Gravity compressed air energy storage device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of air energy storage, in particular to a gravity compressed air energy storage device and method. The lower end of the gravity assembly is connected with the sealing assembly, and the gravity assembly and the sealing assembly can move relatively; a closed cavity is formed between the lower end of the gravity assembly and the closed assembly; and fluid can be charged and discharged in the closed cavity. According to the gravity compressed air energy storage device, redundant electric energy is used for doing work in the electricity consumption valley period, air enters the closed assembly, the gravity assembly is lifted for doing work, redundant electric power is converted into gravitational potential energy to be stored, and in the electricity consumption peak period, the gravity assembly descends for doing work, so that power generation is achieved; and the electricity utilization pressure in the electricity utilization peak period is relieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air energy storage, and in particular to a gravity compressed air energy storage device and method. Background Art

[0002] Electricity supply has obvious cyclical characteristics, that is, there are peak and trough periods of electricity consumption. During peak periods of electricity consumption, electricity demand surges, and electricity supply often faces tremendous pressure; while during trough periods, due to the reduction in demand, electricity supply is in excess, resulting in some power generation resources not being fully utilized, or even wasted. Existing power dispatching systems often lack the ability to accurately predict and flexibly respond to electricity demand, making it difficult to achieve optimal allocation of power generation resources. During trough periods, the problem of oversupply of electricity is particularly prominent, which not only affects the economic operation of the power system, but also has potential negative impacts on the environment. To this end, the present invention provides a gravity compressed air energy storage device and method. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned problem of excess power supply during the current electricity consumption off-peak period, the present invention is proposed.

[0004] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a gravity compressed air energy storage device, the purpose of which is to store excess electricity during the low electricity consumption period.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A gravity compressed air energy storage device, comprising a sealing component; and

[0006] The lower end of the gravity component is connected to the closed component and can move relative to it; the lower end of the gravity component and the closed component together form a closed cavity; the interior of the closed cavity can be filled with fluid.

[0007] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention, wherein: the closing component includes a shaft and a sealing portion, and the gravity component can slide vertically relative to the shaft through the sliding cooperation between the shaft and the gravity component;

[0008] It is connected to the lower end of the gravity component through a sealing part, and together with the vertical shaft forms a closed chamber.

[0009] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention, the sealing part includes a piston ring connected to the bottom of the gravity component, and the piston ring is sealed with the inner wall of the shaft, and the piston ring can slide relative to the shaft.

[0010] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention, the sealing portion includes a sealing film connected to the bottom of the gravity component, and the other end of the sealing film is fixed to the inner wall of the shaft.

[0011] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device described in the present invention, the gravity assembly includes a gravity block group and a pressure-bearing cylinder arranged below the gravity block group, the pressure-bearing cylinder is slidably inserted in the vertical shaft, and the pressure-bearing cylinder is connected to the sealing part.

[0012] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention, wherein: the vertical shaft comprises an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, and a closed chamber M is formed between the outer cylinder, the sealing portion and the pressure-bearing cylinder;

[0013] The inner cylinder is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves;

[0014] A plurality of limiting wheels are arranged at the bottom of the pressure-bearing cylinder, and the plurality of limiting wheels are respectively inserted into the plurality of limiting grooves.

[0015] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention, wherein: the limiting wheel includes a mounting shaft rotatably connected to the pressure-bearing cylinder, a mounting ring arranged on the mounting shaft, a rubber pad arranged on the outside of the mounting ring, a plurality of cavities arranged in the rubber pad, a plurality of mounting grooves arranged on the mounting ring, and a rolling element arranged in the mounting groove;

[0016] The plurality of cavities are communicated with the plurality of mounting grooves.

[0017] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention, wherein: the rolling element includes springs arranged on both sides of the mounting groove, a slider arranged at the end of the spring, a mounting frame arranged on the slider, and a roller rotatably arranged at the end of the mounting frame;

[0018] The space between the two sliding blocks is communicated with the cavity.

