Elevator Cage Block Handling for Gravity-Based Grid Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, limits the reliable delivery of electricity to the grid, necessitating an innovative energy storage and delivery system that can capture and stabilize energy for predictable grid supply.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-driven energy storage and delivery system utilizing a crane or elevator cage to move blocks between elevations, converting excess energy into potential energy during peak production hours and generating electricity through kinetic energy when demand is high, ensuring a stable energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If renewable energy sources (solar, wind) are used for power generation, then clean energy production increases, but energy delivery becomes intermittent and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing renewable energy during peak production periods (daylight hours for solar) when energy is abundant, converting it to potential energy by lifting blocks to higher elevations. This stored energy is then released during periods of low production, ensuring continuous reliable delivery to the grid and eliminating the intermittency problem.
2Quantity of substance
If energy is stored by moving blocks to higher elevation, then potential energy is captured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through gravity-driven operation. Blocks are lifted during energy surplus periods and allowed to descend during demand periods, with gravity providing the driving force for energy generation. This eliminates the need for complex active control systems, motors, or external power sources to manage the storage and release cycle, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining large storage capacity.
3Productivity
If blocks are moved vertically to store energy, then energy capture efficiency improves, but mechanical wear and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical drive systems with a simplified gravity-based mechanism. Instead of using motors, hydraulics, or complex transmission systems to move blocks, the invention uses gravity as the primary force. Blocks are lifted during storage and descend naturally during energy generation, minimizing moving parts and reducing mechanical wear, thereby improving ease of repair and maintenance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system effectively captures and stores renewable energy as potential energy during daylight hours and converts it into electricity at night, providing a stable and predictable energy delivery to the grid, thus addressing the intermittency of renewable sources.
Implementation Method 1
move one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., via the potential energy of the block in the higher elevation)
Implementation Method 2
move one or more blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation to generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation)
Implementation Method 3
generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation)
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator cage is used in an energy storage and delivery system to move blocks between a lower elevation of a tower and a higher elevation of a tower to store energy and to move blocks between a higher elevation of the tower and a lower elevation of the tower under force of gravity to generate electricity. The elevator cage removably receives a block thereon and supports the block on at least three sides.