Concentrated solar power storage system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to a concentrated solar energy storage system and method, which uses solar thermal energy to convert water into water vapor, and then the water vapor drives a hydroelectric power generation system with a water storage device (or capsule) through repeated conversion processes.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 405,974, filed September 13, 2022, entitled "CONCENTRATED SOLARPOWER STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD". This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the technical field of green (renewable) energy generation and storage, and in particular to a concentrated solar energy storage system and method. Background Technology

[0004] A typical concentrated solar power (CSP, also known as a concentrating solar thermal) system generates solar energy by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight over a large area onto a receiver. When the concentrated light is converted into heat (solar thermal energy), electricity is generated. This thermal energy is used to heat water to produce steam, to drive a heat engine (usually a steam turbine) connected to a generator, or to power thermochemical reactions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention uses a pressure source (e.g., steam) to drive an actuator, which in turn propels a certain amount of liquid (e.g., water) to drive a water turbine generator. In particular, the pressure source is energy from the natural environment, such as geothermal energy, waste heat (e.g., waste heat generated by factories, unused heat from boilers, heat generated by coal-fired power plants), solar energy, and waste incineration, which can be converted and reused to produce zero or very low carbon emissions.

[0006] In some specific embodiments, the present invention utilizes natural energy to heat room-temperature water to a boiling state to generate steam, or utilizes naturally generated high temperatures to form steam for power generation. Steam is generated, and a pressure source is created through, for example, valves and plugs, to push water into, for example, a water storage bladder. By controlling the flow rate and volume of the water, the water stored in the bladder can further drive a water turbine to generate electricity.

[0007] In some specific embodiments, the present invention utilizes concentrated solar energy to collect the heat of sunlight. For example, a concave lens is used to focus solar energy onto the focal point of the lens, causing the concentrated hot spot to generate high temperatures, which can directly heat water into water vapor. Therefore, as solar energy continuously generates high temperatures at the hot spot / focal point, water vapor is continuously produced. Concentrated solar energy can recover water vapor and turn it back into water, and then reheat it at high temperatures to repeatedly generate water vapor, thus developing a repeatable, environmentally friendly, and controllable system. Because this system can utilize solar energy to convert / recover and heat water, it is also called a "zero-carbon cycle control system." In addition, the zero-carbon cycle control system also has energy storage capabilities. The power generation cycle system consists of a water storage tank (or energy storage tank) and a water turbine generator, which can repeatedly generate electricity.

[0008] This invention provides a concentrated solar energy storage system, comprising: a collector unit for collecting solar thermal energy; a container connected to the collector unit for storing water and converting the water into steam using solar thermal energy; a controller connected to the container for determining the direction of steam flow; a weight connected to the controller for generating force through the controller; a chamber for containing gas; a generator; a fluid storage tank; a first fluid pipe for containing fluid (e.g., liquid), the first fluid pipe being connected to the chamber, generator, fluid storage tank, and weight, wherein valves are provided at the inlet / outlet between the first fluid pipe and the chamber to control water flow and maintain pressure; and a second fluid pipe connecting the weight, fluid storage tank, and first fluid pipe, wherein this force is used to push the fluid located in the first fluid pipe to compress the gas; wherein the generator is used to generate electricity by using the compressed gas to push the fluid located in the first fluid pipe; wherein the fluid storage tank is used to receive the fluid acting on the generator; and wherein the fluid located in the first fluid pipe is guided to drive the generator until the gas pressure in the chamber decreases to a predetermined level when the fluid no longer acts on the generator.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides an energy storage system comprising: an energy storage container for storing an initial gas; a force generating device that provides a force to drive the initial gas to be pressurized; and a heat transfer device that collects heat energy to drive the force generating device to provide the force.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention provides an energy storage method comprising: collecting heat from a heat source; using the heat to induce a fluid into a container storing a gas; allowing the fluid to flow out of the container; and using the outflowing fluid to drive a generator to generate electricity.

[0011] Solar energy is particularly well-suited for sunny latitudes / regions or desert areas on Earth. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Specific embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are exemplary and not limiting. Throughout the drawings, components with the same number refer to the same components.

[0013] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram illustrating a generator and / or storage device according to some specific embodiments.

