Gravity energy storage power generation device and method

By combining support frames, mounting components, and sprocket and chain mechanisms, the high maintenance costs and complexity of existing gravity energy storage devices are solved, achieving efficient and flexible conversion of electrical and mechanical energy and reducing system complexity.

CN120979008APending Publication Date: 2025-11-18SHANDONG UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511427005.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-30
Publication Date
2025-11-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing gravity energy storage power generation devices suffer from problems such as limited fatigue life of wire ropes, high maintenance costs, heavy dependence on terrain, high underground excavation costs, and high system complexity.

Method used

By combining a support frame, a hanging assembly, a sprocket and chain mechanism, and a linear motion mechanism, the system enables stable hanging, lifting, and lowering of heavy objects. It also achieves bidirectional conversion between electrical and mechanical energy through an integrated generator, avoiding complex hydraulic/pneumatic systems.

Benefits of technology

It reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty, improves energy efficiency, enables flexible switching of working modes, and improves operational efficiency and stability.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a gravity energy storage power generation device and method, and relates to the technical field of gravity energy storage, the gravity energy storage power generation device comprises a support frame, a weight and two groups of energy storage power generation mechanisms, and a plurality of hooking stations are uniformly arranged along the length direction of the support frame; the top of the heavy object is connected with the hanging assembly, and the heavy object can be arranged on the hanging station through the hanging assembly. The energy storage power generation mechanism comprises a power generation all-in-one machine, a chain wheel and chain mechanism and a linear motion mechanism, the chain wheel and chain mechanism is arranged in the vertical direction, the power generation all-in-one machine is connected to the bottom end of the chain wheel and chain mechanism, and the linear motion mechanism is used for driving the power generation all-in-one machine and the chain wheel and chain mechanism to move in the horizontal direction; and heavy objects are borne one by one in the chain rotating process. No complex hydraulic / pneumatic system is adopted, the structure is relatively simple, and the cost and maintenance difficulty can be reduced; the working modes can be flexibly switched according to actual requirements, and the energy utilization efficiency is improved.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of gravity energy storage, in particular to a gravity energy storage power generation device and method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The principle of gravity energy storage is to convert electrical energy into gravitational potential energy by lifting heavy objects (such as concrete blocks, metal blocks, etc.), and to generate electricity by driving a generator when the heavy objects fall. The existing gravity energy storage power generation devices mainly have the following forms: (1) Tower-winch form, a winch set is installed at the top of a hundred-meter-high tower, and a steel wire rope is used to pull the concrete blocks up and down to store and release energy. This scheme has large energy storage capacity, but the steel wire rope-pulley system has high friction loss, the service life of the steel wire rope is limited, and it needs to be replaced regularly, which has high maintenance cost.

[0003] (2) Mountain slope-rail form, which uses natural mountain slope to lay tracks, and electric locomotives to pull heavy objects uphill to store energy, and to generate electricity by regenerative braking when going downhill. This scheme is heavily dependent on the terrain, and is easily affected by mountain environment, weather, etc.

[0004] (3) Shaft-winch form, which uses a winch to lift heavy objects in a deep shaft to store energy, and to drive a generator to generate electricity when the heavy objects are released. This scheme can utilize underground space, but the cost of shaft excavation is high, and underground water leakage is difficult to handle; the impact of heavy objects when released is large, and additional buffer devices are needed, which increases the complexity of the system. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide a gravity energy storage power generation device and method, which has no complex hydraulic / pneumatic system, relatively simple structure, and can reduce cost and maintenance difficulty; can flexibly switch working modes according to actual needs, and improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application is realized by the following technical scheme: In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a gravity energy storage power generation device, comprising: a support frame, a plurality of hanging stations are uniformly arranged along the length direction of the support frame; a heavy object, the top of which is connected to a hanging assembly, and the heavy object can be arranged in the hanging station through the hanging assembly; two groups of energy storage power generation mechanisms, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support frame, the energy storage power generation mechanism comprises a power generation all-in-one machine, a chain wheel and chain mechanism, and a linear motion mechanism, the chain wheel and chain mechanism is arranged vertically, the power generation all-in-one machine is connected to the bottom end of the chain wheel and chain mechanism, and the linear motion mechanism is used to drive the power generation all-in-one machine and the chain wheel and chain mechanism to move in the horizontal direction, so as to sequentially receive the heavy objects in the chain rotation process.

