Diversification of pumped-storage hydroelectric power systems

Abstract

We provide a pumped-storage hydroelectric power system that can accommodate diverse installation environments, installation conditions, and operational needs. [Solution] As a way to avoid the difficulties of securing suitable sites and obtaining local consensus, artificial structures such as tanks and vessels can be used to construct a power generation system with functions similar to pumped-storage hydroelectric power, utilizing various operational methods, including small-scale operation and scaling up by using multiple small-scale operating devices, in addition to utilizing previously unused locations such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as locations where liquids other than seawater and freshwater can be used, and by utilizing various drainage methods, in diverse installation environments and situations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to diversification of a pumped-storage power generation system having a power supply adjustment function that utilizes potential energy in a reverse pumping situation, which can be said to be "drainage power generation" not only by potential energy obtained by pumping but also by using electric energy, thermal energy, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Amid the increasing demand for electric power more than ever, the use of renewable energy as a countermeasure against global warming is increasing. However, the power supply by renewable energy, which has a high dependence on the natural environment, may cause a mismatch with the power demand. As a means to solve this, pumped-storage power generation can play a role. However, in Patent Document 1, the main focus is on installation in water, and furthermore, since the discharge means is limited, it is difficult to perform pumped-storage power generation as a supply power adjustment function for stable power supply in various environments, various situations, and various operations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power storage system and power generation system of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is difficult to cope with various regions, environments, operations under various situations, and further diversification of operation methods accompanied by various effects. The present invention solves the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This invention relates to a power generation system that utilizes the potential energy of liquids such as water, including not only seawater but also other liquids. In this invention, the discharge of liquids flowing into both liquid storage devices is not limited to power-driven drainage means as disclosed in Patent Document 1, but also to the discharge of liquids such as water from both liquid storage devices by utilizing the potential energy generated by the movement of both liquid storage devices, and furthermore, by utilizing differences in specific gravity and pressure differences that occur when substances are changed or phases are transitioned by chemical changes including thermochemical or electrochemical processes such as evaporation and volatilization. By discharging liquids such as water from both liquid storage devices using these various means, it becomes possible to utilize the potential energy of liquids such as water outside the liquid storage devices for power generation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing a first embodiment of a floating, sealable liquid storage device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a third embodiment of a movable, sealable liquid storage device. [Figure 3] A figure showing a fourth embodiment of a stationary, sealable liquid storage device. [Figure 4] This figure shows a fifth embodiment using a stationary, top-opening liquid storage device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] In the following embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a predetermined amount of power generation not only by using a single unit of the present invention to achieve liquid storage on the same scale as conventional pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation, but also by using multiple units of the present invention. Furthermore, the power generation system according to the present invention can be constructed by or without civil engineering work. Moreover, when using multiple units of the present invention, the arrangement of the units can be not only by arranging them side by side in a planar manner, but also by arranging them three-dimensionally. As a result, it is possible to accommodate a variety of installation environments, installation situations, and operations. First Embodiment

