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 pneumatic motion system includes a plurality of casings, a plurality of frame members respectively extending into the casings, a plurality of linear rails respectively mounted to the frame members, a plurality of main weight members respectively and movably mounted to the linear rails, at least one air supply member, and pairs of main air compressors. Each pair of the main air compressors is disposed at one of two opposite ends of a respective one of the casings. For each casing, when the respective one of the main weight members is moved to the one of the opposite ends of the casing, each pair of the main air compressors is pressed by the main weight member to force air into the at least one air supply member.

A pneumatic motion system includes a plurality of casings, a plurality of frame members respectively extending into the casings, a plurality of linear rails respectively mounted to the frame members, a plurality of main weight members respectively and movably mounted to the linear rails, at least one air supply member, and pairs of main air compressors. Each pair of the main air compressors is disposed at one of two opposite ends of a respective one of the casings. For each casing, when the respective one of the main weight members is moved to the one of the opposite ends of the casing, each pair of the main air compressors is pressed by the main weight member to force air into the at least one air supply member.

An energy storage system comprises a cable (13) and a mass 20 suspended from the cable (13) in a shaft (12). The cable (13) is attached to a winch 11 by which the mass may be raised in the shaft (12) to store potential energy, and the mass is lowerable in the shaft (12) to release the potential energy. The mass comprises at least two sections clamped together around the cable (13). More particularly, the system comprising a plurality of cables (13) and a plurality of multi-section masses each suspended in the shaft (12) by a respective cable (13), the masses being raised and lowered in synchronism in the shaft (12). The multi-section masses fit together side-by-side in the shaft (12) to form an overall cylindrical mass body, the multi-section masses each forming a quadrant of the cylindrical mass body.

An energy storage system comprises a cable (13) and a mass 20 suspended from the cable (13) in a shaft (12). The cable (13) is attached to a winch 11 by which the mass may be raised in the shaft (12) to store potential energy, and the mass is lowerable in the shaft (12) to release the potential energy. The mass comprises at least two sections clamped together around the cable (13). More particularly, the system comprising a plurality of cables (13) and a plurality of multi-section masses each suspended in the shaft (12) by a respective cable (13), the masses being raised and lowered in synchronism in the shaft (12). The multi-section masses fit together side-by-side in the shaft (12) to form an overall cylindrical mass body, the multi-section masses each forming a quadrant of the cylindrical mass body.

A mechanical energy divider includes an input shaft operably connected to a rotational energy source, an output shaft, and a regulator therebetween. The regulator includes a housing comprising an input gear coupled to the input shaft, an output gear coupled to the output shaft, and a regulator gear rotatably coupled to a first end of an axle that is affixed to the housing. A braking mechanism operably connected to the output shaft for preventing the output shaft from rotating above a set limit. Activation of the braking mechanism causes the regulator shaft to rotate, which causes a mechanical energy storage device comprising a cable and attached weight to raise upward, storing the excess energy as potential energy. The regulator rotates in the opposing direction when the input shaft rotates slower than the set limit, which releases the weight, thereby increasing the speed of the output to the set limit.

The invention relates to a system for controlling torque in a wind turbine. In one embodiment, the system includes a rotor, a rotor driveline coupled with the rotor and an electrical generator, the rotor driveline including a coupler, a torque control mechanism, a transmission system, the torque control mechanism comprising a variable torque converter, a switching mechanism and at least one energy storage system. During operation, the variable torque converter actuate the positive force and/or torque acting on rotor driveline in order to achieve the desired rpm when the set point of desired rpm is higher than the present value of the said rpm, and also to actuate the negative force and/or torque acting on the rotor driveline in order to achieve the desired rpm when the set point of desired rpm is lower than the present value of the said rpm.

The invention relates to a system for controlling torque in a wind turbine. In one embodiment, the system includes a rotor, a rotor driveline coupled with the rotor and an electrical generator, the rotor driveline including a coupler, a torque control mechanism, a transmission system, the torque control mechanism comprising a variable torque converter, a switching mechanism and at least one energy storage system. During operation, the variable torque converter actuate the positive force and/or torque acting on rotor driveline in order to achieve the desired rpm when the set point of desired rpm is higher than the present value of the said rpm, and also to actuate the negative force and/or torque acting on the rotor driveline in order to achieve the desired rpm when the set point of desired rpm is lower than the present value of the said rpm.

An energy storage and delivery system includes an elevator operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy and from a higher elevation to a lower elevation to generate electricity. A winch assembly is movably coupled to a cable that is coupled to the elevator. The winch assembly has planetary gear assemblies, brakes that selectively engage at least a portion of the planetary gear assemblies, and a spool coupled to the cable. A drive shaft extends between a motor-generator and the winch assembly. A brake is operable so that the spool rotates to reel-in the cable to raise the elevator to move a block from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy or so that the spool rotates to reel-out the cable to lower the elevator to move a block from a higher elevation to a lower elevation to generate electricity.