An energy storage and delivery system includes an elevator cage, where the elevator cage is operable to move one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., via the potential energy of the block in the higher elevation) and operable to move one or more blocks from the higher elevation to the lower elevation (e.g., by gravity) to generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation). The blocks are moved between the lower elevation and the higher elevation by an equal vertical distance.

Potential energy conversion systems include a movable mass suspended by a line in a non-producing well, the line being coupled to a motor operable to lift the movable mass, and a generator operable to produce electricity when lowering the movable mass. Energy conversion methods include providing the potential energy conversion system; and storing potential energy by raising the movable mass, or releasing potential energy and converting the potential energy to electricity by lowering the movable mass.

A power transmission assembly includes a base, a rotating frame rotatably coupled to the base and configured to rotate about an axis, an output shaft coupled to the rotating frame, a weight selectively repositionable relative to the rotating frame, and a weight actuator configured to reposition the weight relative to the rotating frame to move the weight from a subtraction position located at a first height to an addition position located at a second height. The second height is greater than the first height such that a gravitational force on the weight drives the rotating frame to rotate about the axis and drive the output shaft.

An energy storage system and method that enables gravity-based energy storage to have a significantly larger capacity in a single shaft for given capital cost and thus an improved cost per unit energy for large scale energy storage as well as enabling continuity of power input and output at an external connection point across the extent of the system's energy capacity comprises a multi-weight storage system having at least two weights, two transporters each with a transporter linkage that can be coupled to and decoupled from the respective weight and for transporting the weight along a pre-defined path defining a vertical displacement and defining a respective path volume, a second linkage path volume defined by the area of the second linkage decoupled from a weight and developed or swept along a respective pre-defined vertically displaced path, wherein the second linkage path volume does not overlap with the first path volume.

An energy storage and delivery system includes a crane operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., via the potential energy of the block in the higher elevation) and operable to move blocks from the higher elevation to the lower elevation (e.g., by gravity) to generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation). The blocks remain vertically spaced from each other, and a vertical distance between the lower elevation and the higher elevation of each of the blocks is the same.

Aspects of the disclosure provide a power conversion system and a method for conversing power. The power conversion system includes a first fluid holding tank, a second fluid holding tank, a fluid inlet hose, a fluid outlet hose, a fluid container, and one or more tension springs connected to the upper surface of the container and to a lower surface of the first fluid holding tank. The power conversion system further includes a rotational component connected to a lower side of the container via a connecting rod. The power conversion system further includes a generator connected to the rotational component via a horizontal shaft. The power conversion system further includes a feedback hose connected between the second fluid holding tank and the first fluid holding tank. The power conversion system further includes a hydraulic pump connected to the second fluid holding tank.

An energy storage and delivery system includes an elevator, where the elevator is operable to move one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., via the potential energy of the block in the higher elevation) and operable to move one or more blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (e.g., by gravity) to generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation). 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 electrical grid.

A transfer-of-mass system for increasing rotational energy output thereof includes a sealed container having a central axis and an outer wall radially spaced apart from the central axis. A liquid partially fills the container. A motor causes the container to rotate about its central axis at a speed of rotation such that the liquid is acted upon by centrifugal forces to move it to the container's outer wall. Energy is applied to the liquid to cause at least a portion of the liquid at the container's outer wall to move towards the container's central axis wherein the container rotates faster than the speed of rotation caused by the motor.

A power storage system that uses a plurality of weights, which are raised and lowered in an underground hole, by a motor generator assembly, which is energized to raise the weights thus storing potential energy in the position of the weight, and which recovers energy from lowering the weights as the weights are lowered. A connection assembly, connects between the motor generator and at least one weight; where the connection assembly allows disconnecting a weight from a specific connection assembly, and using the motor generator assembly to raise and lower a different weight once the first weight is disconnected. This enables reusing the moving parts such as the motor generator assembly with multiple different weights.

A gravitational energy storage system is provided that includes one or more tracks extending from a lower storage yard to an upper storage yard, a plurality of mass cars moveable along the track, a conveyance system comprising at least a first tether, and a first power module associated with the first tether to drive a respective one of the first tethers to move the plurality of mass cars from the lower storage yard to the upper storage yard, and to dispatch energy when the plurality of mass cars are moved from the upper storage yard to the lower storage yard.