HYDRAULIC MECHANICAL ENERGY STORAGE AND ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICE AND DRIVE METHOD - Patent application

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device (1) comprising a water reservoir (2), a first floating body (3) arranged in the water reservoir (2) and capable of being lifted by raising the water level (4) in the water reservoir (2) from a lower position (5) to an upper position (6) and capable of being fixed in the upper position (6), a first generator (7) for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, and a first energy transmission device (8) designed to connect the first floating body (3) to the first generator (7) and to transmit kinetic energy between the first floating body (3) and the first generator (7). The invention further relates to a method 100 for operating the energy storage and energy conversion device (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device.

[0002] In light of the increasing use of renewable energy, energy storage options are becoming more important.

[0003] For example, an energy storage system is known from WO 2020 / 018329, which comprises a crane and a number of blocks, the crane being able to move the blocks from lower to higher by stacking them. In this way, electrical energy is stored in the form of potential energy of the blocks. By moving the blocks from higher to lower, electrical energy can be generated from the kinetic energy of the blocks as they descend. The energy storage system can store electricity generated, for example, from solar energy during the day in the form of potential energy in the stack of blocks, and can convert the potential energy of the stack of blocks into electricity at night, which is then fed into the power grid.

[0004] Furthermore, pumped storage power plants have been known for many years, in which the storage of energy involves pumping water upwards into a storage tank using electrical energy so that the potential energy of the water increases, and the stored water is then used to generate electrical energy, whereby the water is equalized to drive a turbine connected to a generator.

[0005] However, the effectiveness of this process is limited because, for example, a 200MW turbine requires a water treatment volume of 11,000 litres per second to drive it. Furthermore, pumped storage plants can only be operated in locations with a geographical profile that provides sufficient elevation difference, together with space for storage tanks where a corresponding volume of water is available. Pumped storage plants also involve substantial destruction of both the ecosystem and the landscape of the chosen location.

[0006] Despite the existence of technologies including wind energy generation and solar energy generation, as well as energy storage, which are well established in the meantime, there is still a demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable power generation technologies, especially those that allow the most reliable and consistent energy recovery possible. Further known technologies include tidal power plants, in which the potential and kinetic energy associated with the tidal movement of the ocean is converted into electrical energy, and the ebb and flow of ocean currents drives turbines. However, the generation of electrical energy is subject to very large fluctuations, since there are no or very limited ocean currents between tidal changes. Corrosion of metal components associated with salt water is also a problem.

[0007] From DE 10 2019 008 393 A1 an energy storage system is known in which a floating body in a water-filled container can be moved between a lowered position and an upper position, while the water level in the water-filled container remains unchanged. The upper position is assumed by a corresponding flotation of the floating body, while the lower position is achieved by towing the floating body downwards by a towing rope. By attaching the floating body in the lowered position, energy can be stored. However, electrical energy is absolutely essential first of all to tension the towing rope and enable the floating body to move to the lowered position.

[0008] Furthermore, from US Pat. No. 4,207,741 an energy storage device is known in which pressure is applied to a hydraulic fluid by reciprocating a piston in a water tank.

[0009] WO 2011 / 072280 discloses an energy generating device having a tank for containing a fluid and an inlet and an outlet for filling or draining the tank. Further, a container is provided which moves vertically within the tank between a lower position and an upper position. An energy transmission device is coupled to the container to enable the transmission of energy generated by the movement of the container. The container can also be filled with a fluid.

[0010] In this respect, it is an object of the present invention to disclose an energy storage device and associated operating method that allows for efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable energy storage. Furthermore, an energy conversion apparatus and corresponding operating method that can generate electrical energy in an environmentally friendly, sustainable, reliable and consistent manner are also desired.

[0011] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further developments of the solution according to the invention are addressed in the dependent claims.

[0012] The hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device according to the present invention, hereinafter described as a device, comprises a water reservoir, a first floating body arranged in the water reservoir, which can be lifted by raising the water level in the water reservoir from a lower position to an upper position and which can be fixed in the upper position, a first generator for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, and a first energy transmission device designed to connect the first floating body to the first generator and to transmit kinetic energy between the first floating body and the first generator.