[0019] As a preferred solution of the gravity compressed air energy storage device described in the present invention, wherein: protrusion one and protrusion two are provided on the inner wall of the end of the installation groove, wherein the spring is installed on the outer protrusion one, and the protrusion two is abutted against the slider.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this device are as follows: during the period of low electricity consumption, excess electric energy is used to do work, allowing air to enter the closed component, raising the gravity component to do work, so that excess electricity is converted into gravitational potential energy for storage; and during the period of peak electricity consumption, the gravity component is lowered to do work to generate electricity, thereby alleviating the pressure of electricity consumption during peak periods.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gravity compressed air energy storage method, the purpose of which is to store excess electricity during the low electricity consumption period.

[0022] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a gravity compressed air energy storage method, which comprises:

[0023] Constructing a closed cavity at a lower end of a first object capable of moving along a first path;

[0024] The first object is controlled to move on the first path by filling and discharging fluid into the closed cavity, and two ends of the first path are located at different levels.

[0025] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by using excess electricity to do work during the low electricity consumption period, air enters the closed cavity to lift the first object, increase its gravitational potential energy and preserve it; when the electricity consumption is at a peak, the gravitational potential energy is released by lowering the first object, and the gravitational potential energy is used to do work and generate electricity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without paying creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gravity component of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the shaft structure of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the limiting wheel structure of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the cavity structure of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the rolling element structure of the gravity compressed air energy storage device of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention, but the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The term "in one embodiment" that appears in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it refer to a separate or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0036] Secondly, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagram. When describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, for the sake of convenience, the cross-sectional diagrams showing the device structure will not be partially enlarged according to the general scale, and the schematic diagrams are only examples, which should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, in actual production, the three-dimensional dimensions of length, width and depth should be included.

[0037] Example 1, reference Figure 1 , which is the first embodiment of the present invention, provides a gravity compressed air energy storage device, the device comprising a sealing component 100; and,

[0038] The gravity component 200 has its lower end connected to the closed component 100 and can move relative to it; the lower end of the gravity component 200 and the closed component 100 together form a closed cavity M; the interior of the closed cavity M can be filled with fluid.

[0039] The sealing component 100 in this embodiment is a containing space arranged below the ground, and an inlet and an outlet are connected to the bottom of the space, and fluid can be injected into the containing space through the inlet.

[0040] The gravity component 200 is a device for providing pressure, specifically a weight block, which is preferably made of metal. The lower part thereof forms a closed chamber M together with the closed component 100. The interior of the closed chamber M can be filled and discharged with fluid, wherein the fluid is introduced into the closed component 100 from the inlet and finally gathered in the closed chamber M. As the fluid inside the closed chamber M increases, the gravity component 200 will be lifted up, causing the gravity component 200 to slide relative to the closed component 100, thereby increasing the gravitational potential energy of the gravity component 200.

[0041] This energy storage device is used in conjunction with an air compression unit, an air expansion unit and a generator; the air compression unit inlet is connected to an air intake device, the air compression unit outlet is connected to the inlet of the closed component 100 through an energy storage pipeline, the closed component 100 outlet is connected to the inlet of the air expansion unit through an energy release pipeline, and the air expansion unit outlet is connected to the generator; a heat exchange unit is provided between the energy storage pipeline and the energy release pipeline. The air compression unit can be provided with several levels of air compressors according to actual needs; the air expansion unit can be provided with several levels of expanders according to actual needs.

[0042] The energy release pipeline is provided with a flow detection device, a pressure detection device and a regulating valve, which are respectively connected to the control unit of the gravity compressed air energy storage system to monitor and control the key parameters of the system in real time.

[0043] The energy release pipeline is provided with a flow detection device, a pressure detection device and a regulating valve, which are respectively connected to the control unit of the gravity compressed air energy storage system to monitor and control the key parameters of the system in real time.

[0044] When the gravity compressed air energy storage device in this embodiment is working:

[0045] During the off-peak period of power grid, the gravity compressed air energy storage device stores energy, closes the energy release pipeline, opens the energy storage pipeline, and the air enters the air compression unit through the air intake device and becomes compressed air after being compressed. The heat generated is stored in the heat exchange unit, and the compressed air enters the closed chamber M through the energy storage pipeline. The volume of the closed chamber M increases, and the gravity component 200 is lifted by the compressed air at a constant pressure until the gravity component 200 moves upward to the upper limit and stops. At this time, compressed air is stored in the closed chamber M, and the electrical energy is converted into compressed air energy and the gravitational potential energy of the gravity component 200.

