System for energy storage and electrical power generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The intermittent and variable nature of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, often mismatch with peak energy demand, necessitating effective energy storage solutions that are durable and environmentally friendly, as existing battery technologies face issues with durability and environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A system for energy storage and electricity generation that utilizes compressed air stored at a temperature higher than ambient air, with a network of air compressing and storage vessels, water management systems, and a hydro-electric power system to produce electricity, featuring minimal moving parts and long service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used for energy storage, then energy can be stored for later delivery, but durability is poor and environmental hazards arise from lead electrodes and acid electrolytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrochemical battery system with a mechanical compressed air energy storage system. Instead of using lead electrodes and acid electrolyte that cause environmental hazards, the system uses compressed air stored in vessels, eliminating toxic materials while maintaining energy storage functionality through pneumatic and hydroelectric mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage from chemical energy in batteries to mechanical potential energy in compressed air. This parameter change enables long-term storage without degradation, as compressed air does not suffer from the same durability issues and material degradation that plague battery systems
2Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable energy sources like wind and solar are used, then clean energy is provided, but intermittent availability creates mismatch with peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing compressed air during periods when renewable energy is abundant and demand is low. This pre-stored compressed air can then be released during peak demand periods, effectively decoupling energy generation from energy consumption timing and ensuring reliable availability regardless of weather conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by creating a bridging system between intermittent renewable generation and continuous demand. The compressed air storage system maintains continuous energy availability, ensuring that useful action (power generation) continues uninterrupted even when wind or solar resources are unavailable
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 system provides a regulated supply of pressurized gas for electricity generation, overcoming intermittency issues with renewable energy, offering long-term and short-term energy storage capabilities, minimal maintenance, and environmentally friendly materials, while maintaining performance over many energy cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a first air compressing vessel that is configured to be filled with air from the atmosphere and with water, and to compress the air to a predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 2
The electricity generation system is configured to produce electrical power by utilizing the compressed air stored in the energy storage system at the temperature greater than the temperature of ambient air in the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A system for energy storage and electricity generation is described. The system includes an energy storage system providing compressed air and an electricity generation system. The electricity generation system includes an airlift pumping system pneumatically coupled to the energy storage system. The airlift pumping system includes a water collecting tank containing collecting water and a riser tube having a base immersed in the collecting water and configured for injection of the compressed air into the riser tube through the air pipeline to provide air bubbles within the riser tube that produce an upward flow of the collecting water together with the air bubbles. The electricity generation system also includes a hydro-electric power system driven by upward flow of the collecting water together with the air bubbles to produce electricity, and a water heating system for heating the collecting water in the water collecting tank.