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WO2011114199A1 - A system for energy storage and generation - Google Patents

A system for energy storage and generation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011114199A1
WO2011114199A1 PCT/IB2010/056019 IB2010056019W WO2011114199A1 WO 2011114199 A1 WO2011114199 A1 WO 2011114199A1 IB 2010056019 W IB2010056019 W IB 2010056019W WO 2011114199 A1 WO2011114199 A1 WO 2011114199A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
containing structure
piston
weighted
weighted member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2010/056019
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David Sydney Grantham
Original Assignee
Thomas, James Medley
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thomas, James Medley filed Critical Thomas, James Medley
Publication of WO2011114199A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011114199A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/06—Stations or aggregates of water-storage type, e.g. comprising a turbine and a pump
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/30—Electrical components
    • H02S40/38—Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/16—Mechanical energy storage, e.g. flywheels or pressurised fluids
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
    • Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for storing energy and for generating electricity from the stored energy.
  • a system for storing energy and for generating electricity from the stored energy comprising: a weighted member; lifting means operable to lift the weighted member between a lower position and an upper position relative to a datum; electrical power supply means for powering the lifting means; releasable holding means for releasably holding the weighted member in the upper position; and electricity generation means operable to generate electricity, the electricity generation means being driven by the displacement of the weighted member under the influence of gravity when the holding means is released, in use.
  • the lifting means may comprise: a liquid-containing structure having a base and a surrounding wall for containing a liquid and an inlet opening through which liquid can enter into the liquid-containing structure, the weighted member being supported, in use, on top of and by the liquid contained within the liquid-containing structure; and a pump which is powered by the electrical power supply means, the pump being in flow communication with the inlet opening, for pumping liquid into the liquid- containing structure via the inlet opening thereof, thereby to lift the weighted member.
  • the weighted member may be in the form of a weighted piston which is slidably displaceable within the liquid-containing structure, between upper and lower regions thereof, in an arrangement wherein the weighted piston exerts a downward force on the liquid under the influence of gravity.
  • the releasable holding means may comprise a non-return inlet valve fitted between the pump and the inlet opening which permits the flow of liquid to the liquid-containing structure, but prevents the outflow of liquid through the inlet opening; sealing means disposed between the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the liquid-containing structure, for forming a fluid-resistant seal between the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the liquid-containing structure; and a shut-off outlet valve associated with an outlet opening located in a base region of the liquid-containing structure which can be opened to permit liquid contained within the liquid-containing structure to be discharged therefrom through the outlet opening.
  • the electricity generation means may comprise a turbine generator in flow communication with the outlet opening of the liquid-containing structure, the turbine generator being driven by liquid which flows, under pressure of the weighted member, through the outlet opening of the liquid-containing structure when the outlet valve is opened, in use.
  • the pump may be in flow communication with a reservoir for pumping liquid from the reservoir into the liquid-containing structure via the inlet opening of the liquid-containing structure.
  • the inlet opening may be located in a lower region of the liquid- containing structure.
  • the turbine generator may be in flow communication with the reservoir for releasing liquid passing through the turbine generator into the reservoir.
  • the liquid-containing structure may have an overflow opening at an upper region thereof which is in flow communication with the reservoir, in use, thereby allowing liquid to overflow from the liquid-containing structure into the reservoir.
  • the liquid-containing structure may be open-topped having a top cover for covering the open top of the liquid- containing structure.
  • the lifting means may comprise: a rotatable drum mounted on an axle, at an elevated position relative to the datum; a cable which is wound on the rotatable drum, in use; drive means which is powered by said electrical power supply means for driving rotation of the rotatable drum for winding the cable onto the rotatable drum; the weighted member being attached to a free end of the cable thereby causing the weighted member to be lifted when the cable is wound on the rotatable drum when the rotatable drum is rotated by the drive means, in use.
  • the releasable holding means may be in the form of a braking mechanism which is operable between a braking condition for braking rotation of the axle; and a releasing condition wherein rotation of the axle is permitted.
  • the electricity generation means may comprise a generator connected to the axle, the generator being driven by rotation of to the axle when the drum rotates by unwinding of the cable from the rotatable drum when the weighted member is allowed to fall under the influence of gravity, in use.
  • the electrical power supply means may be in the form of a solar collector arranged to convert solar energy to electrical power.
