Elevator Regenerative Power Supply Using Flywheel and Capacitor Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevators require significant energy input for movement, and existing systems do not effectively harness and reuse the energy generated during descent or other movements, leading to inefficiencies and potential power outages.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system incorporating capacitors and flywheels is coupled with the elevator motor to store and regenerate energy, utilizing excess electrical energy from the elevator's movement to power the motor and ensure continuous operation during AC line failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If energy is not stored and reused during elevator descent, then the system is simpler, but energy efficiency deteriorates and power outages cannot be mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of energy waste during elevator descent into a beneficial resource by capturing regenerative energy through the flywheel and capacitor system. The kinetic energy that would normally be lost during downward movement is now stored and reused to power the elevator motor during ascent, transforming energy loss into energy recovery and improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage parameters by introducing a hybrid system combining flywheel (mechanical energy storage) and capacitor (electrical energy storage) technologies. This dual-parameter approach allows the system to store and release energy at different rates and forms, optimizing energy recovery during descent and energy delivery during ascent while managing the complexity through coordinated control of both storage mechanisms
2Reliability
If regenerative energy storage system is implemented, then power outage resilience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-storing energy in the flywheel and capacitor system during normal operation periods. This energy reserve acts as a cushion that can be deployed during power outages to maintain elevator operation, ensuring continuity of service and improving reliability by preparing the system in advance for potential failures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the flywheel-capacitor system as an intermediary between the power grid and the elevator motor. This intermediary energy storage system buffers the connection, allowing the elevator to operate independently during grid failures while still benefiting from grid power during normal conditions, thus improving reliability without requiring complete system redundancy
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 enhances energy efficiency by storing kinetic energy in flywheels and capacitors, reducing energy losses, and ensures elevator operation even during power outages by regenerating stored energy, resulting in significant long-term savings and improved reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The power system including at least one capacitor operable to store energy received form the elevator motor and to supply stored energy to the elevator motor
Implementation Method 2
at least one flywheel operable to store energy received from the elevator motor and to supply stored energy to the elevator motor
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system is provided including: an elevator; an elevator motor; a power system coupled to the elevator motor. The power system including at least one capacitor operable to store energy received form the elevator motor and to supply stored energy to the elevator motor; and at least one flywheel operable to store energy received from the elevator motor and to supply stored energy to the elevator motor.