Building-Integrated Pumped Hydro Storage for Backup Grid Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating auxiliary electrical energy, such as hydroelectric power stations, face high costs and limitations in scalability due to the need for large infrastructure and specific construction requirements, making it difficult to efficiently supply peak demand and integrate renewable energy sources into the electrical grid.
Innovation Solution
An installation and method that integrates artificial reservoirs into the foundations of buildings, utilizing a buried or semi-buried first reservoir and a ground-level second reservoir, connected by a penstock, to store and generate hydroelectric energy, with a hydroelectric power station that can be located nearby or remotely, and controlled by a computerized system to optimize energy production and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional hydroelectric power stations are built with large artificial reservoirs, then auxiliary electrical energy production capability is improved, but infrastructure construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the reservoir system into multiple distributed reservoirs integrated into building foundations rather than constructing one large centralized reservoir. Each building foundation contains or supports a reservoir, segmenting the overall water storage system into manageable units that leverage existing building structures, thereby reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining sufficient total capacity for auxiliary power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoirs serve dual functions: they provide structural foundation support for buildings while simultaneously storing water for hydroelectric power generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated reservoir structures, reducing overall infrastructure construction costs while maintaining the capability to generate auxiliary electrical energy during peak demand periods
2Power
If reservoirs are placed in upper floors of high-rise buildings, then auxiliary electrical energy production is improved, but construction constraints and seismic risks limit reservoir size
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing one large reservoir in upper floors, the invention segments the reservoir system into multiple smaller reservoirs distributed across building foundations at ground level. This segmentation eliminates seismic and construction constraints on individual reservoir size while collectively providing sufficient water volume for meaningful power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from vertical placement of reservoirs in upper floors to horizontal distribution across multiple building foundations at ground level. This dimensional change from vertical to horizontal arrangement eliminates height-related construction and seismic constraints while maintaining the gravitational potential energy necessary for hydroelectric power generation
3Power
If two artificial reservoirs are installed per building for energy recovery, then local electrical energy production is improved, but investment cost increases due to structural load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoirs integrated into building foundations serve dual purposes: they provide structural foundation support and simultaneously store water for hydroelectric power generation. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated reservoir structures and reduces structural load requirements compared to traditional approaches of adding reservoirs as separate additions to buildings
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the building foundation structure with the reservoir structure into a single integrated system. The foundation itself becomes the reservoir containment structure, eliminating the need for separate reservoir constructions and reducing overall investment costs while maintaining local electrical energy production capability
4Stability of the object's composition
If hydroelectric power stations are built with solid structures to support high tanks, then structural stability is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The building foundations serve dual functions as both structural support for buildings and as stable containment structures for reservoirs. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated support structures for high tanks, reducing construction costs while maintaining the structural stability necessary for safe water storage and power generation operations
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 approach allows for significant auxiliary electrical energy production on an industrial scale, reducing infrastructure costs, enabling efficient peak demand management, and enhancing the economic viability of renewable energy sources by storing energy during peak production periods for use during peak consumption.
Implementation Method 1
transform the potential energy of a water reserve into kinetic energy for driving a turbine coupled to a generator of electricity
Implementation Method 2
water stored in a reservoir located at a high level is released in a penstock to the electricity production turbine
Implementation Method 3
electrical energy from the main distribution network is used to supply a lifting pump which makes it possible to send back to the reservoir located at a high level of the water recovered in a reservoir located at a low level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a facility for producing backup electrical power for an electrical-current distribution system, including: at least one first water tank (311, 312) located at a first level; at least one second water tank (120) located at a second level lower than the first level; at least one pipe (340) for placing the first tank (311, 312) and second tank (120) in communication, and having at least one controlled valve (350); and at least one hydroelectric power plant (330) provided with pumping equipment. At least one of the first and second tanks (311, 312; 120) is built into the foundations at the lower portion of an artificial building (301, 303; 200A), the construction of which is rendered necessary by a separate primary function of a secondary function for producing electricity. The first tank (315) or the second tank (120) can form a common water area near ground level. The tanks (311, 312, 210, 220) built into the building foundations are particularly capable of cooperating with air-conditioning and heating equipment of the buildings at the bases of which said tanks are constructed, or of related buildings.