Gravity-based energy generation system with elevated water storage and selective electrical and hydrogen output
The gravity-based energy generation system addresses the limitations of conventional systems by providing flexible and selective energy output in marine and riverine environments through elevated water storage and controlled water transfer, enabling independent operation and hydrogen production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TORASKAR SANKET
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Conventional hydroelectric and pumped storage systems are constrained by geographic, structural, and operational requirements, limiting their deployment in many coastal, marine, and riverine locations due to the need for continuous river flow, large dam infrastructure, and paired reservoirs.
A gravity-based energy generation system with an elevated water storage and controlled water transfer arrangement that operates independently of river flow and tidal motion, allowing selective electrical and hydrogen output without paired reservoirs, and enabling flexible deployment in marine, coastal, and riverine environments.
Enables controlled energy generation and selective output of electrical energy and hydrogen, supporting flexible deployment and operation across varying environmental conditions without requiring fixed assumptions like continuous natural flow or closed-loop pumping.
Smart Images
Figure IN2025052170_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Title of the Invention:
[0002] Gravity-Based Energy Generation System with Elevated Water Storage and Selective Electrical and Hydrogen Output
[0003] Field of the Invention:
[0004] The present invention relates to gravity-based energy generation systems and integrated energy conversion system configurations for electrical and hydrogen production, particularly for deployment in environments where conventional hydroelectric and pumped storage systems are impractical or constrained. Background of the Invention:
[0005] Existing hydroelectric and pumped storage systems are constrained by geographic, structural, and operational requirements including continuous river flow, large dam infrastructure, paired reservoirs, or closed-loop energy cycling. These constraints limit deployment in many coastal, marine, and riverine locations despite available gravitational potential. Accordingly, there exists a need for a gravity-based energy system configuration that enables controlled energy generation and selective energy output without reliance on such fixed assumptions.
[0006] Objects of the Invention:
[0007] The objects of the present invention include providing a gravity-based energy generation system that: (i) operates independent of river flow and tidal motion; (ii) does not require paired upper and lower reservoirs; (iii) enables selective generation of electrical energy and hydrogen; (iv) supports marine, coastal, and riverine deployment; and (v) allows flexible routing, storage, and utilization of generated electrical energy.Summary of the Invention:
[0008] The invention provides a gravity-based energy generation system comprising a water intake assembly positioned proximate to a water body, an elevated storage location disposed above a reference water level, and a controlled water transfer arrangement configured to release stored water under gravitational force.
[0009] An energy conversion unit is operatively coupled to the controlled water transfer arrangement and converts kinetic energy of downward-moving water into electrical energy through an electrical generation unit.
[0010] Generated electrical energy is supplied to an electrical interface configured to selectively route electrical energy to an external power grid, to an electrical energy storage unit, or to a hydrogen generation unit.
[0011] The hydrogen generation unit is electrically coupled to the electrical interface and is configured to produce hydrogen using at least a portion of the generated electrical energy.
[0012] Oxygen produced during hydrogen generation may be optionally captured, utilized, stored, or released.
[0013] The system is selectively operable to generate electrical energy alone or electrical energy in combination with hydrogen and is deployable in marine, coastal, and riverine environments without requiring paired reservoirs or closed-loop pumping operation.
[0014] The system configuration permits flexible deployment and selective operation across varying environmental and operational conditions without modification of underlying energy conversion principles.
[0015] Brief Description of Drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic, non-limiting system configuration of a gravitybased energy generation system including a water intake assembly, an elevated storage location, a controlled water transfer arrangement, an energy conversion unit, selective electrical energy routing, and optional hydrogen generation and downstream utilization.Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0017] In one embodiment, the system includes a water intake assembly positioned proximate to a water body such as a sea, ocean, estuary, or river. Water is conveyed from the water body to an elevated storage location disposed above a reference water level.
[0018] The elevated storage location may comprise naturally occurring terrain, an engineered structure, or a combination thereof, and is configured to temporarily retain water prior to controlled gravitational release. In certain implementations, the elevated storage location may be implemented using elongated conduits or similar storage structures, although alternative storage configurations may also be employed.
[0019] Water stored at the elevated storage location is released through a controlled water transfer arrangement configured to regulate timing, rate, and conditions of water flow. The controlled water transfer arrangement conveys water under gravitational force to an energy conversion unit.
[0020] The energy conversion unit converts kinetic energy of the downward-moving water into mechanical energy and further converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy via an electrical generation unit. The internal configuration of the energy conversion unit may vary and may include one or more known energy conversion mechanisms without limiting the scope of the system.
[0021] Following energy extraction, water may be discharged, diverted, or routed through a discharge or diversion pathway for return to the water body or for downstream utilization.Detailed Description of Embodiments: The following embodiments are provided to illustrate representative implementations of the gravity-based energy generation system. These embodiments are non-limiting, and variations, modifications, and alternative configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0022] Embodiment 1: Gravity-Based Energy Generation System Configuration
[0023] In one embodiment, the gravity-based energy generation system is deployed adjacent to a water body and includes a water intake assembly, an elevated storage location, a controlled water transfer arrangement, an energy conversion unit, and an electrical interface. The system configuration enables controlled gravitational energy release without reliance on continuous natural flow conditions or closed-loop water circulation.
