Gravity Field Energy Storage and Recovery System

Abstract

Device for storing energy, using a physical object, such as a mass or buoyant object floating in fluid. A mass is repositioned to greater altitude in a gravitational field to a position of higher potential energy. A buoyant object is forcibly submerged into a fluid, displacing fluid, to a position of higher potential energy. The stored potential energy may be recovered with extremely low loss regardless of the state of charge of the system, or length of time of the storage. Maintaining the charge is indefinitely lossless.

Claims

1. An energy storage device comprising: a first shaft comprising an input end and an output end to input rotational kinetic energy to be stored; a main shaft comprising an input end and an output end; a transmission operably connected to the output end of the first shaft and to the input end of the main shaft such that the transmission can change a rotation ratio between the first shaft and the main shaft; a storage unit comprising an object to be displaced vertically such that potential energy due to gravity can be increased; where the object is a buoyant object; where the object is rigidly fixed to rack, wherein the rack is operably connected to a gear, wherein the gear is rigidly attached to the main shaft, such that the rotation of the main shaft displaces the object vertically to increase potential energy; a second shaft comprising an input end and an output end to output the stored energy; a second transmission operably connected to output end of the main shaft and to the input end of the second shaft such that the transmission can change the rotation ratio between the main shaft and the second shaft; where the first shaft is operably connected to the power take off shaft of a diesel locomotive.

2. The storage device in claim 1 where the object is a massive object.

3. The storage device in claim 1 where the object is rigidly fixed to cable, wherein the pulley is operably connected to a pulley, wherein the pulley is rigidly attached to the main shaft, such that the rotation of the main shaft displaces the object vertically to increase potential energy;

4. The storage device in claim 3 where the object is a massive object.

5. The storage device in claim 1 where an electric motor on the diesel locomotive is operably connected to the power take off shaft and diesel locomotive is operably connected to an electrified third rail, such that the electrified third rail can power the power take of shaft.

6. The storage device in claim 5 where a multiplicity of power sources, including a hydrogen fuel cell, gas turbine, or others, mounted on the diesel locomotive are operably connected to the power take off shaft.

7. The storage device in claim 5 where the electrified third rail is operably connected to a multiplicity of input power sources including one or more sources of energy selected from the following: a power grid, an electrical generator, solar energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, ocean tidal energy, ocean current energy, ocean wave energy, ocean thermal energy, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, electromechanical energy, energy from a chemical reaction, and mechanical energy.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1) Locomotive Mounted System

[0029] FIG. 2 Cable mounted buoyant system as in

[0030] FIG. 3 Rack and gear buoyant system

[0031] FIG. 4 Tower mounted cable/mass system

[0032] FIG. 5 Tower mounted buoyant system

[0033] FIG. 6 Ground mounted buoyant system

[0034] FIG. 7 Array of storage systems accessed by rail mounted system as in FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The Gravity Field Energy Storage & Recovery System [GFESRS] Invention is a mechanical, electrical and electronic system that can store energy from a variety of sources. The energy is directed at a mechanical/electrical arrangement designed to raise a large massive object in a gravitational field, storing the energy as potential energy in the field.

[0036] The Force of Gravity is described as the mutual physical attraction which every particle in the universe has with every other particle in the universe. Newton discovered the universal law of gravitation in the year 1666 and described the force of gravity as

[00001]$F=\frac{G{M}_a{M}_b}{r^2}$

[0037] Where M.sub.a and M.sub.b are the masses of two particles, r is the distance between the particles, and G is a constant of proportionality. The constant G was first measured by Cavendish in 1771 and the accepted value today is

G=6.67×10.sup.−11 Nm.sup.2/kg.sup.2

[0038] A large ensemble of particles such as a planet, acts as an aggregated single object with a mass equal to the sum of the masses of the particles, and the force of gravity directed at the center of mass of the ensemble. Thus, the force of gravity upon an object near the surface of the Earth is

[00002]$F=\frac{G{M}_{e}m}{r^2}$

[0039] Where M.sub.e is the mass of Earth taken as 5.98×10.sup.24 kg, m is the mass of an object infinitesimally less massive than earth, and r is the distance between their centers of mass. The force is direct toward the center of the earth.

[0040] The acceleration due to gravity is

[00003]$\begin{array}{c}a=\frac{F}{m}\\ =\frac{{\mathrm{GM}}_e}{r^2}\\ =\sim 9.8m/s^2\mathrm{or}\sim 32\mathrm{ft}/s^2\end{array}$

and interestingly, is independent of the mass of the object. This is the acceleration of gravity near the surface of the earth, which is usually denoted with a lower case italic g.

