Apparatus and method for energy conversion

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for energy conversion. The energy conversion apparatus comprises a compression device, a pressure vessel, a first generator device and a shut-off valve. The compression device is designed and configured to apply pressure to a fluid. The pressure vessel is fluidically connected to the compression device. The pressure vessel is also designed and configured to receive and store the pressurized fluid. The first generator device is fluidically connected to the pressure vessel. The first generator device is also designed and configured to generate electrical energy when the pressurized fluid is supplied to the first generator device. The shut-off valve is arranged between the pressure vessel and the first generator device. The shut-off valve is also designed and configured to selectively open and close the fluidic connection between the pressure vessel and the first generator device.

Description

[0001] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENERGY CONVERSION

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and a method for energy conversion.

[0003] Technical area

[0004] Today, there is a great demand for energy, especially electrical energy. According to the World Energy Outlook 2022 of the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand in 2018 was approximately 167,000 TWh (terawatt hours). In 2018, approximately 80% of global energy consumption came from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas (figures for the years 2019-2023 were not yet available at the time of this filing).

[0005] Different types of power plants are currently in use. Power plants that use renewable energy include hydroelectric power plants, wind power plants, solar power plants, and geothermal power plants. Nuclear power plants, biomass power plants, and power plants that use fossil fuels, such as coal-fired power plants, diesel power plants, and gas-fired power plants, are also in use worldwide. Hydroelectric power plants use the gravitational force of flowing water to generate electricity. They emit fewer greenhouse gases than fossil-fuel-fired power plants. However, the construction of hydroelectric power plants and dams requires enormous investment and significant changes to the landscape. Wind power plants use the kinetic energy of the wind to generate electricity, and solar power plants convert the sun's radiant energy into electrical energy. Both types of power plants therefore represent a clean energy source and emit fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels.However, wind turbines can only generate electricity when the wind blows, and solar power plants can only generate electricity when the sun shines. Both types of power plants are therefore highly dependent on the weather. Geothermal power plants harness the heat from the Earth's core to generate electricity. They require little land area and emit fewer greenhouse gases than fossil-fuelled energy plants. However, the construction costs of geothermal power plants are comparatively high. Nuclear power plants harness the energy released by nuclear fission and use uranium as fuel to generate large amounts of electricity. Nuclear power plants are considered a low-carbon energy source and are more reliable than renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power plants. However, the investment required to commission a nuclear power plant is significant, and the safe disposal of highly radioactive fuel rods remains an unsolved problem.Coal-fired power plants use coal to generate electricity and accounted for about 37% of global electricity production in 2018. However, coal-fired power plants emit large amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Diesel power plants use diesel fuel to generate electricity. The cost of diesel fuel is generally high, making diesel power plants expensive to operate. Diesel power plants can only be used to generate small amounts of power. They also emit large amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Gas-fired power plants use natural gas as fuel to generate electricity. They emit fewer greenhouse gases than coal-fired and diesel-fired power plants, but they are still not a clean energy source. The construction costs of gas-fired power plants are also higher than those of coal-fired power plants and therefore require higher investment.Biomass power plants use biomass as an energy source for electricity generation. Biomass power plants are considered carbon-neutral because the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by plants during photosynthesis. However, the cost of biomass fuel is high.

[0006] The problem is that the power plants currently available for generating electrical energy are unreliable, environmentally harmful and / or very expensive.

[0007] Battery storage systems store electrical energy in batteries, which can be used to provide power during peak demand periods. Different battery types have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, service life, cost, and other factors. However, battery storage systems are not suitable for large amounts of energy and long storage times.

[0008] In pumped-storage power plants, electrical energy is stored in the form of potential energy, or more precisely, potential energy, by pumping water through electrically driven pumps into a higher storage facility, such as a reservoir. However, this is only possible with enormous effort, as a reservoir must be provided for the reservoir. Furthermore, similar to hydroelectric power plants, the reservoir significantly alters the natural environment.

[0009] This also poses the problem that generated but unused electrical energy is difficult or impossible to store in large quantities and for long periods of time. This makes it difficult to compensate for fluctuations in electrical energy demand.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least mitigate the disadvantages and problems described above. To this end, an energy conversion device according to a first aspect of the present invention, which is the subject of independent claim 1, and a method for energy conversion according to a second aspect of the present invention, which is the subject of a further independent claim, are provided. Embodiments and developments of the present invention are the subject of the corresponding dependent claims.

[0012] The energy conversion device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a compression device, a pressure vessel, a first generator device, and a shut-off valve. The compression device is designed and configured to pressurize a fluid. The pressure vessel is fluidly connected to the compression device. The pressure vessel is further designed and configured to receive and store the pressurized fluid. The first generator device is fluidly connected to the pressure vessel. The first generator device is further designed and configured to generate electrical energy when the pressurized fluid is supplied to the first generator device. The shut-off valve is arranged between the pressure vessel and the first generator device.The shut-off valve is further designed and configured to selectively open and close the fluidic connection between the pressure vessel and the first generator device.

[0013] The method for energy conversion according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of pressurizing a fluid, storing the pressurized fluid, selectively supplying the stored pressurized fluid to a first generator device, and generating electrical energy. In the step of pressurizing a fluid, the fluid is pressurized, for example, by means of the compression device of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention. In the step of storing the pressurized fluid, the pressurized fluid is stored, for example, in the pressure vessel of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention.In the step of selectively supplying the stored pressurized fluid, the stored pressurized fluid is selectively supplied, for example by means of the shut-off valve of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, to a first generator device, for example the first generator device of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the pressure is at or above a predetermined limit pressure.