  • the electrical power supply means may be in the form of a wind-driven turbine arranged to convert wind energy to electrical power.
  • Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention.
  • a first embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.
  • the system 10 comprises, broadly, a weighted member in the form of a weighted piston 12; lifting means in the form of a lifting system 13 for lifting the weighted piston 12 between a lower position and an upper position; electrical power supply means in the form of a solar power generator 18 for powering the lifting system 13; releasable holding means in the form of a releasable holding system for releasably holding the piston 12 in the upper position, and electricity generation means in the form of a turbine generator 24 operable to generate electricity and being driven by displacement of the piston 12 under the influence of gravity when the releasable holding system is released, in use.
  • the lifting system 13 comprises a liquid-containing structure in the form of a tower structure 14 and a pump 16 which is powered by the solar powered generator 18 and which is in flow communication with
  • the tower structure 14 is open-topped having a base 28 and a cylindrical surrounding wall 30 for containing a liquid, and a top cover in the form of a roof cover 32 for covering the open top.
  • the surrounding wall 30 defines an inlet opening 34 through which liquid can enter into the tower structure 14, an outlet opening 36 in a base region thereof through which liquid can be discharged and an overflow opening 38 defined in a top region of the surrounding wall 30, the overflow opening 38 being in flow communication with the reservoir 26.
  • the base 28 and the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14 is of a material that can bear relatively high pressure e.g. reinforced concrete, steel or the like. More particularly, the inner circumference of the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14 is machined or polished by honing or similar process to obtain a smooth, regular surface for reasons which will be explained below.
  • the pump 16 has an inlet 40 and an outlet 42.
  • the pump outlet 42 is connected via a connecting pipe to the inlet opening 34 of the tower structure 14.
  • the pump inlet 40 is interconnected via a connecting pipe with the reservoir 26 and in flow communication therewith.
  • the weighted piston 12 is slidably displaceable within the inner circumference of the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14 between upper and lower regions thereof in an arrangement wherein the piston 12 exerts a downward force on the liquid contained within the tower structure 14 under the influence of gravity. More particularly, the weighted piston 12 has a circular profile when viewed in plan view and fits tightly inside the inner circumference of the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14.
  • the releasable holding system includes a non-return inlet valve 20 fitted between the pump 16 and the inlet opening 34, sealing means in the form of a seal 44 and a shut-off outlet valve 22 installed within the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14.
  • the non-return inlet valve 20 permits the flow of liquid which is pumped via the pump 16 into the tower structure 14, but prevents the outflow of liquid through the inlet opening 34.
  • the seal 44 is fitted into a groove provided therefore on the piston 12 such that the seal 44 is disposed, in use, between an outer circumferential-edge region of the piston 12 and the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14.
  • the shut-off outlet valve 22 is displaceable between an open position permitting liquid contained within the tower structure 14 to flow out of the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14 and a closed position wherein the shut-off outlet valve 22 closes the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14.
  • the turbine generator 24 has an inlet 46 and an outlet 48.
  • the inlet 46 of the turbine generator 24 is connected to the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14 via the shut- off outlet valve 22.
  • the turbine generator outlet 48 leads to the reservoir 26.
  • the pump 16 pumps water from the reservoir 26 through the non-return inlet valve 20 and the inlet opening 34 of the tower structure 14 into the tower structure 14.
  • the weighted piston 12 is supported on top of and by the water 50 and is thus raised by the rising water level in the tower structure to an elevated position within the tower structure 14 as is shown in Figure 1 of the drawings.
  • the non-return inlet valve 20 and the closed shut-off outlet valve 22 blocks the flow of water from the tower structure 14.
  • the seal 44 limits the leakage of water between the edges of the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the tower structure to a minimum, thereby holding the piston 12 at its elevated position.
  • the smooth and regular machined inner surface of the inner circumference of the wall 30 of the tower structure 14 and the seal 44 ensures a fluid-resistant seal between the piston 12 and the inner circumference of the wall 30 which is sufficient to lift and hold the piston in an elevated position within the tower structure 14 while permitting only negligible lowering of the piston due to water escaping past the seal.
  • the roof 32 reduces the evaporation of water from the tower structure. Water overflowing from the tower structure flows from the overflow opening 38 back into the reservoir 26.
  • a second embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 100.
