Energy conversion system

Abstract

This invention discloses an energy conversion system comprising a first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module, a second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module, and an energy converter. The first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module includes a first tube, a first container, a second container, and a first valve. The second container is connected to the first container through the first tube and contains a liquid. The first valve is disposed on the first tube. When the first valve is closed, the first container contains gas. The second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module includes a second tube, a third container, and a fourth container. The fourth container is connected to the third container through the second tube and contains a second gas. The energy converter connects the containment spaces of the second and third containers. When the first valve is open, the gas continuously expands, driving the energy converter to generate electricity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conversion system, and more particularly to an energy conversion system. Prior Technology

[0002] Because of the enormous demand for electricity on Earth, scientists have exhausted their efforts to devise numerous methods for generating electricity. Generally, common power generation methods (including but not limited to fossil fuels or renewable resources) are both complex and expensive. Typical electrical energy storage systems include batteries, flywheels, and pumped-storage hydroelectric systems; however, the total energy that any system can store is finite.

[0003] The most common example of energy storage is advanced batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries. However, advanced batteries result in high production costs, limiting their energy applications. Flywheel energy storage can provide high energy output, but its energy power density is low. Furthermore, while pumped hydro storage systems can provide large-scale energy storage, their construction costs are high and they are geographically limited, making them unsuitable for all regions.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention addresses the aforementioned problems by proposing an energy conversion system to solve the issues arising from conventional methods. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an energy conversion system that safely generates electrical energy with low maintenance costs while making efficient use of space.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, an energy conversion system is provided, comprising at least one first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module, at least one second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module, and an energy converter. The first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module includes a first tube, a first container, a second container, and a first valve. The first container contains a first gas, and the second container is connected to the first container through the first tube and contains a liquid. The first valve is disposed on the first tube. When the first valve is closed, the first gas acts on the containing space of the first container to exert a predetermined pressure, thereby allowing the first container to store first pressure energy. The second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module includes a second tube, a third container, and a fourth container. The fourth container is connected to the third container through the second tube and contains a second gas. The energy converter connects the containing spaces of the second and third containers. When the first valve is open, the first gas continuously expands to drive the liquid through the energy converter to the third container, and the liquid, which converts the first pressure energy into second pressure energy, drives the energy converter to generate electrical energy.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion system further includes a first gas pressurization pump connected to the containment space of the first container.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module further includes a second valve body disposed on the second pipe body. When the second valve body is closed, the second gas acts on the accommodating space of the fourth container to exert a predetermined pressure, thereby allowing the fourth container to store the third pressure energy.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the second valve body is opened, the second gas continuously expands to drive the liquid in the third container to flow into the second container through the power converter, and the liquid that converts the third pressure energy into the fourth pressure energy drives the power converter to generate electrical energy.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the energy conversion system further includes a second gas pressurization pump connected to the containment space of the fourth container.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion system further includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is disposed in the containment space of the first container and is used to sense the first gas pressure of the first gas. The second pressure sensor is disposed in the containment space of the fourth container and is used to sense the second gas pressure of the second gas.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first valve body and the second valve body are electrically controlled valve bodies.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion system further includes a switch controller electrically connected to a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor and an electrically controlled valve body, and used to receive a first gas pressure and a second gas pressure to control the electrically controlled valve body accordingly.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion system further includes a third tube, a third valve, a fourth tube, and a fourth valve. One end of the third tube is connected to the power converter, and the other end is connected to the accommodating space of the second container. The third valve is disposed on the third tube. One end of the fourth tube is connected to the power converter, and the other end is connected to the accommodating space of the third container. The fourth valve is disposed on the fourth tube.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module includes multiple first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules, and at least one second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module includes multiple second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules, wherein the multiple first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules and the multiple second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules are arranged in an array.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power converter is a liquid pump, a turbo pump, a liquid generator, a liquid turbine generator, or a hydraulic turbine generator.

[0017] Based on the above, the energy conversion system adopts a heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module to safely generate electrical energy with low maintenance costs, while making efficient use of space.

[0018] To enable your review committee to gain a better understanding of the structural features and effects achieved by the present invention, preferred embodiment diagrams and detailed descriptions are provided below: Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an energy conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2a to 2e are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of an energy conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an energy conversion system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals in the drawings and description represent the same or similar components. In the drawings, shapes and thicknesses may be exaggerated for simplicity and convenience. It is understood that elements not specifically shown in the drawings or described in the description are forms known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications based on the content of this invention.

