Elevator Cage Block Handling for Gravity Energy Storage Towers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, limits the reliable delivery of electricity to the grid, necessitating an efficient energy storage and delivery system.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-driven energy storage and delivery system utilizing a crane or elevator cage to move blocks between elevations, storing energy as potential energy during abundant renewable energy production and generating electricity through kinetic energy when needed, with a modular design that maintains a constant load on the foundation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If renewable energy sources (solar, wind) are used for power generation, then clean energy production increases, but the intermittent and unpredictable nature limits reliable electricity delivery to the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by lifting blocks to higher elevations during periods of abundant renewable energy generation, storing energy in advance for later use. This anticipatory energy storage resolves the intermittency issue by preparing energy reserves before demand occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy storage mechanism (elevated blocks representing stored energy) between renewable energy sources and the electrical grid. This intermediary decouples the intermittent production from continuous delivery requirements, enabling reliable power supply regardless of immediate generation conditions.
2Productivity
If blocks are moved between elevations to store and generate energy, then energy storage and delivery capability is improved, but the load on the tower foundation varies during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs counterweights that move in opposition to the energy-storing blocks. When blocks are lifted to store energy, counterweights descend; when blocks descend to generate energy, counterweights ascend. This counterbalancing mechanism maintains relatively constant foundation load throughout the energy storage and delivery cycles.
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 effectively stabilizes the electrical grid by converting renewable energy into stored potential energy and generating electricity on demand, ensuring predictable electricity delivery and reducing the strain on the grid during peak demand hours.
Implementation Method 1
move one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., via the potential energy of the block in the higher elevation)
Implementation Method 2
move one or more blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation to generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation)
Implementation Method 3
move one or more blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation under the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator cage is used in an energy storage and delivery system to move blocks between a lower elevation of a tower and a higher elevation of a tower to store energy and to move blocks between a higher elevation of the tower and a lower elevation of the tower under force of gravity to generate electricity. The elevator cage removably receives a block thereon and supports the block on at least three sides.