[0007] As a further implementation, the mounting station is provided with at least two mounting pieces along the width direction of the support frame.

[0008] As a further implementation, the apex of the sprocket and chain mechanism is higher than the attachment position of the weight, so that the attachment mechanism can detach from the attachment piece during the horizontal movement of the sprocket and chain mechanism with the generator.

[0009] As a further implementation, the mounting component includes a support part, a connecting part, and a snap-fit ​​part. One end of the connecting part is connected to the weight, and the other end is connected to the support part. The support part is used to cooperate with the mounting component. At least one end of the support is fitted with a snap-fit ​​part.

[0010] As a further implementation, the latching part has a hook-shaped structure, and the opening of the latching part faces downward.

[0011] As a further implementation, the connecting part is connected to the middle position of the support part.

[0012] As a further implementation, the support portion is provided with at least one limiting platform.

[0013] As a further implementation, the linear motion mechanism includes a slide rail and a rack arranged parallel to each other, the generator is slidably connected to the upper side of the slide rail, and the rack meshes with a gear installed on the output shaft of the generator.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a gravity energy storage power generation method, employing the aforementioned gravity energy storage power generation device, comprising: Energy storage stage: Two sets of linear motion mechanisms drive the corresponding generator and sprocket chain mechanism to move horizontally synchronously, and rotate the chain during the horizontal movement to hang the heavy objects one by one at the corresponding hanging position; the generator is in electric motor mode; Power generation stage: Two sets of linear motion mechanisms drive the corresponding integrated generator and sprocket chain mechanism to move horizontally in opposite directions in a synchronous manner, and the chain rotates in the opposite direction during the horizontal movement. The weights are hung on the chain one by one and placed on the horizontal surface; the integrated generator rotates in the opposite direction to generate electricity and outputs electrical energy.

[0015] As a further implementation, the power generation phase is triggered based on grid demand conditions.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) The gravity energy storage power generation device of the present invention includes a support frame, a weight and two sets of energy storage power generation mechanisms. The support frame is provided with multiple hanging positions. The energy storage power generation mechanism includes an integrated generator, a sprocket and chain mechanism and a linear motion mechanism. The two sets of energy storage power generation mechanisms work together to stably place the weight on the hanging position of the support frame through the hanging components, or lower the weight to the horizontal plane to realize the energy storage or power generation process. Moreover, there is no complicated hydraulic / pneumatic system, which can reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty.

[0017] (2) The linear motion mechanism of the present invention includes a rack and a slide rail. The base of the generator is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the chain meshes with the rack. When the chain rotates, the generator moves along the slide rail through the meshing action, realizing the operation of the generator in different positions. With the help of the chain lock wheel chain mechanism and the hanging component, the lifting, lowering, hanging and detaching of heavy objects are completed. The various mechanisms work together to improve the operating efficiency and stability of the entire device.

[0018] (3) The hanging component of the present invention includes a support part, a connecting part and a snap-fit ​​part. The snap-fit ​​part has a hook-shaped structure and a guide surface on the inner surface of its opening. The snap-fit ​​part cooperates with the support part to realize the "blind hanging" of the heavy object and the chain, reducing the requirements for the accuracy of the control system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the gravity energy storage and power generation device releasing potential energy according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state of the gravity energy storage power generation device releasing potential energy according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gravity energy storage power generation device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention after the release of potential energy and the initial state of energy storage. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate state of energy storage of the gravity energy storage power generation device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hanging component structure according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of gear and rack meshing according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Among them, 1. support frame, 2. hanging component, 3. generator, 4. chain, 5. drive sprocket, 6. driven sprocket, 7. weight, 8. hanging assembly, 9. support part, 10. connecting part, 11. snap-fit ​​part, 12. opening, 13. guide surface, 14. limiting platform, 15. slide rail, 16. rack, 17. bracket, 18. gear. Detailed Implementation

[0022] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0023] For ease of description, the words "up," "down," "left," and "right" appearing in this invention only indicate that they are consistent with the up, down, left, and right directions of the accompanying drawings themselves, and do not limit the structure. They are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0024] Definition: A Motor-Generator Unit (MGU) is a device that integrates the functions of an electric motor and a generator into one unit. Its core function is to achieve bidirectional conversion between electrical energy and mechanical energy through a single device.