[0014] Figure 2 This illustrates an energy storage mode 200 according to some specific embodiments.

[0015] Figure 3 This illustrates an energy release / generation mode 300 according to some specific embodiments.

[0016] Figure 4 This illustrates an energy release / generation mode 400 according to some specific embodiments.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a solar thermal energy converter 500 according to some specific embodiments.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an energy storage method according to some specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention is illustrated with reference to several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this is not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments and examples. Rather, the invention is intended to cover variations, modifications, and equivalent configurations included within the scope and spirit of the claims. Furthermore, numerous specific details will be disclosed in the following detailed description of the invention to provide a more complete account. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known methods, procedures, components, and processes have not been detailed so as not to obscure the nature of these specific embodiments. Of course, it will be understood that in the development of any such practical implementation, many implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with application and business-related restrictions, and these specific objectives will vary with the implementation and with the developer. Moreover, it is understood that such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, but nonetheless, they are routine practices that are of interest to those skilled in the art.

[0020] Although this article discloses concentrated solar energy, the present invention includes the use of any solar energy or light as a heat source for energy storage.

[0021] Figure 1Structural diagrams of a generator and / or storage device are illustrated according to some specific embodiments. The generator and storage device can be driven / powered by solar energy. Figure 1 In this concentrated solar energy storage system 100, a concave lens 23, a container 1 (as an example of a water storage unit), a controller 2, a piston 12, a first air inlet 3, a second air inlet 4, a first water pipe 5 (as an example of a first fluid pipe), a water storage bladder 6 (e.g., as an example of a bladder compartment), a generator 7, a water storage tank 8 (as an example of a liquid storage tank), a second water pipe 9 (as an example of a second fluid pipe), one or more valves 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16 (e.g., one-way valves), a third air inlet 11-1, a fourth air inlet 11-2, and another water storage tank 17 (as an example of another liquid storage tank). In some embodiments, all components, mechanisms, and systems except for the concave lens 23, which is located above ground, may be constructed underground. In some other embodiments, all of the above components may be above ground or underground. In some embodiments, the concave lens 23 may be entirely or partially located underground.

[0022] The concave lens 23 has a light-converging structure, allowing sunlight from the sun 24 (hereinafter referred to as incident light IL) to enter the concave lens 23 or any other type of heat or light collector. The incident light IL is converted into reflected light RL, which is focused at a focal point located on the optical axis OA of the concave lens 23. This focal point is the location where the heat collection unit 22 for collecting solar thermal energy is installed. Therefore, the concave lens 23 changes the direction of light propagation. Since the heat collection unit 22 concentrates all the light entering the concave lens 23, the heat collection unit 22 forms a high-temperature heat source H, for example, about 260 to 450 degrees Celsius, or even up to 1100 degrees Celsius. The heat source H is used to heat water to produce water vapor. In some specific embodiments, the heat from the heat source H can be conducted without loss via the heat conductor 21. Note that although only one concave lens 23 is described as an example, in other specific embodiments, the number of concave lenses 23 can be greater, for example, from 2 to 999,999.

[0023] In some specific embodiments, in addition to pure solar energy generating heat source H, when there is insufficient solar energy, such as at night, other heat sources capable of generating heat source H can be combined, such as geothermal energy and waste incineration. Power generation can be continuously stored and generated during cloudy or rainy days.

[0024] Please refer to container 1. Container 1 can draw water directly through underground pipes or / and use a pump to draw a measured amount of water or hot water into container 1. Container 1 can be, for example, a storage tank, a container, or a container constructed of a specific material, such as a space formed by being enclosed in cement. In some embodiments, container 1 can be directly or indirectly connected to the heat collection unit 22 or the heat conductor 21. When container 1 is a high thermal conductivity storage tank, the water in the storage tank can be heated. The storage tank is continuously heated by the heat source H, turning the water into pressurized hot water (such as steam). In some embodiments, the water temperature in container 1 is approximately 100 degrees Celsius or higher. In some embodiments, this pressure value is between 6 kg / cm². 2 Up to 10 kg / cm 2 Between. In container 1, pressure control is used to determine when a liquid (e.g., water) transforms into a gas. For example, the gaseous state can be converted to a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 5 kg / cm². 2 Water vapor.