[0013] The water reservoir can be formed by a natural water source, for example a sea or a lake. Alternatively, the water reservoir can be an artificially constructed vessel. This provides the option to utilize existing water reservoirs, for example swimming pools or settling tanks, so that they can be allocated further uses and the device can be installed in a resource-saving manner.

[0014] The device can be operated in either salt water or fresh water, with operation in fresh water being advantageous in terms of reduced corrosion.

[0015] The floating body is buoyant and can be constructed, for example, in the form of a concrete tank, an (old) ship, a vessel, etc. Existing objects can preferably be utilized as floating bodies so that they can be assigned further uses and the device can be installed in a resource-saving manner.

[0016] The generator can take on a variety of structural forms, provided that it is capable of converting kinetic energy into electrical energy within a selected energy range.

[0017] The energy transfer device is used to transfer the kinetic energy from the first floating body to the generator, and may comprise, for example, a rack, a Bowden cable, a chain, gears, pulleys, a gearbox, or the like.

[0018] The device allows for the storage of energy in the form of potential energy when the water level in the reservoir rises, which can occur due to natural phenomena such as high tides or waves, or can be achieved by introducing additional water into the reservoir, for example by a pump.

[0019] Due to the rise in the water level, the first floating body rises from a lower position to an upper position. Thus, the potential energy of the first floating body increases. In other words, the change in the water level is used as a driving force to raise the first floating body from a lower position to an upper position. At all times, the first floating body is at least partially located above the water level, i.e., the first floating body floats on the water surface.

[0020] The potential energy of the first floating body can be stored by fixing the first floating body in an upward position, the fixing being performed by a fixing device that determines the upward position of the floating body independent of the water level.

[0021] Optionally, the fixing may be possible at a number of positions above the upper position, the action of the fixing device for fixing the first floating body being such that the first floating body remains in the upper position even if the water level in the water reservoir drops.

[0022] The fixing device can be configured, for example, in the form of a fixing bolt. The fixing device can be fastened to the wall of the water reservoir such that, when fixing is required, a fixed but detachable connection can be formed between the first floating body and the wall of the water reservoir. Alternatively, the fixing device can also cooperate with the first energy transmission device to indirectly mount the first floating body, so that a movement of a first fixing element, which is rigidly connected to the first floating body, prevents the transmission of kinetic energy between the first floating body and the first generator.

[0023] The anchoring device provides a simple and reliable option for storing potential energy associated with an upward position by anchoring the first floating body in the upward position, so that, regardless of a drop in the water level, the first floating body can be maintained in the upward position such that the potential energy stored in the first floating body can be converted into kinetic energy only when needed and independent of the drop in the water level.

[0024] To release the stored energy, i.e. to convert the stored potential energy into electrical energy, the first floating body is lowered from the upper position back to, for example, the lower position. Thus, first the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is then converted into electrical energy by the first generator. The transfer of the kinetic energy from the first floating body to the first generator is performed by a first energy transfer device.

[0025] The generated electrical energy can be directly used to drive electrical equipment, in other words the device can enable the storage and generation of electrical energy directly at the device's location and therefore independent of any available power grid.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the generated electrical energy can be injected into a power grid, which advantageously allows for a geographical separation of the sites of storage and generation on the one hand and the sites of consumption on the other hand.

[0027] In addition to converting potential energy into kinetic energy by lowering the first floating body from the upper position and then into electrical energy, a portion of the kinetic energy of the first floating body accompanying the rising of the first floating body from the lower position to the upper position can also be converted into electrical energy by the first generator, in other words, electrical energy can be recovered both during the rising and the descending of the floating body.

[0028] The device advantageously enables efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable energy storage along with energy conversion, eliminating absolute dependency on natural phenomena such as wind and sunlight.

[0029] According to a further variant of embodiment, the water reservoir can be a natural water source, for example a sea or a lake.

