Containerized Compressed-Air Storage for Rapid Off-Grid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems, such as compressed air and photovoltaic/wind power plants, require large volumes and are difficult to transport and assemble quickly.
Innovation Solution
A transportable energy storage system using ISO-standard containers with stacked pressure vessels for compressed air, a heat transfer fluid tank, and a compressor system, along with foldable photovoltaic and wind turbine support frames, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compressed air energy storage uses enormous ground cavities, then energy storage capacity is improved, but transportability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enormous ground cavity storage system is segmented into multiple modular pressure vessels that can be stacked vertically. Each pressure vessel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions, allowing the entire system to be divided into transportable modules while maintaining total storage capacity through vertical stacking arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pressure vessels are nested within a containment cage structure, with vessels stacked one above another in a vertical arrangement. The containment cage acts as an outer shell that holds multiple inner pressure vessels, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces overall footprint and facilitates transport.
2Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic panels are arranged obliquely on support frames, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but assembly time and transportability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame structure incorporates foldable and adjustable components that allow the panels to be transported in a compact folded position and then quickly deployed to the optimal oblique angle for energy generation. The dynamic reconfiguration capability enables rapid transition between transport and operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frames are pre-assembled with panel mounting structures in a factory setting, and panels are pre-positioned in a folded configuration for transport. Upon deployment, the pre-configured structure requires minimal on-site assembly, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining the optimal oblique angle for energy generation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If wind turbine rotors use large support pillars, then structural stability is improved, but transportability and assembly speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The large support pillar structure is segmented into multiple smaller modular support columns that can be individually transported and then assembled together to form the complete support structure. Each modular column maintains the necessary structural integrity, and when combined, they provide equivalent stability to a single large pillar while being much more transportable.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates telescopic or extendable elements that allow the pillars to be compacted for transport and then extended to full height during assembly. This dynamic capability enables the structure to transition between a compact transport state and a full-height stable operational state.
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
Facilitates easy transportation and quick assembly of energy storage and generation systems, allowing for efficient use of renewable energy sources and rapid electrification of off-grid areas.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer fluid lying on a bottom of a central compartment of the first container... adapted to enable a heat exchange between compressed air and heat transfer fluid contained in the tank
Implementation Method 2
a compressor for compressing air... a plurality of pressure vessels for compressed air
Implementation Method 3
an electric turbine connected by means of a plurality of pneumatic ducts to the two plurality of pressure vessels which supply compressed air for rotating the electric turbine such that it can generate electric current
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage includes a first container including an inner space, a plurality of pressure vessels for compressed air that are stacked in rows inside the inner space of the first container, a tank containing a heat transfer fluid arranged inside the inner space of the first container, a compressor adapted to compress air, and a plurality of pneumatic ducts for compressed air connected to the compressor. The plurality of pneumatic ducts includes a plurality of heat exchangers adapted to enable a heat exchange between compressed air contained in the plurality of pneumatic ducts and heat transfer fluid contained inside the tank. The plurality of pneumatic ducts is connected to the plurality of pressure vessels supplying pressure vessels with compressed air, an electric turbine connected by the plurality of pneumatic ducts with the plurality of pressure vessels supplying compressed air for rotating the electric turbine to generate electric current.