[0025] Additionally, under the control of controller 2, water vapor can be discharged from the third air inlet 11-1 and / or the fourth air inlet 11-2, and the water vapor is cooled and converted into liquid water, which is then guided to the water storage tank 17. The water in the water storage tank 17 can be re-injected into container 1 for recycling. In some specific embodiments, the water storage tank 17 is not used. In this case, controller 2 operates to recycle the water back to container 1.

[0026] In another specific embodiment, the controller 2 may operate using power from an external source, by using power generated here, or a combination thereof.

[0027] See again Figure 1 Sunlight is focused onto the heat collection unit 22 by the concave lens 23 to generate heat energy (i.e., the so-called heat source H), and the heat energy is conducted to the container 1. In this specific embodiment, the container 1, controller 2, piston 12, first air inlet 3, second air inlet 4, first water pipe 5, water storage bladder 6, generator 7, water storage tank 8, second water pipe 9, valves 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, third air inlet 11-1, fourth air inlet 11-2, and another water storage tank 17 are selectively or entirely or partially located underground.

[0028] When thermal energy heats the water in container 1, the liquid (e.g., water) in container 1 is heated and converted into gas (or water vapor). The gas is guided / controlled by controller 2. The gas enters the first air inlet 3, causing piston 12 to move downward, creating thrust, which in turn pushes (or squeezes) the substance in the first water pipe 5, causing the substance in the first water pipe 5 to move towards the water storage bladder 6. This substance can be a fluid (e.g., liquid, solid), gas, or any combination thereof.

[0029] In this specific embodiment, piston 12 includes a first air inlet 3 and a second air inlet 4. The first air inlet 3 and the second air inlet 4 can serve as an inlet or outlet. Piston 12 is connected to a first water pipe 5 and a second water pipe 9. Steam (or gas) from container 1 pushes piston 12 downward via controller 2, thereby causing steam to exit from the first air inlet 3. As piston 12 moves downward, it pushes water at the first water pipe 5 into the water storage bladder 6, thereby pressurizing the gas inside the water storage bladder 6. In this specific embodiment, the piston acts as a force generating device, providing force to compress the initial gas inside the water storage bladder 6. Any type of force can be used to compress the initial gas in the water storage bladder 6. In some embodiments, this force generating device can be a weight.

[0030] Conversely, when piston 12 rises, the pressure inside water reservoir 6 decreases. Since the gas pressure (e.g., air pressure) inside water reservoir 6 is greater than the pressure inside water pipe 5, the gas (air) pushes water out of water reservoir 6, thereby pushing water from the first water pipe 5 towards generator 7 (e.g., water turbine) to generate electricity. Subsequently, water from generator 7 enters water tank 8, the second water pipe 9, and then valves 10 and 16. It is noteworthy that valve 16 is a one-way valve, ensuring that water flows only from water tank 8 through valve 16 to the second water pipe 9. In this specific embodiment, valve 10 is also a one-way valve, ensuring that water flows only from the second water pipe 9 through valve 10 to the first water pipe 5.

[0031] The operation of the water reservoir 6 will be described in detail below. When water vapor enters the first air inlet 3, it pushes the piston 12 downward, thereby squeezing water from the first water pipe 5 into the water reservoir 6, filling the water reservoir 6 with water (in the first operating mode, valves 13 and 15 are open and valve 14 is closed) or increasing its gas pressure (in the second operating mode). In this specific embodiment, one or more valves (e.g., valve 15) are provided at the inlet / outlet between the water reservoir 6 and the first water pipe 5 to control the water flow and maintain pressure. The valve 15 at the inlet / outlet of the water reservoir 6 determines the flow rate of water entering and exiting the water reservoir 6. Throughout the invention, valves can be used between any connection point or bend. For example, valves 13 and 14 can be provided at both ends of the first water pipe 5. Valve 16 can be located near the connection point between the water tank 8 and the second water pipe 9. According to the above configuration, at least two operating modes can be provided.

[0032] In the first operating mode (e.g., water volume discharge mode), the water reservoir 6 is used as the water container. In this first operating mode, water is filled into the water reservoir 6 until it is full. As more water is injected into the first water pipe 5, the water is forced to flow to the generator 7. In some specific embodiments, the gas (e.g., air) contained in the water reservoir 6 can be discharged through one or more air passages (not shown).