[0030] The use of natural water resources makes the construction of the device easier. Furthermore, natural processes such as tides and waves can be used to vary the water level. In addition, the storage and conversion of the energy contained in natural water resources is made possible so that electrical energy can be generated in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

[0031] Alternatively, the water reservoir may be configured in the form of a first container having a closable opening for the supply of water to or the drainage of water from said first container, which opening may preferably be located at the lower end of said first container, for example to allow the first container to be completely emptied.

[0032] The first vessel is preferably an artificially constructed vessel, preferably an existing first vessel, which allows the device to be constructed independent of the presence of a natural water reservoir, such that the device can be constructed and operated at any location.

[0033] The opening of the first container is configured in a closable arrangement, for example by a damper, such that any decrease in the water level in the first container can be prevented by closing the opening. To increase the water level in the first container, the opening is opened to allow water to flow into the first container.

[0034] Optionally, the opening may be hydraulically connected, for example by a pipe, to a natural water source, thereby allowing exchange of water between the first container and the natural body of water.

[0035] For example, the first vessel can be located in a lake or ocean such that tides and / or waves can be utilized to supply water to and / or drain water from the first vessel, thereby allowing fluctuations in the water level within the first vessel that can be utilized for energy storage and energy conversion as described above.

[0036] Optionally, the device may comprise a water reservoir, with the opening of the first container being water-conductively connected to the water reservoir, for example by a pipe.

[0037] The water reservoir may preferably be an artificially constructed vessel, preferably an existing vessel, such as a swimming pool or a settling tank, so that the device can be installed in a manner that allows it to be allocated further uses and conserves resources.More preferably, the water reservoir may be located below the water reservoir, so that water can flow from the reservoir to the water reservoir, either partially or completely, only by the action of gravity.

[0038] Where the opening in the first container is water-conductively connected to a natural water source and / or a water storage container, the device may include a pumping arrangement for pumping water from the natural water source and / or from the water storage container to the water storage area.

[0039] The pumping device provides a simple, effective and reliable option for varying the water level in the first container.

[0040] According to a further variant of embodiment, the device may comprise, in addition to the first container, a second container having a closable opening for feeding water into or draining water from said second container, a second floating body arranged in the second container, which can be raised by raising the water level in the second container from a lower position to an upper position and which can be fixed in the upper position, a second generator for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, and a second energy transmission device designed to connect the second floating body to the second generator and to transmit the kinetic energy between the second floating body and the second generator. The second container is hydrophorically connected, for example by a pipe, to the first container and / or to either a water storage container or a natural water source.

[0041] The first vessel having the first floating body and the second vessel having the second floating body may be of identical design to reduce the complexity and cost associated with constructing the device.

[0042] For a more detailed description of the second container, the second generator, and the second energy transmission device, reference may be made to the above description of the first container, the first generator, and the first energy transmission device, which description can be transcribed in a corresponding manner.

[0043] The second container may, for example, be located below the first container. The term "below" refers to a vertical position relative to the Earth's gravitational field, i.e. closer to the center of the Earth. The height difference between the first container and the second container may, for example, be between 1 and 2 meters, measured between the lowest points in the containers.

[0044] Optionally, further vessels, floats, generators and energy transmission devices can be provided, each one positioned above the other and / or hydraulically connected either to a water reservoir or to a natural water source, thus increasing the energy storage capacity and ensuring a particularly consistent electrical energy production.

[0045] According to a further embodiment variant, the first and / or the second floating body can be configured in the form of a hollow body which can be filled with water.

[0046] The structural design of the hollow body can make its upper end openable and closable. By filling the float during its positioning in the upper position, the mass of the float, and therefore the stored potential energy, can be increased so that more kinetic energy can be converted into electrical energy when the float descends to the lower position.

[0047] For this purpose, the device may comprise a water container arranged above the first and / or second container, which water container is water-conductively connected to the first and / or second floating bodies, for example by a pipe, in particular during positioning of the floating bodies in their respective upper positions.

