Gravity Energy Storage with Modular Weight Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems lack flexibility and versatility due to reliance on a single weight mechanism and high redundancy in lifting devices and generators, limiting their ability to efficiently manage peak and off-peak energy demands.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple weights and dual storing units with guiding tracks and a loading unit that lifts weights between units during off-peak times to store energy and lowers them during peak times, allowing for flexible power levels by varying the duration of lifting and lowering cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single weight mechanism is used for energy storage, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the weight storage into multiple separate units (first storing unit and second storing unit), each with its own guiding track. This segmentation allows independent operation of each unit, enabling flexible configuration and scaling while maintaining structural clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it can load weights onto either the first or second storing unit, unload weights from either unit, and operate in different time periods (first period and second period). This multi-functionality increases versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If separate conversion means and generators are associated with every lifting device, then each lifting device operates independently, but the system shows high degree of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lifting devices share common conversion means and generators. Instead of having dedicated conversion means for each lifting device, the system uses shared conversion infrastructure that serves multiple lifting operations, thereby reducing redundancy while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion means and generators are designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple lifting devices and storing units. This universal design allows the same conversion infrastructure to handle loads from different units during different time periods, eliminating the need for redundant dedicated conversion equipment for each lifting device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple weights and dual storing units are used, then flexibility and scalability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments weights and storing units into distinct, modular components (first storing unit, second storing unit, multiple weights with wheels). This segmentation enables flexible configuration where units can be added, removed, or reconfigured independently, improving scalability while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements such as weights with wheels that can move freely along guiding tracks, and a loading unit that can operate in different time periods and serve different storing units. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to varying energy storage demands without requiring a completely different structural configuration, balancing flexibility with manageable complexity.
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 provides a scalable and flexible energy storage solution that can adjust power levels according to demand by using multiple weights and varying the duration of lifting and lowering cycles, enhancing the system's ability to match energy supply with demand.
Implementation Method 1
lifting at least one weight from the first storing unit to the second storing unit during a first period thereby converting electrical energy to potential energy
Implementation Method 2
lowering said at least one weight from the second storing unit to the first storing unit during a second period, thereby converting potential energy to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
Those wheels are configured to allow said weight to move from the first, higher portion of said guiding track to the second, lower portion of said guiding track preferably by the action of gravity alone
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storing system, which includes a plurality of weights; a first storing unit and a second storing unit, wherein the first storing unit is arranged below the second storing unit and each of the storing units includes a guiding track on which weights can be placed and along which weights can be moved, wherein each of these guiding tracks includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is arranged below the first portion; and a loading unit configured to lift at least one weight from the first storing unit to the second storing unit during a first period thereby converting electrical energy to potential energy.