Gravity Crane Energy Storage System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Renewable energy systems face discontinuity in electricity generation, as photovoltaic panels and wind systems only produce energy when conditions are favorable, necessitating energy storage solutions like batteries that require frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing cranes to move bodies under gravity, converting kinetic energy into electricity, ensuring continuous power supply without the need for batteries, with cranes acting as both generators and motors to store and release energy as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic panels or wind systems are used to generate electricity, then renewable energy is utilized, but electricity generation is discontinuous and dependent on environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by lifting bodies to an elevated position during periods when renewable energy is abundant, storing energy as gravitational potential energy. This pre-positioning of bodies enables electricity generation to continue during periods when renewable energy sources are unavailable, thus ensuring continuity of supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and position of bodies, transitioning them between elevated and ground-level positions. By changing the gravitational potential energy parameter of the bodies through vertical displacement, the system converts stored potential energy into kinetic energy and subsequently into electricity, maintaining continuous generation capability.
2Reliability
If batteries are used to store energy for continuous supply, then electricity continuity is achieved, but batteries require frequent replacement after short periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the chemical energy storage mechanism of batteries with a mechanical energy storage system based on gravitational potential energy. Bodies are lifted to elevated positions using crane mechanisms, storing energy mechanically rather than chemically. This substitution eliminates the degradation and replacement issues inherent in battery systems while maintaining continuous electricity supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of the bodies themselves as the storage medium, which inherently provides the necessary mass for gravitational energy storage. The bodies serve both as the stored energy carrier and as the working medium for energy conversion, eliminating the need for separate battery components that degrade over time.
3Reliability
If conventional energy storage systems are implemented, then discontinuity of renewable energy is addressed, but environmental impact and material disposal issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple, durable bodies as energy storage media that can be repeatedly cycled between elevated and ground-level positions without degradation. These bodies serve as reusable, non-consumable elements that eliminate the waste disposal problems associated with conventional battery systems, providing an environmentally friendly energy storage solution.
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 solution provides a continuous electricity supply with minimal environmental impact, using locally available materials, and can be expanded without limits, offering a battery-like system without the need for frequent component replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a device connected to the gripping means, adapted to transform into electricity the kinetic energy of a body grasped by the gripping means, which moves, in particular substantially vertically, under the effect of gravity towards the lower support surface
Implementation Method 2
the kinetic energy of a body grasped by the gripping means, which moves, in particular substantially vertically, under the effect of gravity towards the lower support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) for generating electricity comprising—at least one structure (1) defining an upper support surface (11) and a lower support surface (12); —a plurality of cranes (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) adapted to move a plurality of bodies (3) from the upper support surface (11) to the lower support surface (12), and vice versa; wherein each crane (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) is provided with—gripping means (21) adapted to grasp a body (3) of said plurality of bodies (3); —and a device (4) connected to the gripping means (21), adapted to transform into electricity the kinetic energy of a body (3) grasped by the gripping means (21), which moves, in particular substantially vertically, under the effect of gravity towards the lower support surface (12).