[0048] Here, the term "higher" refers to a vertical position relative to the Earth's gravitational field, i.e. a position that is moved away from the center of the Earth. The water vessel may be an artificially constructed vessel, preferably an existing vessel such as a swimming pool or a sedimentation tank, so that the device can be installed in a manner that allows it to be allocated further uses and conserves resources.

[0049] The water reservoir can be configured, for example, to be refillable by a further pump device. Although energy is required for this purpose, the refilling of the water reservoir can be carried out during periods of surplus energy on the power grid system, so that the electrical energy that would normally be more than necessary can be at least partially stored in the form of potential energy of the water pumped into the water reservoir.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, natural water flow into the water container is possible, for example from a river or stream.

[0051] According to further variants of the embodiment, the first energy transfer device may be configured to transfer kinetic energy directly between the first floating body and the first generator and / or the second energy transfer device may be configured to transfer kinetic energy directly between the second floating body and the second generator.

[0052] In other words, the first energy transmission device can directly connect the first floating body to the first generator and / or the second energy transmission device can directly connect the second floating body to the second generator. Thus, the transmission of kinetic energy from the first floating body to the first generator and / or from the second floating body to the second generator can be performed directly, i.e. without intermediate conversion into other forms of energy, for example pressure energy, i.e. potential energy of a pressurized vessel. Since energy losses can be reduced in this way, no further energy conversion device is required to convert pressure energy into kinetic energy. Furthermore, no pressure-resistant wiring or vessels are required.

[0053] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an energy storage and energy conversion device according to the above description, comprising: moving a first floating body from a lower position to an upper position and from the upper position to a lower position due to a variation in a water level in a water reservoir, transferring kinetic energy from the first floating body to a first generator during the moving of the first floating body from the lower position to the upper position and from the upper position to the lower position, and converting the transferred kinetic energy into electrical energy.

[0054] The advantages of the energy storage and energy conversion devices are correspondingly linked to the actuation method, and the description of the energy storage and energy conversion devices can be used at the same time to describe the actuation method.

[0055] The method may optionally include fixing the first floating body in an upper position. Further features of the method result from the functional description of the energy storage and energy conversion device.

[0056] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with respect to preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of a hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary driving method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] In the examples described below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the examples and in which, for illustrative purposes, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced are depicted. In this context, directional terms such as, for example, "up," "down," "forward," "backward," "in front," "aft," and the like are utilized with reference to the orientation depicted in the figures described. Because components of the embodiments can be positioned in many different orientations, the directional terms are provided by way of example and are in no way limiting. An exception applies to the terms "below" and "above," which refer to a vertical position in the Earth's gravitational field and thus indicate a direction closer in distance to the center of the Earth. In this regard, a position "above" of an equivalent mass is associated with more potential energy than a position "below" of an equivalent mass.

[0059] It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unless otherwise specified. As a result, the following description should not be understood in any limiting sense, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0060] In the context of this specification, the term "connected" is utilized to denote both direct and indirect connections. In the figures, identical or similar elements are identified by the same reference numerals, to the extent appropriate.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a sketch representing a first exemplary embodiment of an energy storage and energy conversion device 1. The device 1 utilizes a natural water source 12, preferably a water reservoir 2 in the form of a tidal ocean. The water reservoir 2 contains water. The water level 4 in the water reservoir varies according to the tidal range between a lower water level 21 and an upper water level 22, i.e. the lower water level 21 corresponds to the water level 4 at low tide and the upper water level 22 corresponds to the water level 4 at high tide. Alternatively or additionally, the water level 4 may also vary according to water waves.

[0062] The water reservoir 2 is delimited on at least one side by a wall 23. The wall 23 can be configured, for example, in the form of a breakwater.

[0063] In the water reservoir 2 a first floating body 3, which in an exemplary embodiment is a hollow concrete body, is arranged. The first floating body 3 is configured as buoyant such that its lowermost section surface 24 corresponds approximately to the height of the lower water level 21 when in floating state. In Fig. 1 the first floating body 3 in the lower position 5 is represented by a solid line. When the water level 4 rises the first floating body rises from the lower position 5 to the upper position 6. In Fig. 1 the first floating body 3 in the upper position 6 is represented by a dashed line.

