GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY CAPACITOR

Abstract

A gravitational potential energy capacitor system comprising a vertical conduit (2), movable gravitational potential energy storage elements (E1), and an electromagnetic device carried at least partially on the inner face of the vertical conduit, said electromagnetic device being intended to be powered by an electric current source, a control unit managing the electromagnetic device according to the electric current to be stored, the movable elements (E1) being configured to be able to be raised in the vertical conduit (2) and lowered by the action of an electromagnetic device. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY CAPACITOR TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a system offering functionalities similar to an electrical capacitor, based on the storage of energy in the form of gravitational potential energy.

[0002] Clean energy production techniques do not always meet the requirements of the systems that demand this energy. The power supplied is often highly variable. The power supplied within a given time interval is sometimes insufficient, even though the energy previously produced is sufficient. Furthermore, solutions such as wind turbines provide alternating current with a variable frequency. These shortcomings of renewable energy production techniques are addressed by relatively complex or lossy solutions: passing the current through a rectifier and an inverter, supercapacitor banks, and electrochemical batteries.

[0003] With the aim of decarbonizing electricity production, the use of solar panels and wind turbines contributes to this objective. However, electricity production is not continuous and experiences production peaks, particularly during the day with strong sunlight for solar panels, and production troughs, particularly at night. When the amount of electricity produced exceeds demand, it is necessary to store the surplus energy so that it can be used at other times, especially during periods of low production.

[0004] The most common storage method uses electrochemical batteries that convert electricity into chemical energy, which can then be converted back into electricity on demand. Batteries tend to discharge over time and their performance degrades. In addition, the charging time can be relatively long.

[0005] A solution for storing electrical energy in the form of gravitational potential energy has been proposed. This solution uses a crane to lift concrete blocks. The excess electrical energy is used to raise the blocks, transforming kinetic energy into potential energy. To recover electricity, one or more blocks are lowered, and an alternator generates electricity. This solution eliminates the need for storage batteries.

[0006] However, stacking concrete blocks can pose safety problems. The Mechanical transmissions generate friction that leads to losses and wear. In addition, cables require significant maintenance. When gravity storage seeks to optimize the amount of stored energy, it requires significant masses and therefore significant volumes. The structures imagined, such as towers, have a significant impact on the landscape. Cable and pulley systems have a reaction time which, combined with large, fixed-volume blocks, makes them a relatively indynamic system. Statement of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an objective of the present application to provide a system offering the functionalities of a capacitor by storing energy, in particular electrical energy, in the form of gravitational potential energy without the drawbacks mentioned above. The system may be designated a gravitational magnetic energy capacitor or a linear motor and gravitational energy capacitor.

[0008] The stated objective is achieved by a system comprising a vertical conduit and one or more movable elements, at least part of whose outer casing is made of electrically conductive material, designed to be raised to store energy and lowered to recover energy. The system also includes electromagnetic means distributed on the walls of the vertical conduit and / or on the movable elements. The system further includes a control unit that manages the electromagnetic means to cause the raising of at least one movable element in the vertical conduit. The movable element is stored at a height. The energy is thus converted into gravitational potential energy. Means for immobilizing the movable elements along the vertical conduit are advantageously provided.

[0009] When it is desired to have the energy thus stored available, the moving elements are lowered back down into the vertical conduit, the acceleration of gravity is slowed down by the electromagnetic device and thus the gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy which is converted for example into electricity.

[0010] The system, employing few mechanical components and featuring reduced contact points, significantly improves storage efficiency. Furthermore, the system is relatively robust and maintenance requirements are minimized. There is no discharge over time.

[0011] The moving parts are confined in the vertical conduit, the operational safety is increased.

[0012] The system can be used: - as a backup generator, - to stabilize a power network, - to emit a multiplied power at a specific time, - to absorb a power peak at a specific time - to convert an alternating current, - to stabilize a current frequency.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electromagnetic means comprise electromagnets arranged as tracks distributed around the circumference of the vertical duct and extending vertically. Preferably, the tracks protrude from the inner surface of the vertical duct, thus providing air exhaust channels between the outer circumference of the moving elements and the inner surface of the vertical duct.

[0014] Alternatively, the electromagnets are in the form of disks superimposed on the height of the vertical conduit.

[0015] The vertical conduit can be an underground shaft dug in the ground or an overhead conduit provided for example in a building.

