Wind Energy Storage with Gravitational Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind energy generators often produce energy beyond their peak usage limits, which goes to waste as it is not effectively stored or utilized during periods of less than peak energy production.
Innovation Solution
A dual energy generation system where excess energy from a primary wind energy generator is used to move a weighting material from a lower to an elevated position, leveraging gravitational transfer to generate supplementary electricity through a secondary energy generation assembly, especially during off-peak production times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If excess energy from the primary energy generation assembly is discarded, then the primary energy generation assembly operates at its peak primary use production limit, but energy is wasted and not stored for later use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste of excess energy into a beneficial resource by using it to power the secondary energy generation assembly. The excess energy from the primary assembly (which would otherwise be discarded) is redirected to operate the pump that moves weighting material, thereby transforming energy loss into useful energy storage and supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding excess energy from the primary energy generation assembly, the system recovers it by using it to drive the secondary energy generation process. The excess energy is captured and stored in the form of elevated weighting material, which can be later converted back to electrical energy when needed.
2Reliability
If a secondary energy generation assembly is added to store and supplement energy, then energy availability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primary and secondary energy generation assemblies into a single integrated system where both assemblies work together to produce and store energy. The secondary assembly is not a separate standalone system but is coupled with the primary assembly through the pump and weighting material mechanism, allowing them to function as a unified energy management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary energy generation assembly serves multiple functions: it stores excess energy from the primary assembly, supplements energy production during low primary output, and provides a reliable energy source during off-peak periods. This multi-functionality increases reliability without requiring entirely separate systems for each purpose.
3Use of energy by moving object
If excess energy is used to move weighting material to elevated position, then energy is stored for later use, but additional equipment and infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary energy generation assembly is designed to be self-service in that the excess energy from the primary assembly directly powers the pump that moves the weighting material. The system uses its own excess energy resource to maintain and operate the energy storage mechanism, rather than requiring external power sources or additional complex control systems.
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 effectively stores and supplements energy production, ensuring continuous energy availability by utilizing excess energy to power a secondary generator, thereby optimizing energy utilization and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
A secondary energy generation assembly utilizes gravitational transfer of a weighting material from an elevated position to a lowered position to produce electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a pump operationally coupled to the generator such that operation of the pump moves the weighting material from the lowered position to the elevated position
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system uses energy produced by a primary energy generation assembly beyond a peak primary use production limit to increase potential energy in a secondary energy generation assembly for later use to supplement energy produced by the primary energy generation assembly during periods of less than peak energy production by the primary energy generation assembly. The system includes a primary energy generation assembly having a peak primary use production limit and a peak total production limit. The peak total production limit is greater than the peak primary use production limit. A secondary energy generation assembly utilizes gravitational transfer of a weighting material from an elevated position to a lowered position to produce electrical energy. The secondary energy generation assembly is selectively actuatable such that energy generated by the secondary energy generation assembly supplements energy produced by the primary energy generation assembly.