[0014] In this description, the terms "fluidic connection" and "fluidically connected" refer to a physical connection between elements, wherein said connection is designed and configured to transport a fluid between the connected elements without significant pressure losses and / or leakage. Furthermore, the terms "pressurize" and "pressurized" describe an increase in the pressure acting on the fluid compared to the ambient pressure. In the present case, the gravitational pressure acting on a fluid by means of gravity (e.g., the pressure acting on a fluid such as water at a certain depth due to the overlying column of fluid (water column)) is explicitly not included in said terms.

[0015] The device or method for energy conversion can also be referred to as a device or method for energy generation. The device is designed and configured to generate electrical energy, or the method generates electrical energy. It is understood that the generated electrical energy is not created from scratch, but is provided by energy conversion from other energy forms.

[0016] The compression device can be designed and configured to perform volumetric work on the fluid in order to pressurize the fluid. For example, the compression device can convert potential energy, e.g., in the form of potential energy, or kinetic energy into hydraulic energy or pressure energy. The compression device can, for example, be designed to compress the fluid using potential or kinetic energy. In this case, multiple compression devices can also be provided in the device.

[0017] The step of pressurizing a fluid can be performed by means of the compression device of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, but this is not mandatory, and other means can be used to carry out said step. For example, volume work can be performed on the fluid in said step to pressurize or compress the fluid. Potential or kinetic energy, for example, can be used to perform the volume work.

[0018] The pressure vessel can be connected to the pressure vessel via a fluid line, e.g.

[0019] Compression device must be fluidically connected. The pressurised fluid can be transported into the pressure vessel via the fluid line between the compression device and the pressure vessel. Furthermore, the pressure vessel can enclose an enclosed space in which the pressurised fluid can be stored. The geometric shape of the pressure vessel is not relevant and can, for example, be spherical, cylindrical with any base area (e.g. circular, polygonal, etc.), etc. The only thing that is relevant for the pressure vessel is that the fluid can be stored safely in the pressure vessel under the provided pressure, i.e. without the pressure vessel bursting, for a specified minimum period (e.g. 12 hours, one day, five days, one week, one month or one year) and without significant pressure losses (e.g. less than 1% pressure loss).The pressure vessel can also be supplied with pressurized fluid from several compression devices.

[0020] The step of storing the pressurized fluid may be performed using the pressure vessel of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, but this is not mandatory, and other means may be used in carrying out said step. In said step, the fluid can be stored safely at the provided pressure for a predetermined minimum period (e.g., 12 hours, one day, five days, one week, one month, or one year) and without significant pressure losses (e.g., less than 1% pressure loss).

[0021] The first generator device can be fluidically connected to the pressure vessel via a fluid line, e.g., a pipeline. The pressurized fluid can be transported from the pressure vessel to the first generator device via the fluid line between the pressure vessel and the first generator device. Furthermore, the hydraulic energy or pressure energy of the pressurized fluid can be converted into electrical energy by the first generator device. In other words, electrical energy is generated from the hydraulic energy or pressure energy of the pressurized fluid. The generator device can be designed and configured to relieve the pressure of the pressurized fluid, e.g., by means of a nozzle, a throttle, etc., and converting the kinetic energy of the relaxed fluid into electrical energy. The step of generating electrical energy is carried out by means of the first generator device, such as the first generator device of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, but this is not mandatory and other first generator devices can be used in carrying out said step. In said step, the hydraulic energy or pressure energy of the pressurised fluid can be converted into electrical energy by the first generator device. Furthermore, the pressurised fluid can be relaxed, e.g. by means of a nozzle, a throttle, etc., and the kinetic energy of the relaxed fluid can be converted into electrical energy.

[0022] The shut-off valve can be provided at the fluidic connection between the pressure vessel and the first generator device. The shut-off valve can be manually operated or automated, for example, via a suitable actuating device (e.g., servo motor, etc.) and a suitable control device. For example, the shut-off valve can be designed as a manual or automated lift or ring valve with a plate, cylinder, cone or truncated cone, regulating cone, ball, etc. as the shut-off body. By means of the shut-off valve, the fluidic connection between the pressure vessel and the first generator device can be selectively opened so that the pressurized fluid can flow to the first generator device, or closed or blocked so that the pressurized fluid cannot flow to the first generator device.The shut-off valve can be used to open the fluidic connection between the pressure vessel and the first generator device when the pressure in the pressure vessel is at or above the predetermined limit pressure, so that the fluid flows from the pressure vessel to the first generator device at a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined limit pressure. Accordingly, the fluidic connection between the pressure vessel and the first generator device can be closed / blocked by means of the shut-off valve when the pressure in the pressure vessel is below the predetermined limit pressure. The shut-off valve can be used to adjust the flow rate of pressurized fluid so that only as much pressurized fluid flows from the pressure vessel to the first generator device as flows from the compression device into the pressure vessel.