[0008] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a floating, sealable liquid storage device 10 installed in the ocean. For discharge, it has a pumping machine 11 that discharges seawater from within the sealable liquid storage device 10 without chemical alteration. While this embodiment is also possible with an open-top liquid storage device, a sealable type is considered more suitable than an open-top type if buoyancy needs to be reliably ensured. When the sealable liquid storage device 10 is filled to capacity with seawater, its depth increases in relation to buoyancy. In such cases, the scale of the seawater discharge and pressure adjustment devices increases, so the amount of seawater injected is adjusted to a desired depth by controlling buoyancy. The aforementioned pressure adjustment function is a pressure adjustment device 13 provided in the sealable liquid storage device 10 to facilitate the inflow and outflow of seawater from outside the sealable liquid storage device 10. When seawater is discharged from inside the sealable liquid storage device 10, it allows the inflow of outside air. When seawater is introduced from outside the sealable liquid storage device 10, it allows the outflow of gas from inside the sealable liquid storage device 10. By equipping this pressure adjustment device 13 with a generator, it becomes possible to generate electricity using the fluid force of the incoming outside air and outgoing gas. Seawater from outside the sealable liquid storage device 10 is introduced into the space created inside the sealable liquid storage device 10 by discharging seawater, through the liquid flow path of the power generation device 12, which is the power generation function of the sealable liquid storage device 10, and electricity is generated by the fluid force of the seawater. The liquid flow path has multiple inlets and outlets in the depth direction, and merges and branches occur along the way, with the fluid flow path selected and controlled by valves, etc. A generator is installed between the confluence of the inflow paths and the branching point, generating electricity using the fluid force of seawater flowing through the liquid channel. Furthermore, if a floating / submerging liquid flow power generation device is installed outside the sealed liquid storage device 10, which has a generator that generates electricity using the relative liquid flow generated by the floating and sinking of the sealed liquid storage device 10, power generation will also be possible using this floating / submerging liquid flow power generation device. This embodiment enables operation similar to pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation. Second Embodiment

[0009] A second embodiment is described in which two stationary liquid storage devices are installed in the ocean. For the discharge function, seawater from both liquid storage devices is discharged using a pumping machine without chemical alteration. Fixation includes not only methods using self-weight or fixing to the bottom of the installation site, but also methods of maintaining both liquid storage devices at a fixed position relative to the sea surface by pressing them against other floating objects. In the case of an open-top liquid storage device, the upper end of the open-top liquid storage device is installed so that it is higher than the sea surface. In the case of a sealable liquid storage device, it is also possible to install it so that the upper end is lower than the sea surface. Seawater from outside the liquid storage devices is introduced into the space created within the liquid storage devices by the discharge of seawater using the pumping machine, and electricity is generated by the fluid force of the incoming seawater. In the case of a sealable liquid storage device, it has the same pressure adjustment function as in the first embodiment. This embodiment enables operation similar to pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation. Third Embodiment

