Hydraulic gravity energy storage and delivery system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic gravitational energy storage and delivery system comprising a hydraulic transducer (1) connected by a mechanical shaft to a hydraulic pump (2) connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir (13) and to a conduit (5) via a shut-off valve (3) and a check valve (4). The line (5) is connected on one side via an isolation valve (16) to a hydraulic cylinder (6) which is connected to an accumulator element (7). The conduit (5) is connected to a pressure compensation unit (8) and via a shut-off valve (9) and a regulating valve (10) to a hydraulic motor (11) which is connected via a mechanical shaft to a generator (12). The pipeline (5) is connected on the third side to the hydraulic fluid reservoir (13) via a pressure reducing valve (15). The hydraulic motor (11) is connected to the hydraulic fluid reservoir (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic gravity system for storing and distributing energy, which is applicable to the field of energy, in particular to converting electrical energy or mechanical energy from a certain source into gravitational potential energy, which is stored by a hydraulic gravity battery and supplied to a power system. Background Art

[0002] As renewable energy sources continue to grow their share of the energy landscape, energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important. These systems collect excess energy and release it during peak grid loads. Among the established technologies for storing energy from photovoltaic (PV) and other renewable energy systems are batteries and pumped hydroelectric power plants.

[0003] Pumped-storage hydroelectric plants (PSHPPs) were one of the first energy storage technologies to be put into use in the early 20th century. In addition to generating electricity from the energy of water, these plants also pump water from lower-lying reservoirs. When excess energy is available, the plant's generating capacity pushes water to higher-lying reservoirs, while the energy remains stored in a "standby" mode for when it's in higher demand.

[0004] Chemical energy storage devices include various types of rechargeable batteries and electrochemical capacitors. Lithium-ion batteries offer many advantages over other energy storage technologies. In particular, unlike other types of rechargeable batteries, they require no maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries are used in mobile phones and electric vehicles due to their high power density.

[0005] Compressed air stations are an alternative method for storing excess electrical energy. The energy used to compress the air is then recovered by a turbine driven by the air as it is discharged. Typically, compressed air is stored underground. The location of the required underground tanks is the main reason this technology is not widely used. Electrical energy storage systems are based on electrostatic and electromagnetic field phenomena and use two types of devices: capacitors and coils. Thermal storage systems, flywheels, graphene-based nanomaterials, and superconducting magnet systems are also used.

[0006] Like PSHPP, gravity energy storage is based on a simple principle: during the system's charging phase, energy is used to transport a solid mass from a lower level to a higher level. Then, when power is needed, its weight is used to lower the mass, activating a generator. The larger the mass being transported, the more energy is released as it descends. The weight of the mass acts as an "accumulator" of potential energy. In theory, a gravity battery could be made from materials with significant weight, such as solid objects or solid masses of sand or gravel, as well as water. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic gravity energy storage and transmission system, which converts electrical energy or mechanical energy from a certain source into gravitational potential energy, which is stored by a hydraulic gravity battery, and the stored energy is converted into standard electrical energy and transmitted to the power system.

[0008] This problem is addressed by creating a hydraulic gravity energy storage and delivery system, which includes an energy converter connected to a hydraulic pump via a mechanical shaft. The hydraulic pump is connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir and to a pipeline via a shutoff valve and a check valve. On one side, the pipeline is connected to a hydraulic cylinder via an isolation valve, which is then connected to an accumulator element. On the other side, the pipeline is connected to a pressure compensation unit and, via a shutoff valve and a control valve, to a hydraulic motor, which is then connected to a generator via a mechanical shaft. On a third side, the pipeline is connected to the hydraulic fluid reservoir via a pressure reducing valve. The hydraulic motor is connected to the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic fluid reservoir is connected to the hydraulic cylinder via a service line and a service drain valve. The pipeline is equipped with a hydraulic fluid pressure sensor. The pressure compensation module is equipped with a hydraulic fluid level sensor. The hydraulic fluid reservoir is equipped with a second hydraulic fluid level sensor. The hydraulic cylinder is equipped with a hydraulic fluid leakage sensor. The accumulator element is equipped with a height sensor and a stop device. The system also includes a control information module, which is connected to all sensors, valves, the hydraulic converter, the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic motor, the generator, and the locking device.

[0009] The energy converter is a DC motor or an AC motor, or a mechanical energy converter.