[0046] During the peak period of power consumption in the power grid, the compressed air energy storage system releases energy, opens the energy release pipeline, closes the energy storage pipeline, and the gravity assembly 200 descends, the volume of the closed chamber M decreases, and the compressed air in the closed chamber M is heated by the heat exchange unit, and then enters the air expansion unit through the energy release pipeline to perform work at a constant pressure and drive the generator to generate electricity, converting the compressed air energy and the gravitational potential energy of the gravity assembly 200 into electrical energy. When the compressed air in the closed chamber M is passed into the air expansion unit, the gravity assembly 200 moves downward.

[0047] Example 2, reference Figure 2 , which is the second embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that: the closing assembly 100 includes a shaft 101 and a sealing portion 102, and the shaft 101 is slidably matched with the gravity assembly 200, so that the gravity assembly 200 can slide vertically relative to the shaft 101;

[0048] It is connected to the lower end of the gravity assembly 200 via the sealing portion 102 and forms a closed chamber M together with the shaft 101 .

[0049] Among them, the sealing part 102 includes a piston ring connected to the bottom of the gravity component 200, and is sealed by the piston ring and the inner wall of the shaft 101, and the piston ring can slide relative to the shaft 101, wherein the inner wall of the shaft 101 is set to be smooth, and is sealed by contact with the piston ring, and a closed cavity M is formed between the piston ring, the shaft 101 and the bottom of the gravity component 200. When air enters the inlet in the shaft 101, the piston ring and the gravity component 200 will be lifted up, and the gravitational potential energy of the gravity component 200 will be increased, thereby achieving the function of converting electrical energy into compressed air energy and the gravitational potential energy of the gravity component 200 for storage during the low power consumption period of the power grid, and releasing it during the peak power consumption period of the power grid.

[0050] Alternatively, the sealing portion 102 includes a sealing film connected to the bottom of the gravity component 200, and the other end of the sealing film is fixed to the inner wall of the shaft 101. The two ends of the sealing film are fixed respectively, and a closed cavity M is formed between the sealing film, the shaft 101 and the bottom of the gravity component 200. At this time, the interior of the shaft 101 does not need to be smooth. The inlet in the shaft 101 will lift the gravity component 200 when air enters, thereby increasing the gravitational potential energy of the gravity component 200. At the same time, the gravity component 200 will pull the sealing film when it is lifted. The sealing film does not need to slide relative to the shaft 101, and can also achieve the function of converting electrical energy into compressed air energy and the gravitational potential energy of the gravity component 200 for storage during the low power consumption period of the power grid, and releasing it during the peak power consumption period of the power grid.

[0051] The remaining structures are the same as those of Example 1.

[0052] Example 3, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , which is the third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that: the gravity assembly 200 includes a gravity block group 201, and a pressure cylinder 202 arranged below the gravity block group 201, the pressure cylinder 202 is slidably inserted in the shaft 101, and the pressure cylinder 202 is connected to the sealing part 102.

[0053] The gravity block group 201 is located above the shaft 101, and a tower can be set above the shaft 101 to protect the gravity block group 201. The gravity block group 201 can use a plurality of gravity pressure blocks stacked in a vertical direction. By arranging the gravity block group 201 into a plurality of stacked gravity pressure blocks, the weight of each gravity pressure block is reduced, thereby reducing the difficulty of hoisting while meeting the requirement of large energy storage.

[0054] Furthermore, magnetic members are arranged on adjacent gravity pressing blocks to achieve mutual attraction between adjacent gravity pressing blocks and control the vertical movement of the gravity pressing blocks relative to each other.

[0055] At the same time, the vertical shaft 101 includes an outer tube 101a and an inner tube 101b, and a closed cavity M is formed between the outer tube 101a, the sealing part 102 and the pressure-bearing tube 202; a plurality of limiting grooves 101c are arranged on the inner tube 101b; a plurality of limiting wheels 203 are arranged at the bottom of the pressure-bearing tube 202, and the plurality of limiting wheels 203 are respectively inserted into the plurality of limiting grooves 101c.

