Gravity energy storage system and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a gravity energy storage system and method, and relates to the technical field of mechanical energy storage, the gravity energy storage system comprises a shell and a chain type circulation conveying mechanism, the shell is sequentially connected with a first spiral track and a second spiral track in the height direction, and the second spiral track is used for temporarily storing heavy balls; the chain type circulating conveying mechanism is arranged in the shell, a plurality of heavy ball conveying frames are distributed on the peripheral side of the chain type circulating conveying mechanism, and the chain type circulating conveying mechanism is connected with at least one reversible unit; the heavy ball conveying frame on one side of the chain type circulation conveying mechanism is used for conveying the heavy balls in the second spiral track to the first spiral track, and the heavy ball conveying frame on the other side of the chain type circulation conveying mechanism can bear the heavy balls from the first spiral track, so that the heavy ball conveying frames descend at a constant speed to drive the reversible unit to rotate for power generation. The gravity potential energy of the heavy ball and the chain type circulating transportation mechanism are utilized, the energy utilization rate and the power generation efficiency are improved, and the stability of the transportation process can be guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of mechanical energy storage, and particularly to a gravity energy storage system and method. Background Art

[0002] Gravity energy storage is an energy storage technology based on the conversion of gravitational potential energy. When the power supply is excessive, redundant electric energy is used to drive devices such as motors or water pumps to lift heavy objects to a higher position; when the power supply is insufficient, the heavy objects descend under the action of gravity, and the gravitational potential energy of the heavy objects is converted into electric energy through a mechanical device, and then the electric energy is transmitted to the power grid.

[0003] For example: Chinese Patent (Publication No. CN 222558676 U, Publication Date: March 4, 2025) discloses a mountain gravity energy storage system, including a water pumping system, a gravity transmission system, and an energy storage component; the water pumping system includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and a first reversible unit, and the first reservoir and the second reservoir are connected through a first auxiliary pool, a connecting pipeline, and a second auxiliary pool; the gravity transmission system includes a transportation track for carrying gravity blocks, a first storage bin, and a second storage bin; the gravity transmission system further includes a second reversible unit, and the second reversible unit drives the gravity blocks to move upward in the driving mode, and the second reversible unit generates electricity by using the potential energy of the descending gravity blocks in the power generation mode; although this solution generates electricity by driving the first reversible unit and the second reversible unit during peak electricity consumption periods, it relies on a reservoir and has high requirements for environmental conditions; moreover, the overall equipment occupies a large space and has a high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aiming at the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a gravity energy storage system and method, which utilize the gravitational potential energy of heavy balls and a chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism to improve energy utilization efficiency and power generation efficiency, and can ensure the stability of the transportation process.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a gravity energy storage system, including:

[0007] A housing, which is sequentially connected with a first spiral track and a second spiral track in the height direction, and the second spiral track is used for temporarily storing heavy balls;

[0008] A chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism is arranged inside the housing. A plurality of heavy ball transportation frames are distributed on the periphery of the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism, and the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism is connected to at least one group of reversible units; the heavy ball transportation frames on one side of the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism are used to transport the heavy balls in the second spiral track to the first spiral track, and the heavy ball transportation frames on the other side can receive the heavy balls from the first spiral track, so that the heavy ball transportation frames descend at a uniform speed to drive the reversible units to rotate and generate electricity.

[0009] As a further implementation, one end of the first spiral track and the second spiral track is the inlet, and the other end is the outlet, and the position of the inlet is higher than that of the outlet.

[0010] As a further implementation, the first spiral track and the second spiral track are separated into a plurality of compartments by a number of liftable baffles, and the compartments are used to place a plurality of heavy balls.

[0011] As a further implementation, the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism includes two sprockets arranged at intervals in the height direction, and at least two chains are connected between the two sprockets;

[0012] The reversible unit is connected to the sprocket.

[0013] As a further implementation, the heavy ball transport rack is connected to the at least two chains simultaneously.

[0014] As a further implementation, the heavy ball transport rack is connected to a link at a set position of the chain through a fixed seat.

[0015] As a further implementation, transport grooves are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the heavy ball transport rack, and the cross-sectional shape of the transport groove is arc-shaped.

[0016] As a further implementation, a pushing unit is arranged in the transport groove.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a working method of a gravity energy storage system, including:

[0018] Pre-add a number of heavy balls in the second spiral track;

[0019] During the off-peak period of the power grid, control the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism to rotate, so that the heavy balls in the second spiral track are transported to the first spiral track through the heavy ball transport rack on one side of the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism;

[0020] During the peak period of power consumption, control the heavy balls to sequentially fall into the heavy ball transport rack on the other side of the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism from the first spiral track, and the reversible unit is rotated by gravity to generate electricity.

