Energy storage device with variable volume chamber

Abstract

A mechanical energy storage device is provided. The device includes an expandable and contractible sealed primary chamber (6) that contains an expandable / contractable primary fluid and has a variable sealed internal volume. An external medium or secondary chamber (7) that resists the expansion of the primary chamber (6) surrounds the primary chamber (6). An input mechanism (3, 4) actuated by an external force operates a former (4) to deform the primary chamber shell (1) so that the volume of the sealed primary chamber (6) increases and the pressure of the expanding fluid contained therein decreases, causing a partial vacuum pressure difference between the fluid and the surrounding medium or secondary chamber (7), thereby storing energy. When the external force is removed, the pressure difference acts to decrease the volume of the sealed primary chamber (1) and actuates an output mechanism. A locking mechanism (90) allows the device to store energy, isolate and transport it, and later extract the energy for various uses. In one embodiment, the valves (8, 9) connected to the low pressure primary chamber (6) and the high pressure secondary chamber (7) can be directly used for other purposes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to energy storage. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of storing energy by employing a sealed variable volume chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] The following references and discussion of prior proposals or products are not intended, and should not be construed, as a statement or admission of general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following discussion of the prior art is not related to what is generally or familiar to those skilled in the art, but is intended to aid in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention, of which the identification of the relevant prior art proposals is only a part.

[0003] Some form of energy storage is necessary for many applications, from powering cordless consumer goods to storing grid power during periods of low demand for later use during peak times. The modern trend towards renewable energy sources has resulted in intermittent energy generation technologies (i.e. solar and wind) with output that is highly dependent on weather. This, among other things, makes energy storage necessary, as periods of maximum energy production do not necessarily coincide with peak electricity demand.

[0004] There have been many innovations aimed at solving the energy storage problem; electrochemical batteries, gravity batteries, pumped hydro, compressed air energy storage, springs, flywheels, etc., each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Electrochemical batteries can have high energy density and efficiency, but have a relatively short lifespan and environmental concerns. Gravity batteries store potential energy by lifting solids to higher altitudes, and have low energy density and low efficiency. Pumped hydro has a long lifespan, but requires complex infrastructure and very specific topographical locations to be a viable solution. Compressed air energy storage is less dependent on geographic location, but is relatively inefficient because energy is lost in the pumping system. Such systems require i) a compressor to pressurize a fluid into a fixed volume chamber, ii) a heating element to increase the temperature and pressure of the fluid in the fixed volume chamber, or iii) hydraulic compression of the chamber itself to increase the pressure of the contained fluid. Springs are typically used in suspension or small-scale energy storage applications. Flywheels are efficient mechanical energy storage devices with an inherently large inertia that stores kinetic energy, but can provide instantaneous energy for short periods of time.

[0005] Further innovation in energy storage is desirable to improve energy storage options and increase capacity to facilitate renewable energy generation.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide an energy storage system that can ameliorate the aforementioned shortcomings and drawbacks, or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0007] The present invention can be generally described as a mechanical energy storage (ES) device that stores potential energy in the form of a pressure difference or vacuum between two separated fluids. The stored energy can be converted to kinetic energy when required.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a device is provided that includes an expandable and contractible sealed primary chamber, the primary chamber containing an expandable / contractable primary fluid and having a sealed variable internal volume. A medium that resists expansion of the primary chamber surrounds the primary chamber. An input mechanism increases the volume of the sealed primary chamber when energy is input to the device. When the volume of the primary chamber decreases, a pressure differential allows an output mechanism to be driven by the primary chamber to extract energy from the device. When the input mechanism is actuated by an external force, the volume of the sealed primary chamber increases, reducing the pressure of the expanding fluid contained therein, causing a partial vacuum pressure differential between the fluid and the surrounding medium. When the external force is removed, the pressure differential acts to decrease the volume of the sealed primary chamber and drive the output mechanism.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the primary chamber is surrounded by a rigidly sealed secondary chamber that contains a compressible fluid.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is able to reduce mechanical vibrations by acting as a spring damper.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a locking mechanism for selectively preventing expansion or contraction of the primary chamber to maintain a stable volume of the primary chamber. The locking mechanism may be a ratchet and pawl mechanism that, when engaged, mechanically prevents the volume of the primary chamber from decreasing, thereby allowing energy to be stored and transported, and, when disengaged, allows the stored energy to be released.