[0056] The limiting groove 101c cooperates with the limiting wheel 203 to constrain the movement direction of the gravity block group 201, thereby preventing the pressure cylinder 202 and the gravity block group 201 from tilting during the rising process, which poses a safety hazard. At the same time, the gravity block group 201 moves vertically upward or downward along the limiting groove 101c at a certain rate, and lubricants such as butter and graphite are regularly added to the contact position between the limiting groove 101c and the limiting wheel 203 to reduce friction and improve the conversion rate of gravitational potential energy.

[0057] The remaining structure is the same as that of Example 2.

[0058] Example 4, reference Figure 4-Figure 6 , which is the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that: the limiting wheel 203 includes a mounting shaft 203a rotatably connected to the pressure-bearing cylinder 202, a mounting ring 203b arranged on the mounting shaft 203a, a rubber pad 203c arranged outside the mounting ring 203b, a plurality of cavities 203d arranged in the rubber pad 203c, a plurality of mounting grooves 203e arranged on the mounting ring 203b, and a rolling element 203f arranged in the mounting groove 203e;

[0059] The plurality of cavities 203d are in communication with the plurality of mounting grooves 203e.

[0060] The rolling element 203f includes a spring 203f-1 arranged on both sides of the mounting groove 203e, a slider 203f-2 arranged at the end of the spring 203f-1, a mounting frame 203f-3 arranged on the slider 203f-2, and a roller 203f-4 rotatably arranged at the end of the mounting frame 203f-3; the space between the two sliders 203f-2 is connected to the cavity 203d.

[0061] The rubber pad 203c contacts the limiting groove 101c and tilts when the pressure tube 202 is tilted, which will cause the limiting wheel 203 to be squeezed with the bottom surface of the limiting groove 101c, and at the same time, there will be a component force that makes the limiting wheel 203 contact the side wall of the limiting groove 101c.

[0062] At this time, when the rubber pad 203c is squeezed, the gas in the cavity 203d enters the installation groove 203e, and then the two sliders 203f-2 extend out of the installation groove 203e, thereby driving the mounting frames 203f-3 and rollers 203f-4 at both ends to extend and abut against the side walls of the limiting groove 101c.

[0063] The rollers 203f-4 at both ends can play a limiting role. At the same time, during the movement of the pressure cylinder 202, the force received by the roller 203f-4 is decomposed into vertical and parallel forces. The parallel force is offset on the roller 203f-4, and the vertical force can drive the roller 203f-4 to rotate, thereby eliminating the friction of the limiting wheel 203 in the limiting groove 101c and avoiding friction between the limiting wheel 203 and the side wall of the limiting groove 101c.

[0064] The remaining cavities 203d that have not been squeezed are in a full state under the squeezing of the two sliders 203f-2. At the same time, the two sliders 203f-2 retract into the mounting groove 203e, thereby driving the mounting frames 203f-3 and rollers 203f-4 at both ends to retract. When they enter the limiting groove 101c, they will not contact the side walls of the limiting groove 101c, avoiding shear force that damages the roller 203f-4, ensuring that the roller 203f-4 can smoothly enter the limiting groove 101c, and extend out to contact the limiting groove 101c when the cavity 203d is squeezed, thereby realizing the function of preventing friction. In addition, the simultaneous extension of the two rollers 203f-4 can also calibrate the position of the limiting wheel 203, so that it is located in the middle of the limiting groove 101c, thereby playing a role in fixing the pressure cylinder 202.

[0065] Furthermore, a protrusion 203e-1 and a protrusion 203e-2 are provided on the inner wall of the end of the mounting groove 203e, wherein the spring 203f-1 is installed at the outer protrusion 203e-1, and the protrusion 203e-2 is abutted against the slider 203f-2.

[0066] When the slider 203f-2 is extended, it will abut against the protrusion 203e-2. The gap between the protrusion 203e-2 and the protrusion 1 203e-1 can protect the spring 203f-1 and prevent the spring 203f-1 from being squeezed to the end of the stroke by the slider 203f-2 and causing damage.