[0023] The step of selectively supplying the stored pressurized fluid may be performed by means of the shut-off valve of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, but this is not mandatory, and other means may be employed in carrying out said step. For example, the pressurized fluid may be selectively transported to the first generator device or retained. In this case, when the pressure of the fluid is at or above the predetermined limit pressure, the fluid may be transported to the first generator device. Similarly, when the pressure of the fluid is below the predetermined limit pressure, the fluid may be retained by the first generator device.The flow rate of pressurized fluid can be selected such that only as much pressurized fluid flows to the first generator device as is provided in the step of pressurizing a fluid.

[0024] The limit pressure can be 30 bar or more, preferably 50 bar or more.

[0025] The device and method according to the invention offer a cost-effective way of generating electrical energy because the components used are easy to provide and low-maintenance. Furthermore, the device and method according to the invention are not harmful to the environment because no fossil fuels are burned to generate energy and no significant changes to the landscape are required. Furthermore, the device and method according to the invention are very reliable because they are not dependent on the weather. In addition, fluctuations in the demand for electrical energy can be very well compensated because the storage of the pressurized fluid in the pressure vessel offers a cost-effective, low-complexity and long-term storage option by means of which electrical energy can always be provided in the required amount at the required time.

[0026] According to a further development of the present invention, the compression device may comprise a weight element. The compression device is designed and configured to apply pressure to the fluid using the weight force FG of the weight element.

[0027] Accordingly, according to a further development of the present invention, in the step of applying pressure to a fluid, the fluid can be subjected to pressure by means of the weight force FG of a weight element.

[0028] Using the weight force FG of the weight element, volume work can be performed on the fluid and pressure can be applied to it. The potential energy or potential energy of the weight element is utilized and converted into hydraulic energy or pressure energy. The mass of the weight element can be selected so that the pressure applied to the fluid is greater than or equal to the limit pressure.

[0029] The use of a weight element or the utilization of its weight force FG represents a particularly simple and cost-effective way of performing volume work.

[0030] According to a further development of the present invention, the device may comprise a reset device. The reset device may be designed and configured to lift the weight element.

[0031] For example, the return device (e.g., a human operator, a manual or electric cable winch, a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism, etc.) can lift the weight element from a lower position to an upper position or a starting position, thus increasing the potential energy or potential energy of the weight element. According to a development of the present invention, the compression device can further comprise a cylinder and a piston. The cylinder can be fluidically connected to the pressure vessel. The piston can be movably mounted along the cylinder. The piston and the cylinder can be designed and configured to pressurize the fluid in the cylinder and to expel the pressurized fluid towards the pressure vessel when the piston is moved in a first direction along the cylinder.Furthermore, the piston and the cylinder may be designed and configured to suck fluid from the surroundings of the cylinder when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the cylinder.

[0032] Accordingly, according to a further development of the present invention, in the step of pressurizing a fluid, the fluid in a cylinder can be pressurized by means of a piston, and the pressurized fluid can be expelled when the piston is moved in a first direction along the cylinder. Furthermore, fluid from the surroundings of the cylinder can be sucked in by means of the piston when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the cylinder.

[0033] The cylinder can extend along a longitudinal cylinder axis and have any base area (e.g. circular, polygonal, etc.).

[0034] The first direction always points along the cylinder's longitudinal axis in the direction in which the fluid is compressed and can also be referred to as the compression direction. The second direction, opposite to the first direction along the cylinder's longitudinal axis, always points in the direction in which the fluid is sucked in and can also be referred to as the suction direction.

[0035] The piston can be precisely fitted into the cylinder and include suitable sealing elements. Furthermore, the piston can move back and forth along the cylinder's longitudinal axis. The cylinder, together with the piston, can enclose a cylinder interior with a variable volume. The volume of the cylinder interior can change depending on the position of the piston along the cylinder. The cylinder interior can be sealed fluid-tight by the piston or by means of its sealing elements. The cylinder can be fluidically connected to the pressure vessel via a fluid line, e.g. a pipeline. The pressurized fluid can be transported into the pressure vessel via the fluid line between the cylinder and the pressure vessel. The volume work can be performed on the fluid in the cylinder interior via the movable piston in the cylinder.For example, the piston can be displaced in the cylinder along the first direction by means of the weight force FG of the weight element in order to pressurize the fluid and expel it towards the pressure vessel. Furthermore, the piston, optionally together with the weight element, can be moved along the second direction opposite to the first direction in order to draw fluid from the environment (e.g., air from the environment, a liquid from a reservoir located in the vicinity of the cylinder, etc.) into the cylinder. This return movement of the piston, optionally together with the weight element, along the second direction can be effected by means of a suitable return device (e.g., a human operator, a manual or electric cable winch, a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism, etc.).

[0036] The compression of the fluid by means of a cylinder and piston offers a particularly simple, robust and reliable compression process.

[0037] According to a further development of the present invention, the compression device can further comprise an outlet valve arranged between the cylinder and the pressure vessel. The outlet valve can be designed and configured to open the fluidic connection between the cylinder and the pressure vessel, so that the pressurized fluid is expelled towards the pressure vessel when the piston is moved in the first direction along the cylinder. Furthermore, the outlet valve can be designed and configured to close the fluidic connection between the cylinder and the pressure vessel when the piston is moved in the second direction along the cylinder. The outlet valve can be provided at the fluidic connection between the cylinder and the pressure vessel. Furthermore, the outlet valve can be designed as a check valve with or without preload.The outlet valve can be used to ensure that the fluidic connection between the compression device or cylinder and the pressure vessel is open when the fluid is compressed and expelled, and that the fluidic connection between the compression device or cylinder and the pressure vessel is closed or blocked when fluid is sucked in from the environment.

