Hydrostatic Piston Energy Storage for Low-Head Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumped storage systems require significant capital and operating costs due to the need for large-scale hydropower plants with high differential heights and specific topographical locations, limiting their economic viability and flexibility in power capacity and location independence.
Innovation Solution
A water-based stored energy system utilizing hydrostatic and buoyancy forces to generate electricity, featuring a vertically oriented cylinder with a piston and a horizontal shaft connected to a generator, and a buoyancy-based system with float modules in a reservoir, allowing for power generation with minimal height differential and flexibility in location, independent of specific topography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional pumped storage systems are implemented with large-scale hydropower plants, then power generation capacity is achieved, but capital costs and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water storage function into multiple modular tanks (upper and lower tanks) that can be distributed and connected through piping systems. This segmentation allows the power generation capacity to be achieved through multiple smaller units rather than requiring a single large-scale hydropower plant, thereby reducing capital costs while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as piping systems, valves, and pressure vessels to connect and transmit water between storage tanks. These intermediaries enable flexible system configuration and location selection, reducing the need for expensive civil works associated with traditional hydropower plants while maintaining power generation functionality.
2Power
If conventional pumped storage systems are implemented with high differential height, then power generation efficiency is improved, but location specificity and topographical constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic pressure regulation through variable height tank configurations and controllable valve systems. By dynamically adjusting water levels and flow paths, the system can maintain efficient power generation across various locations without being constrained by specific topographical requirements, thereby improving location independence while preserving power generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying solely on vertical height differential to utilizing horizontal piping networks and pressure-based water transmission. This dimensional shift allows the system to achieve power generation in locations with limited vertical elevation changes by using pressurized water delivery through extended piping systems, thereby expanding location adaptability.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional pumped storage systems are implemented, then power storage capability is achieved, but water evaporation losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes covered or enclosed tank designs with controlled interfaces between water and atmosphere. By minimizing exposed water surfaces through proper tank configuration and covering, the system reduces evaporation losses while maintaining water storage capability, addressing the substance loss issue without compromising storage functionality.
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 reduces capital and operating costs by minimizing the required height differential and enabling power generation in a variety of locations, providing a cost-effective and flexible renewable energy solution with high efficiency and continuous power production.
Implementation Method 1
a volume of water is introducible into the cylinder to hydrostatically drive the piston to rotate the shaft and thereby generate electrical power
Implementation Method 2
a float module in force transmitting relation with said shaft and having a buoyant body that is submergible within said introduced volume of water
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrostatically based energy conversion unit, which comprises a vertically oriented cylinder; a piston sealingly engaged with and vertically displaceable within the cylinder; a horizontal shaft rotatably mounted to a surface located above the cylinder and mechanically connected to the piston; a motor for driving the shaft in a first rotational direction; and a generator coupled to the shaft for producing electrical power when the shaft rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The piston is vertically displaceable in a first vertical direction during a charging mode following operation of the motor, and is vertically displaceable in a second vertical direction opposite to the first vertical direction during a power generating mode after being hydrostatically driven to produce electrical power in conjunction with the generator.