Elevator Cage Block Handling for Gravity Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The intermittent and unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, poses a challenge for delivering stable electricity to the grid.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage and delivery system that utilizes a crane and blocks to store energy by moving blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, and generates electricity by moving blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation under the force of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If renewable energy sources (solar, wind) are used to generate electricity, then clean energy production increases, but the intermittent and unpredictable nature of these sources reduces grid stability and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing energy in the form of raised blocks during periods of excess renewable energy generation. The blocks are lifted to elevated positions using cranes and held in place, creating potential energy reserves that can be converted to electricity on demand, thus ensuring grid stability regardless of when renewable sources generate power.
2Quantity of substance
If blocks are moved from lower to higher elevation to store energy, then energy storage capacity increases, but the complexity of the mechanical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through gravity-driven mechanisms. Blocks are lowered from elevated positions to generate electricity, using gravitational force to drive generators without requiring additional active control systems or complex mechanical arrangements. The same gravity that stores energy by lifting blocks also retrieves it by pulling blocks down, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Power
If multiple blocks are moved simultaneously to increase power output, then electricity generation capacity increases, but the load on the tower structure becomes variable and potentially harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by systematically lowering blocks in a controlled sequence rather than all at once. This rhythmic, staged approach to block retrieval allows power generation to occur in manageable increments, smoothing out load fluctuations on the tower structure while still achieving high overall power output through continuous operation.
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 allows for the capture and predictable delivery of renewable energy, stabilizing the electrical grid and providing electricity when it is needed most, such as during nighttime 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 under the force of gravity to generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation)
Implementation Method 3
generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation)
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.