[0016] The discs may be simple conductive masses. Thus, the magnetic response is in the manner of the Laplace rail. Alternatively, they may comprise permanent magnets or electromagnets. In the latter case, electrical connections of the electromagnets to moving discs are provided.

[0017] The present invention then relates to a gravitational potential energy capacitor system comprising a vertical conduit, mobile elements for storing gravitational potential energy, and an electromagnetic device carried at least in part by the inner face of the vertical conduit, said electromagnetic device being intended to be powered by a source of electric current, a control unit managing the electromagnetic device as a function of the electric current to be stored, the mobile elements being configured to be able to be raised in the vertical conduit and lowered again under the action of an electromagnetic device.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile elements comprise at least one electrically conductive envelope and the electromagnetic device comprises electromagnets on the inner face of the vertical conduit, said electromagnets being distributed over the height of the vertical conduit.

[0019] For example, the electromagnetic device is intended to be powered by a three-phase electric current and the electromagnetic device comprises 3n vertical electromagnet tracks, n being a strictly positive integer, said tracks being distributed angularly on the inner face of the well, each track being surrounded by a track powered by a different phase, and the control unit being configured to manage the power supply to each of the tracks.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical conduit is of circular section, the moving elements are discs and the electromagnets have the shape of an arc of a circle. distributed regularly angularly on the inner face of the vertical duct.

[0021] The electromagnetic device may comprise electromagnets on the inner face of the vertical conduit or on the moving elements and electromagnets or permanent magnets on the moving elements.

[0022] Preferably, the system comprises mechanical means for immobilizing the movable elements along the vertical conduit, said mechanical immobilization means being advantageously configured to be activated automatically in the event of an interruption of an electrical supply.

[0023] Very advantageously, the system includes means for recovering the deceleration energy of the moving elements at the end of their movement.

[0024] According to an additional characteristic, the vertical conduit comprises at the upper end and at the lower end storage areas for the mobile elements.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a wind turbine comprising a mast, blades and means for converting the energy applied to the blade into electrical energy and a system according to the invention disposed in the mast.

[0026] The present invention also relates to an installation comprising a system according to the invention, and photovoltaic panels and / or wind turbines forming the source of electric current to be stored.

[0027] The present invention also relates to an installation comprising an electrical power network having power increases and power drops, and a system according to the invention, the control unit being configured to manage the electromagnetic device to store current and release current in order to stabilize the electrical network.

[0028] The system may include, at least during one phase of operation, a zone configured to absorb power rises and a zone configured to compensate for power drops, for example each zone comprising a vertical conduit and its moving elements. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The present application will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows and the attached drawings in which: - [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an example of a storage system, - [[Fig.2]] is a longitudinal sectional and perspective view of [Fig.l], the moving elements not being shown, - [[Fig.3]] is a top view of the example system of [Fig.l], - [[Fig.4]] is a longitudinal sectional view of the system of [Fig.l] with the moving elements, - [[Fig.5]] is a cross-sectional view of another example of a vertical conduit of a system according to the invention, - [[Fig.6]] is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, - [[Fig.7]] is a schematic representation of an installation integrating a storage system according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0030] In the following description, the term "vertical conduit" refers to an underground structure, but also to any installation with a certain height, as will be illustrated by the various examples described. The conduits proposed are cylindrical, but they could have any other shape, for example, they could have a polygonal shape.

[0031] In Figures 1 to 4, a schematic representation of an example of a storage system according to the invention can be seen.

[0032] The storage system S comprises a vertical underground conduit 2 dug into the ground with a circular section and a longitudinal axis X.

[0033] The vertical conduit 2 comprises a bottom 4, an upper end 6, open in the example shown, and a side wall 8.

[0034] The system also includes mobile elements El, E2.. .En of electrical energy into gravitational potential energy, via the ascent of the elements in the vertical conduit.

[0035] The system includes a device operating, on the one hand, as a linear actuator configured to raise the moving elements along the X axis and thus convert electrical energy into gravitational potential energy, and on the other hand, as a generator during the descent of the moving elements along the X axis and convert gravitational potential energy into electrical energy.

[0036] The moving elements form the moving part of the actuator and the side wall forms the stator.

[0037] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, the linear actuator includes an electrically conductive moving part.