[0064] Arranged on the wall 23 is a fastening device 9, which in an exemplary embodiment is configured in the form of a rail system, along which the first floating body 3 can move between a lower position 5 and an upper position 6. By means of fastening elements (not shown), which can for example be configured in the form of brake shoes, i.e. hook-shaped locking devices fastened to the floating body 3 and cooperating with corresponding locking lugs of the fastening device 9, the first floating body can be installed in the upper position 6 in such a way that any sinking of the first floating body 3 is prevented when the water level 4 drops.

[0065] The device 1 further comprises a first generator 7 for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is connected to the first floating body 3 by a first energy transmission device 8. In the exemplary embodiment, the first energy transmission device 8 is configured in the form of a cable pull via a rope pulley 25 and a guide pulley 26.

[0066] For energy storage, the first floating body 3 moves from a lower position 5 to an upper position 6 when the water level 4 in the water reservoir 2 rises, where kinetic energy is converted into potential energy. By fixing the first floating body 3 in the upper position 6 by means of a fixing device 9, energy can be stored in the form of potential energy of the first floating body in the upper position 6.

[0067] To release the stored potential energy, the first floating body 3 is returned to the lower position 5. Thus, the potential energy component of the first floating body 3 in the upper position 6 is converted into kinetic energy and transmitted by the energy transmission device 8 to the generator 7, which converts this kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is injected, for example, into a power grid (not shown).

[0068] Correspondingly, during the raising of the first floating body 3 from the lower position 5 to the upper position 6, kinetic energy can also be transmitted by the energy transmission device 8 to the generator 7 and converted by said generator into electrical energy.

[0069] As a result, the associated energy can be converted into electrical energy by the fluctuation of the water level 4 between a lower water level 21 and an upper water level 22. If the water level 4 fluctuates due to natural causes, the electrical energy can be recovered in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. Fixing the first floating body 3 in the upper position 6 provides an option for energy storage so that electrical energy can be generated on demand.

[0070] By assembling multiple floating bodies, anchoring devices, generators etc., and corresponding control of the processes of energy storage and energy conversion, electrical energy can be delivered in a consistent and reliable manner.

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1. As a difference to the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment (see Fig. 1), the water reservoir 2 is not a natural water source 12 but is configured in the form of a first container 10. The first container 10 is an artificially constructed container 10 and is provided with an opening 11 for the supply and discharge of water to and from the first container 10, by means of which the water level 4 in the first container 10 can be varied. Of course, it is also possible to provide a number of openings 11, which makes it easier to control the water level 4. The opening 11 can be closed by a closing device 20, which can be configured for example in the form of a shutter as shown in Fig. 2.

[0072] The opening 11 is connected to a natural water source 12, for example a sea or a lake, so that water can be conducted therethrough. When the water level 27 of the natural water source 12 fluctuates, for example due to tides and / or waves, water can flow into or out of the first container accordingly. With regard to the driving principle, reference can be made to the description of FIG. 1.

[0073] However, optionally in this exemplary embodiment 9, the fixing device 9 can be omitted since it is also possible to fix the first floating body 3 in the upper position 6 by the upper water level 4, and in this case the upper water level 22 can be kept constant by closing the opening 11.

[0074] Figure 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1. As a difference to the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment (see figure 2), the opening 11 of the water reservoir 2 is hydraulically connected to a water reservoir 13 instead of to a natural water source 12. A pipe 28 is used for this purpose. In the other aspects, the description according to figure 2 applies.

[0075] The water reservoir 13 is an artificially constructed reservoir. This allows the device 1 to be constructed and operated independently of natural water sources 12. In particular, existing structures, e.g. water reservoirs and generators at abandoned power plants, can be used so that little or no environmental damage is associated with the construction of the device 1. The device can, for example, be constructed essentially above ground, which also allows for a cost-effective construction.

