A an energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

A an energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

A an energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

A an energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

An engine system includes three communicating fluid vessels that each contain a fluid. A first interconnecting fluid conduit containing the fluid rotatably couples the second fluid vessel to the first fluid vessel and acts as a lever. A second interconnecting fluid conduit containing the fluid rotatably couples the third fluid vessel to the first fluid vessel and acts as another lever. By increasing the fluid column heights in the communicating fluid vessels, torque is applied to the levers to cause the second and third fluid vessels to revolve around the first fluid vessel.

An engine system includes three communicating fluid vessels that each contain a fluid. A first interconnecting fluid conduit containing the fluid rotatably couples the second fluid vessel to the first fluid vessel and acts as a lever. A second interconnecting fluid conduit containing the fluid rotatably couples the third fluid vessel to the first fluid vessel and acts as another lever. By increasing the fluid column heights in the communicating fluid vessels, torque is applied to the levers to cause the second and third fluid vessels to revolve around the first fluid vessel.

The double pendulum in dynamic motion generates chaotic movement. The current invention integrates two double pendulums with electronic controllers to control the chaotic movement, and a transmission set to use the controlled motion to spin a shaft. The electronic controller provides impulse to each double pendulum and controls the frequency of the oscillations to generate a constant swinging bi-directional motion of the double pendulums. The upper ends of the double pendulums are coupled to a reciprocating transmission set that transforms the swinging bi-directional motion of each double pendulum into a unidirectional spinning motion, transmitted to a horizontal shaft, generating a constant speed as output.

The double pendulum in dynamic motion generates chaotic movement. The current invention integrates two double pendulums with electronic controllers to control the chaotic movement, and a transmission set to use the controlled motion to spin a shaft. The electronic controller provides impulse to each double pendulum and controls the frequency of the oscillations to generate a constant swinging bi-directional motion of the double pendulums. The upper ends of the double pendulums are coupled to a reciprocating transmission set that transforms the swinging bi-directional motion of each double pendulum into a unidirectional spinning motion, transmitted to a horizontal shaft, generating a constant speed as output.

An apparatus for generating electrical power, comprising: a generator for generating electrical power; a handle having a first end that is rotatably coupled to the generator, and a second end that is rotatable 360 degrees about the generator in a substantially vertical plane from a top dead centre (TDC) position, through a bottom dead centre (BDC) position, and back to the top dead centre (TDC) position; a weight that is moveable along the handle between a first position, a piston arranged to move the weight between first and second positions. The piston being operable to move the weight along the handle from the first position to the second position, such that the weight provides a mechanical advantage as the handle rotates from TDC to BDC due to gravity acting on it, whereby rotation of the handle drives the generator thereby to generate electrical power. A corresponding method is also provided.

Computer-processor controlled energy harvester system. The system uses a plurality of oscillating weight type energy collectors, each configured to store the energy from changes in the system's ambient motion as stored mechanical energy, often in a compressed spring. The energy collectors are configured to move between a first position where the energy collector stores energy, to a second position where the energy collectors release stored energy to a geared electrical generator shaft, thus producing electrical energy, often stored in a battery. A plurality of processor controlled electronic actuators, usually one per energy collector, control when each energy collector stores and releases energy. The processor can use accelerometer sensors, battery charge sensors, and suitable software and firmware to optimize system function. The system can use the energy for various useful purposes, including sensor monitoring, data acquisition, wireless communications, and the like, and can also receive supplemental power from other sources.