[0021] Certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific elements. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the same element may be referred to by different names. The specification and claims do not distinguish elements by differences in name, but by differences in function. The term "comprising" in the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to". Furthermore, "coupled" here includes any direct and indirect means of connection. Therefore, if the text describes a first element coupled to a second element, it means that the first element can be directly connected to the second element through electrical connection or signal connection methods such as wireless transmission or optical transmission, or indirectly electrically or signalally connected to the second element through other elements or connection means.

[0022] In the following description of "one embodiment" or "an embodiment," the term refers to a specific element, structure, or feature associated with at least one embodiment. Therefore, the multiple descriptions of "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" appearing in various places below do not refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, specific components, structures, and features in one or more embodiments may be combined in a suitable manner.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, certain conditional clauses or words, such as "can," "could," "might," or "may," are generally intended to express features, elements, or steps that are present in the embodiments of this invention, but may also be interpreted as features, elements, or steps that may not be required. In other embodiments, these features, elements, or steps may be unnecessary.

[0024] The disclosure is specifically described with reference to the following examples, which are merely illustrative. Various modifications and refinements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims. Throughout the specification and claims, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the words “a” and “the” include statements containing “a or at least one” of the element or component. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the singular article also includes statements of a plurality of elements or components unless clearly excluded from the specific context. Moreover, when applied in this description and throughout the claims below, unless explicitly stated otherwise, “in which” may include both “in which” and “on which”. The terms used throughout the specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of this disclosure and in specific contexts. Certain terms used to describe this disclosure will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to practitioners in describing this disclosure. Examples throughout this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope or meaning of this disclosure or any illustrative terms. Similarly, this disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments set forth in this specification.

[0025] The following description introduces an energy conversion system that uses a heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module to safely generate electrical energy with low maintenance costs, while making efficient use of space.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an energy conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the energy conversion system 1 includes at least one first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 10, at least one second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 11, and an energy converter 12. For convenience and clarity, the number of both the first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 10 and the second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 11 is one. The energy converter 12 may be, but is not limited to, a liquid pump, a turbopump, a liquid generator, a liquid turbine generator, or a hydraulic turbine generator. The first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 10 includes a first pipe 100, a first container 101, a second container 102, and a first valve 103. The first container 101 contains a first gas G1, and the second container 102 is connected to the first container 101 through the first pipe 100 and contains a liquid L. The first pipe 100 is connected to the highest position of the side wall of the second container 102. The first valve 103 is disposed on the first pipe 100. The second heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module 11 includes a second tube 110, a third container 111, and a fourth container 112. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module 11 may further include a second valve body 113 disposed on the second tube 110. The fourth container 112 is connected to the third container 111 through the second tube 110 and contains a second gas G2. The liquid L is a naturally occurring substance, such as water, which is readily available. The first gas G1 and the second gas G2 are also naturally occurring substances, such as ambient air, which are also readily available. The second tube 110 is connected to the highest point of the side wall of the fourth container 112. The materials and thicknesses of the first container 101, the second container 102, the third container 111, and the fourth container 112 can also determine the pressure they can withstand, the liquid used, the gas used, or the solid used; for example, the materials can be stainless steel, iron, etc. Furthermore, it is worth noting that when the first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 10 and the second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 11 are located underground or enclosed by other materials (such as cement, concrete, etc.), for example, when the first container 101, the second container 102, the third container 111, and the fourth container 112 are encapsulated with cement, the first container 101, the second container 102, the third container 111, and the fourth container 112 can enhance their pressure resistance.

[0027] The energy converter 12 connects the accommodating spaces of the second container 102 and the third container 111. Specifically, the energy conversion system 1 may further include a third pipe 13, a third valve 14, a fourth pipe 15, and a fourth valve 16. One end of the third pipe 13 is connected to the energy converter 12, and the other end is connected to the accommodating space of the second container 102. The third pipe 13 is connected to the lowest position of the side wall of the second container 102. The third valve 14 is disposed on the third pipe 13. One end of the fourth pipe 15 is connected to the energy converter 12, and the other end is connected to the accommodating space of the third container 111. The fourth pipe 15 is connected to the lowest position of the side wall of the third container 111. The fourth valve 16 is disposed on the fourth pipe 15. In order to pressurize the first gas G1 and the second gas G2, the energy conversion system 1 may further include a first gas pressurizing pump 17 and a second gas pressurizing pump 18. A first gas pressurizing pump 17 is connected to the accommodating space of a first container 101, and a second gas pressurizing pump 18 is connected to the accommodating space of a fourth container 112. When the first valve 103 is closed, the second valve 113, the third valve 14, and the fourth valve 16 are also closed, and the first gas pressurizing pump 17 receives electrical power E to pressurize the first gas G1, causing the first gas G1 to exert a predetermined pressure on the accommodating space of the first container 101, thereby allowing the first container 101 to store first pressure energy. The value of the predetermined pressure can range from several kilopascals to several megapascals. For example, the value of the predetermined pressure can range from 4 to 12 megapascals (MPa). The time period for pressurizing the first gas G1 can be selected during peak ionization periods, but the invention is not limited to this. The electrical power E can come from, but is not limited to, solar energy, green energy, or mains power, wherein mains power can be obtained during periods of low price.