[0038] According to a further development of the present invention, the compression device can further comprise an inlet valve. The inlet valve can be designed and configured to open the cylinder interior, which is formed by the cylinder and the piston and is defined in a fluid-tight manner, so that fluid is drawn into the cylinder interior from the surroundings of the cylinder when the piston is moved in the second direction along the cylinder. Furthermore, the inlet valve can be designed and configured to close the cylinder interior when the piston is moved in the first direction along the cylinder.

[0039] The inlet valve can be provided on the cylinder and / or the piston. Furthermore, the inlet valve can be designed as a check valve with or without preload. The inlet valve ensures that the cylinder interior is open to the environment when fluid is drawn in from the environment, and that the cylinder interior is not open to the environment when the fluid is compressed and expelled.

[0040] According to a further development of the present invention, the first generator device can comprise a turbine and a generator coupled to the turbine. The turbine can be designed and configured to convert the kinetic energy of the fluid into rotational energy and thus drive the generator. Furthermore, the generator can be designed and configured to convert the rotational energy of the turbine into electrical energy. Accordingly, according to a further development of the present invention, in the step of generating electrical energy, the kinetic energy of the fluid can be converted into rotational energy, for example by means of the turbine of the first generator unit of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and the rotational energy can be converted into electrical energy, for example by means of the generator of the first generator unit.

[0041] The turbine can be equipped with turbine blades suitable for the fluid. The turbine and generator can be coupled in such a way that the rotation of the turbine is transmitted directly or indirectly via a gearbox to the generator. The turbine can convert the kinetic energy of the fluid, which can be expanded or relaxed, for example, using a nozzle or throttle, into rotational energy. The generator can then convert the rotational energy of the turbine into electrical energy. Potential energy or potential energy, for example of the weight element, can be used when performing the volume work or compressing the fluid by displacing the piston in the first direction in the cylinder, so that the potential energy / potential energy is converted into hydraulic energy / pressure energy.Subsequently, as the pressurized fluid flows out, for example, through expansion through a nozzle or throttle, the hydraulic energy / pressure energy of the fluid can be converted into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of the fluid can then be converted into rotational energy by the turbine, and this rotational energy can finally be converted into electrical energy by the generator through electromagnetic induction.

[0042] The first generator system with a turbine and generator enables particularly uniform, continuous and reliable generation of electrical energy.

[0043] According to a further development of the present invention, the first

[0044] The generator device may comprise a nozzle. The nozzle may be designed and configured to expand the pressurized fluid from the pressure vessel toward the turbine, so that the flow velocity of the expanded fluid increases and the pressure of the expanded fluid decreases.

[0045] The nozzle can be arranged upstream of the turbine in the first generator device. Furthermore, the nozzle can convert the hydraulic energy / pressure energy of the pressurized fluid into kinetic energy by deliberately expanding or relaxing the fluid.

[0046] By means of the nozzle, a particularly targeted and complete conversion of the hydraulic energy / pressure energy of the pressurized fluid into kinetic energy of the fluid can take place.

[0047] According to a further development of the present invention, the fluid is a compressible gas and in particular air.

[0048] Air is a particularly cheap fluid that also causes no environmental damage.

[0049] A6+According to a further development of the present invention, the compression device can comprise two cylinders and two pistons, as well as a coupling device. The coupling device can be designed and configured to move the first of the two pistons in the opposite direction to the second of the two pistons, such that the second piston is moved in the second direction along the second of the two cylinders when the first piston is moved in the first direction along the first of the two cylinders, and vice versa.

[0050] Accordingly, according to a further development of the present invention, in the step of pressurizing a fluid, the fluid in two cylinders can be pressurized and expelled by means of two pistons when the respective piston moves in the corresponding cylinder along the first direction. Furthermore, in the step of pressurizing a fluid, the fluid in the two cylinders can be sucked in by means of the two pistons when the respective piston moves in the corresponding cylinder along the second direction.Furthermore, in the step of pressurizing a fluid, the first of the two pistons can be moved, for example by means of the coupling device of the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the opposite direction to the second of the two pistons, so that the second piston is moved in the second direction along the second of the two cylinders when the first piston is moved in the first direction along the first of the two cylinders and vice versa.

[0051] By means of the two cylinders with the two pistons, pressurised fluid can be alternately supplied to the pressure vessel, since the two pistons are moved in opposite directions in the corresponding cylinders. The first piston can be moved along the first direction and the fluid in the first cylinder can be pressurised, while simultaneously or synchronously the second piston moves along the second direction and fluid from the environment (e.g. from the surrounding space or a reservoir) is sucked into the second cylinder. The direction of movement can then be reversed, so that the first piston moves along the second direction and fluid from the environment (e.g. from the surrounding space or a reservoir) is sucked into the first cylinder, while simultaneously or synchronously the second piston moves along the first direction and the fluid in the second cylinder is pressurised.The deflection of the movement of the first piston into the opposite movement of the second piston can be effected by means of the coupling device (e.g. a rocker mechanism or a suspension mechanism with flexible connecting elements and deflection elements).

[0052] By supplying the fluid via two cylinders and pistons, a more uniform volume flow of pressurized fluid can be achieved, ensuring lower pressure fluctuations and thus lower fluctuations in the energy conversion into electrical energy, i.e. a more stable output voltage.