[0025] Example 1: This embodiment provides a gravity energy storage power generation device, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, it mainly includes a support frame 1, a weight 7, and two sets of energy storage and power generation mechanisms. The two sets of energy storage and power generation mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support frame 1. The energy storage and power generation mechanism includes an integrated generator 3, a sprocket and chain mechanism, and a linear motion mechanism. The energy storage and power generation mechanism can set the weight 7 on the mounting position of the support frame 1 through the mounting component 8, or it can lower the weight 7 to the horizontal plane to realize the energy storage or power generation process.

[0026] The support frame 1 has a certain height to meet the requirements of gravity energy storage; the specific height is set according to actual requirements. In this embodiment, the support frame 1 adopts a metal cuboid frame form, which is simple in structure, easy to process, and has low cost. The energy storage and power generation mechanism is located on both sides of the support frame 1 in the width direction. Multiple hanging stations are set at the top of the support frame 1 and evenly distributed along the length of the support frame 1 to hang multiple weights 7. The number of weights 7 is set according to actual requirements and must meet the actual power consumption requirements.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, the support frame 1 is equipped with at least two hooks 2 for each hooking station to achieve stable hanging of the heavy object 7. For the same hooking station, multiple hooks 2 are arranged at a certain distance along the width direction of the support frame 1. In this embodiment, the hooks 2 have an L-shaped structure to facilitate the cooperation between the hooking assembly 8 and the hooks 2. The support frame 1 in this embodiment provides the height required for gravity energy storage and multiple hooking stations. The stable hanging of the heavy object 7 is achieved through the cooperation of the hooks 2 and the hooking assembly 8 to meet the requirements of gravity energy storage.

[0028] The shape and weight of the weight 7 are set according to actual requirements, and the hanging component 8 is connected to the top of the weight 7. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the mounting assembly 8 includes a support part 9, a connecting part 10, and a snap-fit ​​part 11. One end of the connecting part 10 is connected to the weight 7, and the other end is connected to the support part 9. In this embodiment, the connecting part 10 is a rod-shaped structure, which is connected to the center of the weight 7 and is vertically arranged. The support part 9 is also a rod-shaped structure, which is perpendicular to the horizontal movement direction of the connecting part 10 and the chain wheel mechanism. The connecting part 10 is connected to the center of the support part 9 to ensure the stable mounting of the weight 7.

[0029] At least one end of the support part 9 is equipped with a snap-fit ​​part 11, which is used to hook onto the chain 4. In this embodiment, in order to ensure the balance of the load 7, each end of the support part 9 is connected to a snap-fit ​​part 11. Alternatively, another set of energy storage and power generation mechanisms can be set on the other side of the support frame 1, so that the two sets of energy storage and power generation mechanisms work alternately.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the locking part 11 has an opening 12 on its lower side, and the overall structure is hook-shaped. Both sides of the opening 12 are protrusions, allowing the locking part 11 to engage with both sides of the chain 4. The inner surfaces on both sides of the opening 12 are inclined surfaces, i.e., guide surfaces 13, making the opening 12 form a trapezoidal structure. The guide surfaces 13 facilitate smooth engagement of the locking part 11 with the chain 4 when they come into contact. In this embodiment, by setting the locking part 11, the weight 7 and the chain 4 can be "blindly engaged," reducing the precision requirements of the control system.