[0033] The second operating mode (e.g., compressed air mode) involves injecting water from the first water pipe 5 into the water storage bladder 6 through the inlet / outlet (i.e., where valve 15 is located). The water injection process causes a change / increase in the air pressure within the water storage bladder 6. Injecting water into the water storage bladder 6 causes the air pressure within it to continuously increase. Valve 15 at the inlet / outlet can also control the injection or cessation of water injection into the water storage bladder 6. Here, the "injection" action can be an energy storage process, the amount of stored energy determined by the pressure within the water storage bladder 6. When using the water in the water storage bladder 6 to drive the generator 7 (e.g., a water turbine) to generate electricity, the inlet / outlet valves 15 and 14 can be opened to discharge the water from the water storage bladder, thus releasing the water in the water storage bladder 6 due to the air pressure within it (e.g., an energy release process). The water pushed out from the inlet / outlet (i.e., where valve 15 is located) and remaining in the water storage bladder 6 flows through the second part of the first water pipe 5 and further drives the generator 7. In this specific embodiment, energy storage is achieved by controlling the gas pressure inside the water reservoir 6 relative to the external water pressure (e.g., in pipe 5). The substance inside the water reservoir 6 can be in gaseous or liquid form. When the substance in the first water pipe 5 is liquid, the liquid in the first water pipe 5 is injected / provided to the water reservoir 6 through the inlet / outlet (i.e., the location of valve 15), thereby reducing the gas volume in the water reservoir 6 and compressing the gas. In this specific embodiment, the gas may not dissolve or may partially dissolve in the liquid during the compression process, but gas compression can still be achieved. The flow rate of the substance in the first water pipe 5 and the amount of substance entering the water reservoir 6 can be controlled by piston 12. The position of piston 12 is controlled by controller 2 and the flow rate of water vapor.

[0034] In the above specific embodiment, the substance located in the first water pipe 5 can then be guided to the generator 7, whereby the substance acts on the generator 7 to generate electricity. For example, when the substance is a liquid, the generator 7 can be a water turbine generator, a turbine, a hydraulic turbine, or a water turbine. Electricity is generated by the liquid driving the water turbine generator to rotate. Furthermore, the substance in the first water pipe 5 can be controlled by a controller to control its movement path. For example, the controller can cause the substance in the first water pipe 5 to enter the water storage bladder 6 to compress a gas (e.g., air), converting the kinetic energy of the substance's movement into compressed gas.

[0035] Next, after operating / closing valve 13 (opening valves 15 and 14), the substance (e.g., water) in the first water pipe 5 moves toward the generator 7. The flow rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank 6 can be controlled by valve 15, thereby pushing the water in the water storage tank 6 toward the generator 7 and toward the first water pipe 5.

[0036] In a more detailed operating mode, when piston 12 rises, the pressure decreases. The air pressure at the water reservoir 6 pushes water to the generator 7, and the volume of compressed gas in the water reservoir 6 is affected by the pressure change (e.g., its volume increases due to the pressure decrease), causing the original compressed gas to release the aforementioned stored energy. This causes the water in the water reservoir 6 to push the water in the first water pipe 5, forming a strong thrust to drive the generator 7 (such as a water turbine) until the air pressure in the water reservoir 6 is exhausted / balanced (e.g., reduced to a predetermined level), or can no longer effectively drive the generator 7 to produce a predetermined power generation rate / amount.

[0037] The substance acting on generator 7 is concentrated in water storage tank 8. The substance stored in water storage tank 8 will return to valve 10 through second water pipe 9.

[0038] In other words, when the material in the water reservoir 6 no longer acts on the generator 7 or the material in the water reservoir 6 is exhausted, the controller 2 introduces gas into the second air inlet 4 of the piston 12, such as... Figure 1 As shown. For example, after being guided by controller 2, the gas enters the second air inlet 4 to enter the space inside piston 12, and drives piston 12 to move... Figure 1 The material moves upward to create a pulling force, thereby pulling the material (such as liquid, solid, gas or any combination thereof) toward the first water pipe 5 and the water storage bladder 6, thus completing the energy storage and power generation process in the water cycle.