[0021] As a further implementation, during the peak period of power consumption, when the heavy balls move to the inlet of the second spiral track, they enter the second spiral track.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] (1) The gravity energy storage system of the present invention mainly includes a housing, a chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism, a heavy ball transportation rack, a first spiral track, and a second spiral track. A certain number of heavy balls are pre-stored in the second spiral track and can be transported to the first spiral track through the heavy ball transportation rack during the off-peak period of electricity consumption. During the peak period of electricity consumption, the heavy balls fall from the first spiral track to the second spiral track and generate electricity based on the principle of gravity energy storage to achieve the purpose of gravity power generation. And when the heavy balls descend to the corresponding second spiral track, they enter the second spiral track again. The two spiral tracks cooperate with the heavy ball transportation rack to realize the recycling of heavy balls and meet the requirements of cyclic power generation.

[0024] (2) The chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism of the present invention is vertically arranged, and a plurality of heavy ball transportation racks are evenly distributed on its periphery, mainly occupying longitudinal space and having a small lateral occupied area. The chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism includes sprockets arranged at a certain distance up and down, and the sprockets are connected by at least two chains. Each heavy ball transportation rack is fixed to multiple chains at the same time, which can ensure the stability of the heavy ball movement process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present invention are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of the present invention according to one or more embodiments Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of the present invention according to one or more embodiments Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic installation view of the heavy ball transportation rack, the reversible unit and the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism of the present invention according to one or more embodiments;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic installation view of the reversible unit of the present invention according to one or more embodiments;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic installation view of the heavy ball transportation rack of the present invention according to one or more embodiments;

[0031] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional view of the heavy ball transportation rack of the present invention according to one or more embodiments;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic installation view of the push plate of the present invention according to one or more embodiments.

[0033] Among them, 1. housing, 2. first spiral track, 3. second spiral track, 4. chain-type circulating transportation mechanism, 5. heavy ball transportation rack, 6. reversible motor, 7. sprocket, 8. chain, 9. transportation trough, 10. fixed seat, 11. first entrance, 12. first exit, 13. second entrance, 14. second exit, 15. sprocket shaft, 16. support frame, 17. push plate. Detailed implementation mode

[0034] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are all illustrative and are intended to provide further explanations of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0035] For the convenience of narration, if the words "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" appear in the present invention, they only represent the same directions as the upper, lower, left, and right of the attached drawings themselves, and do not limit the structure. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, so it cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] Embodiment 1:

[0038] This embodiment provides a gravity energy storage system, as Figures 1-3 shown, including a housing 1, a chain-type circulating transportation mechanism 4, a heavy ball transportation rack 5, a first spiral track 2 and a second spiral track 3. Among them, the housing 1 is arranged vertically, the chain-type circulating transportation mechanism 4 is arranged vertically in the housing 1, and the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3 are installed outside the housing 1, so that the lateral occupied area of the whole device is reduced, and the requirements for environmental conditions are not high.

[0039] The housing 1 can be cylindrical, cuboid or other shapes. Considering the occupied space size and the installation difficulty, the housing 1 in this embodiment is selected to be a cuboid structure, and the longest side is arranged along the height direction. Since the chain-type circulating transportation mechanism 4 and the heavy ball transportation rack 5 are both arranged in the housing 1, in order to play a further protective role, a top cover can be installed on the top of the housing 1.

[0040] The housing 1 is connected to the first spiral track 2 near the top position and the second spiral track 3 near the bottom position, and the entrances and exits of the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3 are both communicated with the housing 1 to realize the transfer of heavy balls.

[0041] For the housing 1 with a cuboid structure, the inlets and outlets of the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3 are correspondingly arranged on two sides of the housing 1. For the convenience of description, the inlet of the first spiral track 2 is defined as the first inlet 11, and its outlet is defined as the first outlet 12; the inlet of the second spiral track 3 is defined as the second inlet 13, and its outlet is defined as the second outlet 14. Since both the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3 are spiral structures, the inlets and outlets correspond to different height positions of the housing 1, and the setting position of the inlet is higher than that of the outlet. In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the first inlet 11 and the second outlet 14 are located on the right side of the housing 1, and the first outlet 12 and the second inlet 13 are located on the left side of the housing 1.

[0042] The purpose of setting two spiral tracks and arranging them vertically in this embodiment is as follows: The second spiral track 3 located at the lower side pre-stores enough heavy balls, that is, serves as a temporary storage area; during the trough period of the electric wave, the heavy ball transport rack 5 on one side can be lifted under the action of electricity, and the heavy balls are transferred one by one into the first spiral track 2; during the peak period of electricity consumption, as long as the heavy balls in the first spiral track 2 are released, the heavy ball transport rack 5 on the other side can be lowered, and the reversible unit connected to the chain-type cyclic transport mechanism 4 can rotate to generate electricity; the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3 cooperate, and at the same time, in combination with the heavy ball transport racks 5 on both sides of the chain 8, the purpose of cyclic power generation is achieved.