[0031] When the weight 7 is engaged with the hook-up piece 2 via the hook-up assembly 8, multiple hook-up pieces 2 are supported together on the underside of the support part 9 for the same hook-up station. To prevent the hook-up position from shifting, a limiting platform 14 is provided on the support part 9, which forms a front-to-back (perpendicular to the direction of movement) limit with the hook-up piece 2. In this embodiment, each hook-up station is provided with two hook-up pieces 2, and the support part 9 is provided with one limiting platform 14. In the hook-up state, the limiting platform 14 is located between the two hook-up pieces 2. It can be understood that in other embodiments, when three hook-up pieces 2 are provided at the hook-up station, the support part 9 is provided with two limiting platforms 14, so that limiting platforms 14 are provided between adjacent hook-up pieces 2 to achieve effective limiting.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, when the weight 7 is placed on a horizontal surface, since the support part 9 is perpendicular to the connecting part 10, the locking part 11 extends to the position corresponding to the chain 4. When the chain lock wheel and chain mechanism moves to the right in the horizontal direction, the weight 7 can be smoothly locked to the chain 4 through the locking part 11.

[0033] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the sprocket and chain mechanism is arranged vertically and includes a chain 4, a drive sprocket 5, and a driven sprocket 6. The chain 4 is located outside the drive sprocket 5 and the driven sprocket 6. The drive sprocket 5 is connected to the generator 3. The generator 3 and the driven sprocket 6 are connected by a bracket 17, and the driven sprocket 6 is rotatably connected to the bracket 17. When the generator 3 is used as a motor, it drives the drive sprocket 5 to rotate counterclockwise, lifting the weight 7 to the hanging position via the chain 4. When the generator 3 is used as a generator, the weight 7 is hung on the chain 4, causing the chain 4 and the sprocket to rotate clockwise.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the highest point of the chain 4 is slightly higher than the support surface of the hook 2, so that when the chain wheel chain mechanism moves to the left in the horizontal direction, it can lift the hook assembly 8 of the hook position on its front side by a certain distance, so that the hook mechanism can be separated from the hook 2 and the weight 7 connected to the hook mechanism can be smoothly hooked to the right side of the chain 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, the linear motion mechanism includes a rack 16 and a slide rail 15, the rack 16 and the slide rail 15 being parallel to each other and arranged along the length of the support frame 1; as shown Figure 6 As shown, rack 16 is positioned above slide rail 15, with support seats (not shown) mounted at both ends of rack 16. The base of generator 3 is slidably connected to slide rail 15, while rack 16 meshes with gear 18 mounted on the output shaft of generator 3. Drive sprocket 5 is positioned outside gear 18. When chain 4 rotates, the meshing action of gear 18 and rack 16 causes generator 3 to move along slide rail 15.

[0036] The integrated generator 3 in this embodiment can be used as both a motor and a generator. When used as a motor, it drives the drive sprocket 5 to rotate counterclockwise, lifting the weight 7 to the attachment position via the chain 4, thus achieving energy storage. When used as a generator, the weight 7 is attached to the chain 4, causing the chain 4 and sprocket to rotate clockwise, thus achieving power generation. This dual-function design allows the device to flexibly switch operating modes according to actual needs, improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0037] This embodiment utilizes a two-way conversion of gravitational potential energy to mechanical energy to electrical energy, making it suitable for grid peak shaving and renewable energy consumption. It employs a support frame 1 and a sprocket and chain mechanism, eliminating the need for a complex hydraulic / pneumatic system, thus reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty. Furthermore, the sprocket and chain mechanism is symmetrically arranged relative to the weight 7, working together to lower or lift the weight 7 via the hanging assembly 8, ensuring the stability of the entire movement process and providing a stable power generation effect.

[0038] Example 2: This embodiment provides a gravity energy storage power generation method, employing the gravity energy storage power generation device described in Embodiment 1, including: (1) Energy storage stage: First, the corresponding sprocket and chain mechanism is moved to the initial position by two sets of linear motion mechanisms. The heavy object 7 is transported to the support frame 1 by a conveying device (such as a forklift or rail trolley) and corresponds to the hanging station one by one.