[0010] The advantages of the hydraulic gravity system created are the efficient conversion of any electrical or mechanical energy into gravitational potential energy and the high energy storage capacity within a relatively small area. The system also has the advantage that it is completely environmentally friendly, its location is not restricted, and the battery charge and discharge cycles and discharge levels are not restricted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the principle of a hydraulic gravity system for storing and delivering energy according to the present invention; and

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the maintenance piping and valves of the system, where module M1 is in a discharged state and module M2 is fully charged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 and Figure 2The established hydraulic gravity energy storage and delivery system shown includes an energy converter 1 connected via a mechanical shaft to a hydraulic pump 2, which is connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir 13 and to a pipe 5 via a shutoff valve 3 and a check valve 4. The energy converter 1 is a DC or AC motor, or a mechanical energy converter. The pipe 5 is connected on one side to hydraulic cylinders 6 via an isolation valve 16, which in turn is connected to an accumulator element 7. During planned or emergency maintenance, valves 16 individually isolate each hydraulic cylinder 6 from the pipe 5. The accumulator element 7 is made of a material with the highest possible density and is surrounded by a building structure 21 that allows it to move freely up and down. The pipe 5 is equipped with a hydraulic fluid pressure sensor 17. The hydraulic cylinder 6 is equipped with a hydraulic fluid leakage sensor 25. The accumulator element 7 is equipped with a height sensor 19 and a locking device 22. The entire hydraulic lifting system, consisting of the pipe 5, hydraulic cylinder 6, accumulator element 7, and building structure 21, constitutes a gravity battery.

[0015] On the other hand, pipeline 5 is connected to a pressure compensation module 8 and, via a shutoff valve 9 and a control valve 10, to a hydraulic motor 11. This hydraulic motor is connected to a generator 12 via a mechanical shaft. Hydraulic motor 11 is connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir 13. Pressure compensation module 8 is a vertical cylindrical container containing a gas volume equipped with a safety valve. When the pressure in the pipeline exceeds the operating pressure, the safety valve activates, protecting the system from hydraulic shock and overpressure. Pressure compensation module 8 is equipped with a hydraulic fluid level sensor 18.

[0016] On a third side, the pipeline 5 is connected via a pressure-reducing valve 15 to a hydraulic fluid reservoir 13, which is equipped with a second hydraulic fluid level sensor 14. The hydraulic fluid reservoir 13 is connected to the hydraulic cylinders 6 via a service line 24 and a service drain valve 23. The service drain valve 23 is used to drain each hydraulic cylinder 6 individually without affecting the operation of the entire system. The service line 24 is used to drain the hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic cylinder 6 removed for maintenance into the hydraulic fluid reservoir 13. The hydraulic fluid reservoir 13 has a capacity sufficient to hold the hydraulic fluid required for system operation. During system operation, the system supplies hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump 2 and collects hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic motor 11. During system maintenance, all hydraulic fluid in the system is collected and stored.

[0017] The system also includes a control information module 20, which is connected to sensors 14, 17, 18, 19, and 25, valves 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, and 16, the hydraulic converter 1, the hydraulic pump 2, the hydraulic motor 11, the generator 12, and a locking device 22. The control information module 20 controls modes for accumulating energy from the system, storing energy for extended periods within the system, exporting energy from the system to the grid, and a combination of both. The control information module 20 controls and operates the hydraulic converter 1, the hydraulic pump 2, the valves 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, and 16, and the locking device 22 to maintain operating pressure in the hydraulic system and control the charge and discharge rates of the gravity battery. Furthermore, the control information module ensures stable operation of the hydraulic motor 11 and generator 12, controls the smooth opening and closing of the control valve 10, synchronizes the generator 12 with the power system or local system, regulates power, and disconnects the generator 1 from the system.

[0018] The designed hydraulic gravity system for energy storage and release works as follows.

[0019] Energy input from an energy source (whether electrical or mechanical) is converted into mechanical energy in the form of torque by an electric motor 1 or a mechanical converter 1, and then transmitted to a hydraulic pump 2 via a mechanical shaft. Hydraulic pump 2 is supplied with hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 13 and converts the torque into hydraulic energy, which is then delivered to hydraulic cylinder 6 via pipe 5. Hydraulic pump 2 increases the pressure in the hydraulic system. When the pressure in pipe 5 exceeds the compressive force of accumulator element 7, the piston of hydraulic cylinder 6 lifts accumulator element 7 until it reaches its final stroke. Thus, when a one-ton load is lifted one meter, approximately 10 kW of energy is stored. When the piston of hydraulic cylinder 6 reaches its final upper position, the height sensor 19 of accumulator element 7 transmits information to a control information module 20, which in turn signals energy converter 1 to stop receiving energy from the energy source. Energy converter 1 and hydraulic pump 2 cease operation, and check valve 4 closes under the influence of the pressure in pipe 5, preventing hydraulic fluid from leaking back into hydraulic pump 2. The control module 20 closes the shutoff valve 3 to reliably isolate the hydraulic pump 2 and prevent backflow. When long-term storage of stored energy is required, the control information module 20 commands the locking device 22 to prevent movement of the accumulator element 7. The locking device 22 is configured to prevent or release movement of the energy storage element 7, respectively. When the accumulator element 7 is locked, the control information module 20 commands the pressure relief valve 15 to open, reducing the pressure in the pipeline 5 to a level that minimizes hydraulic fluid leakage from the hydraulic cylinder 6, and then commands the valve 15 to close.

