Wind Turbine Foundation with Flywheel Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in providing a constant electricity supply due to intermittent wind conditions, and existing energy storage solutions like batteries are costly, have short lifetimes, and pose environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine foundation with a center zone chamber containing a flywheel for storing rotational energy, which can transform wind turbine energy into rotational energy and back into electrical energy, eliminating the need for batteries and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used for energy storage, then electricity can be stored locally at the wind turbine, but costs are high and lifetime is short due to constant capacity loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy storage system (flywheel). The flywheel stores kinetic energy through rotation, and energy is transferred between the flywheel and the grid via a transmission system. This mechanical substitution eliminates the chemical degradation issues of batteries, providing unlimited lifetime and reduced operating costs while maintaining energy storage functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are used for energy storage, then excess electricity can be stored, but used batteries are hazardous waste and recycling is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical battery systems with a mechanical flywheel system, eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals. The flywheel consists of inert materials rotating in a vacuum chamber, producing no harmful waste products. This substitution maintains full energy storage capability while completely eliminating the environmental hazards associated with battery disposal and recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel operates within a vacuum chamber, creating an inert environment that prevents oxidation and degradation of the flywheel components. This inert environment ensures the system remains free from harmful emissions and waste generation throughout its operational lifetime, further reducing environmental impact compared to chemical battery systems.
3Ease of operation
If batteries are used for energy storage, then power can be provided in windless situations, but cooling means are required to prevent overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical battery systems with a mechanical flywheel system that stores kinetic energy. The flywheel operates in a vacuum chamber, eliminating the need for cooling systems as there is no chemical reactions or heat generation. The system maintains power supply capability during windless periods by converting stored kinetic energy back to electrical energy through the transmission system, without requiring additional cooling infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a chamber is added to the foundation for flywheel installation, then energy storage is enabled, but foundation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flywheel vacuum chamber with the wind turbine foundation structure. The chamber is integrated into the existing foundation, utilizing the same concrete structure to house both the flywheel energy storage system and serve as the foundation for the turbine tower. This integration adds minimal structural complexity while enabling energy storage functionality within the existing foundation footprint.
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 and safe method for temporary energy storage and demand-based power delivery, smoothing power output, enabling black start capabilities and backup power without the need for batteries, thus enhancing wind turbine performance and reducing environmental footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The energy storage means comprise a flywheel pivotally arranged within the chamber for storing rotational energy
Implementation Method 2
transmission means for transforming energy of a wind turbine into rotational energy of the flywheel and for transforming rotational energy of the flywheel into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a Foundation (1) for a wind turbine (2), comprising base means (3) with a center zone (4) and an outer zone (5), wherein the outer zone (5) is configured for carrying most of the weight of the wind turbine (2). In the center zone (4), the base means (3) comprise a chamber (6), wherein the foundation (1) further comprises energy storage means (7), wherein the energy storage means (7) comprise a flywheel (8) pivotally arranged within the chamber (6) for storing rotational energy. The energy storage means (7) further comprise transmission means (9) for transforming energy of a wind turbine (2) into rotational energy of the flywheel (8) and for transforming rotational energy of the flywheel (8) into electrical energy. The invention further relates to a wind turbine (2) and to a method for storing and using energy generated by a wind turbine (2).