Compressed Air Buoyancy Energy Storage System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient means of storing energy from renewable sources to ensure reliable and uninterrupted power supply during inconsistent energy production periods, such as cloudy days for solar energy and windless times for wind energy, while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring safety for marine animals.
Innovation Solution
A compressed air buoyancy energy storage system is implemented in a body of water using a tank arrangement with an outer tank made of strong metal, an inner tank, an air compressor, and a generator, where the tank moves between raised and lowered positions to store and release energy as compressed air, generating electricity when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy is stored in a body of water using compressed air buoyancy, then energy storage capacity and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested tank configuration where an inner tank is placed inside an outer tank. The inner tank contains compressed air storage components, while the outer tank provides buoyancy and structural support. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple functions (energy storage, buoyancy control, structural integrity) into a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable energy storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural buoyancy of the outer tank and the compressed air pressure differential to automatically drive the up-and-down motion without requiring external power sources for the movement mechanism. The compressed air itself serves as both the energy storage medium and the driving force, eliminating the need for separate motors or power systems to operate the tank movement.
2Strength
If an outer tank made of strong metal material is used to ensure structural strength, then tank strength and durability are improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer tank is designed as a thin-walled hollow structure that relies on its geometric shape and the buoyant force of displaced water to maintain structural integrity, rather than requiring thick metal walls. This thin-walled design provides sufficient strength to withstand water pressure while minimizing the weight of the tank itself, allowing the system to achieve net positive buoyancy when filled with air.
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 provides a scalable, environmentally friendly, and safe means of energy storage that uses unused water areas, ensuring reliable power supply with minimal environmental impact and efficient energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
The outer tank is of a weight so as to sink in the body of water when the outer tank has a minimum buoyancy, and to rise in the body of water when the outer tank has a maximum buoyancy
Implementation Method 2
The at least one port includes an air compressor configured to move air from the outer tank to the inner tank through the at least one port
Implementation Method 3
At least one generator is fixed with the upper pulley and is configured to produce electricity when the outer tank and the cable move between the lowered position and the raised position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a power storage system for use in a body of water, including a cable strung between at least one lower pulley and an upper pulley. A tank arrangement includes an outer tank disposed in the body of water and having an open bottom end, the outer tank fixed with the cable and configured to move between a lowered position and a raised position. An inner tank is disposed within the outer tank and includes an air compressor configured to move air from the outer tank to the inner tank and a dump valve configured to release compressed air within the inner tank into the outer tank. A generator produces electricity as the air within the inner tank is released to cause the outer tank to rise. A second tank arrangement is fixed to an opposing side of the cable.