[0028] Figures 2a to 2e are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of an energy conversion system according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 2a, when the first valve 103 is open, the second valve 113, the third valve 14, and the fourth valve 16 are also open, and the first gas G1 continuously expands, pushing and driving the liquid L through the energy converter 12 to flow into the third container 111. The liquid L, which converts the first pressure energy into the second pressure energy, drives the energy converter 12 to generate electrical energy. Because the energy converter 12 is sequentially electrically connected to the inverter INV and the mains grid GRID, the energy converter 12 can store electrical energy in the mains grid GRID through the inverter INV.

[0029] Because the second container 102 and the third container 111 have the same volume and shape, when the liquid L is about to leave the second container 102, the liquid L is about to fill the third container 111. The gas originally stored in the third container 111 will be discharged through the exhaust port of the second gas pressurization pump 18, as shown in Figure 2b. When the liquid L is about to fill the third container 111, the second valve body 113 is closed, and the first valve body 103, the third valve body 14, and the fourth valve body 16 are opened. The steps in Figures 2a and 2b can be selected during peak electricity consumption periods, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 2c, when the second valve body 113 is closed, the second gas pressurization pump 18 receives electrical power E to pressurize the second gas G2, so that the second gas G2 acts on the containment space of the fourth container 112 at a predetermined pressure, thereby allowing the fourth container 112 to store the third pressure energy. The time period for pressurizing the second gas G2 can be selected during peak ionization periods, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electrical power E can come from, but is not limited to, solar energy, green energy, or mains power, wherein mains power can be obtained during periods of low price.

[0031] Next, as shown in Figure 2d, when the second valve body 113 is open, the first valve body 103, the third valve body 14, and the fourth valve body 16 are also open, and the second gas G2 continues to expand, pushing and driving the liquid L through the power converter 12 to flow into the second container 102. The liquid L, which converts the third pressure energy into the fourth pressure energy, drives the power converter 12 to generate electrical energy. The power converter 12 can store the electrical energy in the grid GRID through the inverter INV.

[0032] Finally, as shown in Figure 2e, when liquid L is about to disappear from the third container 111, liquid L is about to fill the second container 102. The gas originally stored in the second container 102 will be discharged through the exhaust port of the first gas pressurization pump 17, as shown in Figure 2e. When liquid L is about to fill the second container 102, the first valve 103 is closed, and the second valve 113, the third valve 14, and the fourth valve 16 are opened. Then, the process returns to the state shown in Figure 1. By repeating the operation from Figure 1 and Figure 2a to Figure 2e, the power converter 12 can be continuously driven to generate electricity. In the steps of Figures 2d and 2e, peak electricity consumption periods can be selected, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0033] Energy Conversion System 1 offers a modular design, allowing for the construction of micro, small, medium, and large power plants based on actual electricity demand. It can provide power ranging from a few kilowatts (kW) to over a few megawatts (GW). Furthermore, Energy Conversion System 1 can be installed underground or beneath buildings, minimizing space occupation and reducing environmental impact. It also avoids the use of hazardous materials, making it suitable for residential, school, urban, and public facility locations. Because the liquid L, the first gas G1, and the second gas G2 are all readily available environmental substances such as water and ambient air, when power generation efficiency decreases, the original energy release efficiency can be restored simply by replenishing at least one of the liquid or the reactor, without the need for the special procurement of natural gas, coal, or nuclear fuels. Therefore, Energy Conversion System 1 has low maintenance costs.