  • the system 100 comprises, broadly, a weighted member in the form of a weight 102; lifting means in the form of a lifting system 1 13 for lifting the weight 102 between a lower position and an upper position; electrical power supply means in the form of a solar power generator 1 12 for powering the lifting system 1 13; releasable holding means in the form of a braking mechanism (not shown) for releasably holding the weight 102 in the upper position and electricity generation means in the form of an electricity generator 1 14 and a generator electromagnetic clutch 1 15.
  • the lifting system 1 13 includes a drum 104, a drum axle 106, a cable 108, an electrical motor and gear box 1 10, and a motor electromagnetic clutch 1 1 1 .
  • the lifting system 1 13 is mounted at an elevated position above a substrate surface, together with the generator clutch 1 15 and generator 1 14, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings.
  • the drum axle 106 has a first end 1 16 and a second end 1 18 and is rotatably mounted within bearings 120 and 122.
  • the drum 104 is fixedly mounted on the drum axle 106 and fixed for rotation therewith.
  • the cable 108 has a first end 124 which is fixed at an attachment point 128 to the drum 104 and a second end 126 which is attached to the weight 102.
  • the electrical motor and gear box 1 10 includes a motor output shaft 123.
  • the motor clutch 1 1 1 is mounted in a configuration wherein the motor output shaft 123 is its input and the first end 1 16 of the drum axle 106 is its output. In use, when the motor clutch 1 1 1 is engaged, the electrical motor drives rotation of the drum axle 106 and consequently rotation of the drum 104.
  • the solar power generator 1 12 is connected to and supplies electrical power to the electrical motor and gear box 1 10.
  • the generator 1 14 includes a generator input shaft 125.
  • the generator clutch 1 15 is mounted in a configuration wherein the second end 1 18 of the drum axle 106 is its input and the generator input shaft 125 is its output. In use, when the generator clutch 1 15 is engaged, the generator generates electricity from the rotation of the generator input shaft 125 when the generator input shaft is rotating.
  • the motor clutch 1 1 1 In use, for storing energy, the motor clutch 1 1 1 is engaged and the generator clutch 1 15 is disengaged. Electrical power supplied by the solar power generator 1 12 is used to power the electrical motor 1 10 for driving the drum 104 so as to cause rotation of the drum 104 for winding the cable 108 onto the drum 104 thereby lifting the weight 102 to an elevated position above the substrate surface. Once the weight 102 is at the desired elevated position, the braking mechanism (not shown) is engaged to brake rotation of the drum axle 106 thereby to hold the weight at the elevated position. In the elevated position, the weight 102 has stored potential energy.
  • the motor clutch 1 1 1 is disengaged, the generator clutch 1 15 is engaged and the braking mechanism is released. This causes the weight 102 to fall towards the substrate surface under the force of gravity and consequently the cable 108 is wound off the drum 104 causing rotation of the drum 104, of the drum axle 106 and of the generator input shaft 125 and providing torque for powering the generator 1 14.
  • the electrical power supply means may be in the form of apparatus for the conversion of energy from any energy source into electrical power, for example, from sources such as wind energy, wave energy, off-peak electricity and the like.
  • the Applicant further envisages that the system for energy storage and generation will provide for the storage of energy tapped from any of a variety of sources and for utilisation thereof in the form of electrical power generated from the stored energy when the particular energy source is not available.
  • the Applicant envisages that the system will be particularly useful for the generation of electricity during power failures.
  • the weighted member can be lifted using electricity generated during off-peak times (at relatively low electricity tariffs) and lowered at peak times (at relatively high electricity tariffs) to generate electricity.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

A system 10 for storing energy and for generating electricity from the stored energy, comprises a weighted piston 12, a lifting system 13 for lifting the piston, a solar power generator 18 for powering the lifting system, a releasable holding system for releasably holding the piston in a raised position and a turbine generator 24 which is driven by displacement of the piston under gravity when the holding system releases the piston. The lifting system comprises a water tower 14 and a pump 16 powered by the generator 18 for pumping water into the tower for lifting the piston. The holding system comprises a non-return valve fitted between the pump and an inlet to the water tower, a water- resistant seal disposed between the piston and an inner side wall of the water tower and a shut-off valve associated with an outlet opening in the water tower through which water can be discharged to drive the turbine generator.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR ENERGY STORAGE AND GENERATION
FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to a system for storing energy and for generating electricity from the stored energy.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to the invention there is provided a system for storing energy and for generating electricity from the stored energy, comprising: a weighted member; lifting means operable to lift the weighted member between a lower position and an upper position relative to a datum; electrical power supply means for powering the lifting means; releasable holding means for releasably holding the weighted member in the upper position; and electricity generation means operable to generate electricity, the electricity generation means being driven by the displacement of the weighted member under the influence of gravity when the holding means is released, in use.