[0010] Figure 2 shows a third embodiment using a movable, resealable liquid storage device 20 installed in the ocean. For discharge, it has a discharge device 21 that uses potential energy to discharge seawater. This embodiment is also possible with an open-top liquid storage device, but the pressure adjustment function shown in the first embodiment is unnecessary. It is also possible to equip the resealable liquid storage device 20 with a floating liquid flow power generator located outside the resealable liquid storage device 20, which generates electricity from the relative liquid flow generated by the movement of the resealable liquid storage device 20 in seawater. The resealable liquid storage device 20 is made vertically movable by support columns 24 for raising and lowering, by suspension by something like a crane, or by moving along an inclined track. This allows the resealable liquid storage device 20 to move between seawater and air, with the seawater surface as the boundary. Figure 2 shows an embodiment supported by support columns 24. However, the support columns 24 and suspension device can be fixed to the bottom of a liquid, such as the seabed, as shown in Figure 2, or they can be fixed to floating objects, ships, etc., or to a location adjacent to a liquid-filled area, such as the shore. The sealable liquid storage device 20, into which seawater is injected, is moved above the sea surface by the support columns 24 as shown in Figure 2. However, depending on the operation, it is possible to operate the sealable liquid storage device 20 with only a part of it above the sea surface, rather than having the entire device above the sea surface as shown in Figure 2. The discharge device 21 for discharging seawater from the sealable liquid storage device 20 has multiple liquid flow channels that pass through the inside and outside of the sealable liquid storage device 20, and is equipped with a generator that generates electricity using the fluid force of the seawater discharged through these liquid flow channels. These liquid flow channels have multiple inlets and outlets in the depth direction, and they merge and branch along the way, with the fluid flow channel being selected and controlled by valves, etc. A generator is installed between the point where the discharge paths merge and the point where they diverge, generating electricity from the fluid force of the seawater discharged through the liquid flow path. This discharge device 21 allows the seawater in the sealable liquid storage device 20 to be discharged solely by gravity due to the potential energy of the seawater, even without a mechanical discharge device. This makes it possible to generate electricity using the generator equipped in the discharge function of the movable type, even when seawater is being discharged.Seawater can be discharged at any time while the resealable liquid storage device 20 is moving upward, or after it has stopped at a certain position. After stopping at the designated position, the timing of power generation can be controlled by retaining the seawater in the resealable liquid storage device 20 for a certain period of time without discharging it. Furthermore, if the resealable liquid storage device 20 is equipped with a stopper function, such as pinning the support column 24, it can maintain its stop while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. This stopper function is also applicable when using other vertical mechanisms such as suspension systems or inclined tracks. The resealable liquid storage device 20 has a pressure adjustment device 23 similar to that of the first embodiment. Whether the amount of seawater discharged from the resealable liquid storage device 20 is the entire amount or a fixed amount depends on the operation. When generating electricity by discharging seawater from the sealed liquid storage device 20 and then allowing the seawater to flow back into the sealed liquid storage device 20, the sealed liquid storage device 20 is lowered into the seawater by its own weight or by forced descent using the lifting function of the support column 24. The same applies when using other vertical mechanisms such as a suspension system or an inclined track. In the seawater, electricity is generated by allowing seawater to flow into the sealed liquid storage device 20 from the flow path of the power generation function device, which is the power generation function of the sealed liquid storage device 20. Note that the power generation function device also utilizes the discharge device 21, and it is possible to generate electricity both when seawater is discharged and when seawater is flowing in using the same generator provided in the liquid flow path. Furthermore, if the lifting function of the support column 24 is electrically driven, when it is lowered by free fall, it is possible to generate electricity by the reverse rotation of the drive device. The same applies when using other vertical mechanisms such as a suspension system or an inclined track. This embodiment makes it possible to operate in a manner similar to pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation. Fourth embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 shows a fourth embodiment using a stationary, resealable liquid storage device 30 installed in a liquid. As a discharge function, it has the ability to discharge the liquid inside the resealable liquid storage device 30 by a chemical reaction carried out electrochemically. An electrochemical reaction device 31, having electrodes, is provided inside the resealable liquid storage device 30, and the chemical reaction of the liquid is carried out by electricity supplied from an external source. For example, when a liquid is chemically changed into a gas by an electrochemical reaction, after the chemical reaction, the discharge port 33 of the resealable liquid storage device 30 is opened. Furthermore, if liquid from outside the resealable liquid storage device 30 is allowed to flow into the resealable liquid storage device 30 through the fluid flow path of the power generation function device 32, which is a power generation function of the resealable liquid storage device 30, the gas present inside the resealable liquid storage device 30 will be discharged from the discharge port 33 due to the inflow pressure and specific gravity difference of the liquid flowing in through the fluid flow path from outside the resealable liquid storage device 30. Furthermore, if a generator that generates electricity using exhaust fluid force is provided at the outlet 33, electricity can also be generated from the exhaust. This embodiment enables operation similar to pumped-storage hydroelectric power generation. Fifth Embodiment

[0012] Figure 4 shows a fifth embodiment using a stationary, open-topped liquid storage device 40 installed in the ocean. The discharge function involves a thermochemical phase transformation. The upper end of the open-topped liquid storage device 40 is positioned higher than the sea surface. A concave mirror 41 is used to irradiate the seawater inside the open-topped liquid storage device 40 with sunlight as a device for thermochemical phase transition. A lid-like structure is installed at an angle on the open top of the open-topped liquid storage device 40 to recover some of the vaporized water vapor discharged outside the device after the phase transformation. The freshwater condensed on this lid-like structure flows down the slope and is collected by a gutter-like structure. The salt generated inside the open-topped liquid storage device 40 by the evaporation of seawater can also be recovered for salt production. In addition to the concave mirror 41 used in this fifth embodiment as a device for thermochemically transitioning phases, it is also possible to equip the open-top liquid storage device with a heat exchanger or radiator and use these heat exchangers or radiators to transition phases. Seawater from outside the open-top liquid storage device 40 is introduced into the space created inside the open-top liquid storage device 40 by the discharge of seawater, through the liquid flow path of the power generation function of the open-top liquid storage device 40, and electricity is generated by the fluid force of the incoming seawater. This enables operation suitable for areas where solar heat is abundant but freshwater is difficult to obtain. Sixth Embodiment