[0020] When switching to stored energy output mode, the control information module 20 issues an on command to the energy converter 1 and hydraulic pump 2, opens the shutoff valve 3, and pressurizes the pipeline 5 until the compressive force of the accumulator element 7 equals the compressive force of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder 6. After the forces are balanced, the control information module 20 commands the stop device 22 to release the accumulator element 7, and commands the energy converter 1 and hydraulic pump 2 to shut down, closing the shutoff valve 3. In the mode for releasing stored energy to the power system, the control information module 20 generates a signal to open the shutoff valve 9 and smoothly open the control valve 10. The compressive force of the accumulator element 7 begins to retract the piston in the hydraulic cylinder 6, pushing the hydraulic fluid along the pipeline 5 through the open shutoff valve 9 to the control valve 10. The regulating valve 10 directs a portion of the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 11, thereby controlling its inlet pressure, its speed, and the power of the generator 12. The hydraulic motor 11 converts the hydraulic energy into mechanical energy in the form of torque and transmits it to the generator 12 via a mechanical shaft. The generator 12 converts the torque into standard electrical energy and supplies it to the power system. Hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic motor 11 flows into the reservoir 13 .

[0021] When the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 6 approaches the final lower position, for example 5% of the battery capacity, the stored energy is released, and the control information module 20 generates a signal to smoothly close the control valve 10, and then sends a signal to close the stop valve 9.

[0022] In the event of a hydraulic fluid leakage, for example due to a failure of the hydraulic cylinder 6 , the control information module 20 receives a signal from the sensor 25 of the corresponding hydraulic cylinder 6 and commands the corresponding locking device 22 to block the movement of the corresponding accumulator element 7 and commands the isolation valve 16 to close to isolate the damaged part.

[0023] The designed hydraulic gravity energy storage and energy delivery system can also operate in hybrid mode, meaning it can simultaneously charge from a power source and deliver energy to the power system. This system can be deployed anywhere there is a need to balance energy within the power system. Furthermore, a key advantage of this system is that the power source does not need to supply standardized energy with respect to frequency and voltage; the system output will always supply standardized energy to the power system.

Claims

1. A hydraulic gravity energy storage and delivery system, characterized in that: The invention comprises an energy converter (1) which is connected to a hydraulic pump (2) via a mechanical shaft, the hydraulic pump being connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir (13) and being connected to a pipe (5) via a shut-off valve (3) and a non-return valve (4), the pipe (5) being connected on one side via an isolation valve (16) to a hydraulic cylinder (6), the hydraulic cylinder being connected to an accumulator element (7); on the other hand, the pipe (5) is connected to a pressure compensation module (8) and is connected to a hydraulic motor (11) via a shut-off valve (9) and a regulating valve (10), the hydraulic motor being connected to a generator (12) via a mechanical shaft, the pipe (5) being connected on a third side via a pressure reducing valve (15) to the hydraulic fluid reservoir (13), whereby the hydraulic motor (11) is connected to the hydraulic fluid reservoir (13), the hydraulic fluid reservoir being connected to the accumulator element (7) via a maintenance line (24) and a maintenance line (25). A repair and discharge valve (23) is connected to the hydraulic cylinder (6), the pipeline (5) is provided with a hydraulic fluid pressure sensor (17), the pressure compensation module (8) is provided with a hydraulic fluid level sensor (18), the hydraulic fluid reservoir (13) is provided with a second hydraulic fluid level sensor (14), the hydraulic cylinder (6) is provided with a hydraulic fluid leakage sensor (25), and the accumulator element (7) is provided with a height sensor (19) and a stop device (22), wherein the system further includes a control information module (20) connected to the sensors (14, 17, 18, 19 and 25), the valves (3, 4, 9, 10, 15 and 16), the hydraulic transducer (1), the hydraulic pump (2), the hydraulic motor (11), the generator (12) and the locking device (22).

2. The hydraulic gravity energy storage and delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy converter (2) is a direct current (DC) motor or an alternating current (AC) motor, or a mechanical energy converter.

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