In a first embodiment of the invention, the lifting means may comprise: a liquid-containing structure having a base and a surrounding wall for containing a liquid and an inlet opening through which liquid can enter into the liquid-containing structure, the weighted member being supported, in use, on top of and by the liquid contained within the liquid-containing structure; and a pump which is powered by the electrical power supply means, the pump being in flow communication with the inlet opening, for pumping liquid into the liquid- containing structure via the inlet opening thereof, thereby to lift the weighted member.
The weighted member may be in the form of a weighted piston which is slidably displaceable within the liquid-containing structure, between upper and lower regions thereof, in an arrangement wherein the weighted piston exerts a downward force on the liquid under the influence of gravity.
The releasable holding means may comprise a non-return inlet valve fitted between the pump and the inlet opening which permits the flow of liquid to the liquid-containing structure, but prevents the outflow of liquid through the inlet opening; sealing means disposed between the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the liquid-containing structure, for forming a fluid-resistant seal between the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the liquid-containing structure; and a shut-off outlet valve associated with an outlet opening located in a base region of the liquid-containing structure which can be opened to permit liquid contained within the liquid-containing structure to be discharged therefrom through the outlet opening. The electricity generation means may comprise a turbine generator in flow communication with the outlet opening of the liquid-containing structure, the turbine generator being driven by liquid which flows, under pressure of the weighted member, through the outlet opening of the liquid-containing structure when the outlet valve is opened, in use.
The pump may be in flow communication with a reservoir for pumping liquid from the reservoir into the liquid-containing structure via the inlet opening of the liquid-containing structure. As such, the inlet opening may be located in a lower region of the liquid- containing structure.
The turbine generator may be in flow communication with the reservoir for releasing liquid passing through the turbine generator into the reservoir. The liquid-containing structure may have an overflow opening at an upper region thereof which is in flow communication with the reservoir, in use, thereby allowing liquid to overflow from the liquid-containing structure into the reservoir. The liquid-containing structure may be open-topped having a top cover for covering the open top of the liquid- containing structure.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the lifting means may comprise: a rotatable drum mounted on an axle, at an elevated position relative to the datum; a cable which is wound on the rotatable drum, in use; drive means which is powered by said electrical power supply means for driving rotation of the rotatable drum for winding the cable onto the rotatable drum; the weighted member being attached to a free end of the cable thereby causing the weighted member to be lifted when the cable is wound on the rotatable drum when the rotatable drum is rotated by the drive means, in use. The releasable holding means may be in the form of a braking mechanism which is operable between a braking condition for braking rotation of the axle; and a releasing condition wherein rotation of the axle is permitted.
The electricity generation means may comprise a generator connected to the axle, the generator being driven by rotation of to the axle when the drum rotates by unwinding of the cable from the rotatable drum when the weighted member is allowed to fall under the influence of gravity, in use.
The electrical power supply means may be in the form of a solar collector arranged to convert solar energy to electrical power. In another embodiment, the electrical power supply means may be in the form of a wind-driven turbine arranged to convert wind energy to electrical power.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Further features of the invention are described hereinafter by way of a non-limiting example of the invention, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention; and Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, a first embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The system 10 comprises, broadly, a weighted member in the form of a weighted piston 12; lifting means in the form of a lifting system 13 for lifting the weighted piston 12 between a lower position and an upper position; electrical power supply means in the form of a solar power generator 18 for powering the lifting system 13; releasable holding means in the form of a releasable holding system for releasably holding the piston 12 in the upper position, and electricity generation means in the form of a turbine generator 24 operable to generate electricity and being driven by displacement of the piston 12 under the influence of gravity when the releasable holding system is released, in use. The lifting system 13 comprises a liquid-containing structure in the form of a tower structure 14 and a pump 16 which is powered by the solar powered generator 18 and which is in flow communication with a reservoir 26.