[0013] A sixth embodiment is presented, which is a stationary, resealable liquid storage device installed in a liquid that easily vaporizes at room temperature, and which has a function of discharge by a thermochemical phase transformation. The liquid inside the resealable liquid storage device is vaporized, and the gas is discharged from the outlet of the resealable liquid storage device. Liquid from outside the resealable liquid storage device is then introduced into the space inside the resealable liquid storage device through a liquid flow path equipped with the power generation function of the resealable liquid storage device, and electricity is generated by the liquid flow force. If the liquid in which the resealable liquid storage device is installed, or the vaporized gas, is flammable, fire prevention measures should be taken. This embodiment makes it possible to operate in environments that were not previously utilized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0014] 10. Floating, sealable liquid storage device 11 Pumping machinery and equipment 12 Power generation function device 13. Pressure regulating device 20 Mobile, sealable liquid storage devices 21 Ejection device 23 Pressure regulating device 24 Support column 30. Stationary, resealable liquid storage device 31 Electrochemical Reaction Apparatus 32 Power generation device 33 Outlet 40. Fixed, top-opening liquid storage device 41 Concave mirror 42 Power generation device SS sea level LS liquid level

Claims

1. A stationary, movable, or floating liquid storage device with a power generation function, which can be sealed and installed in a liquid such as water (hereinafter referred to as "sealable liquid storage device"), and a similarly stationary, movable, or floating liquid storage device with a power generation function, which has an open top (hereinafter referred to as "open top liquid storage device"). The power generation function of the aforementioned sealed liquid storage device and open-top liquid storage device (hereinafter referred to as "both liquid storage devices") is provided by one or more liquid flow channels that run through the inside and outside of the two liquid storage devices, and one or more generators that generate electricity using the liquid flow force provided along the liquid flow channels. The function generates electricity by causing liquid present outside the two liquid storage devices to flow into the two liquid storage devices through the liquid flow channels, thereby generating electricity using the liquid flow force of the incoming liquid. The liquid storage devices have a function to discharge liquids such as water that flow into them to the outside of the devices. This discharge function discharges the liquids such as water that flow into the devices to the outside of the devices either without chemical alteration, after thermochemical phase transformation, or after chemical changes due to mixing with substances that induce electrochemical or chemical reactions. The present invention is a liquid storage device type power generation device characterized by this discharge function.

2. The power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the function of discharging the liquid that has flowed into both liquid storage devices without chemical alteration, among the discharge functions of the power generation apparatus according to claim 1, is performed by a mechanical device having a liquid discharge function.

3. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the movable liquid storage devices, among the discharge functions of the power generation device according to claim 1, have one or more liquid discharge channels passing through the inside and outside of the liquid storage devices, and one or more generators that generate electricity by the fluid force of the liquid passing through the liquid discharge channels, and have a function of discharging liquid through the liquid discharge channels using potential energy.

4. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein, among the discharge functions of the power generation device according to claim 1, it has a thermochemical function device that promotes volatilization and evaporation, and has a function of discharging liquid by utilizing volatilization and evaporation carried out by a thermochemical phase transformation.

5. The power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge function among the discharge functions of the power generation device according to claim 1, which is a function that induces an electrochemical reaction or a function that mixes with a substance that induces a chemical reaction, thereby discharging a substance produced by a chemical change in the liquids in both liquid storage devices, by utilizing the density difference, specific gravity difference, pressure difference, etc., between the liquid that flows in or into the power generation device according to claim 1 and the discharge function.

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