Building Hydroelectric Energy Storage Using Gravity-Fed Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy management systems in high-rise buildings face challenges in efficiently managing energy due to instabilities in power supplies and demands, with gravity-based systems posing safety risks and generating noise, while water-based systems are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A water-based energy management system utilizing hydroelectric units to convert gravitational potential energy into electrical energy by controlling water flow between storage units at different building levels, leveraging existing water infrastructure to reduce costs and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gravity-based energy storage systems are used, then energy storage capability is improved, but safety risks and noise generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using water as the energy storage medium instead of solid weights. Water is pumped to elevated storage tanks during low-demand periods and released during high-demand periods, converting gravitational potential energy to electrical energy through hydroelectric generators. This hydraulic approach eliminates the safety risks and noise associated with falling solid weights while maintaining effective energy storage capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based energy storage systems are implemented, then safety and noise reduction are improved, but system cost and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality principle by utilizing existing water infrastructure (water towers, storage tanks, and distribution systems) that serve dual purposes: maintaining water supply for the building and storing gravitational potential energy for power generation. This approach eliminates the need for separate energy storage infrastructure, significantly reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining safety and noise benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service by using the building's own water infrastructure and existing hydroelectric capabilities to provide energy storage services. The water distribution system automatically manages both water supply and energy storage functions, requiring minimal external intervention or additional specialized equipment.
3Reliability
If conventional energy management systems are used, then power supply stability is maintained, but energy efficiency and sustainability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating the hydroelectric energy storage system in cyclical phases: pumping water to elevated storage during low-demand periods (when energy is abundant and cheap) and releasing water during high-demand periods (when energy is needed and expensive). This periodic operation maintains power supply stability while significantly improving energy efficiency by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based peaker plants and minimizing energy waste during peak demand.
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
The system provides efficient, safe, and cost-effective energy management by utilizing existing water storage and transmission systems, enhancing energy storage and management in high-rise environments, promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Implementation Method 1
convert gravitational potential energy into electrical energy by controlling water flow between storage units at different building levels
Data Source
AI summary
An energy managing method for managing power supply of an object building includes: determining whether the object building exists a demand for electricity replenishment according to an electricity situation of the object building; when the object building exists the demand for electricity replenishment, controlling a first valve connected with a first water pipeline to open, the first water pipeline being installed between a first water storage unit and a second water storage unit, an installation position of the first water storage unit being higher than an installation position of the second water storage unit; and using electricity generated by a hydroelectric unit to power the object building. When the first valve is opened, water flow from the first water storage unit to the second water storage unit driving the hydroelectric unit to generate the electricity. An energy managing system and a building are also provided.