The tower structure 14 is open-topped having a base 28 and a cylindrical surrounding wall 30 for containing a liquid, and a top cover in the form of a roof cover 32 for covering the open top. The surrounding wall 30 defines an inlet opening 34 through which liquid can enter into the tower structure 14, an outlet opening 36 in a base region thereof through which liquid can be discharged and an overflow opening 38 defined in a top region of the surrounding wall 30, the overflow opening 38 being in flow communication with the reservoir 26. The base 28 and the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14 is of a material that can bear relatively high pressure e.g. reinforced concrete, steel or the like. More particularly, the inner circumference of the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14 is machined or polished by honing or similar process to obtain a smooth, regular surface for reasons which will be explained below.
The pump 16 has an inlet 40 and an outlet 42. The pump outlet 42 is connected via a connecting pipe to the inlet opening 34 of the tower structure 14. The pump inlet 40 is interconnected via a connecting pipe with the reservoir 26 and in flow communication therewith.
The weighted piston 12 is slidably displaceable within the inner circumference of the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14 between upper and lower regions thereof in an arrangement wherein the piston 12 exerts a downward force on the liquid contained within the tower structure 14 under the influence of gravity. More particularly, the weighted piston 12 has a circular profile when viewed in plan view and fits tightly inside the inner circumference of the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14.
The releasable holding system includes a non-return inlet valve 20 fitted between the pump 16 and the inlet opening 34, sealing means in the form of a seal 44 and a shut-off outlet valve 22 installed within the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14. The non-return inlet valve 20 permits the flow of liquid which is pumped via the pump 16 into the tower structure 14, but prevents the outflow of liquid through the inlet opening 34.
The seal 44 is fitted into a groove provided therefore on the piston 12 such that the seal 44 is disposed, in use, between an outer circumferential-edge region of the piston 12 and the surrounding wall 30 of the tower structure 14.
The shut-off outlet valve 22 is displaceable between an open position permitting liquid contained within the tower structure 14 to flow out of the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14 and a closed position wherein the shut-off outlet valve 22 closes the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14.
The turbine generator 24 has an inlet 46 and an outlet 48. The inlet 46 of the turbine generator 24 is connected to the outlet opening 36 of the tower structure 14 via the shut- off outlet valve 22. The turbine generator outlet 48 leads to the reservoir 26.
In use, the pump 16 pumps water from the reservoir 26 through the non-return inlet valve 20 and the inlet opening 34 of the tower structure 14 into the tower structure 14. The weighted piston 12 is supported on top of and by the water 50 and is thus raised by the rising water level in the tower structure to an elevated position within the tower structure 14 as is shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The non-return inlet valve 20 and the closed shut-off outlet valve 22 blocks the flow of water from the tower structure 14. The seal 44 limits the leakage of water between the edges of the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the tower structure to a minimum, thereby holding the piston 12 at its elevated position. It will be appreciated that the smooth and regular machined inner surface of the inner circumference of the wall 30 of the tower structure 14 and the seal 44 ensures a fluid-resistant seal between the piston 12 and the inner circumference of the wall 30 which is sufficient to lift and hold the piston in an elevated position within the tower structure 14 while permitting only negligible lowering of the piston due to water escaping past the seal.
The roof 32 reduces the evaporation of water from the tower structure. Water overflowing from the tower structure flows from the overflow opening 38 back into the reservoir 26.
When electrical power is to be supplied, water is discharged from the tower structure by opening the shut-off outlet valve 22 to allow the water to flow under pressure of the weighted piston 12 from the tower structure 14 through the outlet opening 36 and through the turbine generator 24. The turbine generator 24 is thus driven by the flow of water from its inlet 46 to its outlet 48, generating electricity in the process. After passing thought the turbine generator, the water flows from the outlet 48 of the turbine generator 24 back into the reservoir 26. With reference to Figure 2 of the drawings, a second embodiment of a system for energy storage and generation in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 100. The system 100 comprises, broadly, a weighted member in the form of a weight 102; lifting means in the form of a lifting system 1 13 for lifting the weight 102 between a lower position and an upper position; electrical power supply means in the form of a solar power generator 1 12 for powering the lifting system 1 13; releasable holding means in the form of a braking mechanism (not shown) for releasably holding the weight 102 in the upper position and electricity generation means in the form of an electricity generator 1 14 and a generator electromagnetic clutch 1 15. The lifting system 1 13 includes a drum 104, a drum axle 106, a cable 108, an electrical motor and gear box 1 10, and a motor electromagnetic clutch 1 1 1 . The lifting system 1 13 is mounted at an elevated position above a substrate surface, together with the generator clutch 1 15 and generator 1 14, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. The drum axle 106 has a first end 1 16 and a second end 1 18 and is rotatably mounted within bearings 120 and 122. The drum 104 is fixedly mounted on the drum axle 106 and fixed for rotation therewith.