[0053] According to a further development of the present invention, the coupling device can comprise a deflection element and a connecting element. The deflection element can, in particular, be a rotatably mounted shaft with a pinion. Additionally or alternatively, however, other deflection elements such as articulated gears, deflection pulleys, etc. can also be used. The connecting element can, in particular, be a chain that engages with the pinion. Additionally or alternatively, however, other connecting elements such as connecting rods, connecting beams, connecting guides, connecting cables, connecting chains, etc., which interact with the deflection element(s), can also be used. In this case, the connecting element can be mechanically connected at one of its ends to a corresponding one of the two pistons.In addition, the deflection element can be designed and configured to deflect the movement of the first piston along the first cylinder by means of the connecting element into the opposite movement of the second piston along the second cylinder.

[0054] The connecting element can be a flexible element, such as a rope, a chain, etc., or a rigid element, such as a rod, a backdrop, etc.

[0055] The connecting element, for example the chain, can be deflected via the deflection element, for example the rotatably mounted shaft with pinion, in such a way that the movement of the first piston, which is coupled to one end of the connecting element and moves along the first cylinder, is synchronously deflected into the opposite movement of the second piston, which is coupled to the other end of the connecting element and moves along the second cylinder.

[0056] By means of the deflection element and the connecting element, the opposite coupling of the two pistons can be implemented in a particularly simple and robust manner.

[0057] According to a further development of the present invention, the device can comprise a second generator device. The generator device can be mechanically coupled to the deflection element. Furthermore, the second generator device can be designed and configured to generate electrical energy when the movement of the first piston is deflected into the opposite movement of the second piston. Accordingly, according to a further development, the method can further comprise the step of additionally generating electrical energy by means of a second generator device when the movement of the first piston is deflected into the opposite movement of the second piston.

[0058] The second generator device can, for example, be mechanically coupled to the deflection element and additionally or alternatively to the connecting element in such a way that the kinetic energy of the deflection element (e.g. rotational energy of the shaft) and / or of the connecting element (e.g. translational kinetic energy of the connecting element) is converted into electrical energy, for example by electromagnetic induction of a second generator of the second generator device.

[0059] The second generator device can generate additional electrical energy from the deflection movement of the two pistons, thus providing an even more efficient and consistent supply of electrical energy.

[0060] According to a further development of the present invention, two weight elements can be provided. A first weight element of the two weight elements can be mechanically coupled to the first piston such that the weight force Fc.a of the first weight element acts on the first piston in the first cylinder along the first direction. Furthermore, a second weight element of the two weight elements can be mechanically coupled to the second piston such that the weight force Fc.b of the second weight element acts on the second piston in the second cylinder 111b along the first direction.

[0061] Accordingly, according to a further development of the present invention, in the step of applying pressure to a fluid, the weight force Fc.a of a first weight element can act on the first piston in the first cylinder along the first direction. Furthermore, the weight force Fc.b of a second weight element can act on the second piston in the second cylinder along the first direction. According to a further development of the present invention, the device can comprise a control device. In this case, the shut-off valve can be an automated shut-off valve and the control device can be electronically connected to the automated shut-off valve. Furthermore, the control device can be designed and configured to control the shut-off valve and to open or close the shut-off valve depending on a pressure in the pressure vessel.

[0062] Short description of the characters

[0063] For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments and configurations of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments and configurations are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection. Rather, the scope of protection is defined exclusively by the appended claims.

[0064] Fig. 1 shows schematically a first exemplary embodiment of the device for energy conversion according to the invention.

[0065] Fig. 2A schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the pressure vessel with a plurality of first generator devices connected thereto in a front view.

[0066] Fig. 2B schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the pressure vessel with a plurality of first generator devices connected thereto in a plan view.

[0067] Fig. 3 shows schematically a second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion device according to the invention.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows schematically a third exemplary embodiment of the device for energy conversion according to the invention.

[0069] Detailed Description of the Figures Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a device 100 for energy conversion. The device 100 comprises a compression device 110, a pressure vessel 120, a first generator device 130, and a shut-off valve 140. The device 100 is designed and configured to generate electrical energy or electrical current. For this purpose, potential or kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by means of the device 100.

[0070] The compression device 110 comprises a cylinder 111 with a piston 112 that can be displaced along the cylinder 111. The cylinder 111 and the piston 112 form a fluid-tight cylinder interior. A fluid, here, for example, air, can be pressurized in the cylinder interior via the piston 112 when the piston 112 is moved in the cylinder 111 in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 111. Here, the first direction runs, for example, vertically from top to bottom.

[0071] The weight force FG of a weight element M can be used to displace the piston 112 along the first direction. Here, the weight element M is mechanically coupled to the piston 112, for example, by being placed on it. The mass of the weight element M can be selected such that the weight force FG of the weight element M is large enough to subject the fluid in the cylinder interior to a pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined limit pressure.

[0072] The compression device 110 or the cylinder 111 is fluidically connected to a pressure vessel 120 via a fluid line. The pressurized fluid can be expelled from the compression device 110 into the pressure vessel 120 via this fluid line. For this purpose, an outlet valve 113, for example a check valve with or without preload, is provided in the fluid line between the compression device 110 and the pressure vessel 120. The outlet valve 113 is designed and configured to open or release the fluid line between the compression device 110 and the pressure vessel 120 so that pressurized fluid can flow from the compression device 110 into the pressure vessel 120 when the piston 112 is moved along the first direction. In addition, the outlet valve 113 is designed and configured to close orto block so that no fluid can flow through the fluid line when the piston 112 is moved along a second direction opposite to the first direction, for example in the vertical direction from bottom to top.