[0043] An elevating baffle is arranged at a certain distance inside the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3. When the baffle drops, multiple compartments are formed inside the spiral track, and the heavy balls are arranged in the compartments. The discharge amount of the heavy balls is controlled by controlling the number of raised baffles. The lifting method of the baffle is realized by an existing structure. For example, the baffle can adopt a rolling shutter door method, or the baffle is connected to a lifting drive mechanism, etc., as long as it meets the requirements that the heavy balls can move when the baffle rises and can block the movement of the heavy balls after descending. The length of the spiral track, the number and weight of the heavy balls can be selected according to the actual power generation requirements.

[0044] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the chain-type cyclic transport mechanism 4 includes a sprocket 7 and a chain 8. Among them, two sprockets 7 are provided and arranged vertically. The sprockets 7 are installed on the support frame 16 through the sprocket shaft 15, and the sprockets 7 can rotate relative to the support frame 16; the support frame 16 is fixedly connected to the housing 1. The centers of the two sprockets 7 are located on the same vertical line, and at least two chains 8 are connected between the two sprockets 7, which can ensure the installation and movement stability of the heavy ball transport rack 5.

[0045] Taking two chains 8 as an example in this embodiment, the two chains 8 are arranged at intervals front and back. The rotation of the sprocket 7 can drive the movement of the chain 8; a plurality of heavy ball transport racks 5 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the chain 8, and the movement of the chain 8 drives the heavy ball transport rack 5 to move up or down.

[0046] To ensure that the heavy ball transport rack 5 can still move stably after carrying heavy balls, the heavy ball transport rack 5 is connected to two chains 8 at the same time. As Figure 5 shown, the heavy ball transport rack 5 is fixed to the corresponding link of the chain 8 through the fixing seat 10. The fixing seat 10 is provided with a clamping groove, and after the clamping groove is engaged with the link, it is fastened by bolts.

[0047] The heavy ball transport rack 5 can realize the transfer of heavy balls between the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3. As Figure 6 shown, the upper and lower sides of the heavy ball transport rack 5 are symmetrically provided with transport grooves 9. The cross-sectional shape of the transport groove 9 is arc-shaped to adapt to the shape of the heavy ball; one end of the heavy ball transport rack 5 connected to the chain 8 is a sealing end, and the other end is an open end; the sealing end can facilitate the connection with the chain 8 and also play a role in blocking the heavy ball.

[0048] In this embodiment, the installation position of the lower sprocket 7 is near the second inlet 13. This is because after the heavy ball transport rack 5 moves to the left of the lower sprocket 7, it gradually inclines downward. When the open end of the heavy ball transport rack 5 corresponds to the second inlet 13, the heavy ball can smoothly enter the second spiral track 3.

[0049] Since the second spiral track 3 temporarily stores heavy balls, during the low power consumption period, the heavy balls in the second spiral track 3 need to be transferred to the first spiral track 2 through the heavy ball transport rack 5. In order to enable the heavy balls to smoothly enter the first inlet 11 from the heavy ball transport rack 5, a pushing unit is provided for the heavy ball transport rack 5 on the right side of the chain 8. As Figure 7 shown, the pushing unit includes a push plate 17 and a power element connected to the push plate 17. The push plate 17 is arranged in the transport groove 9 and is installed at the sealing end of the heavy ball transport rack 5; the power element can adopt an electric push rod, a cylinder, etc. The power element drives the push plate 17 to move linearly to push the heavy ball into the first spiral track 2. In this embodiment, the inner side of the push plate 17 is an arc surface to increase the contact surface with the heavy ball.

[0050] It can be understood that in other embodiments, in order to facilitate the heavy balls to enter the second spiral track 3, a pushing unit can also be provided for the heavy ball transport rack 5 on the left side of the chain 8.

[0051] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the reversible unit is connected to the lower sprocket 7. The reversible unit includes a reversible motor 6, and the reversible motor 6 is supported by a motor seat; the reversible motor 6 can operate either as a motor or as a generator. When the heavy balls are transferred from the second spiral track 3 to the first spiral track 2, the reversible motor 6 is used as a motor; when the heavy balls fall from the first spiral track 2 to the heavy ball transport rack 5 and move downward, the reversible motor 6 is used as a generator.

[0052] Of course, in order to increase the power generation, the number of reversible units can be increased.

