Modular Gravity Storage Using Shaft Depth and Distributed Mass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems face limitations in efficiently storing large amounts of electric power and releasing it back into the grid when needed, particularly due to constraints in height and weight, which affect the scalability and efficiency of gravity-based energy storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular gravity-powered energy storage system that maximizes both height and weight by using a deep underground vertical shaft and a modular design, where each module supports its own weight and is connected to motor/generators, allowing for scalable and efficient energy conversion between electrical and gravitational potential energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single large mass is used for gravity energy storage, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to the enormous weight requiring specialized support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the total mass into multiple modular units (e.g., 10 modules of 100 tons each instead of one 1000-ton mass). Each module can be independently supported by its own support structure and motor/generator, distributing the mechanical load and simplifying the overall system design while maintaining the same total energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical stacking (single dimension) to horizontal arrangement with multiple support points (multiple dimensions). Modules are arranged side-by-side on a shared beam structure, allowing each module to have its own vertical support while sharing the horizontal beam, thereby reducing the complexity of individual support structures
2Productivity
If the height of the vertical shaft is increased to maximize gravitational potential energy, then the energy storage efficiency improves, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical shaft is divided into multiple sections, each accommodating a certain number of modules. This segmentation allows the shaft to be constructed in manageable stages rather than as a single deep excavation, reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining the necessary height for efficient energy storage
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple modules are nested vertically within the shaft, with each module containing its own sub-components (weight containers, motor/generators, support structures). This nested arrangement maximizes the use of vertical space, allowing the system to achieve high energy storage efficiency in a compact footprint without requiring excessive shaft depth
3Ease of operation
If modular design is implemented to reduce system complexity, then the ease of operation and maintenance improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple connection points and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple modular units are merged onto a shared beam structure, combining their support functions while maintaining operational independence. The beam acts as a common interface that simplifies the connection architecture, allowing modules to be operated individually or in groups without requiring complex coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The motor/generators are designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate different module configurations. Each motor/generator can serve multiple functions: lifting its associated module, acting as a counterweight for adjacent modules, and providing regenerative braking during controlled descent, thereby reducing the need for specialized components for each module
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 effectively addresses the limitations of prior art by enabling large-scale, efficient energy storage and release, optimizing height and weight distribution, and improving efficiency through the use of geothermal properties and thermal energy management.
Implementation Method 1
said first module driver assembly includes a first motor/generator integrated therewithin for driving said at least one first module along said track and for generating power through a regenerative braking effect
Implementation Method 2
said first module driver assembly includes first module driver assembly wheels with geared surfaces
Implementation Method 3
modular gravity-powered energy storage system that maximizes both height and weight by using a deep underground vertical shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides novel designs and improved methods for the construction and operation of a gravity powered energy storage facility. This facility might also be called a gravity battery or a gravitational potential energy storage device. The device converts electricity into gravitational potential energy, and vice versa, by raising and lowering massive modules between a higher elevation and a lower elevation. These modules could maximize their mass with weight container units consisting of any heavy medium, such as water, stone, metal, concrete, compacted earth, etc. The present invention includes such designs and design optimizations which can achieve such scale. To accomplish this, the system's height is optimized by utilizing an underground vertical shaft which can provide a large height differential. And the system's weight is optimized by implementing a modular design which can evenly distribute a very large load. This modular design uses multiple tethers, gears, or other supporting elements to evenly distribute the load for modular sections of weight. Further design elements optimize this system for peak performance.