[0038] The storage elements are at least partly made of electrically conductive material, for example iron or iron alloy.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the storage elements are entirely made of electrically conductive material. In another exemplary embodiment, the mobile elements E1...En comprise at least one outer casing made of electrically conductive material and an inner body, for example made of concrete or composed of rocks or rubble bound together, or any element having a significant mass. The outer casing is, for example, a bucket. This exemplary embodiment presents the advantage of having a lower cost price than elements made entirely of conductive material.

[0040] The stator comprises electromagnets 7 distributed around the circumference of the inner surface of the vertical conduit. In the example, they are arranged in the shape of a circular arc. Furthermore, the electromagnets are vertically superimposed and form vertical tracks extending along the entire height of the vertical conduit.

[0041] The stator is powered by a three-phase alternating current. For this purpose, the stator has 3n tracks, where n is a positive integer, each n track being connected to one phase of the current. In the example shown, 9 tracks are used. The number of electromagnet tracks and the dimensions of the electromagnets are determined, in particular, but not exclusively, based on the dimensions of the vertical conduit and the dimensions of the moving elements to be deflected.

[0042] Preferably, the tracks are regularly spaced at regular angular intervals around the circumference of the inner face of the vertical conduit, with each track connected to a phase in succession. The regular distribution of electromagnets powered by a phase allows the disk to remain balanced during its ascent.

[0043] Alternatively, the electromagnets are on the moving elements. An electrical connection must be made to each moving element.

[0044] Preferably, guide rails 10 are provided along the inner face of the vertical duct to guide the movable elements. Very advantageously, each disc is equipped with a vertical immobilization system 11 ([Fig.l]), shown schematically, so as to be able to hold the disc in the vertical duct, for example in the event of an interruption in the power supply. The immobilization system is for example similar to that used for elevators. It is preferably a mechanical system which is activated during a power cut, or a stop programmed by the controller.

[0045] Alternatively, the guide rails and the electromagnet tracks are combined.

[0046] The implementation of a device comprising at least one electrically conductive moving part makes it possible to implement discs of simple design and thus to use a large number of them.

[0047] In another exemplary embodiment, the linear actuator comprises a stator comprising electromagnets distributed over the entire height of the vertical duct and the moving part comprises permanent magnets. Alternatively, the moving part comprises electromagnets and the stator comprises electromagnets. In this case, the electrical connection on the moving part may be more complex.

[0048] In another embodiment, the moving elements comprise electromagnets supplied with direct current via brushes, and the vertical conduit comprises permanent magnets. In this case, maintenance of the brushes exposed to wear and tear.

[0049] The system also includes a control unit UC intended to manage the power supply to the electromagnets in the storage phase and to recover the electricity in the discharge phase.

[0050] Each electromagnet is connected by a connection C1 to a power supply source 12 ([Fig.3]). For example, these are photovoltaic panels or wind turbines, which supply electricity intermittently, and the electromagnets are connected by a connection to a load (not shown) intended to use the electricity which is generated during the descent of the moving elements. The load can be the electrical network of a house, a residential building, a factory, etc.

[0051] Preferably, the upper end of the vertical conduit comprises a storage zone 10 for the mobile elements E1, ... E1. The upper end is preferably equipped with means for immobilizing the elements vertically (not shown). The storage zone 10 is located on the surface in the example of [Fig.l], but this is in no way limiting.

[0052] In this example, the lower end of the vertical conduit preferably comprises a storage zone 14 for the mobile elements.

[0053] The operation of the system according to the invention will now be described.

[0054] Consider the case where we wish to store the electricity generated by panels photovoltaic; these are connected by an electrical connection to the system according to the invention

[0055] During the day, the photovoltaic panels generate electricity that powers the system. The direct current generated by the photovoltaic panels is converted by an inverter into three-phase alternating current that powers the electromagnets. The control unit UC manages the alternating power supply to the electromagnets so that they generate an upward vertical force on the moving elements in a manner similar to a linear actuator. By managing the power supply to the n electromagnets per phase from bottom to top, the moving element is moved along the vertical axis X upwards. The electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels, during the ascent, is converted into kinetic energy, then into gravitational potential energy.

