Pumped Hydro Storage Using High-Density Slurry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumped hydro energy storage systems have limitations in terms of footprint and energy density, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher costs due to the need for large reservoirs and significant elevation differences between them.
Innovation Solution
The use of a high-density fluid, such as a slurry mixture, in a pumped hydro energy storage system allows for a smaller footprint and higher energy density, enabling more compact designs and increased power output. This system can be configured with reservoirs at the same elevation and incorporates a turbine unit and penstock to facilitate energy generation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional water-based pumped hydro systems are used, then the system can store energy, but the footprint is large and energy density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of fluid density by using high-density slurries (containing materials like magnetite, barite, or metal pellets) instead of water. This parameter change allows the system to achieve the same energy storage capacity in a much smaller volume, directly resolving the contradiction between energy density and footprint by increasing the density of the stored fluid by factors of 3-10 times compared to water-based systems
2Power
If conventional pumped hydro systems with significant elevation differences are used, then energy can be generated, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the working fluid to compensate for reduced elevation differences. By using high-density slurries, the system can generate the same power output with much smaller head differences, thereby reducing the need for expensive mountain terrain modifications and large-scale civil engineering projects while maintaining power generation capability
3Power
If high-density slurry is used, then power output increases, but the system requires different handling compared to water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system with multi-functional components that can handle both high-density slurry and water. The reversible pump-turbine units are designed to accommodate varying fluid densities, and the system can switch between different operating modes (power generation, energy storage, fire suppression) using the same infrastructure, thereby managing the increased complexity through versatile, multi-purpose 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
The implementation of a high-density fluid in the pumped hydro energy storage system enhances power output and reduces the volume of fluid required, leading to lower construction costs and increased flexibility in system design. This approach can be retrofitted into existing systems, improving their efficiency and output.
Implementation Method 1
The slurry flows through the turbine in a first or forward direction from the first reservoir to the second reservoir to cause the turbine unit to generate energy
Implementation Method 2
In the recharge mode, the slurry flows through the turbine unit in the second or reverse direction from the second reservoir to the first reservoir to recharge the system
Implementation Method 3
The high-density slurry increases power output of the system as compared to systems using water
Data Source
AI summary
A pumped hydro energy storage system and method are disclosed. The system employs a high-density fluid, such as a slurry, to improve power output. In some cases, the fluid is a binary fluid system, with a high-density fluid and a lower-density fluid, such as water. The lower-density fluid flows through the turbine unit of the system, avoiding the need to modify the system to handle the high-density fluid, while achieving improved power output. The system can be configured with one atmospheric reservoir for a higher-density fluid and another one for a lighter-density fluid. Each of them is connected to a pressurized cavity which is filled with the higher-density or lighter-density fluid. The atmospheric tanks may be at the same elevation, or the tank with high density fluid might be higher for increased energy output. For example, the system may be placed on a topographical elevation. The system further includes a fire extinguishing sub-system to utilize the water or lower-density fluid to extinguish fires occurring in the proximity thereof.