[0039] Figure 2 This illustrates an energy storage mode 200 according to some specific embodiments.

[0040] When the gas is guided / controlled by the controller 2, it enters the first air inlet 3, driving the piston 12 to... Figure 1The material moves downward to create a thrust, which in turn pushes (or squeezes) the substance in the first water pipe 5. The substance in the first water pipe 5 (e.g., a liquid) (e.g., a liquid, a solid, a gas, or any combination of the aforementioned substances) moves toward the water storage bladder 6. The reduced space in the water reservoir 6 results in a higher gas pressure inside the reservoir 6 (e.g., from 1 standard atmosphere (atm) to 50-110 standard atmospheres (atm), which is considered energy storage). In this specific embodiment, the water reservoir 6 is provided with a valve 15. The valve 15 is located near the connection between the water reservoir 6 and the first water pipe 5 and is used to determine the inflow / outflow of liquid or the storage / release of energy. For example, when power demand is low, the valve 15 is closed, preventing the compressed gas in the water reservoir 6 from expanding or expelling the liquid, thereby storing energy (e.g., pressure energy). During periods of high power demand, the valve 15 is opened to allow the compressed gas to expand back to its original lower pressure state (i.e., back to the initial or original pressure), thereby moving the liquid to drive the generator 7 (e.g., a water turbine) for power generation.

[0041] In this specific embodiment, a piston is used as a weight. Any type of force can be used to trigger the piston to move up and down. In some specific embodiments, a machine is used to trigger the piston to push or pull.

[0042] In some embodiments, the weight and the capsule are coplanar, such that the weight and the capsule are positioned on the same horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the weight, liquid pipes, and capsule are positioned on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, the energy storage system (or power generation system) is not limited by terrain conditions.

[0043] Figure 3 This illustrates an energy release / generation mode 300 according to some specific embodiments.

[0044] After valve 13 is operated / closed (while valves 14 and 15 remain open), the substance (e.g., water) in the first water pipe 5 moves toward the generator 7 because the air pressure in the water reservoir 6 pushes the substance in the first water pipe 5 to create a strong thrust that drives the generator 7 until the substance in the water reservoir 6 is depleted (e.g., reduced to a predetermined level) or can no longer effectively drive the generator 7 to produce a predetermined power generation rate / electricity. The substance in the first water pipe 5 can be a gas, liquid, solid, slurry, or a combination thereof. In this specific embodiment, water is used as an example of the substance located in the first water pipe 5. Figure 3 As shown, the generator is connected to a water storage tank 8, which serves as an example of a liquid storage tank. The liquid storage tank can recover substances (such as water) acting on the generator. The liquid storage tank can be a natural facility, such as a river, lake, etc.

[0045] Figure 4 This illustrates an energy release / generation mode 400 according to some specific embodiments.

[0046] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, mode 400 shows multiple energy storage units (many-to-one) of a water turbine generator. The energy storage unit may include a weight, a first water pipe 5 (as an example of a first fluid pipe), a water reservoir 6 (as an example of a reservoir chamber), and a second water pipe 9 (as an example of a second fluid pipe). Figure 4 The energy storage / generation system shown includes two containers, two storage tanks, and two control units, but it can be used with only one container, one storage tank, and one control unit. For example, in... Figure 4 In this system, two operating units can be connected to the same control unit, thus eliminating the need for another control unit. This system may include one or more energy storage units. In this specific embodiment, the system includes two energy storage units. The number of energy storage units and their associated water turbine generators can be adjusted according to user needs.

[0047] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, the piston 12, which acts as a weight, can be replaced by a heavy object (such as a stone of a certain weight). The weight of the object can be from 40 kg to 60 kg. The weight of the object can be adjusted as needed, such as from 1 kg to 100 tons. In some specific embodiments, the dropping of the object can be triggered by a machine. Through thrust, the above-described effect can be achieved. Figure 1 Medium-energy storage / generation process. A process where heavy objects can be pushed back to their original position (a higher position) using mechanical force, and where energy storage and power generation can be repeated.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a solar thermal energy converter 500 according to some specific embodiments.