[0076] A pumping device 14 is arranged in the water reservoir 13, by means of which water can be pumped from the water reservoir 13 to the first reservoir 10. The pumping device 14 can be driven by electricity. For example, surplus energy present in a power grid can be used to pump water from the water reservoir 13 to the first reservoir 10. In other words, the device 1 can be used as a buffer storage for surplus electrical energy in the power grid, generated for example by solar energy installations or wind turbines under conditions of high solar irradiation or prevailing winds.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1. As a difference with the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment (see Fig. 3), in addition a second container 15 is provided, which has a closable opening 11b for the supply of water to and the discharge of water from said second container 15. The second container 15 is of the same design as the first container 10, and therefore has a second floating body 16 arranged in the second container 15, which can be lifted by raising the water level in the second container 15 from the lower position 5 to the upper position 6 and which can be fixed in the upper position 6, a second generator 17 for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, and a second energy transmission device 18 configured to connect the second floating body 16 to the second generator 17 and to transmit the kinetic energy between the second floating body 16 and the second generator 17.

[0078] The second container 15 is hydraulically connected to the first container 10 by a pipe 28b and can be closed by a closing device 20b. The closing device 20b can be configured in the form of a shutter, like the closing devices 20, 20a. Furthermore, the second container 15 is hydraulically connected to the water storage container 13 by a further pipe 28c and can be closed by a closing device 20c.

[0079] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, the second vessel 15 is arranged below the first vessel 10 such that the second vessel 15 is automatically filled with water from the first vessel 10 when the opening 11b is open. This arrangement allows a particularly consistent power generation when the two floating bodies 3, 16 are moved in a time-staggered manner, so that the first generator 7 and the second generator 17 can be utilized in the power generation with a time lag. Thus, interruptions in the power generation can be avoided.

[0080] 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1. As a difference with the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 3), in addition, a water container 19 is arranged above the first container, which is water-conductively connectable to the first floating body 3 by a pipe 28d. Thus, according to the above description, the first floating body 3 configured in the form of a hollow concrete body can be filled with water from the water container 19 when the first container 3 is located in the upper position 6.

[0081] Filling with water increases the mass of the first floating body 3, thus increasing the potential energy of the body. As a result, when the first floating body descends from the upper position 6 to the lower position 5, more kinetic energy can be transferred to the first generator 7. When the first floating body 3 is returned to the lower position 5, water can be released from the first floating body 3 into the first container 10. For this purpose, an opening (not shown) in the first floating body 3 can be used.

[0082] The water container 19 can be filled from a further (not shown) water container by means of a pumping device, for which purpose preferably surplus electrical energy in the power grid can be utilized. Alternatively or additionally, the water container 19 can also be filled from a natural water source, for example a stream.

[0083] In a corresponding manner, a further water container can also be allocated to the second floating body, or both the first floating body 3 and the second floating body 16 can be filled from the same water container 19 .

[0084] Naturally, the water container 19 can be used in a similar manner in combination with a first container 10, the opening 11 of which is connected in a water-conducting manner to a natural water source 12, the first container 10 being configured, for example, in the form of the hull of an abandoned ship floating at sea.

[0085] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method 100 for operating an energy storage and energy transformation device 1, such as the energy storage and energy transformation device 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5.

[0086] Proceeding to the start of the method 100, in process step S1 the first floating body 3 is moved from a lower position 5 to an upper position 6, causing the water level 4 in the water reservoir 2 to fluctuate, i.e. rise, accordingly, which in process step S3 causes kinetic energy to be transferred directly from the first floating body 3 to a first generator 7 by an energy transfer device 8. The transferred kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy in process step S4.

[0087] Then, in process step S2, the first floating body 3 is returned from the upper position 6 to the lower position 5, and the water level 4 in the water reservoir 2 fluctuates, i.e. drops, accordingly, so that, in process step S3, kinetic energy is transferred directly from the first floating body 3 to the first generator 7 by the energy transfer device 8. The transferred kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy in process step S4.