[0012] A preferred design feature is that the primary chamber can expand and contract while maintaining a pressure seal via an innovative flexible, deformable geometric shell that employs elastomeric materials, rigid sliding or hinged surfaces (formers), or a combination thereof, which expands or contracts and provides rigid support while maintaining a pressure seal in the deformed shape when subjected to a pressure differential.

[0013] An energy converter, such as a mechanical electric motor / generator, can be coupled to the input / output mechanism.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the primary chamber has a fluid inlet valve exposed to the surrounding medium, whereby opening the inlet valve of said device causes an exchange with the surrounding medium so as to equalize the pressure. In an embodiment with a secondary chamber, the secondary chamber has a fluid outlet valve exposed to the surrounding medium, whereby opening the outlet valve of said device causes an exchange with the surrounding medium so as to equalize the pressure. A system of multiple devices can be provided, whereby the valves of the different devices can be coupled via a manifold.

[0015] The exemplary embodiment of the energy storage (ES) device described herein stores energy as an expanding fluid in a variable volume chamber, offering its own unique advantages and an alternative energy storage solution for numerous applications. The energy density of the system increases as the surrounding medium pressure increases, such as when a secondary chamber is employed. Some advantages of the invention include scalability, modularity, transportability, light weight, and can be designed to accommodate various input and output forms of energy, providing a viable alternative to the aforementioned technologies. The ES device can also be incorporated into new hydraulic or pneumatic applications by directly using available vacuum or pressurized chamber fluids. Additionally, the device can be used for thrust and energy storage applications in space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] The present invention can be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a spherical embodiment of an energy storage device having an internal mechanism, a primary chamber, and an outer secondary chamber. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 with an external mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a 3D cross-sectional design drawing of the spherical device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 13 is a side view showing an octagonal hinged disk embodiment of the device having an external mechanism that requires only one-way tension to expand the device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the octagonal hinged disk embodiment shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the octagonal hinged disk embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 3D cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an octagonal hinged disk. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the octagonal device of FIG. 7 in an unfolded state. [Figure 9] An example of a ratchet and pawl locking mechanism allows energy to be locked in stages within a device as it is stored and then transported and released later. [Figure 10] 1 shows a graph illustrating the predicted energy capacity for a continuous range of expanded spherical device sizes at a discrete range of initial pressures in the secondary chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] With reference to the drawings, a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention are presented herein by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0018] This device is a primary chamber that is sealed with a variable volume that is expandable and contractible, a deformable geometry, a flexible or deformable geometry shell of the chamber that utilizes elastomeric materials, rigid sliding or hinged surfaces (formers), or a combination thereof to provide rigid support while maintaining a pressure seal; and a primary chamber that can be evacuated or contain a fluid (including liquid, gas, or phase change fluid). an external medium that resists expansion of the primary chamber or an optional rigid sealed secondary chamber; and a secondary chamber that contains a fluid. an input mechanism capable of increasing the volume of the primary chamber when energy is input to the device, and an output mechanism driven by a pressure differential and acting to collapse the volume of the primary chamber, thereby converting the stored energy into useful work; The device has a locking mechanism that can hold the primary chamber volume in its set position to store energy, see FIG. 9, an ideal locking mechanism is a ratchet and pawl mechanism 90; an energy converter coupled to the input / output mechanism; and valves connected to the primary and secondary chambers to allow for withdrawal and / or discharge of the contained fluid for a particular application.

[0019] The device stores when an external force or kinetic energy is provided to the input mechanism. The input may be rotational or linear kinetic energy that is transformed via gearing, such as a pulley or rack and pinion, or a combination thereof. It can be adjusted to provide the appropriate torque, speed, and displacement for the storage process. The input mechanism expands the volume of the primary chamber by cutting the shell of the deformable geometry of the primary chamber, expanding and decreasing the pressure of the fluid in the primary chamber, resulting in a partial vacuum pressure difference between the primary chamber and the surrounding medium. As the primary chamber expands, the fluid in the secondary chamber, if present, is compressed and the pressure increases. This amplifies the pressure difference between the primary and secondary chambers. It is noted that embodiments of the invention may omit the secondary chamber, in which case the pressure difference is between the primary chamber and the pressure of the medium surrounding the primary chamber, such as air or a hydrostatic head. The advantage of the secondary chamber is that it allows for pre-pressurization, which increases the energy density of the device by creating a larger pressure difference for a given volume increase in the primary chamber. To optimize the energy density of the storage device, the secondary chamber should be designed such that when fully expanded, the internal surface area has a similar shape to the primary chamber. Other embodiments allow the secondary chamber to be open to a vacuum to aid in the expansion of the primary chamber.