[0056] As long as the photovoltaic panels produce a sufficient quantity of electricity, the mobile element is raised. In the event of too low current or interruption, the mobile element is immobilized by the immobilization means 11 at a given height along the rails. When sufficient electricity is available again, the mobile element resumes its ascent. When it reaches the top of the vertical duct, it is immobilized in the storage area. Mobile elements are raised as long as electricity to be stored is available.

[0057] The control unit UC controls the power supply to the electromagnets, so that the ascent of each element takes place at a substantially constant speed. Preferably, when the element approaches the upper end of the well, the moving element is decelerated to reach the upper end at zero speed.

[0058] When the stored energy is to be used in the form of electricity, the moving elements at the upper end are lowered. The control unit manages the electromagnets as a generator. For example, a target power is determined based on the system to be powered and the duration of power supply. The number of discs needed to achieve this target is then determined. The discs are grouped according to the determined number and are lowered simultaneously into the conduit. The speed of descent of the discs is determined by the alternating frequency of the three-phase current.

[0059] The power variations and the delays induced by the acceleration and deceleration phases are advantageously anticipated, so that the current produced is as stable as possible. During the acceleration and deceleration phases, the alternating current emitted is of variable frequency. Means are advantageously implemented to stabilize the frequency.

[0060] Preferably, deceleration means are provided at the lower and upper ends of the moving element and means for collecting the energy produced during deceleration. This deceleration, mainly in the downward phase, generates an energy peak. This energy can be stored in the form of electricity in batteries. These batteries are small and store the electricity temporarily. Alternatively, the energy is stored in mechanical form in one or more flywheels. The deceleration means are, for example, of the magnetic type, facilitating energy recovery. Mechanical deceleration means without energy recovery do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0061] Means for accelerating the moving elements at the lower and upper ends are provided. The acceleration, mainly in the ascending phase, generates a peak in current consumption.

[0062] Particularly advantageously, the energy produced in the deceleration phase is used to power the acceleration phase. In the case of flywheel storage, the energy can be used quickly to start the ascent of a mobile element.

[0063] Preferably and as shown in [Fig. 3], the electromagnet tracks project from the inner face of the vertical duct, so as to provide channels 16 to allow air to move during the ascent and descent of the moving elements and to avoid generating friction. Alternatively or additionally, channels 18 are made outside the vertical duct as shown on [Fig.5].

[0064] In another embodiment, the vertical conduit is integrated into a building like an elevator shaft. The system according to the invention can be coupled to an elevator. For example, outside of normal use of the elevator, materials could be brought up through the shaft.

[0065] In another embodiment, the vertical conduit is backed by a cliff or a dam. Compared to a vertically drilled well, the pressure exerted by the water-soaked ground does not accumulate at the base and the displaced air can be easily evacuated.

[0066] Preferably, it is desired to reduce the duration of the acceleration of the disks, for this purpose their speed is reduced. This also makes it possible to contain air friction losses and to increase the duration of the stroke from one end of the duct to the other.

[0067] By way of example only, we will give an example of the sizing of a system according to the invention and its storage capacities.

[0068] The well has a diameter of 1.6 m and a depth of 80 m. It is sealed and dried.

[0069] The system consists of 50 iron discs, each 1.6 m in diameter and 50 mm thick. Each disc weighs 588.88 kg.

[0070] The vertical conduit has 9 vertical tracks, each 3 tracks is connected to a phase.

[0071] A disk moving vertically in the duct is subjected to a double polarity inversion at a frequency of 50 hertz. Its speed is relatively slow, so that the acceleration and deceleration phases are short.

[0072] For example, for discs moving at Im / s with an acceleration of 0.33 m / s2, the distance between two electromagnets of the same orientation is 2 cm and the height of each electromagnet is 1 cm.

[0073] On the other hand, when seeking to synchronize with the network frequency, reducing the speed of the rotors involves tightening the phase changes on the stator.

[0074] Considering an efficiency of 95%, each disc can be raised at a speed of 0.2 m / s while consuming a power of the order of 1472.20W.

[0075] At a height of 80m, a disc stores a potential of 0.16kWh.

[0076] The 50 disks store a potential of 8.18 kWh. This corresponds approximately to the consumption of a modern villa (3 MWh / year).

[0077] A disc takes 6.67 min to rise at 0.2 m / s. Raising all the discs takes 5h56 min.

[0078] To start a disk in vertical ascent, by injecting 1200W, the speed of 0.2 m / s is reached in 0.01 s.

