HYDRAULIC MECHANICAL ENERGY STORAGE AND ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICE AND DRIVE METHOD

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 increasingly important.

[0003] For example, WO 2020 / 018329 discloses an energy storage system comprising a crane and a plurality of blocks, in which the crane can move the blocks from bottom to top by stacking them. In this way, electrical energy is stored in the form of potential energy of the blocks. By moving the blocks from top to bottom, electrical energy can be generated from the kinetic energy generated when the blocks descend. This energy storage system can store electricity generated from solar energy during the day in the form of potential energy in the stack of blocks, and at night, convert the potential energy of the stack of blocks into electricity, which is then supplied to the power grid.

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

[0005] However, the effectiveness of this process is limited because, for example, driving a 200MW turbine requires a water treatment capacity of 11,000 liters per second. Furthermore, pumped storage plants can only operate in locations with a geographical profile that provides sufficient elevation change, along with space for storage tanks where a corresponding amount of water is available. Pumped storage plants also involve substantial disruption to both the ecosystem and the landscape of the chosen location.

[0006] Despite the existence of established technologies, including wind and solar energy generation, as well as energy storage, there remains a need for environmentally friendly and sustainable power generation technologies, particularly 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 turbines are driven by the ebb and flow of ocean currents. However, the generation of electrical energy is subject to great fluctuations, as there is no or very limited ocean current between tides. Corrosion of metal components associated with salt water is also a problem.

[0007] German Patent Application No. DE 10 2019 008 393 A1 discloses an energy storage system 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 corresponding buoyancy of the floating body, while the lower position is achieved by towing the floating body downwards with a towing rope. By attaching the floating body to the lowered position, energy can be stored. However, electrical energy is absolutely necessary in the first place to apply tension to 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. A container is also provided that moves vertically within the tank between a lowered position and an upper position. An energy transmitting 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 regard, it is an object of the present invention to disclose an energy storage device and associated driving method that allows for efficient, environmentally friendly, and reliable energy storage. Furthermore, an energy conversion apparatus and corresponding driving method that can generate electrical energy in an environmentally friendly, sustainable, reliable, and consistent manner is 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 referred to as the device, comprises a water reservoir, a first floating body arranged in the water reservoir, which can be raised 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, such as an ocean or a lake. Alternatively, the water reservoir can be an artificially constructed reservoir. This provides the option to utilize existing water reservoirs, such as swimming pools or settling tanks, so that they can be allocated for further use and the device can be installed in a resource-saving manner.

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

[0015] The float is buoyant and can be configured, for example, in the form of a concrete tank, an (old) ship, a vessel, etc. Existing objects can preferably be utilized as floats 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 kinetic energy from the first floating body to the generator, and may comprise, for example, a rack, Bowden cable, chain, gears, pulleys, transmission, or the like.

[0018] The device allows energy to be stored in the form of potential energy when the water level in the reservoir rises, which can occur, for example, 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] As the water level rises, the first floating body rises from a lower position to an upper position. Therefore, the potential energy of the first floating body increases. In other words, the change in 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 positioned 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 upper position, the fixing being performed by a fixing device that determines the upper position of the floating body regardless of the water level.

[0021] Optionally, the fixation may be possible at a plurality of positions above the upper position, and the action of the fixation device for fixating the first floating body is 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 may be configured, for example, in the form of a fixing bolt, which may be fastened to the wall of the water reservoir such that, when fixing is required, a fixed but detachable connection may be formed between the first floating body and the wall of the water reservoir. Alternatively, the fixing device may also cooperate with the first energy transmission device to indirectly anchor the first floating body, so that a movement of a first fixing element, which is rigidly coupled 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 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 regardless of a drop in 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, and then the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by the first generator. The transfer of 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 power electrical equipment, in other words, the device can enable the storage and generation of electrical energy directly at the device's location and therefore independently of any available power grid.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the generated electrical energy can be injected into the power grid, which advantageously allows for a geographical separation of the storage and generation sites on the one hand and the consumption sites 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 as it rises 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 ascent and descent 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 facilitates the construction of the device. Furthermore, natural processes such as tides and waves can be used to control water levels. Additionally, the storage and conversion of energy contained in natural water resources is enabled so that electrical energy can be generated in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

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

[0032] The first container is preferably an artificially constructed container, preferably a pre-existing first container, which allows the device to be constructed independently of the presence of a natural water reservoir, so that the device can be constructed and operated anywhere.

[0033] The opening of the first container is configured in a closable arrangement, for example by a damper, so 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 enter the first container.

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

[0035] For example, the first vessel can be located in a lake or ocean, such that tides and / or waves can be used 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 used for energy storage and energy conversion as described above.

[0036] Optionally, the device may comprise a water reservoir, wherein the opening of the first container is 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 settling tank, so that it can be allocated for further use and the device can be installed in a resource-saving manner.More preferably, the water reservoir may be located below the water reservoir so that water can flow from the reservoir, either partially or completely, to the reservoir by the action of gravity alone.

[0038] If 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 device 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 filling or draining water therefrom, 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 kinetic energy between the second floating body and the second generator. The second container may be hydraulically connected, for example by a pipe, to the first container and / or to either a water reservoir or a natural water source.

[0041] The first vessel with the first floating body and the second vessel with 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 vessel, the second generator, and the second energy transmission device, reference may be made to the above description of the first vessel, the first generator, and the first energy transmission device, which description can be correspondingly transcribed.

