An aquifer storage and recovery system can include a pump, an electric motor coupled to the pump, a drive unit configured to control operation of the electric motor, and a controller. The controller can be configured to flow water into a well bore from a source reservoir through the pump such that the pump rotates in a reverse direction and drives the electric motor coupled to the pump in the reverse direction to operate as a generator, determine a power output of the electric motor, determine a difference between the power output of the electric motor and a power output set point, and operate the drive unit to control a rotational speed of the electric motor based at least in part on the difference between the power output of the electric motor and the power output set point.

A subterranean energy storage system configured to store and subsequently release potential energy. Storage of potential energy is achieved by the transfer of a pseudo fluid from a first storage tank to a second storage tank located above the first storage tank, and is subsequently released by the transfer of the pseudo fluid from the second storage tank to the first storage tank. To transfer the pseudo fluid between the first and second storage tanks, the subterranean energy storage system comprises at least one continuous conveyor mechanism extending through at least one transport shaft, wherein the at least one continuous conveyor mechanism comprises a plurality of vessels arranged along a length of the continuous conveyor mechanism. The subterranean energy storage system further comprises an energy transfer means operably connected to the at least one continuous conveyor mechanism to transfer power to and from the subterranean energy storage system.

A subterranean energy storage system configured to store and subsequently release potential energy. Storage of potential energy is achieved by the transfer of a pseudo fluid from a first storage tank to a second storage tank located above the first storage tank, and is subsequently released by the transfer of the pseudo fluid from the second storage tank to the first storage tank. To transfer the pseudo fluid between the first and second storage tanks, the subterranean energy storage system comprises at least one continuous conveyor mechanism extending through at least one transport shaft, wherein the at least one continuous conveyor mechanism comprises a plurality of vessels arranged along a length of the continuous conveyor mechanism. The subterranean energy storage system further comprises an energy transfer means operably connected to the at least one continuous conveyor mechanism to transfer power to and from the subterranean energy storage system.

A reactive blade turbine system works vertically, horizontally, or at an angle and clockwise or counterclockwise according to blade angle and locking position and adjusts to variations in fluid flow such as changes in tidal currents to generate power more efficiently regardless of direction of fluid flow.

An energy island system arranged related to a body of water with a seafloor, a surface and a depth over an underground is disclosed. The system comprises a structurally rigid shell (1) extending from the seafloor to above the water surface, inclosing a lagoon of the body of water, material with a negative buoyancy stacked around the shell (1) forming a gravity stabilized wall (2), and a tunnel (5) established in the wall (2), providing for hydraulic communication between the surrounding body of water and the interior of the shell (1). Further, a method for construction of an energy island is disclosed.

An energy island system arranged related to a body of water with a seafloor, a surface and a depth over an underground is disclosed. The system comprises a structurally rigid shell (1) extending from the seafloor to above the water surface, inclosing a lagoon of the body of water, material with a negative buoyancy stacked around the shell (1) forming a gravity stabilized wall (2), and a tunnel (5) established in the wall (2), providing for hydraulic communication between the surrounding body of water and the interior of the shell (1). Further, a method for construction of an energy island is disclosed.

An apparatus can comprise a water tower that itself comprises an elevated water reservoir, at least one water conduit coupled between the elevated water reservoir and an external water distribution system, and at least a first water turbine disposed and configured to receive water via the at least one water conduit and to exit water to the external water distribution system. The apparatus can further comprise a generator that operably couples to that water turbine. The water tower can further include a speed-increasing gearbox that operably couples between an output shaft of the first water turbine and that generator. The apparatus optionally includes at least one electrolyzer operably coupled to receive both water and/or electricity sourced by the aforementioned water tower. The apparatus can also include at least one hydrogen-powered generator that receives hydrogen from the electrolyzer and that burns that hydrogen to generate electricity.

An apparatus can comprise a water tower that itself comprises an elevated water reservoir, at least one water conduit coupled between the elevated water reservoir and an external water distribution system, and at least a first water turbine disposed and configured to receive water via the at least one water conduit and to exit water to the external water distribution system. The apparatus can further comprise a generator that operably couples to that water turbine. The water tower can further include a speed-increasing gearbox that operably couples between an output shaft of the first water turbine and that generator. The apparatus optionally includes at least one electrolyzer operably coupled to receive both water and/or electricity sourced by the aforementioned water tower. The apparatus can also include at least one hydrogen-powered generator that receives hydrogen from the electrolyzer and that burns that hydrogen to generate electricity.

The energy transition involves the electrical power supply being almost completely covered by renewable energy sources such as solar plants or wind turbines. However, due to their naturally fluctuating output, these energy sources require the use of large energy storage systems, the realization of which still represents a major problem today. The present invention provides a solution which aims to secure the entire short-term storage capacity needed for the energy transition in Germany (and even Europe). For this purpose, in particular, the invention proposes the construction of a large-scale pumped-storage power plant in the Hambach open-pit mine, as a result of which the can mine be put to subsequent use in a sustainable way. The invention also relates to the construction and partial commissioning of the plant in parallel with the use that is being phased out, in particular that of lignite mining (by 2038). This is to avoid the loss of a significant number of existing jobs. After construction, it is not uncommon for lifetimes of over 100 or even over 1,000 years to be possible, which means that a particular level of sustainability can be ensured.

The energy transition involves the electrical power supply being almost completely covered by renewable energy sources such as solar plants or wind turbines. However, due to their naturally fluctuating output, these energy sources require the use of large energy storage systems, the realization of which still represents a major problem today. The present invention provides a solution which aims to secure the entire short-term storage capacity needed for the energy transition in Germany (and even Europe). For this purpose, in particular, the invention proposes the construction of a large-scale pumped-storage power plant in the Hambach open-pit mine, as a result of which the can mine be put to subsequent use in a sustainable way. The invention also relates to the construction and partial commissioning of the plant in parallel with the use that is being phased out, in particular that of lignite mining (by 2038). This is to avoid the loss of a significant number of existing jobs. After construction, it is not uncommon for lifetimes of over 100 or even over 1,000 years to be possible, which means that a particular level of sustainability can be ensured.