[0049] The solar thermal energy converter 500 disclosed below can be compared with the one described above. Figures 1 to 4 The described energy storage combination enables the system to perform solar thermal energy conversion and storage. The solar thermal converter 500 can be driven / powered by solar thermal energy. In another specific embodiment, the solar thermal converter 500 can be driven / powered by geothermal energy and hot groundwater / steam.

[0050] exist Figure 5 In the solar thermal energy converter 500, there are a first container 501, a second container 521, a first valve 502, a second valve 525, a first piston 512, a second piston 523, a first set of first air inlets 513, a second set of first air inlets 522, a first set of second air inlets 514, a second set of second air inlets 524, a first water pipe 505, a second water pipe 515, a first liquid storage container 506, a generator 507 (e.g., a hydroelectric generator), a second liquid storage container 509, one or more valves 516, 517 and 518, and a first water storage tank 530 and a second water storage tank 531.

[0051] The solar thermal energy converter 500 may include a first operating unit 532 and a second operating unit 533. The first operating unit 532 and the second operating unit 533 can work together to generate electricity in turn, forming an uninterrupted power generation system.

[0052] During operation, solar thermal energy is conducted to the first container 501 via the heat conductor 21. The solar thermal energy heats the water in the first container 501 to form water vapor. The water in the first container 501 can be groundwater. In some specific embodiments, the groundwater is heated by geothermal energy.

[0053] In container 501, a pump can be used to pump a certain amount of groundwater into container 501 via a water pump or other structure / method. The first container 501 can be, for example, a storage tank, a container, or a container constructed of a specific material, such as a space formed by being enclosed in cement. When groundwater is injected into the first container 501, the groundwater becomes pressurized hot water (e.g., steam), and groundwater at, for example, a temperature of 150 to 180 degrees Celsius (°C) exists within the first container 501. The pressure value is between 6 kg / cm². 2 Up to 10 kg / cm 2 In the first container 501, the liquid is converted into a gas by utilizing pressure changes. For example, the gaseous state can be converted to a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius (°C) and a pressure of 6 kg / cm². 2 Water vapor.

[0054] by Figure 5 For example, when gas is guided / controlled by the first valve 502, gas enters the internal space of the first air inlet 513 and the first piston 512 to drive the first piston 512 (e.g., by gas pressure) in... Figure 5 The piston moves downward to create thrust, which then pushes (or squeezes) the liquid (e.g., water) in the first water pipe 505. The substance (e.g., liquid) (e.g., liquid, solid, gas, or any combination thereof) in the first water pipe 505 moves toward the first liquid storage container 506. The gas (or vapor) formed in the first container 501 can be guided by the first valve 502 to direct the gas to the first set of first air inlets 513 and the first set of second air inlets 514 to drive the movement of the first piston 512.

[0055] In this specific embodiment, the first piston 512 also provides a first set of first air inlets 513 and a first set of second air inlets 514. The first set of first air inlets 513 and the first set of second air inlets 514 can be used as injection ports or discharge ports. The first piston 512 is connected to the first water pipe 505.

[0056] Valves 516, 517 and 518 control the flow of fluid.

[0057] Therefore, in the power generation mode of the first operating unit 532, the liquid in the first water pipe 505 is pushed towards the first liquid storage container 506 due to the reduced space occupied by the first piston 512. Since the first liquid storage container 506 is full of liquid, excess incoming liquid is pushed towards the power generation hydroelectric generator 507. The liquid passing through the hydroelectric generator 507 is stored in the second liquid storage container 509. When the excess liquid from the first operating unit 532 (the volume of liquid moving due to the reduced piston space) is consumed or depleted, the second operating unit 533 begins to move the second piston 523 to the pushing mode, similar to the previous operation of the first operating unit 532. Thus, the first operating unit 532 and the second operating unit 533 alternately form an uninterrupted and continuous solar thermal energy converter, converting solar thermal energy or any other type of heat / pressure energy into electricity.

[0058] In receiving mode, the first piston 512 is moved upward by allowing steam to pass through the first set of second air inlets 514, causing the first piston to move upward (e.g., in pumping mode), thereby moving the liquid back towards the first operating unit 532. The receiving mode in the second operating unit 533 is similar to the receiving mode in the first operating unit 532.