[0043] The second container can be located, for example, 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 difference in elevation between the first and second containers can be, for example, between 1 and 2 meters, measured between the lowest points within 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 to either a water reservoir or a natural water source, thereby increasing the energy storage capacity and ensuring a particularly consistent electrical energy production.

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

[0046] The structural design of the hollow body can make its upper end openable. By filling the float body while it is positioned in the upper position, the mass of the float body, and therefore the stored potential energy, can be increased so that more kinetic energy can be converted into electrical energy when the float body 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 connected to the first and / or second floating bodies in a water-conducting manner, for example by a pipe, particularly 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 preferably be an artificially constructed vessel, preferably an existing vessel such as a swimming pool or sedimentation tank, so that the device can be installed in a manner that allows it to be allocated for further use and saves resources.

[0049] The water reservoir can be configured to be refillable, for example, by a further pumping device. Although energy is required for this purpose, the refilling of the water reservoir can be carried out during periods of excess energy on the power grid system, so that the excess electrical energy that would normally be required 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 transmission device may be configured to directly transmit kinetic energy between the first floating body and the first generator, and / or the second energy transmission device may be configured to directly transmit kinetic energy 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 transfer 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 any intermediate conversion into other forms of energy, such as pressure energy, i.e., potential energy in a pressurized vessel. Since this reduces energy losses, no additional 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 present invention relates to a method for operating an energy storage and energy conversion device according to the above description, the method 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 fluctuations in a water level in a water reservoir; transferring kinetic energy from the first floating body to a first generator during the movement 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 drive method, and the description of the energy storage and energy conversion devices can be used at the same time to explain the drive method.

[0055] The method may optionally include fixing the first floating body in an upper position. Further features of the method follow 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 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 INVENTION

[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 shown. In this context, directional terms such as "up," "down," "forward," "backward," "in front," and "aft" are utilized with reference to the orientations 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 to the Earth's center. 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. Consequently, 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] 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 fluctuates between a lower water level 21 and an upper water level 22 depending on the tidal range, 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 fluctuate depending on water waves.

[0062] The 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] A first floating body 3, which in the exemplary embodiment is a hollow concrete body, is arranged in the water reservoir 2. The first floating body 3 is configured to be buoyant such that its lowermost section surface 24, when in a floating state, corresponds approximately to the height of the lower water level 21. In FIG. 1, the first floating body 3 in the lower position 5 is represented by a solid line. As the water level 4 rises, the first floating body rises from the lower position 5 to an 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 the 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 which are fastened to the floating body 3 and cooperate 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 to the upper position 6 by 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, while the first floating body 3 is raised from the lower position 5 to the upper position 6, the kinetic energy can be transmitted by the energy transmission device 8 to the generator 7 and converted by the generator into electrical energy.

[0069] As a result, the accompanying energy can be converted into electrical energy as the water level 4 fluctuates 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 way. Fixing the first floating body 3 in the upper position 6 provides an option for energy storage so that electrical energy can be generated as needed.

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

[0071] 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1. It differs from the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 1 ) in that 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 of water to and the discharge of water from the first container 10, which opening allows the water level 4 in the first container 10 to be varied. Naturally, it is also possible to provide a plurality of openings 11, thereby facilitating the control of 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. Regarding 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, as the first floating body 3 can also be fixed 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. The difference with respect to the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment (see Figure 2) is that the opening 11 of the water reservoir 2 is hydraulically connected to a water reservoir 13 rather than to a natural water source 12. A pipe 28 is used for this purpose. In other respects, 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, such as water reservoirs and generators at decommissioned power plants, can be utilized so that little or no environmental disruption is associated with the construction of the device 1. The device can, for example, be constructed essentially above ground, which also allows for cost-effective construction.

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

[0077] 4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1. It differs from the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 3) in that it additionally provides a second container 15 having a closable opening 11b for supplying water to and draining water from the second container 15. The second container 15 is of the same design as the first container 10 and therefore comprises 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 a lower position 5 to an 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 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 closure device 20b, which can be configured in the form of a shutter, like the closure 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 closure device 20c.

[0079] In the 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 for 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 power generation with a time lag, thus avoiding power generation outages.

[0080] 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1. It differs from the hydraulic mechanical energy storage and energy conversion device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 3) in that a water container 19 is additionally 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. Consequently, 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 water container (not shown) by means of a pumping device, for which purpose surplus electrical energy in the power grid can preferably 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 to a natural water source 12 so that water can be conducted therethrough, the first container 10 then being configured, for example, as the hull of a derelict 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.

[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] Thereafter, 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 at 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 container 14 Pumping equipment 15 Second Container 16 Second Floating Body 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 fluctuations in the water level in the reservoir S2 Movement of the first floating body from an upper position to a lower position due to fluctuations 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 install the first floating body (3) at the 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 at 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 transfer kinetic energy between the second floating body (16) and the second generator (17); A water reservoir (13) and A hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device (1) comprising: The openings (11, 11a) are connected to the water storage container (13) in a water conducting manner, and the second container (15) is connected to the first container (10) and the water storage container (13) in a water conducting manner.

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

3. 2. 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. 2. 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 hollow bodies that can be filled with water.

7. a water container (19) disposed above the first container (10) and / or the second container (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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