[0073] When the piston 112 is moved in the cylinder 110 along the second direction, fluid, here air, is sucked from the surroundings of the cylinder 111 into the cylinder interior. For this purpose, an inlet valve 114, for example a check valve with or without preload, is provided, which is designed and configured to seal the cylinder interior fluid-tight from the environment when the piston 112 is moved along the first direction, and to open the cylinder interior to the environment when the piston 112 is moved along the second direction.

[0074] The pressure vessel 120 is designed and configured to store the pressurized fluid supplied by the compression device 110. A pressure gauge 121 is provided on the pressure vessel, which displays the current pressure. Furthermore, the predetermined limit pressure can be indicated on the pressure gauge 121, so that the current pressure in the pressure vessel 120 can be compared with the predetermined limit pressure.

[0075] The pressure vessel 120 is fluidically connected to the first generator device 130 via a fluid line. The pressurized fluid can flow from the pressure vessel 120 into the first generator device 130 via this fluid line. The shut-off valve 140, which is designed, for example, as a manually and / or automatically operable shut-off valve, is arranged in the fluid line between the pressure vessel 120 and the first generator device 130. The shut-off valve 140 is designed and configured to selectively open or release and close or block said fluid line. For example, the shut-off valve 140 can be opened manually or automatically, for example by means of a control device (not shown) that is electronically connected to the automated shut-off valve 140 and the pressure gauge 121, when the pressure in the pressure vessel 120 is equal to or greater than the predetermined limit pressure.

[0076] The first generator device 130 comprises a nozzle 131, a turbine 132 with turbine blades, and a generator 133 mechanically coupled to the turbine 132. The pressurized fluid, in this case air, flows into the generator device 130 when the shutoff valve 140 is open and is expanded by the nozzle 131, so that the flow velocity of the fluid increases while the pressure of the fluid drops. The turbine 132 is driven by the expanded fluid and set in rotation. The generator 133 is driven by the rotating turbine 133 (directly or via a gear) and generates electrical energy or current through electromagnetic induction.

[0077] The shut-off valve 140 can be designed and configured such that exactly as much pressurized fluid flows out of the pressure vessel 120 as is supplied to the pressure vessel 120 by the compression device 110. Additionally or alternatively, the compression device 110 can be designed and configured to deliver as much pressurized fluid into the pressure vessel 120 as flows out of the pressure vessel 120 via the shut-off valve 140 to the first generator device 130.

[0078] In addition, a return device 150, here for example an electric cable winch, can be provided, which is designed and configured to move the weight element M together with the piston 112 along the second direction.

[0079] The device 100 can be used to generate electrical energy in a simple and cost-effective manner in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Furthermore, the device can be used to store energy in the pressure vessel 120 for extended periods in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

[0080] The front view of Fig. 2A and the top view of Fig. 2B each schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the pressure tank 120 with a plurality of first generator devices 130a...h, which represents a further development of the first embodiment of the device 100 from Fig. 1. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment from Fig. 1 are described below.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, not just a single first generator device, but several generator devices 130a...h are arranged around the pressure vessel 120 and connected to the pressure vessel 120 via corresponding fluid lines including shut-off valves 140a...h and nozzles 131a...h. For example, 32 first generator devices 130 can be fluidly connected to the pressure tank 120 and driven by the pressurized fluid from the pressure vessel 120. One, several, or all of the generator units 130a...h can be driven simultaneously by the pressurized fluid from the pressure vessel 120.

[0082] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion device 100. The second embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 is based on the first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2E. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2B are described below.

[0083] The compression device (110 in Fig. 1 ) comprises a first cylinder 111 a with a first piston 112 a and a second cylinder 111 b with a second piston 112 b. Furthermore, the compression device comprises a coupling device 115. Both cylinders 111 a, 111 b are connected to the pressure tank 120 via corresponding fluid lines with outlet valves 113 a, 113 b.

[0084] The coupling device 115 couples the first piston 112a and the second piston 112b such that the second piston 112b moves along the second direction, here upwards, in the second cylinder 111b when the first cylinder 112a moves along the first direction, here downwards, in the first cylinder 111a, and vice versa. A first weight element Ma is mechanically coupled to the first piston 112a such that the fluid in the cylinder interior of the first cylinder 111a is pressurized by means of the weight force Fc.a of the first weight element Ma. A second weight element Mb is mechanically coupled to the second piston 112b such that the fluid in the cylinder interior of the second cylinder 111b is pressurized by means of the weight force Fc.b of the second weight element Mb.

[0085] The coupling device 115 comprises two deflection elements 116, 118, for example rotatably mounted shafts with rollers, rolls or pinions, and a connecting element 117 and a counterweight 119.

[0086] The connecting element 117 comprises a first flexible element, for example a rope or a chain, a second flexible element, for example a rope or a chain, and a rigid element, for example a rod, a beam or a backdrop.

[0087] The first flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its first end to the first piston 112a and the first weight element Ma. Furthermore, the first flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled to the rigid element. Furthermore, the first flexible element is deflected via the one deflection element 118. In addition, the first flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its second end to the counterweight 119. If the first end of the first flexible element is moved along the second direction together with the first piston 112a and the first weight element Ma, as well as the rigid element, the second end of the first flexible element moves along the first direction together with the counterweight 119, and vice versa.

