Building-Integrated Hydrogen Storage and Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydropower systems face limitations due to geographical constraints, environmental concerns, and inefficiencies in transferring water potential energy over long distances, making them less competitive and economically unfeasible compared to other power generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A potential energy-based power generation system utilizing a combination of a small hydro power generation unit, electrolysis device, and fuel cell power generation unit, where water is transferred to a high-rise structure using renewable energy sources, and hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced and transferred efficiently for power generation, reducing energy consumption and enhancing economic feasibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional pump is used to transfer water from low position to high position, then water can be lifted to store potential energy, but energy loss occurs during the transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical pump system with an electrolysis-based system. Instead of using a pump to mechanically lift water, the system uses electrical energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, which are then transferred to elevated reservoirs. This substitution eliminates the energy losses associated with mechanical pumping and water friction, achieving higher overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of water from liquid to gas through electrolysis. By converting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, the system enables easier transfer to elevated positions without the energy losses inherent in liquid water pumping. The gaseous form allows for more efficient storage and release in the elevated reservoirs.
2Length of moving object
If a conventional pump transfers water over long distances, then water can reach the storage location, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long-distance mechanical water pumping with an electrolysis-gas transfer system. By converting water to gaseous form through electrolysis, the system can transport the gases to elevated reservoirs with significantly reduced energy consumption compared to pumping liquid water over long distances. The gaseous state reduces friction and enables more efficient transfer.
3Productivity
If hydropower systems are installed in locations with appropriate geographical conditions, then power generation is feasible, but environmental problems and civil complaints arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based hydropower systems to a vertical, building-integrated system. By utilizing the vertical dimension of high-rise buildings for elevated water reservoirs, the system eliminates the need for large-scale ground construction and environmental disruption. The power generation occurs within or on existing buildings, avoiding the environmental and social issues associated with traditional hydropower site development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing buildings serve multiple functions: they provide both living/working space and power generation infrastructure. The elevated reservoirs utilize the vertical space of buildings, and the buildings themselves become integrated with the power generation system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hydropower facilities that cause environmental disruption.
4Length of stationary object
If power is transmitted over long distances from power generation sites, then electricity can reach demand locations, but transmission losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of buildings to place power generation facilities close to urban demand centers. By integrating hydropower systems into or on high-rise buildings within cities, the system eliminates long-distance horizontal power transmission. The elevated reservoirs and turbines are positioned vertically above or within the same structure that consumes the power, achieving near-zero transmission distance and eliminating transmission losses.
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 stabilizes hydrogen production and fuel supply for fuel cells, improves energy efficiency, and increases power generation capacity by leveraging the potential energy of artificial structures, reducing energy consumption and enhancing economic feasibility compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and a first reservoir for procuring constant potential energy by obtaining power from new renewable energy power generation sources or a surplus power source and transferring water on the ground surface to an upper part of a building
Implementation Method 2
a small hydro power generation unit comprising a small hydro power generation turbine and a second power generator and converting the potential energy into power by pouring the water in the first reservoir
Implementation Method 3
an electrolysis device performing electrolysis by using the power generated by the small hydro power generation unit and the power supplied from the new renewable energy power generation sources or the surplus power source to procure a storage space of the second reservoir for the small hydro power generation, and producing and separating each of hydrogen and oxygen gases
Implementation Method 4
a fuel cell power generation unit comprising a fuel cell provided at one side of the first reservoir and a first power generator, and located at the upper part of the building to generate power by receiving the produced hydrogen gas
Implementation Method 5
converting the potential energy into power by pouring the water in the first reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A potential energy-based power generation system comprises a first reservoir disposed on an upper part of a building and configured to reserve water, a second reservoir located underground of the building and configured to reserve the water, a small hydro power generation unit including a small hydro power generation turbine to generate the power, a fuel cell power generation unit disposed at one side of the first reservoir and configured to generate the power using the hydrogen gas, an electrolysis device disposed in the second reservoir and configured to perform electrolysis for decomposition of the water into the oxygen and hydrogen gas by using the external power or the power generated by the small hydro power generation unit.