Self-erecting Tower for Modular Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage systems for renewable energy, such as hydro pumping, compressed gas storage, batteries, thermal storage, and wave energy facilities, face challenges including environmental impact, high costs, limited modularity, reliance on specific locations and technologies, and vulnerability to seismic activity, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption by all economic sectors.
Innovation Solution
The Helical Energy Storage Unit converts excess renewable energy into kinetic and potential energy using a self-erecting tower mechanism, eliminating the need for large cranes and special transportation, and allowing modular construction, reducing environmental impact, and enabling energy storage for extended periods without heavy metals or explosive gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional tower assembly methods using large cranes are used, then assembly strength and stability are ensured, but device complexity and construction cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled incrementally. Each section is a self-contained unit that can be lifted and connected to the growing structure, eliminating the need for a single large crane to lift the entire tower at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower assembly system uses self-erecting mechanisms where the tower structure itself provides the means for its own assembly. Counterweights and pulley systems attached to the tower enable subsequent sections to be lifted using the weight and structure already in place, rather than requiring external heavy equipment.
2Quantity of substance
If hydro pumping storage is used, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but environmental impact and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal space consumption (large reservoirs requiring extensive land area) to vertical space utilization (tower height). The gravitational potential energy is stored by lifting counterweights vertically, achieving the same energy storage capacity without the vast horizontal footprint required by hydro pumping facilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular construction is implemented, then adaptability and staged investment are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled incrementally. Each section is a self-contained unit that can be lifted and connected to the growing structure, eliminating the need for a single large crane to lift the entire tower at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Tower sections are pre-assembled and prepared on the ground before being lifted into position. Connection mechanisms and alignment features are pre-configured, reducing the complexity and time required for on-site assembly operations.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and modular energy storage system that can be adapted to various renewable energy sources, reducing construction costs and environmental impact, while ensuring energy availability during peak and off-peak hours, suitable for diverse economic sectors and locations.
Implementation Method 1
The operation of the process that will be described hereinafter is based on the conversion of the excess of power into kinetic energy and its storage as potential energy
Implementation Method 2
The ramp has the peculiarity that it becomes a helix inside a straight cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1.1
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
AI summary
The invention belongs to the field of the Energy Industry and, especially, to the field of tower construction,. To that effect, a specific design is used, that can be modified and adapted to be used in sectors with similar needs. This design allows using a self-erecting tower, without the need for large cranes or special transportation means for its assembly.