[0088] The second flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its first end to the second piston 112b and the second weight element Mb. Furthermore, the second flexible element is deflected via the other deflection element 116. Furthermore, the second flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its second end to the rigid element. If the first end of the second flexible element is moved along the second direction together with the second piston 112b and the second weight element Mb, the second end of the second flexible element moves along the first direction together with the rigid element, and vice versa.

[0089] The masses of the first weight element Ma as well as the second weight element Mb and the counterweight 119 are selected such that the fluid in the cylinder interior of the first cylinder 111 a can be subjected to a pressure by the first piston 112 a which is equal to or greater than the predetermined limit pressure.

[0090] The return device 150 is coupled to the rigid element and is designed and configured to move the first piston 111a and the first weight element Ma along the second direction via the rigid element and the first flexible element. The mass of the second weight element Mb is also selected such that the fluid in the cylinder interior of the second cylinder 111b can be subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than the predetermined limit pressure by the second piston 112b.

[0091] With the two cylinders 111a, 111b, the two pistons 112a, 112b, and the coupling device 115, a particularly uniform volume flow of pressurized fluid can be ensured, since pressurized fluid is always ejected from one of the two cylinders 111a, 111b into the pressure vessel 120. Thus, a particularly constant energy generation can be ensured.

[0092] Furthermore, a first second generator unit 160a and a second second generator unit 160b are provided. The first second generator unit 160a is mechanically connected to one deflection element 118, and the second second generator unit 160b is mechanically connected to the other deflection element 116 such that the two second generator units 160a, 160b are driven and generate electrical energy via the deflection movements (rotations) of the two deflection elements 116, 118. The second generator units enable an even more efficient and safer

[0093] Energy supply can be achieved.

[0094] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion device 100. The third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4 is based on the second embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3. Therefore, only the differences from the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3 are described below.

[0095] The coupling device 115 comprises seven deflection elements 116, for example rotatably mounted shafts with rollers, pulleys or pinions, and a connecting element 117. The connecting element 117 comprises five flexible elements, for example ropes or chains.

[0096] The first flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its first end to the first piston 112a and the first weight element Ma. Furthermore, the first flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled to the first end of the second flexible element. Furthermore, the first flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its second end to the return device 150. If the first end of the first flexible element is moved along the second direction together with the first piston 112a and the first weight element Ma, for example, by the return device, the first end of the second flexible element also moves along the first direction, and vice versa.

[0097] The second flexible element, which is mechanically firmly coupled to the first flexible element at its first end, is deflected via the first of the deflection elements 116, which is mechanically coupled to the first generator device 160a for generating electrical energy from the deflection movement (rotation). Furthermore, the second flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled to the first end of the third flexible element at its second end. If the first end of the second flexible element is moved along the second direction, the second end of the second flexible element moves along the first direction together with the first end of the third flexible element, and vice versa.

[0098] The third flexible element, which is mechanically firmly coupled by its first end to the second end of the second flexible element, is deflected via the second and third deflection elements 116. Furthermore, the third flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled by its second end to the second piston 112b and the second weight element Mb. If the first end of the third flexible element is moved along the first direction, the second end of the third flexible element moves along the first direction together with the second piston 112b and the second weight element Mb or the first end of the fourth flexible element, and vice versa.

[0099] The fourth flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its first end to the second piston 112b and the second weight element Mb, or to the second end of the third flexible element. Furthermore, the fourth flexible element is mechanically firmly coupled at its second end to the first end of the fifth flexible element. If the first end of the fourth flexible element is moved along the first direction together with the second piston 112b and the second weight element Mb, the second end of the fourth flexible element moves along the first direction together with the first end of the fifth flexible element, and vice versa.

[0100] The fifth flexible element, which is mechanically firmly coupled at its first end to the second end of the fourth flexible element, is deflected via the fourth of the deflection elements 116, which is mechanically coupled to the second generator device 160b for generating electrical energy from the deflection movement (rotation), as well as the fifth, sixth, and seventh of the deflection elements 116. Furthermore, the fifth flexible element is mechanically firmly connected at its second end to the first piston 112a and the first weight element Ma or the first end of the first flexible element. If the first end of the fifth flexible element is moved along the first direction, the second end of the fifth element moves along the second direction together with the first piston 112a and the first weight element Ma - ZI - or the first end of the first flexible element, and vice versa.

[0101] The coupling device 115 of the third embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention is an alternative to the coupling device of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention and can also ensure a particularly uniform volume flow of pressurized fluid and guarantee a particularly constant energy generation.

[0102] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are presented merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. The scope of protection is defined exclusively by the appended claims, with reference to the description and drawings being used only where necessary for their interpretation.