[0039] Two sets of linear motion mechanisms drive the corresponding generator 3 and sprocket and chain mechanism to move horizontally synchronously. Meanwhile, the generator 3 operates as an electric motor. Figure 4 As shown, the drive sprocket 5 rotates counterclockwise. When the chain 4 contacts the locking part 11 of the first weight 7, the weight 7 is hooked onto the chain link of the chain 4 due to the horizontal movement of the generator 3 and the upward action of the right side of the chain 4, until the weight 7 is engaged with the hook 2 through the support part 9.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, once all the weights 7 are attached to the attachment station, the linear motion mechanism stops moving horizontally. The generator 3 switches from motor mode to standby mode, disconnects the power input, and locks the sprocket and chain mechanism to prevent accidental rotation.

[0041] (2) Power generation stage: When the power grid has a power demand, the device receives the EMS power generation command, unlocks the sprocket and chain mechanism, and the generator 3 switches to generator mode.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the two sets of generators 3 and the sprocket and chain mechanism move to the left, while the chain 4 rotates clockwise. The top of the chain 4 contacts the locking part 11 of the first hooking station on the right. During the horizontal movement, the hooking component 8 disengages from the hooking part 2, so that the locking part 11 can be smoothly hooked to the right side of the chain 4 until the weight 7 is lowered to the horizontal plane.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the weights 7 are hung one by one on the chain 4 and placed on a horizontal surface. During the above process, the generator 3 rotates in the opposite direction to generate electricity and outputs electrical energy.

[0044] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A gravity energy storage power generation device, characterized in that, include: The support frame has multiple hanging stations evenly arranged along its length. A heavy object, the top of which is connected to a hanging assembly, can be mounted on a hanging station via the hanging assembly; Two sets of energy storage and power generation mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support frame. Each energy storage and power generation mechanism includes an integrated generator, a sprocket and chain mechanism, and a linear motion mechanism. The sprocket and chain mechanism is arranged vertically, and the integrated generator is connected to the bottom end of the sprocket and chain mechanism. The linear motion mechanism is used to drive the integrated generator and the sprocket and chain mechanism to move horizontally, so as to support the weight one by one during the rotation of the chain.

2. The gravity energy storage power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting station is equipped with at least two mounting pieces along the width of the support frame.

3. The gravity energy storage power generation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The apex of the sprocket and chain mechanism is higher than the attachment position of the weight, so that the attachment mechanism can detach from the attachment piece during the horizontal movement of the sprocket and chain mechanism with the generator.

4. The gravity energy storage power generation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting component includes a support part, a connecting part, and a snap-fit ​​part. One end of the connecting part is connected to the weight, and the other end is connected to the support part. The support part is used to cooperate with the mounting component. At least one end of the support is fitted with a snap-fit ​​part.

5. A gravity energy storage power generation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The latching part has a hook-shaped structure, and the opening of the latching part faces downward.

6. A gravity energy storage power generation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting part is connected to the middle position of the support part.

7. A gravity energy storage power generation device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The support section is provided with at least one limiting platform.

8. A gravity energy storage power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear motion mechanism includes a slide rail and a rack arranged in parallel to each other. The generator is slidably connected to the upper side of the slide rail, and the rack meshes with a gear installed on the output shaft of the generator.

9. A gravity energy storage power generation method, characterized in that, The gravity energy storage power generation device as described in any one of claims 1-8 includes: Energy storage stage: Two sets of linear motion mechanisms drive the corresponding generator and sprocket chain mechanism to move horizontally synchronously, and rotate the chain during the horizontal movement to hang the heavy objects one by one at the corresponding hanging position; the generator is in electric motor mode; Power generation stage: Two sets of linear motion mechanisms drive the corresponding integrated generator and sprocket chain mechanism to move horizontally in opposite directions in a synchronous manner, and the chain rotates in the opposite direction during the horizontal movement. The weights are hung on the chain one by one and placed on the horizontal surface; the integrated generator rotates in the opposite direction to generate electricity and outputs electrical energy.

10. A gravity energy storage power generation method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The power generation phase is triggered based on grid demand conditions.