[0020] When the device is charged and the primary chamber expands, a pressure differential force acts to collapse the primary chamber, and when the external force is removed, a pressure differential acts to reduce the volume of the primary chamber, recompressing the fluid and driving the output mechanism.

[0021] A locking mechanism, when activated, reacts to this force and prevents the primary chamber from contracting, allowing energy to be stored or transported for later use.

[0022] To release the device, the lock is released and the primary chamber collapses as pressures in the primary and secondary chambers (or external medium) equalize. The contracting primary chamber drives an output mechanism that can be used to do useful work. The output mechanism can be rotational or linear kinetic energy converted via gearing such as pulleys or rack and pinion, or a combination thereof. The output mechanism can be adjusted to provide torque, speed, and displacement appropriate to the application and can be coupled to a generator or a chamber that can be used to draw or expel fluid directly and can be used to drive a turbine generator, spring dampers to reduce vibration are also applicable.

[0023] The embodiments of the invention are shown in FIG. 1 with an internal mechanism 3 and in FIG. 2 with an external mechanism 5 for converting energy into an energy storage device. These embodiments resemble a sphere, but can be any conceivable three-dimensional shape. The cross-sectional view in FIG. 3 shows a primary variable volume chamber 6 surrounded by a primary chamber shell 1 that is sealed and can change size by employing a soft elastic polymer material and / or a deformable geometry. The secondary chamber volume 7 is surrounded by a fixed secondary chamber shell 2 and an expandable primary chamber shell 1, and can be exchanged by placing the primary chamber in any external medium. The primary chamber shell 1 is supported by a rigid former 4 actuated by an internal mechanism 3 or an external mechanism 5 housed inside or outside the variable volume chamber. The mechanism 3 or 5 converts the input energy into kinetic energy through one or more interfaces that are sealed. The mechanism 3 or 5 drives the former 4 outward, causing the primary chamber to expand in three dimensions. The primary chamber shell 101 is allowed to expand reducing the pressure in the primary chamber 106, if any, to the boundary of the rigid secondary chamber shell 102 which is sealed. The volume of the secondary chamber 7 decreases, thereby increasing the pressure. The increasing pressure difference realized between the primary chamber 6 and the secondary chamber 7 is potential energy stored. Note that if a soft elastic polymer is employed as a seal for the primary chamber 6, it will provide additional energy storage as it will elastically stretch to the increased surface area. The locking mechanism connected to 3 or 5 prevents the system from contracting when the input energy is removed from 3 or 5, allowing the energy to be stored for later use. This process is reversed if a device is used to provide energy at a later stage. Multiple output devices (not shown) can be connected to 3 or 5 to provide, for example, reciprocating, rotary, translational motion, or generators for electricity. Valved outlets 8 and 9 are directly connected to the primary chamber 6 and secondary chamber 7, respectively. This allows the low pressure vacuum 8 and high pressure outlet port 9 to be utilized for other uses such as drawing or expelling fluids.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a 3D cutaway view of the spherical primary chamber design utilizing an internal spherical piston-in-cylinder arrangement 10 that can be designed with different packing densities to manipulate the starting volume of the primary chamber 6, and an external mechanism 5 with linear bearings 11 for improved alignment. The deformable geometry includes a separated rigid spherical surface (forming surface) 4 encased in an elastic membrane 1.