[0103] List of reference symbols

[0104] 100 Energy conversion device

[0105] 110 Compression device

[0106] 111 cylinders

[0107] 111 a first cylinder

[0108] 111 b second cylinder

[0109] 112 pistons

[0110] 112a first piston

[0111] 112b second piston

[0112] 113 Exhaust valve

[0113] 114 Inlet valve

[0114] 115 Coupling device

[0115] 116 Deflection element

[0116] 117 Connecting element

[0117] 118 Deflection element

[0118] 119 Counterweight 120 Pressure vessel

[0119] 121 pressure gauges

[0120] 130 first generator device

[0121] 131 Nozzle 132 Turbine

[0122] 133 Generator

[0123] 140 shut-off valve

[0124] 150 reset device

[0125] 160 second generator device M weight element

[0126] Ma first weight element

[0127] Mb second weight element

Claims

Claims 1 . A device (100) for energy conversion, comprising: a compression device (110) designed and configured to pressurize a fluid; a pressure vessel (120) fluidly connected to the compression device and designed and configured to receive and store the pressurized fluid; a first generator device (130) fluidly connected to the pressure vessel and designed and configured to generate electrical energy when the pressurized fluid is supplied to the first generator device; and a shut-off valve (140) arranged between the pressure vessel and the first generator device and designed and configured to selectively open and close the fluidic connection between the pressure vessel and the first generator device.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the compression device (110) comprises: a weight element (M), and wherein the compression device (110) is designed and configured to apply pressure to the fluid by means of the weight force (FG) of the weight element.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression device (110) further comprises: a cylinder (111) fluidically connected to the pressure vessel (120); and a piston (112) movably mounted along the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are designed and configured to pressurize the fluid in the cylinder and to expel the pressurized fluid towards the pressure vessel when the piston is moved in a first direction along the cylinder, and wherein the piston and the cylinder are designed and configured to suck in fluid from the surroundings of the cylinder when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the cylinder.

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first generator device (130) comprises: a turbine (132); and a generator (133) coupled to the turbine, wherein the turbine is designed and configured to convert the kinetic energy of the fluid into rotational energy and thus drive the generator, and wherein the generator is designed and configured to convert the rotational energy of the turbine into electrical energy.

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid is a compressible gas, in particular air.

6. Device (100) according to one of claims 3 or 4 to 5, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the compression device (110) comprises: two cylinders (111 a, 111 b); and two pistons (112 a, 112 b); and a coupling device (115) which is designed and arranged to move the first of the two pistons (112 a) in the opposite direction to the second of the two pistons (112 b), so that the second piston is moved in the second direction along the second of the two cylinders (111 b) when the first piston is moved in the first direction along the first of the two cylinders (111 a) and vice versa.

7. Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the coupling device (115) comprises: a deflection element (116), in particular a rotatably mounted shaft with a pinion; and a connecting element (117), in particular a chain, which engages with the pinion, wherein the connecting element is mechanically connected at one of its ends to a corresponding one of the two pistons, and wherein the deflecting element is designed and configured to deflect the movement of the first piston (112a) along the first cylinder (111a) by means of the connecting element into the opposite movement of the second piston (112b) along the second cylinder (111b).

8. Device (100) according to claim 7, further comprising: a second generator device (160) which is mechanically coupled to the coupling device (115) and is designed and configured to generate electrical energy when the movement of the first piston (112a) is redirected into the opposite movement of the second piston (112b).

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein two weight elements (Ma, Mb) are provided, of which a first weight element (Ma) is mechanically coupled to the first piston (112a) in such a way that the weight force (Fe,a) of the first weight element acts on the first piston in the first cylinder (111a) along the first direction, and a second weight element (Mb) is mechanically coupled to the second piston (112b) in such a way that the weight force (FG.Ü) of the second weight element acts on the second piston in the second cylinder (111b) along the first direction.

10. A process for energy conversion, comprising the steps of: Applying pressure to a fluid (S10); Storing the pressurized fluid (S20); selectively supplying the stored pressurized fluid (S30) to a first generator device (130) when the pressure is at or above a predetermined limit pressure; Generating electrical energy (S40) by means of the first generator device (130) when the pressurized fluid is supplied to the first generator device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein in the step of applying pressure to a fluid (S10), the fluid is pressurized by means of the weight force (FG) of a weight element (M).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in the step of pressurizing a fluid (S10), the fluid in a cylinder (111) is pressurized by means of a piston (112) and the pressurized fluid is expelled when the piston is moved in a first direction along the cylinder, and fluid is sucked in from the surroundings of the cylinder by means of the piston when the piston is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the cylinder.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, wherein in the step of generating electrical energy (S40), the kinetic energy of the fluid is converted into rotational energy and the rotational energy is converted into electrical energy.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein the fluid is a compressible gas, in particular air.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13 to 14, when dependent on claim 12, wherein in the step of pressurizing a fluid (S10), the fluid in two cylinders (111 a; 111 b) is pressurized and expelled by means of two pistons (112a, 112b) when the respective piston in the corresponding cylinder moves along the first direction, and is sucked in when the respective piston in the corresponding cylinder moves along the second direction, and wherein in the step of pressurizing a fluid (S10), the first of the two pistons (112a) is moved in the opposite direction to the second of the two pistons (112b), so that the second piston is moved in the second direction along the second of the two cylinders (111 b) when the first piston is moved in the first direction along the first of the two cylinders (111 a) and vice versa.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step: additional generation of electrical energy (S5O) by means of a second generator device (130) when the movement of the first piston (112a) is diverted into the opposite movement of the second piston (112b).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein in the step of pressurizing a fluid (S10), the weight force (Fe,a) of a first weight element (Ma) acts on the first piston (112a) in the first cylinder (111a) along the first direction and the weight force (FG.Ü) of a second weight element (Mb) acts on the second piston (112b) in the second cylinder (111b) along the first direction.

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