Hydraulic Accumulator Energy Buffering for Variable Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy conversion and storage systems face inefficiencies, high costs, and limitations in flexibility, weight, packaging, and manufacturability, particularly in handling variable energy inputs and outputs, and in integrating renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
An Integrated Energy Conversion, Transfer, and Storage System that combines double-sided hydraulic units with double-sided hydro-mechanical accumulator units and directional control valves to capture, store, and release energy efficiently, integrating mechanical, hydraulic, and thermal energy sources for multiple mechanical and electrical outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If internal combustion engines operate under variable power conditions to meet different energy needs, then adaptability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to transient operating conditions and increased consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine operating speed to match the load requirements, allowing the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points while meeting variable energy demands. The hydraulic accumulator and control system enable continuous adjustment of power delivery without changing engine speed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic accumulator acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the engine and the load. It absorbs excess energy when the engine produces more power than needed and releases energy when demand exceeds generation, allowing the engine to operate at constant optimal speed while meeting variable load requirements efficiently.
2Loss of energy
If conventional brake energy recovery systems are implemented, then some kinetic energy is recovered, but efficiency is limited due to additional mass and restricted usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The energy recovery system is merged with the existing hydraulic power steering and brake systems. The hydraulic accumulator serves dual purposes: storing energy for power assist during normal operation and recovering kinetic energy during deceleration. This integration eliminates the need for separate recovery system components, reducing overall mass and complexity while improving energy recovery efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources like wind, wave, and solar are integrated, then energy sustainability is improved, but system flexibility deteriorates due to large fluctuations in availability
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic accumulators serve as intermediary energy storage devices that buffer the fluctuations between renewable energy sources and the load. They absorb excess energy when generation exceeds demand and release energy when demand exceeds generation, stabilizing the system and enabling reliable operation despite variable renewable input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and pressure parameters of the hydraulic fluid in the accumulators to match varying energy demands. By adjusting pressure and volume parameters dynamically, the system can store and release energy efficiently, accommodating the variable nature of renewable sources while maintaining stable output.
4Loss of energy
If waste heat recovery systems are implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but practical application is limited by lack of cost-effective conversion solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic fluid as the working medium for heat transfer and energy conversion. By utilizing the hydraulic fluid circulation already present in the system, waste heat from the engine and brakes can be recovered and converted to useful work through the hydraulic accumulator, avoiding the need for complex and expensive thermal-to-mechanical conversion equipment.
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 system enhances energy generation and consumption efficiency by providing intermediate storage capacity and flexible power conversion, enabling constant operation conditions and higher efficiency in vehicles and renewable energy applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic component positioned within the first open chamber
Implementation Method 2
double-sided hydraulic units integrated with double-sided hydro-mechanical accumulator units
Implementation Method 3
double-sided hydraulic units integrated with double-sided hydro-mechanical accumulator units
Implementation Method 4
integrating mechanical, hydraulic, and thermal energy sources
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An integrated hybrid energy recovery and storage system for recovering and storing energy from multiple energy sources is disclosed. The system includes an accumulator unit having a high pressure accumulator and a low pressure accumulator. At least one piston is mounted for reciprocation in the high pressure accumulator. The accumulator unit is configured to receive, store, and transfer energy from the hydraulic fluid to the energy storage media. The system further includes two or more rotational directional control valves, in which at least one rotational directional control valve is positioned on each side of the accumulator unit. Each rotational directional control valve includes multiple ports. The system also includes two or more variable displacement hydraulic rotational units. At least one variable displacement hydraulic rotational unit is positioned adjacent each of the rotational directional control valves.