[0041] We calculate the change in g with increasing altitude, such

[00004]$g\left(r\right)=\frac{{\mathrm{GM}}_e}{r_2}$$\begin{array}{c}\Delta g\left(r\right)=\frac{dg}{\mathrm{dr}}\Delta r\\ =-\frac{2{\mathrm{GM}}_e}{r^3}\Delta r\\ =-\frac{2g}{r}\Delta r\end{array}$

and the fractional change is

[00005]$\frac{\Delta g}{g}=-\frac{2\Delta r}{r}$

[0042] At the earth's surface where r=6×10.sup.6 m and so g increases one part per million for every increase in altitude of 3 meters. This insignificant change is very important in considering the present invention since the efficiency of the energy storage does not change in relation to the state of charge.

[0043] Aristotelian mechanics, which was accepted for thousands of years, believed that a force was necessary to maintain a body in uniform motion. Newton, through experimentation found rather, that a force acting upon a body accelerates the body according to his famous 2.sup.nd Law

[00006]$F=\frac{d}{dt}\mathrm{Mv}$

The law in one dimension

[00007]$F\left(x\right)=m\frac{dv}{dt}$

Can be integrated as

[00008]$m{\int }_{x_a}^{x_b}\frac{dv}{dt}dx={\int }_{x_a}^{x_b}F\left(x\right)dx$

And after a formal procedure we find that

½mv.sub.b.sup.2−½mv.sub.a.sup.2=∫.sub.x.sub.a.sup.x.sup.bF(x)dx

where the term ½mv.sup.2 is known as the kinetic energy and the right hand side is called work as the particle moves and changes velocity from a to b.
In shorthand we say

K.sub.b−K.sub.a=W.sub.ba

[0044] This formula is known as The Work-Energy Theorem in one dimension.

[0045] In practice we see that a canon ball traveling at high velocity may hit the hull of a ship and its velocity reduces to zero. It is the change in velocity which imparts the energy and does work on the hull. We also see that the velocity the canon ball, instead of being supplied by the expanding gasses in the canon could be supplied by a drop from a vertical height. The canon ball dropped from rest at a given height h above the ground will deliver a kinetic energy to do work on the ground in proportion to its height above the ground. We can call this a potential energy which can be released at will. It will require work to elevate the canon ball to its prearranged height. As it turns out the potential energy is equal and opposite the kinetic energy. We say

E=K+U

[0046] Where U denotes the potential energy of the system and E is the total mechanical energy of the system which is always constant since mechanical energy is conserved. Thus, as a mass at rest at a given height represents a potential energy, gravity will accelerate the mass and convert it to kinetic energy as the potential energy is reduced.

[0047] The Gravitational Energy Field Storage & Recovery System [GEFSRS] Invention operates within gravitational fields. These gravitational fields can be naturally occurring on planets and related celestial bodies.

[0048] When we do work to separate masses that are gravitationally attracted to each other we create a form of potential energy. This invention shows how to harness these forces to store energy and then recover this stored energy on demand.

[0049] We harness energy from a variety of sources to perform the work of repositioning the mass in the gravitational field driving the mass opposite the force vector of the gravitational attraction. This allows us to increase the potential energy in the system. Once energy is stored by the repositioning of the mass, we have the ability to recover the energy immediately or to store it indefinitely. The potential energy will remain intact indefinitely if the positioning apparatus remains intact. Once stored, maintaining this energy is lossless for an indefinite period of time unlike battery systems. This is the energy storage phase. Unlike battery systems, energy storage can be implemented incrementally up to the storage limit of the system, regardless of the state of charge or history of the system, without loss of efficiency.

[0050] The stored energy can be released and recovered by controlling the acceleration of the mass as the potential energy becomes kinetic energy. This kinetic energy can be converted to a plurality of useful energy forms. These energy forms include electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and other forms.

[0051] Once we have secured the initial energy storage we can chose to [0052] 1. Add energy to the system [0053] 2. Keep the energy stored [0054] 3. Release the energy from the system.

[0055] The energy storage phase can be repeated with random or continuous amounts of energy until the GEFSRS embodiment reaches it energy storage limits. The stored energy can remain for indefinite periods of time without loss to the stored potential energy.

[0056] The stored energy can be released by controlling the acceleration of the Mass to the Earth. The conversion of the stored energy as potential energy gees becomes kinetic with the start of the release cycle. This kinetic energy can do work and the work can create a plurality of energy forms. These energy forms can be electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic power, or other forms.

General System Configuration

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1 A Diesel locomotive of know type, using a rail system of known type provides torque through one or more Power Take-Off Shaft 2 (PTO) to Storage Device 1. The Storage Device can be one of several storage device types or mixtures of devices.

