Submerged Gravitational Energy Storage Platform Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater energy storage and generation systems face challenges with stabilization and anchoring costs due to exposure to wind and surface currents, which disrupt the operation of elevator systems and reduce the lifespan of weights.
Innovation Solution
The system stabilizes weights and the elevator platform at a depth below the surface, using anchor cables and adjustable floats to minimize exposure to wind and currents, and employs a reversible motor and generator with pulley systems for efficient energy storage and generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the platform and weights are positioned on the surface to store energy, then energy storage capacity is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to wind and surface currents causing significant stabilization costs and operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the system from surface-level operation to subsurface operation by positioning the platform at depth d1 and weights at depth d2 below the water surface. This dimensional change from surface (2D) to subsurface (3D depth addition) eliminates exposure to wind and surface currents while preserving energy storage capacity through gravitational potential energy at depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary medium between the atmospheric disturbances (wind and currents) and the energy storage system. By submerging the platform and weights, water acts as a protective barrier that filters out harmful surface disturbances while allowing the system to function. The anchor cables and floats serve as intermediary components that maintain positioning within this protective medium.
2Ease of operation
If the platform is positioned on the surface to support the elevator system, then ease of operation is improved, but anchoring and stabilization costs increase significantly to withstand storms and swells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the platform from the surface dimension to a subsurface dimension at depth d1. This vertical dimensional shift removes the platform from the turbulent surface environment while maintaining its functional capabilities. The anchor cables connect the subsurface platform to the seabed, creating a stable base that requires less complex stabilization against surface weather events.
3Power
If weights are stored in high position on the surface, then energy potential is improved, but vertical oscillation movements disrupt elevator system operations and weight attachment/detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the oscillation problem by adding the depth dimension to the weight storage position. Weights are stored at depth d2 below the surface rather than at surface level. This vertical displacement into the subsurface dimension eliminates exposure to surface wave oscillations while maintaining gravitational potential energy through the height difference h between the platform at depth d1 and weights at depth d2.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs floats as counterweight elements that compensate for the weight of the submerged masses and balance the platform at depth d1. This counterbalancing system stabilizes the platform against residual underwater currents and ensures stable operation of the elevator mechanism, enabling reliable weight attachment and detachment without disruption from oscillations.
4Productivity
If weights are deposited on the bottom from a surface position, then energy generation is improved, but rough sea movements prevent delicate deposition and reduce weight lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves deposition precision by operating the entire weight release mechanism at depth d2 below the surface, away from surface wave disturbances. The elevator system transports weights vertically within the calm subsurface environment, and the final deposition onto the seabed occurs without the interference of surface oscillations. This dimensional relocation ensures gentle, controlled deposition that preserves weight integrity and extends lifespan.
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 effectively manages peak and off-peak electricity demand, reduces operational costs, and extends the lifespan of weights by stabilizing the platform and weights, allowing for efficient and sustainable energy transformation.
Implementation Method 1
floats (132) attached to said PAP platform (131), exerting an upward force opposed to said anchor cables (106) and making it possible to maintain the platform (101) at the desired depth and prevent it from sinking
Implementation Method 2
anchor cables connecting the PAG platform to the bottom of the body of water and exerting a force on the platform downwards
Implementation Method 3
a reversible motor or a motor and an electric generator, cooperating with the elevator-generator and allowing, in generator mode, the production of electrical energy thanks to the action of the weights during their descent, and, in motor mode, the activation of the elevator to raise the weights
Implementation Method 4
The elevator-generator is constituted by a set of pulleys operating a belt between the PAG platform and the bottom of the body of water
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric energy generation and storage system for an aquatic environment, comprising: - a plurality of weights (135), attached to an underwater platform PAP (131) positioned at a sufficient depth to avoid surface currents and the effects of bad weather - an ascender - generator (100), arranged in conjunction with the weights (135) and positioned in such a way as to allow, in generator mode, the said weights to descend toward the bottom zone (126) and, in motor mode, the said weights to rise back towards the surface (125); - a main underwater platform positioned at a sufficient depth to avoid surface currents and the effects of bad weather (101), able to support beneath the surface the upper portion of the ascender - generator (100); - a reversible motor (102) collaborating with the ascender - generator (100) and in generator mode allowing the production of electrical energy thanks to the action of the weights (135) as they descend and, in motor mode, allowing actuation of the ascender - generator (100) so as to cause the weights (135) to rise back up.