The cable 108 has a first end 124 which is fixed at an attachment point 128 to the drum 104 and a second end 126 which is attached to the weight 102.
The electrical motor and gear box 1 10 includes a motor output shaft 123. The motor clutch 1 1 1 is mounted in a configuration wherein the motor output shaft 123 is its input and the first end 1 16 of the drum axle 106 is its output. In use, when the motor clutch 1 1 1 is engaged, the electrical motor drives rotation of the drum axle 106 and consequently rotation of the drum 104.
The solar power generator 1 12 is connected to and supplies electrical power to the electrical motor and gear box 1 10.
The generator 1 14 includes a generator input shaft 125. The generator clutch 1 15 is mounted in a configuration wherein the second end 1 18 of the drum axle 106 is its input and the generator input shaft 125 is its output. In use, when the generator clutch 1 15 is engaged, the generator generates electricity from the rotation of the generator input shaft 125 when the generator input shaft is rotating.
In use, for storing energy, the motor clutch 1 1 1 is engaged and the generator clutch 1 15 is disengaged. Electrical power supplied by the solar power generator 1 12 is used to power the electrical motor 1 10 for driving the drum 104 so as to cause rotation of the drum 104 for winding the cable 108 onto the drum 104 thereby lifting the weight 102 to an elevated position above the substrate surface. Once the weight 102 is at the desired elevated position, the braking mechanism (not shown) is engaged to brake rotation of the drum axle 106 thereby to hold the weight at the elevated position. In the elevated position, the weight 102 has stored potential energy.
In order to generate electricity using the stored potential energy of the weight 102, the motor clutch 1 1 1 is disengaged, the generator clutch 1 15 is engaged and the braking mechanism is released. This causes the weight 102 to fall towards the substrate surface under the force of gravity and consequently the cable 108 is wound off the drum 104 causing rotation of the drum 104, of the drum axle 106 and of the generator input shaft 125 and providing torque for powering the generator 1 14.
The Applicant envisages that the electrical power supply means may be in the form of apparatus for the conversion of energy from any energy source into electrical power, for example, from sources such as wind energy, wave energy, off-peak electricity and the like. The Applicant further envisages that the system for energy storage and generation will provide for the storage of energy tapped from any of a variety of sources and for utilisation thereof in the form of electrical power generated from the stored energy when the particular energy source is not available. Furthermore, the Applicant envisages that the system will be particularly useful for the generation of electricity during power failures. The Applicant also envisages that the weighted member can be lifted using electricity generated during off-peak times (at relatively low electricity tariffs) and lowered at peak times (at relatively high electricity tariffs) to generate electricity.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1 . A system for storing energy and for generating electricity from the stored energy, comprising: a weighted member; lifting means operable to lift the weighted member between a lower position and an upper position relative to a datum; electrical power supply means for powering the lifting means; releasable holding means for releasably holding the weighted member in the upper position; and electricity generation means operable to generate electricity, the electricity generation means being driven by the displacement of the weighted member under the influence of gravity when the holding means is released, in use.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the lifting means comprises: a liquid-containing structure having a base and a surrounding wall for containing a liquid and an inlet opening through which liquid can enter into the liquid-containing structure, the weighted member being supported, in use, on top of and by the liquid contained within the liquid-containing structure; and a pump which is powered by the electrical power supply means, the pump being in flow communication with the inlet opening, for pumping liquid into the liquid- containing structure via the inlet opening thereof, thereby to lift the weighted member.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the weighted member is in the form of a weighted piston which is slidably displaceable within the liquid-containing structure, between upper and lower regions thereof, in an arrangement wherein the weighted piston exerts a downward force on the liquid under the influence of gravity.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the releasable holding means comprises a non-return inlet valve fitted between the pump and the inlet opening which permits the flow of liquid to the liquid-containing structure, but prevents the outflow of liquid through the inlet opening; sealing means disposed between the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the liquid-containing structure, for forming a fluid-resistant seal between the weighted piston and the surrounding wall of the liquid-containing structure; and a shut-off outlet valve associated with an outlet opening located in a base region of the liquid-containing structure which can be opened to permit liquid contained within the liquid-containing structure to be discharged therefrom through the outlet opening.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the electricity generation means comprises a turbine generator in flow communication with the outlet opening of the liquid-containing structure, the turbine generator being driven by liquid which flows, under pressure of the weighted member, through the outlet opening of the liquid- containing structure when the outlet valve is opened, in use.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the inlet opening is defined in a lower region of the liquid-containing structure.
7. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the pump is in flow communication with a reservoir for pumping liquid from the reservoir into the liquid- containing structure via the inlet opening of the liquid-containing structure.
8. The system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the turbine generator is in flow communication with the reservoir for releasing liquid passing through the turbine generator into the reservoir.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the liquid-containing structure has an overflow opening in an upper region thereof which is in flow communication with the reservoir, in use, thereby allowing liquid to overflow from the liquid containing structure into the reservoir.
10. The system as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 9, wherein the liquid-containing structure is open-topped and has a top cover for covering the open top of the liquid-containing structure.
1 1 . The system as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the lifting means comprises: a rotatable drum mounted on an axle, at an elevated position relative to the datum; a cable which is wound on the rotatable drum, in use; drive means which is powered by said electrical power supply means for driving rotation of the rotatable drum for winding the cable onto the rotatable drum, the weighted member being attached to a free end of the cable thereby causing the weighted member to be lifted when the cable is wound on the rotatable drum when the rotatable drum is rotated by the drive means, in use.
12. The system as claimed in Claim 1 1 , wherein the releasable holding means is in the form of a braking mechanism which is operable between a braking condition for braking rotation of the axle; and a releasing condition wherein rotation of the axle is permitted.
13. The system as claimed in Claim 1 1 or Claim 12 wherein the electricity generation means comprises a generator connected to the axle, the generator being driven by rotation of the axle when the drum rotates by unwinding of the cable from the rotatable drum when the weighted member is allowed to fall under the influence of gravity, in use.
14. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical power supply means is in the form of a solar power generation system arranged to convert solar energy to electrical power.
15. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical power supply means is in the form of a wind-driven turbine arranged to convert wind energy to electrical power.
PCT/IB2010/056019 2010-03-15 2010-12-22 A system for energy storage and generation WO2011114199A1 (en)

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GB2540525A (en) * 2014-08-30 2017-01-25 Robert Mee James G.E.M gravity energy mast
CN104454304A (en) * 2014-10-31 2015-03-25 清华大学 Pumped storage power generation system and method based on steam and air pressurization
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AU2016232587B2 (en) * 2015-03-13 2019-11-28 Heindl Energy Gmbh Damp-proof layer for creating a seal for a potential energy store, and method for assembling a seal from damp-proof layers for a potential energy store
JP2018511291A (en) * 2015-03-13 2018-04-19 ハインドル エナジー ゲーエムベーハーＨｅｉｎｄｌ Ｅｎｅｒｇｙ Ｇｍｂｈ Moisture-proof layer forming sealing material for potential energy storage, and method for assembling sealing material from moisture-proof layer for potential energy storage
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GB2551177A (en) * 2016-06-09 2017-12-13 Anthony Maitland Garstin Edward Raised weight gravity generator
US10483567B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2019-11-19 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Mechanical energy storage in flow batteries to enhance energy storage
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GB2574664A (en) * 2018-06-15 2019-12-18 Equinor Energy As Method of generating electricity
GB2574664B (en) * 2018-06-15 2021-02-17 Equinor Energy As Method of generating electricity
CN109881956A (en) * 2019-02-27 2019-06-14 东北电力大学 A new type of pumped water storage device
CN114630956A (en) * 2019-11-20 2022-06-14 拉雷什-亚历山德鲁·格尔杜什 Combined gravity-hydraulic electric energy storage system
WO2022186685A1 (en) * 2021-03-03 2022-09-09 Université Internationale de RABAT System for storing gravitational energy based on a hydraulic facility and using a pulley system
EP4283113A1 (en) * 2022-05-25 2023-11-29 Sören-Nikolai Kerner Gravitational and air buoyancy pump
WO2025021161A1 (en) * 2023-07-26 2025-01-30 中国三峡新能源(集团)股份有限公司 Geothermal energy utilization system

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