Hydromechanical Float Energy Storage Without Geographic Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage technologies, such as pumped-storage power plants and tidal power plants, face limitations in geographical requirements, environmental impact, and reliability, while other systems require significant electrical input for operation, leading to inefficiencies and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A hydromechanical energy storage and conversion device utilizing a float in a water reservoir that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy through a generator, with a fixing mechanism to store potential energy, allowing energy generation independent of natural processes and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumped-storage power plants are used for energy storage, then electrical energy can be stored in the form of potential energy of water, but the system requires significant geographical constraints including sufficient height difference and space for storage tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pumped-storage system with a hydromechanical system using a float and water level changes. Instead of requiring large height differences and extensive storage tanks, the invention uses a container with a float that moves vertically with water level changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pumping systems and large geographical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from requiring large height differences and volumetric storage to utilizing small vertical movements of a float. The potential energy storage is achieved through the vertical position of the float within the container, which changes with water level, rather than through large-scale water displacement or height differences.
2Reliability
If pumped-storage power plants are used for energy storage, then electrical energy can be stored and converted, but the system causes substantial encroachment upon the ecosystem and landscape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of energy storage from the large-scale pumped-storage system and concentrates it into a small container-based system. By removing the need for large reservoirs, dams, and extensive infrastructure, the invention minimizes environmental encroachment while retaining the core functionality of storing and converting electrical energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanically intensive pumped-storage system with a passive hydromechanical system that uses water level changes to move a float. This eliminates the need for large mechanical pumps, turbines, and associated infrastructure that cause environmental damage, while still achieving reliable energy storage and conversion.
3Power
If tidal power plants are used for energy generation, then potential and kinetic energy from tidal movements can be converted into electrical energy, but generation is associated with very large fluctuations during changeover intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the float automatically moves with water level changes, converting potential energy to kinetic energy continuously. The float rises with high water levels and falls with low water levels, providing consistent energy generation without the large fluctuations associated with tidal plants during changeover intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention ensures continuous useful action by utilizing the continuous movement of the float with water level changes. Unlike tidal plants that experience intermittent operation during ebb and flow transitions, the float-based system maintains continuous energy conversion as long as water levels are changing, providing more reliable and consistent power generation.
4Reliability
If a float is moved into lower position via tow lines, then energy can be stored, but electrical energy is absolutely essential to apply tension to the tow lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the float moves automatically with water level changes without requiring external electrical energy. The float rises and falls passively with water level, converting potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa, eliminating the need for electrical-powered tow lines or other external energy inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrical-powered mechanical tow line system with a passive hydromechanical system. Instead of using electrical motors to pull the float down, the system uses water level changes and buoyancy forces to automatically move the float, storing energy without consuming electrical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydromechanical energy storage and energy conversion device includes a water reservoir, a float which is arranged in the water reservoir, a generator, an energy transmission apparatus, and a fixing device. The float can be lifted with a rising water level in the water reservoir from a lower position into an upper position. The first float can be fixed in the upper position. The generator converts a kinetic energy into an electrical energy. The energy transmission apparatus connects the float to the generator and transmits the kinetic energy between the float and the generator. The fixing device secures the float in the upper position.