[0079] The 22 kW power required by a car charger can be provided by about 15 down-going discs.

[0080] The 75 kW power of a supercharger requires about 50 descending discs.

[0081] Another example of application of the present invention aims at stabilizing a network.

[0082] When the objective is the stabilization of the current produced, for example by wind turbines, the system comprises two subsystems: one subsystem receives the variable current, the other subsystem emits the current stabilized at the expected average value. This subdivision can be achieved either by the use of a double conduit, or by the vertical or horizontal separation of the same conduit.

[0083] Preferably, the system comprises a vertical conduit in which the lower part forms one of the subsystems and the upper part forms the other subsystem. This system is of simplified design.

[0084] One of the two parts goes into reception or storage mode. The disks are reassembled there, grouping them as much as possible, in order to absorb all the power.

[0085] The second part goes into transmission mode. The discs are lowered into it, grouping them together to emit stable power. The speed of the descent allows synchronization with the destination network frequency.

[0086] The disc stops can be programmed at the center of the duct or even at any height.

[0087] When the number of discs available for reception or transmission in one of the parts approaches zero, the function of each part reverses. Thus the discs move from the center of the conduit to the ends, then vice versa. A disc can also stop at a random height, when reversing the roles of the half-conduits. Preferably, in each part a margin is provided in the number of discs available to absorb sudden changes in the received current.

[0088] Since the acceleration and deceleration times are known, their end is anticipated in order to minimize interruptions in current absorption or emission. The objective is that when leaving the infrastructure, these changes are imperceptible.

[0089] In another embodiment, the system is semi-buried. Part of the vertical conduit is underground and part is above ground.

[0090] For example, approximately 42.68 kWh can be stored in an external tower with an internal diameter of 10 m and a height of 15 m, containing 20 discs each 500 mm high. The discs are stored in a reserve dug underground 10 m high. The discs are, for example, essentially composed of rubble agglomerated by cement and a conductive envelope, for a weight per disc of 54.98 t. Moving at 2 mm per second, a disc releases around 1024.31 W when it descends.

[0091] In another exemplary embodiment, the system is installed in a building. For example, the building has a height of 100 m. It can accommodate 100 discs with a diameter of 2 m and a thickness of 250 mm in a ventilation duct. This would store the daily energy of approximately 23 apartments consuming 1500 kWh / year.

[0092] In another exemplary embodiment shown schematically in [Fig.7], the storage system according to the invention S is installed directly in a mast 22 of a wind turbine E which is generally hollow. On the one hand, such an installation makes it possible to place the energy storage as close as possible to the source, on the other hand space is saved and the storage system is not visible. The system also makes it possible, in a very advantageous manner, to absorb the alternating current of variable frequency and power produced by the wind turbines.

[0093] Currently, the means used to convert alternating current of variable frequency and power into direct current and then alternating current at stable frequency induce significant losses in the form of heat which require cooling.

[0094] The system according to the invention forming a linear motor integrated into the wind turbine mast, it is possible to absorb the variable power energy produced by adjusting the number of simultaneously raised discs. It is also possible to absorb the frequency variations of the emitted alternating current by adjusting the speed of ascent of the discs.

[0095] By adapting the number of discs, the height of the mast and the mass of the discs, it is possible to smooth the power supplied by the wind turbine over a longer period.

[0096] The system according to the invention can advantageously be used as a high power safety reserve for emergency cases. For example, large hydraulic dams require energy reserves to remain controllable during general network outages.

[0097] It is possible to envisage having a system of reduced dimensions according to the invention in isolated areas to power a defibrillator or any other system requiring a one-off supply of energy, without deterioration over time.

[0098] The system according to the invention can, for example, be installed in railway stations and store the braking energy of the trains, and restore it to assist the restarting of the trains which requires high power.

[0099] The system according to the invention can also be used to stabilize a variable power network. Indeed, by managing the raising and lowering of disks, the power can be easily absorbed or released to stabilize the power of the network.