[0067] The remaining structure is the same as that of Example 3.

[0068] Embodiment 5 is the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which provides a gravity compressed air energy storage method, which includes.

[0069] Constructing a closed cavity M at the lower end of a first object capable of moving along a first path;

[0070] The first object is controlled to move on the first path by filling and discharging fluid into the closed chamber M, and two ends of the first path are located at different levels.

[0071] The closed cavity M can be filled with fluid. After the fluid enters the closed cavity M, it will drive the first object to change in height, thereby increasing the gravitational potential energy of the first object and achieving an energy storage effect, wherein the first object can provide more weight, thereby increasing the stored energy.

[0072] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, which should all be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gravity compressed air energy storage device, characterized in that: include, a closure assembly (100); and, The gravity component (200) has a lower end connected to the sealing component (100) and capable of relative movement; the lower end of the gravity component (200) and the sealing component (100) together form a closed cavity (M); the interior of the closed cavity (M) can be filled with fluid.

2. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closure assembly (100) comprises a vertical shaft (101) and a sealing portion (102), and the vertical shaft (101) is slidably matched with the gravity assembly (200), so that the gravity assembly (200) can slide vertically relative to the vertical shaft (101); The sealing part (102) is connected to the lower end of the gravity component (200), and together with the vertical shaft (101), a closed chamber (M) is formed.

3. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sealing portion (102) comprises a piston ring connected to the bottom of the gravity assembly (200), and is sealed by the piston ring in contact with the inner wall of the vertical shaft (101), and the piston ring can slide relative to the vertical shaft (101).

4. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sealing portion (102) comprises a sealing membrane connected to the bottom of the gravity component (200), and the other end of the sealing membrane is fixed to the inner wall of the shaft (101).

5. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The gravity assembly (200) comprises a gravity block group (201) and a pressure-bearing cylinder (202) arranged below the gravity block group (201); the pressure-bearing cylinder (202) is slidably inserted in the vertical shaft (101), and the pressure-bearing cylinder (202) is connected to the sealing portion (102).

6. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The vertical shaft (101) comprises an outer cylinder (101a) and an inner cylinder (101b), wherein a closed chamber M is formed between the outer cylinder (101a), the sealing portion (102) and the pressure-bearing cylinder (202); The inner cylinder (101b) is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves (101c); A plurality of limiting wheels (203) are provided at the bottom of the pressure-bearing cylinder (202), and the plurality of limiting wheels (203) are respectively inserted into the plurality of limiting grooves (101c).

7. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting wheel (203) comprises a mounting shaft (203a) rotatably connected to the pressure-bearing cylinder (202), a mounting ring (203b) arranged on the mounting shaft (203a), a rubber pad (203c) arranged on the outside of the mounting ring (203b), a plurality of cavities (203d) arranged in the rubber pad (203c), a plurality of mounting grooves (203e) arranged on the mounting ring (203b), and a rolling element (203f) arranged in the (mounting groove 203e); The plurality of cavities (203d) are in communication with the plurality of mounting grooves (203e).

8. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rolling element (203f) comprises a spring (203f-1) arranged on both sides of the installation groove (203e), a slider (203f-2) arranged at the end of the spring (203f-1), a mounting frame (203f-3) arranged on the slider (203f-2), and a roller (203f-4) rotatably arranged at the end of the mounting frame (203f-3); The space between the two sliding blocks (203f-2) is communicated with the cavity (203d).

9. The gravity compressed air energy storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inner wall of the end of the installation groove (203e) is provided with a protrusion 1 (203e-1) and a protrusion 2 (203e-2), wherein the spring (203f-1) is installed at the protrusion 1 (203e-1) on the outside, and the protrusion 2 (203e-2) is abutted against the slider (203f-2).

10. A gravity compressed air energy storage method, characterized in that: Constructing a closed cavity (M) at a lower end of a first object capable of moving along a first path; The first object is controlled to move on the first path by filling and discharging fluid into the closed chamber (M), and two ends of the first path are located at different levels.

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