[0025] 4, 5, and 6 are illustrations of a hinged disk prism embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the device in a deflated and expanded state and illustrates the expansion of the primary chamber 106. Similarly, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are side and top view illustrations of this process. In this example, an octagonal plate hinged along the edges is used, but any polygonal shape can be adopted. As the device expands, it becomes taller, narrower, and increases in volume. The primary variable volume chamber 106 is enclosed by a primary chamber shell 101 that is sealed and can change size by adopting a soft elastic polymer material and / or a deformable geometry. The secondary chamber volume 107 is surrounded by a fixed secondary chamber shell 102 and an expandable primary chamber shell 101, which can be replaced by placing the primary chamber in any external medium. The elastic primary chamber shell 101 is supported by a rigid hinged disk structure (former) 104 that is separated by an internal or external mechanism 105 housed inside or outside the variable volume chamber 106. The mechanism 105 converts the input energy into kinetic energy through one or more interfaces that are sealed. This separates the polygonal plates and expands the primary chamber volume 106. The primary chamber shell 101 is allowed to expand reducing the pressure in the primary chamber 106, if any, to the boundary of the sealed rigid secondary chamber shell 102. The volume of the secondary chamber 107 decreases, thereby increasing the pressure in the secondary chamber 107. The increasing pressure difference realized between the primary chamber 106 and the secondary chamber 107 is the stored potential energy. It is noted that if a soft elastic polymer is employed as the seal of the primary chamber 106, it will provide additional energy storage since it will elastically stretch to the increased surface area. A locking mechanism coupled to the input / output 105 prevents the system from contracting when the input energy is removed from the input / output 105, allowing the energy to be stored for later use. This process is reversed if the device is used to provide energy at a later stage. A number of output devices can be coupled to the input / output 105 to provide, for example, reciprocating motion, rotational motion, translational motion, or generation of electricity.Valved outlets 108 and 109 are directly connected to the primary and secondary chambers, respectively, allowing the low pressure vacuum 108 and high pressure outlet ports 109 to be utilized for other purposes, such as drawing in or expelling fluids.

[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention may include a secondary chamber housing multiple expandable / contractable sealed primary chambers to benefit from modularity and scalability.

[0027] The invention can be expanded to any size, nominally tuned for mechanical or electrical output, tuned for powering personal devices, large scale industrial applications or grid energy storage, and can be modularized to suit the application and made from a variety of materials.

[0028] A potential application is that the device can be expanded to drive a generator, power portable electronics, or provide energy to the power grid. Excess energy from the power grid can be stored and used later during peak times. During off-peak times, the excess power can be used to run a motor to drive an input mechanism to expand the primary chamber until the device is fully charged. During peak times, a locking mechanism can be released to deflate the primary chamber and drive an output mechanism to couple to a generator to return power to the grid. This type of system may be modularized and expanded to include many primaries that can be stored and released in sequence or in parallel.

[0029] The present invention is well suited for energy storage of renewable energy sources where power is generated at intermittent and off-peak intervals, such as solar, wind, tidal energy, etc. Energy can be stored in the ES device and provide on-demand controlled output to the power grid or off-grid systems.

[0030] The capacity of pumped storage power plants can be increased. It can be installed on the bed of the dam, taking advantage of the hydrostatic head, or at another location close to the dam, taking advantage of the grid-tied infrastructure already available on-site. In areas where pumped storage is not possible, the invention can be installed together with the motor and generator infrastructure to provide the required energy storage. This means that the ES unit can potentially be located anywhere, reducing transmission losses and costs.

[0031] The present invention can be installed in existing gas or coal fired power plants to increase capacity during peak power consumption periods and recharge during off-peak periods.

[0032] This can be used to develop incentivized, "reward-for-effort" based biomechanical energy generators: people or animals are incentivized to provide input kinetic or potential energy to the device.

[0033] Another application of the present invention is to store power for portable devices. Such devices can be stored with a properly tuned electric motor, mechanical mechanism, or other biomechanical input such as motion. The device can then be operated by releasing the locking mechanism. The output mechanism provides mechanical power through an attachment to power a useful mechanical driver. Low power electronics can be incorporated to better control the output of such devices. Useful driver types are rotational, impact, extension, or clasping outputs. Examples of applications for such drivers include mechanical equipment such as workshop tools, household cleaners, food processors, and new applications such as friction heaters and self-defense mechanisms.

[0034] They can be used as energy storage and power units to assist or enhance natural body movements, mobility, or physical attributes such as strength, speed, reach, etc. Such devices can be incorporated into prosthetics, exoskeletons, or wearables.

[0035] Another application of the invention is in mechanical or motor drive systems where an output mechanism is coupled to the drive shaft to provide additional torque when needed, e.g. to replace a conventional battery and starter motor, or to improve efficiency during acceleration. When combined with an electric motor and internal combustion engine, this creates a type of hybrid engine that is more economical and lighter than current systems. The system is trickle charged while driving with the primary engine, or plugged into an outlet for charging. For electric vehicles, it has the added benefit of providing a lightweight energy storage unit that doubles as a propulsion unit when discharging. This application can also be extended to regenerative braking of vehicles by coupling the input / output mechanism to the drive system when the brakes are applied. The mechanism can be coupled to use mechanical power from the drive system to expand the primary chamber, taking kinetic energy from the drive system and slowing the vehicle. The energy can then be trapped in the primary chamber. When the vehicle accelerates, the locking mechanism is released and the primary chamber is stored, allowing power to be provided to the drive system to accelerate the vehicle. The regenerative process is purely mechanical and does not require any conversion of energy to chemical or electrical energy or to convert energy back and forth from electrical energy.