[0059] In some specific embodiments, the first operating unit 532 may be constructed within a single unit (e.g., without a second operating unit 533) by having a return unit 550 controlled by a valve 518. In this configuration, the valve 517 (e.g., closed) may be the stop / disconnect point of the aforementioned single unit.

[0060] After the gas (or water vapor, steam) acts on the first set of first air inlets 513 and first set of second air inlets 514 of the first piston 512 of the first operating unit 532, it can enter the first water storage tank 530 for cooling through the first set of third air inlets 519 and first set of fourth air inlets 520 of the first valve 502. Similarly, after the gas (or water vapor, steam) acts on the second set of first air inlets 522 and second set of second air inlets 524 of the second piston 523 of the second operating unit 533, it can enter the second water storage tank 531 for cooling through the second set of third air inlets 526 and second set of fourth air inlets 527 of the second valve 525. The water temperature after being cooled by the water vapor is reduced to, for example, about 60 degrees Celsius (°C), and then further discharged underground, which can prevent land subsidence or depression, and can also continuously generate heated groundwater through geothermal sources.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an energy storage method according to some specific embodiments. Figure 6Within this method, the process begins at step S61. In step S61, the method includes collecting heat from a heat source. The heat source can be solar energy, geothermal energy, or waste heat. In some specific embodiments, heat is collected using a concave lens.

[0062] In step S62, this method includes using heat to draw a fluid into a container storing a gas. Specifically, this method uses heat to generate steam, which pushes the fluid into the container via a piston. As the fluid enters the container, the gas stored in the container is compressed to store pressure energy. Therefore, step S62 can be considered an energy storage stage. In some specific embodiments, the gas stored in the container may have an initial pressure ranging from 30 atmospheres (atm) to 80 atmospheres (atm). The fluid may be a gas or a liquid (e.g., water). In this specific embodiment, the fluid is a liquid. The liquid may include water. In some specific embodiments, the gas stored in the container includes air.

[0063] In step S63, this method includes allowing fluid to flow out of the container. Specifically, this method releases pressure energy stored in the compressed gas to drive the fluid (e.g., a liquid) out of the container.

[0064] In step S64, this method includes using the outflowing fluid to drive a generator to generate electricity. Specifically, the pressure energy released in step S63 is transferred to the generator via the fluid to generate electricity.

[0065] The preferred embodiments described above have disclosed the present invention. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these specific embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that all modifications and substitutions equivalent to these specific embodiments should be included within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A concentrated solar power storage system, characterized by, Includes: One solar collector unit is used to collect solar thermal energy; A container, connected to the solar collector unit, is used to store water and convert the water into steam using the solar thermal energy; A controller, connected to the container, is used to determine the direction of steam flow; A weight is connected to the controller for generating force through the controller; A capsule for containing gas; A generator; One-fluid storage tank; A first fluid conduit for containing fluid, the first fluid conduit being connected to the capsule, the generator, the fluid storage tank, and the weight, wherein valves are provided at the inlet / outlet between the first fluid conduit and the capsule to control the water flow and maintain pressure; and A second fluid pipe connects the weight, the fluid storage tank, and the first fluid pipe; The force is used to push the fluid located in the first fluid tube to compress the gas; The generator is used to generate electricity by using compressed gas to drive the fluid located in the first fluid tube; The fluid storage tank is used to receive fluid acting on the generator; and The fluid in the first fluid tube is directed to drive the generator until the gas pressure in the capsule drops to a predetermined level when the fluid no longer acts on the generator.

2. The concentrated solar power storage system of claim 1, wherein, The solar collector unit uses one or more concave lenses to collect solar thermal energy.

3. The concentrated solar storage system of claim 1, wherein, The weight includes a piston and multiple piston holes, and the piston generates actuation force.

4. The concentrated solar storage system of claim 1, wherein, The weight mentioned is a piston.

5. The concentrated solar storage system of claim 1, wherein, It also includes another storage tank to collect water vapor and convert it into liquid.

6. The concentrated solar storage system of claim 1, wherein, The container, the controller, the weight, the capsule, the generator, the fluid storage tank, the first fluid pipe, and the second fluid pipe are located underground.

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