Gravitational Energy Storage via Cable Mass Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electricity power grid lacks effective means for energy storage, leading to deviations in frequency due to mismatches between electricity generation and demand, and existing bulk energy storage solutions are often expensive, geographically restrictive, and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A novel energy storage system utilizing cable loops with weights transported between elevations to store and generate electricity, leveraging gravitational potential and kinetic energy, with power electronics and a control system for efficient energy management and grid support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional bulk energy storage solutions are used, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but cost increases and geographical flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical energy storage systems (such as pumped hydro storage requiring specific geographical features) with a simplified cable-based gravitational storage system. The cable loops with weights can be deployed in various locations without requiring natural elevation differences or large water reservoirs, thereby reducing both cost and geographical constraints while maintaining energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows flexible adjustment of energy storage capacity by changing parameters such as cable length, weight mass, and number of cable loops. This modular approach enables the system to be scaled and adapted to different locations and requirements without being constrained by fixed geographical conditions, thus improving ease of manufacture and deployment.
2Power
If electricity generation is increased to meet peak demand, then power supply is improved, but frequency stability deteriorates due to mismatch with instantaneous demand
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system performs preliminary action by storing excess electricity during periods of low demand (when generation exceeds instantaneous demand) and releasing it during peak demand periods. This preemptive energy storage and release mechanism balances supply and demand, maintaining frequency stability while ensuring adequate power supply during high-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor grid conditions and automatically adjust energy storage and release operations. This feedback control ensures that power is stored when generation exceeds demand and released when demand exceeds generation, thereby maintaining frequency stability and reliable power supply in response to changing grid conditions.
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 bulk energy storage and rapid response capabilities, enabling stable grid operation, frequency regulation, and revenue generation through energy arbitrage, while avoiding the limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The energy storage devices can include a cable system having a first end portion at a first elevation and a second end portion at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system... The one or more motor generators can be configured to move the cable system in an energy storing state and be configured to be moved by the cable in an energy generating state so as to produce energy to an energy grid
Implementation Method 2
The energy storage devices can include one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid... The one or more motor generators can be configured to move the cable system in an energy storing state and be configured to be moved by the cable in an energy generating state so as to produce energy to an energy grid
Implementation Method 3
The velocity of the moving weights or masses can allow energy to be stored as kinetic energy as well
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to an energy storage and generation system, comprising a cable system having a first end portion located at a first elevation and a second end portion located at a second elevation, a plurality of mass carriers supported by the cable system, one or more motor generators coupled with the cable system and with an energy grid, a control system in communication with at least the one or more motor generators, a first mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the first elevation, and a second mass pile area configured to store mass medium positioned at the second elevation that can be higher than the first elevation. The one or more motor generators can move the cable system in an energy storing state and be moved by the cable in an energy generating state. The system can store energy by transferring mass medium from the first mass pile area to the second mass pile area, and can generate energy by transferring mass medium from the second mass pile area to the first mass pile area.