[0036] Another application is to use the system as an intermittent energy storage device, absorbing energy momentarily when loaded and releasing the energy when the load is removed. This allows the system to be used as a spring-damper to reduce vibrations in systems such as vehicles. In such applications, the geometry can be optimized for linear or nonlinear spring rates to pre-stress to support loads under various static conditions or to maintain vehicle ride height.

[0037] Another application includes designing devices in the form of modular building blocks that can be stacked and interlocked to construct furniture or other structures. The structures themselves provide energy storage. Additionally, such structures may include output mechanisms to provide power to mechanical devices. For example, the structure may have drive wheels to enable locomotion and rotating connection points to drive appliances or tools.

[0038] Another application is to directly utilize the vacuum or high pressure available in the primary and secondary chambers, respectively. Valves connected to the primary and secondary chambers allow for drawing in air, expelling air, or a combination of drawing in and expelling air. For example, this is suitable for operating wind instruments. This allows the device to be used for vacuum grab and hold applications. It can also be used to hermetically draw in or expel material (solid, liquid, gas). For example, it can be used to remove air in oxidizing environments and replace it with an inert gas. Both the vacuum and high pressure fluid flows can be used in turbine generators to generate power.

[0039] Another application is to use the valve port in the primary chamber to draw air from a container for size reduction, food preservation, elemental protection, and cleanliness purposes.

[0040] Another application includes thrust and energy storage in space environments, where the primary inlet valve or secondary outlet valve can be opened to the vacuum environment to help provide storage and / or thrust for the device.

[0041] For example, during normal operation, opening the inlet valve of the primary chamber during or after the device is charged allows the surrounding medium to enter until pressures equalize and the device is discharged. Alternatively, in space applications, the inlet valve of the primary chamber can be opened to the surrounding medium while physically expanding, and then opened to a vacuum environment through a nozzle, expelling fluid and depressurizing the chamber, simultaneously providing thrust and recharging the device. The recharged device can then be used to provide work.

[0042] Similarly, during normal operation, opening the secondary chamber outlet valve during the device's charge / accumulation will drain the fluid contained in the secondary chamber until pressures are equalized. Alternatively, in space applications, during or after physically expanding the device, the secondary chamber valve is open to the vacuum environment through the nozzle, thereby providing thrust and assisting in the further expansion of the primary chamber, which is open to the surrounding medium, with the ingress of surrounding medium fluid. A locking mechanism is activated, and then the secondary chamber valve opens to the surrounding medium and fills with the surrounding medium fluid. The primary chamber inlet valve is then opened to the vacuum environment through the nozzle, draining the fluid and depressurizing the chamber, simultaneously providing thrust and recharging the device.

[0043] To design an invention for a particular application, tradeoffs are made to optimize size and energy capacity. The chart in FIG. 10 shows the theoretical energy storage capacity of an expanding sphere embodiment of the invention over a range of device sizes (in terms of device volume). To develop the chart in FIG. 10, assume that the spherical secondary chamber radius is twice the size of the primary chamber radius and that the primary chamber radius can expand up to 99% of the secondary chamber radius. Increasing the designed device size increases the expected energy capacity. The energy capacity for a particular device size can also be increased by pre-pressurizing the secondary chamber before expanding the primary chamber. As the initial secondary chamber pressure increases, the energy storage capacity increases.

[0044] An important consideration is the maximum pressure in the secondary chamber, which drives the strength and thickness required of the secondary chamber material. The pressure in the secondary chamber increases as the primary chamber expands to its maximum size.

