Flexible Membrane Energy Storage with Reinforced Soil Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems, such as pumped storage hydro and underground pumped hydroelectric storage, face limitations in storage capacity and service life, and are not suitable for large-scale applications due to environmental and topographical constraints, and existing solutions like elastic membranes are prone to tensile forces that reduce their service life.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a watertight membrane covered with soil or sand, reinforced with a tubular structure and arced portions, connected to a pump and turbine generator, allowing for increased storage capacity and robustness by distributing loads and reducing tensile forces, enabling efficient energy and water storage in non-mountainous locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an elastic membrane is used for fluid storage under pressure, then the system can be installed in various locations including non-mountainous areas, but the tensile force on the membrane significantly reduces its service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane as the storage container for water, allowing the system to be installed in various locations including non-mountainous areas. The membrane is designed to expand and contract with water storage and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a protective coating to the membrane surface before it is subjected to operational stresses. This pre-applied protection layer cushions the membrane against tensile forces and environmental degradation, extending its service life while maintaining location flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pumped storage hydro is used in non-mountainous locations such as gravel pits or river beds, then the system can be deployed in more locations, but the storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical pumped storage (requiring significant elevation differences) to a horizontal configuration where the membrane expands laterally within the pit or depression. This dimensional change allows much larger storage capacities in non-mountainous locations with limited vertical head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamically expandable membrane structure that can adjust its volume based on water storage requirements. The membrane expands when water is stored and contracts when water is retrieved, allowing the system to adapt to varying storage needs and maximize the use of available space in non-mountainous locations.
3Stress or pressure
If the membrane is anchored circumferentially near the edge of the pit to handle storage pressure, then the system can withstand higher pressures, but the tensile force on the membrane is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the membrane with a curved or domed configuration rather than a flat bottom. This curvature distributes the storage pressure more evenly across the membrane surface and redirects tensile forces toward the anchored edges, reducing peak stresses and extending membrane life while maintaining pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-anchors the membrane circumferentially near the edge of the pit before water storage begins. This preliminary anchoring establishes a stable support structure that distributes storage pressure effectively, reducing the tensile load on the membrane during operation and extending its service life.
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 more reliable and robust energy and water storage solution with increased capacity and extended service life, capable of storing energy and water in locations without continuous water supply, and can be used to balance renewable energy sources with demand.
Implementation Method 1
a pump and an inlet pipe connected to the pump, said pump being configured to, in a first mode, pump water from an external reservoir not being part of any membrane of the system into the membrane
Implementation Method 2
a watertight membrane being at least partly covered with soil or sand
Implementation Method 3
pressure head is created by the weight of soil on top of a deformable bag
Implementation Method 4
Energy recovery is accomplished with a turbine-generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (2) for storage of energy and/or water (20) is disclosed. The system (2) comprises a watertight membrane (4) being at least partly covered with soil (10) or sand (46) and an inlet pipe (24) connected to said membrane (4). The inlet pipe (24) is connected to a pump (18) configured to, in a first mode, pump water (20) from a water source (26, 32, 60) into the membrane (4), wherein the membrane (4) is connected to a pipe (22, 24, 58), through which pressurised water inside the membrane (4), in another mode, can be drained from the membrane (4). The system (2) is arranged next to a reservoir (32, 60), from which water (20) can be pumped into the membrane (4). The outer portion (12) of the membrane is provided with a reinforcement structure (40).