Power Rotor Gravity Storage for Long-Duration Grid Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage solutions for grids face challenges in long-duration storage, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, particularly with intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind, necessitating innovative systems that can bridge the gap between energy availability and demand while ensuring reliability and minimizing environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A grid-level energy storage and retrieval system using power rotors lifted against a resistive force, converting potential energy into rotational motion within a fluid medium, which is then converted to electrical or mechanical energy, featuring no self-discharge, high efficiency, and scalability, and minimal environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If lithium-ion batteries are used for energy storage, then short-to-medium-term storage needs are met, but cost-effectiveness and scalability for long-duration storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses concrete blocks as the energy storage medium, which are inexpensive, readily available materials. The concrete blocks absorb and release thermal energy through phase change and heat capacity, providing a low-cost alternative to expensive battery systems for long-duration storage applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters from electrochemical energy storage to thermal energy storage using phase change materials embedded in concrete blocks. This parameter change enables long-duration storage (24-48 hours or more) at lower costs by utilizing thermal physics rather than chemical battery reactions.
2Quantity of substance
If pumped hydroelectric storage is used for large-scale energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but geographical constraints and initial capital costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete blocks serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the system while simultaneously acting as the thermal energy storage medium. The blocks self-regulate temperature through phase change materials, eliminating the need for separate active cooling or heating systems and reducing geographical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete blocks perform dual functions as both structural elements and thermal energy storage media. This multi-functionality allows the system to be deployed in various locations without requiring specialized geographical features like elevated terrain for pumped hydro storage.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional energy storage systems operate for extended periods, then long-duration storage is achieved, but degradation over time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrochemical battery systems with a thermal-based concrete block system. The concrete blocks use phase change and thermal conduction mechanisms that do not suffer from the degradation issues inherent in chemical batteries, providing stable performance over extended operational periods without capacity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete blocks are inherently stable materials that do not degrade over time like battery chemicals. Their simple physical structure and phase change mechanism ensure consistent performance across millions of charge-discharge cycles without the capacity fading problems of conventional energy storage systems.
4Duration of action of moving object
If chemical batteries are used for energy storage, then short-term storage needs are met, but charge-discharge cycle limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes electrochemical charge-discharge cycles with thermal absorption and release cycles using concrete blocks. This mechanical/thermal approach enables millions of operational cycles without degradation, far exceeding the typical 3000-5000 cycle limit of lithium-ion batteries.
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 nearly 100% depth of discharge without degradation, millions of charge-discharge cycles, 100% round-trip efficiency, low operating costs, and can be deployed in various locations, achieving a low Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) and supporting broader renewable energy integration.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor blades are configured to rotate the rotator tube through the hub when the rotor blades interact with a fluid medium
Implementation Method 2
The power rotors are configured to store potential energy when moved towards the second end along the lifting post against a resistive force
Implementation Method 3
The rotational motion of the rotator tube may be either converted to electrical energy by a generator rotationally locked to the rotator tube
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage and retrieval system including a lifting post, power rotors, and a generator is provided. The power rotors are movable along the lifting post between a first end and a second end. The power rotors include a hub and a plurality of rotor blades attached thereto. The rotor blades are configured to interact with a fluid medium surrounding the power rotors to generate rotational motion of a rotator tube of the lifting post, through the hub, which is converted into electrical energy. The power rotors are moved from away from the first end along the lifting post against a bias of a resistive force, and locked in position for storing potential energy in the system. The power rotors are released from the locked position and allowed to move towards the lifting post under an influence of the resistive force for retrieving stored energy in the system.