Pumped Hydro Storage Using High-Density Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumped hydro energy storage systems require large footprints and are limited by the need for significant elevation differences between reservoirs, making them less flexible and more costly for implementation, especially in areas with flat topography or where space is constrained.
Innovation Solution
A pumped hydro energy storage system utilizing a high-density fluid and a lower-density fluid, where the high-density fluid is used in the upper reservoir and the lower-density fluid in the lower reservoir, allowing for power generation and recharging without the need for substantial elevation differences, and enabling the system to be implemented on flat land or in underground mines, with a turbine unit configured to prevent the high-density fluid from passing through during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional pumped hydro energy storage systems use water reservoirs with significant elevation differences, then power generation is achieved, but the system requires large footprints and is limited by terrain requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the storage fluid from conventional water to a high-density fluid (such as a colloidal suspension with density 2-5 times that of water). This parameter change allows the system to achieve the same energy storage capacity with significantly reduced volume, eliminating the need for large reservoir footprints and significant elevation differences while maintaining power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from relying on vertical elevation differences (one-dimensional height constraint) to utilizing fluid density differences (introducing a new dimensional parameter). This allows the system to operate with minimal elevation head while maintaining effectiveness, enabling deployment in flat terrain and underground locations
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional pumped hydro systems require significant elevation differences between reservoirs, then gravitational potential energy is maximized, but flexibility in location and implementation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the density parameter of the storage fluid to high-density colloidal materials, the system compensates for reduced gravitational head. The increased density provides sufficient potential energy difference even with minimal elevation changes, enabling flexible deployment in various locations including flat terrain and underground mines
Solution Approach 2:
The high-density fluid creates an equivalent energy potential with minimal elevation difference what conventional water would require with large height differential. This equipotential approach allows the system to achieve the same energy storage and generation capability without being constrained by terrain elevation requirements
3Quantity of substance
If high-density fluid is used in the upper reservoir, then energy density and power output per volume increase, but the system complexity increases due to fluid separation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cavity reservoir as an intermediary component that facilitates the separation and return of high-density and low-density fluids. The cavity reservoir receives the high-density fluid from the upper reservoir, allows it to settle, and enables its return to the upper reservoir through gravity, simplifying the overall fluid management system
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the fluid circulation path into distinct zones: the upper reservoir for high-density fluid storage, the lower reservoir for low-density fluid storage, and the cavity reservoir for high-density fluid separation and return. This segmentation simplifies the management of density differences and reduces system complexity
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
This configuration results in a more compact system with higher energy density, increased power output per volume, and reduced construction costs, as it allows for the same energy output with less volume of fluid and reduced height differential between reservoirs, while maintaining flexibility in design and implementation.
Implementation Method 1
the high-density fluid is configured to flow through the penstock towards and through the cavity tank and towards the second reservoir, forcing the lower-density fluid turns the turbine unit
Implementation Method 2
forcing the lower-density fluid turns the turbine unit in a first direction to generate power
Implementation Method 3
the turbine unit pumps the lower-density fluid from the second reservoir through the penstock towards the first reservoir, forcing the high-density fluid back into the first reservoir
Implementation Method 4
The lower-density fluid and high-density fluid are configured to prevent the high-density fluid from passing through the turbine unit
Data Source
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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.