[0053] In this embodiment, two spiral tracks are used in cooperation to realize the transfer of heavy balls, so as to generate electricity based on the principle of gravity energy storage during peak electricity consumption periods; by utilizing the gravitational potential energy of the heavy balls and the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism 4, the efficient utilization of energy is realized, and the energy utilization rate and power generation efficiency are improved; moreover, the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism 4 can ensure the stability of the heavy ball transportation process. The entire device of this embodiment is arranged vertically, and as long as the height requirement is met, it is applicable to large mountain bodies. The housing 1 is installed on the mountain platform, and the first spiral track 2 and the second spiral track 3 are installed along the mountain body.

[0054] Embodiment 2:

[0055] This embodiment provides a working method for a gravity energy storage system. Based on the gravity energy storage system described in Embodiment 1, it includes the following steps:

[0056] Step (1): Control the baffle in the second spiral track 3 to rise, pre-fill a certain number of heavy balls in the second spiral track 3, and then control the baffle to descend so that several heavy balls are arranged in each compartment.

[0057] Step (2): During the off-peak electricity period, the reversible motor 6 rotates to control the operation of the chain-type cyclic transportation mechanism 4, so that the chain 8 rotates counterclockwise; at the same time, control the baffle in the second spiral track 3 to open, so that the heavy balls fall from the second outlet 14 onto different heavy ball transportation frames 5 in sequence (after the heavy ball transportation frame 5 receives the heavy ball, it rises with the chain 8, and the next heavy ball transportation frame 5 continues to receive the heavy ball); the heavy ball transportation frame 5 on the right side of the chain 8 rises to the position corresponding to the first inlet 11, and the pushing unit pushes the heavy ball into the first spiral track 2 from the first inlet 11. After the first spiral track 2 is filled with heavy balls that meet the requirements, the baffle in it drops.

[0058] Step (3): During the peak electricity consumption period, control the baffle in the first spiral track 2 to open, and the heavy balls fall from the first outlet 12 onto the left-side heavy ball transportation frames 5 in sequence. The heavy ball transportation frames 5 fall uniformly under the action of gravity, driving the chain 8 to rotate counterclockwise and driving the reversible motor 6 to generate electricity; when the heavy ball transportation frame 5 reaches the position corresponding to the second inlet 13, the heavy ball enters the second spiral track 3 for continued storage.

[0059] Step (4): The heavy balls that enter the second spiral track 3 again repeat the above steps, and the effect of cyclic power generation can be achieved.

[0060] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A gravity energy storage system, characterized in that: include: A housing, which is connected in sequence along a height direction to a first spiral track and a second spiral track, wherein the second spiral track is used for temporarily storing a heavy ball; A chain-type circulating transport mechanism is arranged in a shell, and a plurality of heavy ball transport racks are distributed around the chain-type circulating transport mechanism, and the chain-type circulating transport mechanism is connected to at least one group of reversible units; the heavy ball transport rack on one side of the chain-type circulating transport mechanism is used to transport the heavy balls in the second spiral track to the first spiral track, and the heavy ball transport rack on the other side can receive the heavy balls from the first spiral track, so that the heavy ball transport rack descends at a uniform speed to drive the reversible unit to rotate and generate electricity.

2. A gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the first spiral track and the second spiral track is an entrance, and the other end is an exit, and the entrance position is higher than the exit position.

3. A gravity energy storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first spiral track and the second spiral track are divided into a plurality of compartments by a plurality of liftable baffles, and the compartments are used to place a plurality of heavy balls.

4. A gravity energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chain-type circulating transport mechanism comprises two sprockets arranged at intervals in the height direction, and the two sprockets are connected by at least two chains; The reversible unit is connected with a sprocket.

5. A gravity energy storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heavy ball transport frame is connected to the at least two chains simultaneously.

6. A gravity energy storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heavy ball transport frame is connected with the chain links at the set positions of the chain through a fixed seat.

7. A gravity energy storage system according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The heavy ball transport frame has transport grooves symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides thereof, and the cross-section of the transport grooves is in an arc shape.

8. A gravity energy storage system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transport trough is provided with a pushing unit.

9. A working method of a gravity energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: include: Adding a number of heavy balls in advance in the second spiral track; The electric wave valley period is used to control the chain-type circular transport mechanism to rotate, so that the heavy ball in the second spiral track is transported to the first spiral track through the heavy ball transport rack on one side of the chain-type circular transport mechanism; During the peak period of electricity consumption, the heavy balls are controlled to fall from the first spiral track into the heavy ball transport rack on the other side of the chain-type circulating transport mechanism in sequence, and the reversible unit is rotated to generate electricity under the action of gravity.

10. A working method of a gravity energy storage system according to claim 9, characterized in that: During the peak period of electricity consumption, the heavy ball moves to the entrance of the second spiral track and enters the second spiral track.

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