[0058] Torque is directed to PTO via Transmission 3 which selects input from either locomotive power source, locomotive mounted power source 6, or electric motor 4. A third rail electric power source 9 is contacted by Electric contact 8 to provide power to Electric Motor 4 which turns PTO 2 through Transmission 3. The same arrangement can be accomplished through overhead wires and contacts. The electrified rails or conductors or powered by a multiplicity of power sources including off shore wind etc. Electric control device 5 selects from 6 Locomotive mounted Power Source 6 or Electrified third rail 9. Shaft 11 connects Electric motor 4 to transmission 3.

[0059] The torque at PTO is directed from either of a multiplicity of power sources including [0060] A) The diesel locomotive engine [0061] B) The diesel locomotive drive motors [0062] C) The electrified third rail or overhead conductor [0063] D) Locomotive mounted power source such as hydrogen fuel cell, gas turbine, jet engine, or other.

[0064] Grid scale Gravity Field Storage systems requires large volumes, whether a buoyant object or a massive object is employed. An effective way to manage this is use a multiplicity of storage units. As the scale of the storage system increases the physical size of the system necessarily increases which becomes a limiting factor in that the number of potential installation sites decreases. Also, a proliferating number of storage units would each require dedicated machinery in the charge and discharge cycle, adding to cost, which is a factor effecting economic viability.

[0065] To overcome these issues, a Distributed Gravity Field Energy Delivery and Storage System is disclosed.

[0066] Public utilities commonly deliver power over a distribution network of electrical conductors. Some utilities deliver power by distributing steam through a network of pipes. The present invention distributes mechanical energy via known diesel locomotive type and known track type, and stores it onsite of its end user or grid scale storage installations. Power from a multiplicity of power sources, including, but not limited to, a power grid, an electrical generator, solar energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, ocean tidal energy, ocean current energy, ocean wave energy, ocean thermal energy, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, electromechanical energy, energy from a chemical reaction. are delivered to the locomotive via an electrical conductor, whether by electrified third rail, or electrified overhead conductor, to a contact on the locomotive.

[0067] The diesel locomotive is itself a power plant, using powerful, a high efficiently diesel engine, to generate electricity which powers drive motors on the wheels. That power can be used to charge a storage system via a power take off shaft. The locomotive can move between a multiplicity of storage units, whether buoyant type or mass type, in and out of cities, from hill to valley, marsh to salt flat. The locomotive can also be a platform for alternative power generation, whether that be a mounted gas turbine, hydrogen fuel cell, or other, where the fuel is part of the locomotive payload. This offers fast and flexible retooling to take advantage of varying fuel costs, moving quickly to adapt to low prices in natural gas, hydrogen, JET-A or the like. The locomotive could also be the platform for an electric generator such the storage unit could be discharged through the locomotive, obviating the need for a generator at each storage unit. However, this is likely unattractive economically, since the period of peak demand is short compared to the likely charging period, and releasing all the stored energy quickly would require a generator at each storage unit.

[0068] The three major power consumers sectors in the United States are the retail sector, the residential sector, and the industrial sector—each consuming an approximately equal third of the power generated in the U.S. The industrial sector demands consistent power levels around the clock, every day of the year. The retail and residential sectors' demand varies seasonally and at different times of the day, at different days of the weak. This leads to demand pricing, where utilities charge a different price for power, depending on the season, weather, time of day and/or the current instantaneous actual demand. This is particularly onerous to industry since it's fixed cost structure cannot be easily predicted—the cost of energy varying in real time. Peak demand, which translates to high cost, occurs in hot weather during the middle of the day when air conditioning is prevalent. And, in colder seasons, peak demand occurs in the morning when people are going to work, and late afternoon and evening when they are home. Low demand occurs at night, when there is little human activity, though night time may very well be a time of intense wind generation.

[0069] If industry could store cheap energy at night when demand is low, and release it during the day when energy prices rise, industry could mitigate the problem of price volatility and lower the overall cost of energy to the business. This would also hasten the development, by making more attractive, green, alternative energy sources like wind and solar, which suffer from the problem of intermittency of generation, which prevents them from becoming a viable grid scale power source.

[0070] Factories commonly have rail sidings which take delivery of raw materials, ship finished products, and can now take delivery of mechanical energy for storage. Factories at waterside can have buoyant storage units, or “float farms” jutting out into the waterway on piers. High tension power transmission companies can offload excess power to storage facilities at intermediate points in their transmission networks of their own choosing, sited on land that tends to be inexpensive. [0071] 1 Storage Device [0072] 2 Power Take-Off Shaft [0073] 3 Transmission [0074] 4 Electric motor [0075] 5 Electronic control device [0076] 6 Locomotive mounted Power Source [0077] 7 Electric interconnect [0078] 8 Electric contact [0079] 9 Electrified third rail [0080] 10 Power Source to third rail [0081] 11 Shaft