[0024] Embodiment 2: Elevated Storage Implementation
[0025] In another embodiment, the elevated storage location comprises an arrangement of storage structures configured to retain water at an elevation above the reference water level. The storage structures may include conduits, elongated storage elements, or other suitable containment arrangements. The specific geometry and construction of the storage structures may vary based on site conditions and deployment requirements.
[0026] Embodiment 3: Energy Conversion and Electrical Generation
[0027] In a further embodiment, water released from the elevated storage location flows through the controlled water transfer arrangement to the energy conversion unit. The energy conversion unit converts kinetic energy of the water into electrical energy using an electrical generation unit. The system configuration allows for single-stage or multi-stage energy conversion without limiting the scope of the invention.Embodiment 4: Selective Electrical Energy Routing
[0028] In another embodiment, electrical energy generated by the system is supplied to an electrical interface configured to selectively route electrical energy to an external electrical grid, to an electrical energy storage unit, or to a hydrogen generation unit. Electrical routing may be adjusted based on operational demand and system conditions.
[0029] Embodiment 5: Hydrogen Generation and Optional Oxygen Handling
[0030] In a further embodiment, the hydrogen generation unit produces hydrogen using electrical energy supplied from the electrical interface. Hydrogen constitutes a core energy output of the system. Oxygen generated as a by-product may be optionally captured, stored, utilized, or released, without affecting operation of the system when omitted.
[0031] Embodiment 6: Discharge and Downstream Utilization
[0032] In another embodiment, water discharged from the system following energy extraction is directed through a discharge or diversion pathway. Discharged water may be returned to the water body or supplied for downstream utilization including, without limitation, desalination, hydrogen production, aquaculture, industrial processes, agricultural use, or environmental management.
[0033] Embodiment 7: System Configuration, Modularity, and Loss Considerations
[0034] In all embodiments, the system operates without requiring closed-loop water circulation and acknowledges inherent energy losses associated with intake, transfer, conversion, and storage processes. The system does not generate energy independently and does not operate as a perpetual motion system. Multiple instances of the system may be deployed individually or in parallel as modular installations.The System Configuration Consideration:
[0035] Conventional hydroelectric and pumped storage systems are typically designed around fixed assumptions including continuous natural water flow, paired upper and lower reservoirs, or closed-loop energy storage operation. In contrast, the present system is configured to operate under controlled gravitational release from an elevated storage location that may be naturally occurring or engineered, without requiring paired reservoirs or cyclic pumping operation.
[0036] The system further permits selective routing of generated electrical energy for grid supply, storage, or hydrogen generation, and accommodates open discharge or diversion of water following energy extraction. This system configuration enables deployment in marine, coastal, and riverine environments where conventional hydroelectric or pumped storage configurations are impractical, and is not achievable through mere substitution or aggregation of known system components.
Claims
Claims:
1. A gravity-based energy generation system, comprising:(a) a water intake assembly positioned proximate to a water body;(b) an elevated storage location disposed above a reference water level and configured to temporarily retain water;(c) a controlled water transfer arrangement configured to release stored water under gravitational force;(d) at least one energy conversion unit operatively coupled to the controlled water transfer arrangement and configured to convert kinetic energy of downward-moving water into electrical energy; and(e) an electrical interface configured to selectively route the generated electrical energy to one or more of an external electrical grid, an electrical energy storage unit, or a hydrogen generation unit, wherein the system is selectively operable to generate electrical energy alone or electrical energy in combination with hydrogen.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the elevated storage location comprises naturally occurring terrain, an engineered structure, or a combination thereof.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the elevated storage location is implemented using one or more elongated conduits or storage structures configured to retain water prior to controlled release.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlled water transfer arrangement includes one or more flow control elements configured to regulate timing and rate of water release.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion unit comprises one or more devices configured to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, including but not limited to rotary or non-rotary conversion mechanisms.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary rotational energy modulation unit configured to receive a portion of generated electrical energy and provide mechanical or rotational modulation to a component of the system.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the auxiliary rotational energy modulation unit is selectively operable and does not constitute a primary source of energy generation.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen generation unit is electrically coupled to the electrical interface and configured to generate hydrogen using at least a portion of the generated electrical energy.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein oxygen generated during hydrogen production is optionally captured, stored, utilized, or released.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a discharge or diversion pathway configured to return water to the water body or route water for downstream utilization.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein downstream utilization includes one or more of desalination, aquaculture, industrial use, agricultural use, environmental management, or hydrogen production.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the system operates without requiring paired reservoirs or closed-loop water circulation.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is deployable in marine, coastal, riverine, or hybrid environments.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein multiple instances of the system are deployable as modular installations operating independently or in parallel.
15. A method of generating energy using a gravity-based system, comprising: (a) conveying water from a water body to an elevated storage location;(b) temporarily retaining the water at the elevated storage location;(c) releasing the water under gravitational force through a controlled water transfer arrangement;(d) converting kinetic energy of the released water into electrical energy using at least one energy conversion unit; and(e) selectively routing the generated electrical energy to one or more of an external electrical grid, an electrical energy storage unit, or a hydrogen generation unit.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising generating hydrogen using at least a portion of the generated electrical energy.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising optionally capturing or utilizing oxygen generated during hydrogen production.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising diverting discharged water for downstream utilization following energy extraction.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the method operates without closed-loop water circulation and acknowledges inherent energy losses associated with intake, transfer, conversion, and storage processes.