[0100] An increase in power is absorbed by raising one or more discs, and a decrease in power is compensated by lowering one or more discs. For example, 200 discs of 10m diameter and 1m thickness in a vertical conduit could smooth out network power variations of 1.186 GW.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, a very stable current can be provided from a variable current by avoiding interactions with the discs used for power stabilization. In this example, the constant descent of discs is achieved at a defined speed, close to the average of the incoming current in a given period of time. This can be achieved by providing a second conduit. In order to avoid the transfer of discs from one conduit to another, each conduit can be used alternately for the ascent and descent, when all the discs are in the lower part or in the upper part respectively. The implementation of half-discs as shown in [Fig.6] can make it possible to have only one vertical conduit. In this case, the half-discs do not pivot 180°, when they reach the upper end or the lower end of the vertical conduit.

[0102] Preferably, the transition from one operating mode to the other is rapid. This can take place as soon as one of the conduits approaches the operating limit.

[0103] For example, the same vertical conduit can be split vertically into two vertical conduits, the two wells being side by side, or horizontally, the two vertical conduits being one above the other.

[0104] Alternatively, the vertical conduits are spaced apart from each other, in fact they do not interact with each other.

[0105] The storage obtained according to the invention has the advantage of not suffering loss or degrading over time, unlike storage systems using electric accumulators or systems using hydrocarbon reserves.

[0106] The system according to the invention can be an alternative to supercapacitor banks. It can massively restore, in a very short time, the energy captured over a long period from unstable sources.

[0107] The invention makes it possible to obtain a significantly improved energy storage and restitution efficiency compared to existing solutions. Indeed, the mechanical transformation induces little friction.

[0108] In addition, the system experiences low mechanical stresses, which makes it robust and allows it to have an increased lifespan.

[0109] In addition, it does not present any discharge phenomenon.

[0110] The system does not use rare components or materials unlike batteries.

[0111] The system also has the advantage of having rapid start-up and shutdown. For example, for a low speed, less than <lm / s, l’énergie cinétique nécessaire à l’accélération est faible et celle-ci est rapide.

Claims

Claims

1. Gravitational potential energy capacitor system comprising a vertical conduit (2), mobile elements (El,...En) for storing gravitational potential energy, and an electromagnetic device carried at least in part by the inner face (8) of the vertical conduit, said electromagnetic device being intended to be powered by a source of electric current, a control unit (UC) managing the electromagnetic device as a function of the electric current to be stored, the mobile elements (El,...En) being configured to be able to be raised in the vertical conduit (2) and lowered again under the action of an electromagnetic device.

2. System according to claim 1, in which the mobile elements (El, .. .En) comprise at least one electrically conductive envelope and the electromagnetic device comprises electromagnets (7) on the inner face of the vertical conduit, said electromagnets (7) being distributed over the height of the vertical conduit (2).

3. System according to claim 2, in which the electromagnetic device is intended to be powered by a three-phase electric current and in which the electromagnetic device comprises 3n vertical electromagnet tracks, n being a strictly positive integer, said tracks being distributed angularly on the inner face (8) of the well, each track being surrounded by a track powered by a different phase, and in which the control unit (UC) is configured to manage the power supply of each of the tracks.

4. System according to claim 3, in which the vertical conduit is of circular section, in which the mobile elements (El, ...En) are discs and in which the electromagnets (7) have the shape of circular arcs distributed regularly angularly on the inner face of the vertical conduit.

5. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electromagnetic device comprises electromagnets on the inner face of the vertical conduit or on the movable elements and electromagnets or permanent magnets on the movable elements.

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising mechanical immobilization means (11) of the mobile elements (El, ...En) along the vertical conduit (2), said mechanical immobilization means (11) being advantageously configured to be automatically activated in the event of a power supply interruption.

7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising means for recovering the deceleration energy of the mobile elements (El, .. .En) at the end of movement.

8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the vertical conduit comprises at the level of the upper end (4) and at the level of the lower end (6) areas for storing the mobile elements.

9. Wind turbine comprising a mast, blades and means for converting the energy applied to the blade into electrical energy and a system according to one of claims 1 to 8 arranged in the mast.

10. Installation comprising a system according to one of claims 1 to 8, and photovoltaic panels and / or wind turbines forming the source of electric current to be stored.

11. Installation comprising an electrical power network having power increases and power drops, and a system according to one of claims 1 to 8, the control unit being configured to manage the electromagnetic device to store current and release current in order to stabilize the electrical network.

12. Installation according to claim 11, in which the system comprises, at least during an operating phase, a zone configured to absorb power increases and a zone configured to compensate for power drops, for example each zone comprising a vertical conduit and its mobile elements.

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