[0034] To facilitate operation of the energy conversion system 1, the energy conversion system 1 may further include a switch controller 19, a first pressure sensor S1, and a second pressure sensor S2. Furthermore, the first valve body 103, the second valve body 113, the third valve body 14, and the fourth valve body 16 are all electrically controlled valve bodies. The first pressure sensor S1 is located in the accommodating space of the first container 101 and is used to sense the first gas pressure P1 of the first gas G1. The second pressure sensor S2 is located in the accommodating space of the fourth container 112 and is used to sense the second gas pressure P2 of the second gas G2. The switch controller 19 is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor S1, the second pressure sensor S2, and the aforementioned electrically controlled valve bodies, and is used to receive the first gas pressure P1 and the second gas pressure P2 to control the electrically controlled valve bodies accordingly.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an energy conversion system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, in order to extend the power generation time of the power converter 12, multiple first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules 10 and multiple second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules 11 can be used, wherein the first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules 10 and the second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules 11 are arranged in an array. When one first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 10 and one second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module 11 can provide 300 kW of power, then using two first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules 10 and two second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules 11 can generate approximately 600 kW of power.

[0036] According to the above embodiments, the energy conversion system adopts a heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module to safely generate electrical energy with low maintenance costs, while making efficient use of space.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made to the shape, structure, features and spirit described in the claims of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0038] 1: Energy Conversion System 10: First heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module 100:First tube body 101: First Container 102: Second Container 103: First valve body 11: Second heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module 110:Second tube body 111: Third Container 112: Fourth Container 113: Second valve body 12: Power Converter 13:Third tube body 14: Third valve body 15:The fourth tube body 16: Fourth valve body 17: First gas pressurization pump 18: Second gas pressurization pump 19: Switch Controller G1: First Gas L: Liquid G2: Second gas S1: First pressure sensor S2: Second pressure sensor P1: First gas pressure P2: Second gas pressure INV: Inverter GRID: Mains power grid

Claims

1. An energy conversion system comprising: at least one first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module, comprising: a first tube; a first container for containing a first gas; a second container connected to the first container through the first tube and containing a liquid; and a first valve body disposed on the first tube body, wherein when the first valve body is closed, the first gas acts on the containing space of the first container to exert a predetermined pressure, thereby allowing the first container to store first pressure energy; at least one second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module, comprising: a second tube; a third container; and a fourth container connected to the third container through the second tube and containing a second gas; and an energy converter connecting the containing spaces of the second container and the third container, wherein when the first valve body is open, the first gas continuously expands to drive the liquid to flow through the energy converter to the third container, and the liquid converting the first pressure energy into second pressure energy drives the energy converter to generate electrical energy.

2. The energy conversion system as described in claim 1 further includes a first gas pressurization pump connected to the containment space of the first container.

3. The energy conversion system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module further includes a second valve body disposed on the second pipe body, wherein when the second valve body is closed, the second gas acts on the accommodating space of the fourth container to have the predetermined pressure, thereby allowing the fourth container to store the third pressure energy.

4. The energy conversion system as claimed in claim 3, wherein when the second valve is opened, the second gas continuously expands to drive the liquid in the third container to flow through the power converter to the second container, and the liquid, which converts the third pressure energy into the fourth pressure energy, drives the power converter to generate electrical energy.

5. The energy conversion system as described in claim 3 further includes a second gas pressurization pump connected to the containment space of the fourth container.

6. The energy conversion system as claimed in claim 3 further comprises: a first pressure sensor disposed in the containment space of the first container and used to sense a first gas pressure of the first gas; and a second pressure sensor disposed in the containment space of the fourth container and used to sense a second gas pressure of the second gas.

7. The energy conversion system as described in claim 6, wherein the first valve body and the second valve body are electrically controlled valve bodies.

8. The energy conversion system as claimed in claim 7 further includes a switch controller electrically connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor and the electrically controlled valve body, and used to receive the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure to control the electrically controlled valve body accordingly.

9. The energy conversion system as claimed in claim 3 further comprises: a third tube having one end connected to the power converter and the other end connected to the receiving space of the second container; a third valve body disposed on the third tube; a fourth tube having one end connected to the power converter and the other end connected to the receiving space of the third container; and a fourth valve body disposed on the fourth tube.

10. The energy conversion system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module comprises a plurality of first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules, the at least one second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation module comprises a plurality of second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules, and the plurality of first heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules and the plurality of second heterogeneous pressure energy interaction actuation modules are arranged in an array.

11. The energy conversion system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy converter is a liquid pump, a turbopump, a liquid generator, a liquid turbine generator, or a hydraulic turbine generator.

Images