Weight Elevation Energy Storage Using Gripper-Trolley Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are inherently unpredictable and unreliable due to environmental conditions, leading to inefficiencies in electricity generation and delivery, especially in isolated grids without energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage and delivery system with a gripper and trolley configuration that lifts and lowers loads vertically and horizontally, using a rope and drive mechanism to charge and discharge energy, incorporating a cell structure with grippers and trolleys for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources (solar, wind) are used for electricity generation, then alternative energy supply is improved, but reliability and predictability deteriorate due to environmental dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by lifting weights to store energy during periods of excess renewable energy generation or low demand. This advance energy storage enables reliable power delivery during peak demand or when renewable sources are unavailable, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining adaptability to environmental conditions
2Reliability
If energy storage systems are added to balance demand and supply, then grid stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electrical energy storage systems (batteries, capacitors) with a mechanical weight-based storage system. The counterweight mechanism uses gravitational potential energy storage through simple mechanical components (weights, pulleys, ropes), achieving grid stability without the complexity of electrical storage infrastructure
3Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical weight-based energy storage system is implemented, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but space requirements increase due to vertical movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension for energy storage by moving weights up and down, effectively using height rather than horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach allows compact installation in spaces with vertical clearance, maintaining cost-effectiveness while minimizing land use through vertical rather than horizontal expansion
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 system provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for balancing electricity demand and consumption, ensuring consistent energy delivery by lifting and lowering loads to manage energy storage and discharge, enhancing grid stability.
Implementation Method 1
a gripper configured to couple to a load and lift the load vertically from a second position to a first position, or to lower the load from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A method of storing and delivering energy is disclosed. The method provides vertically lifting the load with the gripper from a second position to a first position, or lowering the load from the first position to the second position. Further, moving the gripper with a trolley is configured to move horizontally whether or not the gripper is positioned within the trolley. Next, the according to the method a rope operably coupled to the gripper and the trolley to allow the trolley to move horizontally along the first position, and allow the gripper to lift or lower the load. Finaly, according to the method, at least one drive is actuated to move the rope along its length in a forward first direction or a reverse second direction, such that the movement of the rope in the forward first direction causes the gripper to lift the load from the second position to the first position and thereby charge the system, and the movement of the rope in the reverse second direction causes the gripper to lower the load from the first position to the second position and thereby discharge the system.