[0045] The term "comprise" and variations of that term, such as "comprises" or "comprising," are used herein to indicate the inclusion of a stated integer or integers, and not to exclude other integers or integers, unless the context or usage requires an exclusive interpretation of the term.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described, and all such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope and spirit of the invention, the nature of which should be determined from the foregoing description.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a primary chamber that is inflatable and sealed and has a variable internal volume that contains an inflatable / contractable primary fluid and is sealed; a medium surrounding the primary chamber and resisting expansion of the primary chamber; an input mechanism that increases a volume of the sealed primary chamber when energy is input to the device; an output mechanism that is driven by the primary chamber by a pressure differential when the volume of the primary chamber is reduced, and that is capable of extracting energy from the device; Here, when the input mechanism is actuated by an external force, the volume of the sealed primary chamber increases, and the pressure of the expansion fluid contained therein decreases, causing a partial vacuum pressure difference between the fluid and the surrounding medium; When the external force is removed, a pressure differential acts to reduce the volume of the sealed primary chamber and drive an output mechanism.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the sealed primary chamber is initially zero or a void, and when the input mechanism is actuated by an external force, the volume of the sealed primary chamber increases, while keeping the pressure difference between the void and the surrounding medium constant, and when the external force is removed, the constant pressure difference acts, decreasing the volume of the primary chamber and driving the output mechanism.

3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the primary chamber is surrounded by a rigid, sealed secondary chamber containing a medium in the form of a compressible secondary fluid.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the secondary chamber contains a compressible secondary fluid which increases in pressure as it assumes the shape of the contracting secondary chamber internal volume, storing energy in an increasing pressure differential with the expanding primary chamber, where the energy is released when the pressure differential acts to collapse the primary chamber, thereby expanding the secondary fluid back to its original volume.

5. 10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus acts as a spring damper for damping mechanical vibrations.

6. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for selectively preventing expansion or contraction of the primary chamber to maintain a stable volume of the primary chamber, thereby allowing storage of energy.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is a ratchet and pawl mechanism that, when engaged, is capable of storing energy by mechanically preventing a volume of the primary chamber from decreasing.

8. 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the primary chamber can be disconnected from an input and / or output mechanism, transported and reconnected to a different input and / or output mechanism.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein disengaging the locking mechanism can release stored energy.

10. 10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary chamber comprises a flexible or deformable geometric shell utilising an elastomeric material, a rigid sliding or hinged former or a combination thereof to provide rigid support whilst maintaining a pressure seal of the primary chamber when expanding or contracting and subjected to a pressure differential, wherein the former is actuated or driven by the input and / or output mechanism, wherein when the former is actuated to expand the deformable shell, the fluid contained in the primary chamber expands in a partial vacuum reducing its pressure thereby creating a pressure differential between the primary chamber and an external medium thereby releasing energy when the pressure differential acts to collapse the primary chamber thereby recompressing the primary fluid to drive the output mechanism.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the primary chamber shell is spherical or spherical polyhedron in shape.

12. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the primary chamber shell is prismatic in shape.

13. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the primary chamber shell is a bellows.

14. 10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the energy converter is connected to an input and / or output mechanism.

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the energy converter is a generator.

16. 10. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary fluid is air.

17. 16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the primary fluid is a phase change material.

18. 10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium is air.

19. 18. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the medium is a phase change material.

20. 20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or 19, characterized in that the phase change material is a two-phase refrigerant.

21. 18. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the medium is water.

22. the primary chamber having a fluid inlet valve, Opening the inlet valve unseals the primary chamber and causes exchange with the surrounding medium to equalize pressure; Opening the inlet valve of the accumulating / accumulated primary chamber to the surrounding medium unseals the chamber and allows the surrounding medium to enter until pressure equalization occurs, thereby discharging the device; 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein opening the inlet valve of the physically expanded primary chamber to a vacuum environment unseals the primary chamber and causes the primary fluid to be expelled, thereby depressurizing the chamber to a partial vacuum and simultaneously providing thrust and recharging the apparatus, whereby the valve closes to store energy.

23. When referring to claim 3, the secondary chamber has a fluid outlet valve, wherein: Opening the outlet valve causes an exchange of the secondary chamber with an external medium so that the pressures are equalized; When the device is / has accumulated, opening the outlet valve will drain the pressurized secondary fluid contained in the secondary chamber to a medium outside the secondary chamber until pressure equalization occurs; 23. The device of claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 22, characterized in that opening the outlet valve to a vacuum environment physically expands the device and then causes the secondary fluid to be expelled, depressurizing the secondary chamber to an internal partial vacuum, thereby promoting the expansion of the primary chamber, whereby, when the primary chamber accumulates, the secondary chamber outlet valve can be opened to a medium outside the secondary chamber to repressurize and increase the pressure difference between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber.

24. 24. A system comprising a plurality of devices according to claim 23, wherein the inlet valves of each device are connected via a manifold.

25. 25. A system comprising a plurality of devices according to claim 24, wherein the outlet valves of each device are connected via a manifold.

Images