[0088] Upon proceeding to process step S4, the method 100 may continue back to process step S1 or may end. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion devices 2. Reservoir 3. First Floating Body 4 water level 5 Down position 6 Upper position 7 First Generator 8. First Energy Transmission Device 9 Fixed Devices 10 First Container 11, 11a, 11b opening 12 Natural Water Resources 13 Water storage tank 14 Pumping equipment 15 Second Container 16 Second Float 17 Second Generator 18 Second Energy Transmission Device 19 water container 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Closure device 21 Lower water level 22 Upper water level 23 Wall 24 Bottom section 25 Rope pulley 26 Guide pulley 27 Water levels of natural water resources 28, 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d pipes 100 Driving Method S1 Movement of the first floating body from a lower position to an upper position due to a change in the water level in the reservoir S2 Movement of the first floating body from an upper position to a lower position due to a change in the water level in the reservoir S3 Transfer of kinetic energy from the first floating body to the first generator S4 Conversion of transmitted kinetic energy into electrical energy

Claims

1. A water storage facility (2) configured in the form of a first container (10), the first container (10) having a closable opening (11, 11a) for supplying water to the first container (10) or draining water from the first container (10); a first floating body (3) arranged in the water reservoir (2), the first floating body (3) being capable of being lifted from a lower position (5) to an upper position (6) as the water level (4) rises in the water reservoir (2) and being fixed in the upper position (6); a first generator (7) for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy; a first energy transfer device (8) designed to connect the first floating body (3) to the first generator (7) and to transfer kinetic energy between the first floating body (3) and the first generator (7); a fixing device (9) configured to mount said first floating body (3) at said upper position (6); a second container (15) having a closable opening (11b) for supplying water to the second container (15) or draining water from the second container (15); a second floating body (16) disposed in the second vessel (15), the second floating body (16) being capable of being lifted from the lower position (5) to the upper position (6) as the water level rises in the second vessel (15) and being fixed in the upper position (6); a second generator (17) for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy; a second energy transfer device (18) designed to connect the second floating body (16) to the second generator (17) and to transfer kinetic energy between the second floating body (16) and the second generator (17); A water storage container (13) and A hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device (1), comprising: The openings (11, 11a) are hydraulically connected to the water storage container (13), and the second container (15) is hydraulically connected to the first container (10) and the water storage container (13).

2. The energy storage and energy conversion device (1) of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir (2) is a natural water source (12).

3. The energy storage and energy conversion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the openings (11, 11a) are hydraulically connected to a natural water source (12).

4. A pumping device (14) for pumping water from said natural water source (12) and / or from said water reservoir (13) to said water reservoir (2). The energy storage and energy conversion device (1) according to claim 3, comprising:

5. The energy storage and energy conversion device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second container (15) is arranged below the first container (10).

6. 6. The energy storage and energy conversion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first floating body (3) and / or the second floating body (16) are configured in the form of a hollow body that can be filled with water.

7. The water tank (19) is disposed above the first tank (10) and / or the second tank (15), the water container (19) is connectable to the first floating body (3) and / or the second floating body (16) in a water conducting manner; An energy storage and energy conversion device (1) according to claim 6.

8. 8. The energy storage and energy conversion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first energy transmission device (8) is configured to directly transmit kinetic energy between the first floating body (3) and the first generator (7) and / or the second energy transmission device (18) is configured to directly transmit kinetic energy between the second floating body (16) and the second generator (17).

9. A method (100) for operating an energy storage and energy conversion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: S1, S2: moving the first floating body (3) from the lower position (5) to the upper position (6) and from the upper position (6) to the lower position (5) due to a change in the water level (4) in the water reservoir (2); S3: transferring kinetic energy from the first floating body (3) to the first generator (7) while moving the first floating body (3) from the lower position (5) to the upper position (6) and from the upper position (6) to the lower position (5); S4: Converting the transmitted kinetic energy into electrical energy; A driving method (100) comprising:

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