Geothermal energy storage and conversion systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumped-hydro energy storage systems are limited by topographical conditions, necessitating the development of a novel energy storage system that can be extensively developed without geographical constraints.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system comprising an energy storage container with a force generating device that compresses an initial gas to store energy, and when needed, drives a working fluid to generate electricity, utilizing heterogeneous fluidic media and interactive actuation modules, and a geothermal energy storage system that converts geothermal heat into gas pressure to drive a generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pumped-hydro energy storage is used, then energy storage capability is achieved, but the system is limited by topographical conditions and cannot be extensively developed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional pumped-hydro mechanical system with a compressed air energy storage system using heterogeneous fluidic media. Instead of relying on gravitational potential energy from elevated water reservoirs, the system uses compressible gas stored in underground containers, eliminating the need for specific topographical conditions while maintaining energy storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heterogeneous fluidic media (comprising compressible gas and liquid phases) as an intermediary substance to transfer and store energy. This fluidic media acts as a mediator between the compression mechanism and the expansion turbine, enabling energy storage without requiring the direct gravitational conversion needed in pumped-hydro systems.
2Power
If geothermal heat is converted to gas pressure to drive generators, then electricity generation is achieved, but the system requires complex heterogeneous fluidic media and interactive actuation modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated modules: the heterogeneous fluidic media performs both energy storage and heat transfer functions, while the interactive actuation modules combine compression, expansion, and power generation functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed despite the sophisticated thermodynamic processes involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (temperature, pressure, phase state) of the heterogeneous fluidic media to achieve different operational modes. By controlling parameter transitions of the fluidic media, the system can switch between energy storage, heat transfer, and power generation functions using the same core components.
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 effectively stores and generates electricity independently of topographical conditions, utilizing geothermal heat to compress gases and drive generators, enabling efficient and extensive energy storage and generation.
Implementation Method 1
the water inlet unit can receive a hot water generated by geothermal and can convert the hot water into gas
Implementation Method 2
the energy storage capsule...can convert kinetic energy into pressure energy and store the pressure energy
Implementation Method 3
the generator is driven by the substance to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A geothermal energy storage/converting system utilizes hot water and pressure, such as steam, generated by the geothermal heat/ground water to store energy and/or generate electricity. The system utilizes a motion of a piston, driven by steam generated by geothermal heat, to control movement of an amount of water, which is used to store the energy by compressing gas as energy storage. When electricity is needed, the compressed gas provides a force to push the stored water to drive a hydrogenerator to generate electricity. In a geothermal energy converting embodiment, system utilizes a motion of a piston, driven by steam generated by geothermal heat, to control movement of an amount of water to drive a hydrogenerator to generate electricity.