the hoist cage relative to the base of the hoist cage assembly. A lifting drive system for moving the elevator cage assembly, the lifting drive system comprising: An electric motor configured to rotate the shaft; and One or more cables extending from the elevator cage assembly around the axis; The lifting drive system is operable to rotate the shaft counterclockwise to lower the elevator cage assembly, and the lifting drive system is also configured to rotate the shaft clockwise to raise the elevator cage assembly. The elevator cage assembly in the elevator shaft is operable to pick up and 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 an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage assembly in the elevator shaft is operable to pick up and move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the first group of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows under the influence of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage assembly moves the blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each corresponding row of the first group of rows.

47. The system according to claim 46, wherein, The one or more cables extend around a pulley vertically positioned above the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables in a vertical orientation as the elevator cage assembly moves upward in the elevator shaft.

48. The system according to claim 47, wherein, The pulley is actuated to move laterally together with the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables substantially vertically oriented as the elevator cage picks up or lowers one or more of the plurality of blocks.

49. The system according to claim 46, wherein, The one or more cables extend in variable positions around pulleys vertically arranged above the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables in a vertical orientation as the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly moves laterally relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly.

50. The system according to claim 49, wherein, The pulley is movably connected to a sliding mechanism to move the pulley horizontally, thereby keeping the one or more cables in a vertical orientation.

51. The system according to claim 49, wherein, The pulley is movably coupled to the actuator to move laterally as the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly moves, so as to keep the one or more cables substantially vertically oriented as the elevator cage moves in and out relative to the drain to suppress the application of torque on the elevator cage.

52. The system according to claim 46, wherein, A crane is movably coupled to each of one or both of the first and second rows, the crane being operable to travel beneath one or more blocks in the row and configured to lift one or more blocks to move the blocks horizontally along the row.

53. An energy storage and transmission system, comprising: A frame having a vertical height above the foundation and defined by a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the frame comprising: The upper section has a first set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support multiple blocks; The lower section has a second set of rows, each of which is configured to receive and support the plurality of blocks; The middle section between the upper section and the lower section; A hoist shaft is located at the end of the plurality of rows; and A hoist cage assembly, movably disposed within the hoist shaft and operatively connected to an electric generator, is sized to hold and support the block within it while moving along the hoist shaft. The hoist cage assembly includes a hoist cage movably connected to a base of the hoist cage assembly via a sliding mechanism, the sliding mechanism including a linear actuator selectively actuated to cause lateral movement of the hoist cage relative to the base of the hoist cage assembly. A lifting drive system for moving the elevator cage assembly, the lifting drive system comprising: An electric motor configured to rotate the shaft; and One or more cables extend from the elevator cage assembly around the axis, and The elevator cage assembly in the elevator shaft is operable to pick up and move the plurality of blocks from the alternating rows of the second group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the first group of rows to store an amount of electrical energy corresponding to the potential energy of the plurality of blocks. Furthermore, the elevator cage assembly in the elevator shaft is operable to pick up and move the plurality of blocks from the alternating rows of the first group of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the second group of rows under the action of gravity to generate a certain amount of electricity. The elevator cage assembly moves the plurality of blocks along the same vertical distance between each row of the second group of rows and each corresponding row of the first group of rows.

54. The system according to claim 53, wherein, The lifting drive system is operable to rotate the shaft counterclockwise to lower the elevator cage assembly, and wherein the lifting drive system is configured to rotate the shaft clockwise to raise the elevator cage assembly.

55. The system according to claim 53, wherein, The one or more cables extend around a pulley vertically positioned above the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables in a vertical orientation as the elevator cage assembly moves up and down in the elevator shaft.

56. The system according to claim 55, wherein, The pulley is actuated to move laterally together with the elevator cage of the elevator cage assembly to keep the one or more cables substantially vertically oriented as the elevator cage picks up or lowers one or more of the plurality of blocks.

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