Gravity field energy storage and recovery system

Abstract

Invention defines a method and apparatus for storing energy where a power source is used to reposition a mass in a gravitational field to a position of higher potential energy where the stored potential energy may be recovered with extremely low loss, where the force of gravity may be allowed to accelerates the mass, where the resulting kinetic energy is converted to shaft horsepower. Said shaft horsepower may be converted to pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic power. A variation defines a method where a power source is used to submerge a buoyant object in a fluid, where the submerged object represents a potential energy, where the force of gravity displaces the submerged buoyant object, where the kinetic energy resulting from the displacement is converted to shaft horsepower. Said shaft horsepower may be similarly converted to pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic power. Invention defines a process where available energy can be used to do work to raise a massive object against a planetary gravitational field, to a position of high potential energy which can be maintained indefinitely. On demand the mass can be accelerated by the gravitational field and converted to kinetic energy, which is harnessed and converted to shaft horsepower, allowing the desired energy recovery from the energy storage system.

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 gear rigidly connected to the main shaft such that rotation of the main shaft causes rotation of the gear; a storage unit comprising an object to be displaced vertically such that potential energy due to gravity can be increased, the object being operably connected to the gear; a rack operably connected to the gear such that the rotation of the gear displaces the object vertically; 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 a rotation ratio between the main shaft and the second shaft; with the rack operably connected to the gear such that the rotation of the gear displaces the object vertically downward to increase potential energy, wherein the object is a buoyant object.

2. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with a wind turbine operably connected such that the wind turbine can rotate the first shaft.

3. An energy storage device as in claim 1 where the input end of the first shaft operably connected to a power take-off shaft of a diesel tractor such that the diesel tractor can rotate the first shaft.

4. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with a hydraulic motor operably connected such that the hydraulic motor can rotate the first shaft.

5. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with a pneumatic motor operably connected such that the pneumatic motor can rotate the first shaft.

6. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with a electric motor operably connected such that the electric motor can rotate the first shaft.

7. An energy storage device as in claim 6 with an electric power grid operably connected to the electric motor.

8. An energy storage device as in claim 6 with a solar array operably connected to the electric motor.

9. An energy storage device as in claim 1, where the output end of the second shaft is operably connected to factory machinery such that the second shaft can rotate the factory machinery.

10. An energy storage device as in claim 1, where the output end of the second shaft is operably connected to hydraulic motor such that the second shaft can rotate the hydraulic motor.

11. An energy storage device as in claim 9, where the output end of the second shaft is operably connected to pneumatic motor such that the second shaft can rotate the pneumatic motor.

12. An energy storage device as in claim 1, where the output end of the second shaft is operably connected to electric generator such that the second shaft can rotate the electric generator.

13. An energy storage device as in claim 12 with an electric power grid operably connected to the electric generator.

14. An energy storage device as in claim 6 with a wind turbine operably connected such that the wind turbine can rotate the electric motor.

15. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with a geothermal energy source operably connected to the first shaft.

16. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with an ocean tidal energy source operably connected to the first shaft.

17. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with an ocean wave energy source operably connected to the first shaft.

18. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with an ocean current energy source operably connected to the first shaft.

19. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with an pneumatic motor operably connected to the first shaft.

20. An energy storage device as in claim 1 with an chemical reactor operably connected to the first shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 Shows the invention storing energy from the power grid and returning the stored energy during peak demand.

(2) FIG. 2 Shows the invention implemented at a factory near a river.

(3) FIG. 3 Shows the invention as it could be installed on an offshore platform.

(4) FIG. 4 Shows the invention as it could be installed on an offshore wind turbine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) The Gravity Field Energy Storage & Recovery System is a mechanical, electrical and electronic system that can store energy from a variety of sources. The energy is directed at a mechanical/electrical device designed to raise a large object in a gravitational field, storing the energy as potential energy in the field.

(6) 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 1686 and described the force of gravity as

(7) $F=\frac{{\mathrm{GM}}_e{M}_b}{r^2}$

(8) Where M, and M, 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=6.6710.sup.11 Nm.sup.2/kg.sup.2

(9) 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 is directed at the center of mass of the ensemble. Thus, the force of gravity upon an object near the surface of the Earth is

(10) $F=\frac{{\mathrm{GM}}_{e}m}{r^2}$

(11) Where M, is the mass of Earth taken as 5.9810.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.

(12) The acceleration due to gravity is

(13) $\begin{array}{c}a=\frac{F}{m}\\ =\frac{{\mathrm{GM}}_e}{r^2}\\ =9.8m\text{/}{s}^{2}32\mathrm{ft}\text{/}{s}^2\end{array}$
Interestingly, it 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.

(14) We calculate the change in g with increasing altitude, such

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

(16) The fractional change of g at the earth's surface, where r=610.sup.6 m, increases one part per million for every increase in altitude of 3 meters. This insignificant change is very important in considering the present invention in that the efficiency of the energy storage does not change in relation to the state of charge.

(17) 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. The law in one dimension can be integrated as

(18) $F=\frac{d}{\mathrm{dt}}\mathrm{Mv}$$F\left(x\right)=m\frac{\mathrm{dv}}{\mathrm{dt}}$$m{}_{x_a}^{x_b}\frac{\mathrm{dv}}{\mathrm{dt}}\mathrm{dx}={}_{x_a}^{x_b}F\left(x\right)\mathrm{dx}$

(19) And after a formal procedure we find that

(20) $\frac{1}{2}m{v}_b^2-\frac{1}{2}m{v}_a^2={}_{x_z}^{x_b}F\left(x\right)dx$
where the term
mv.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.bK.sub.a=W.sub.ba

(21) This formula is known as The Work-Energy Theorem in one dimension.

(22) 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 can also see that the velocity of the canon ball, instead of being supplied by the expanding gasses of 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 kinetic energy to do work on the deck of the ship or on the ground in proportion to its height. 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

(23) 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.

(24) The Gravitational Energy Field Storage & Recovery System operates within the Earth's gravitational fields. When we do work to separate masses that are gravitationally attracted to each other we create a form of potential energy. This invention harnesses these forces to store energy and then recover this stored energy on demand.

(25) We can harness energy from a variety of sources to perform the work of repositioning the mass in the gravitational field allowing us to increase the potential energy in the system. We can use the electric utility power grid, electric generator, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, ocean tidal, ocean current, ocean wave, ocean thermal, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, hydrogen fuel cell. It includes any energy source, which converts a motion, such as an oscillating motion, to a rotational shaft motion. These sources may also include a tractive pulling force from a diesel tractor or diesel locomotive, or a direct lifting force from a heavy lift helicopter.

(26) 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 requires no work and is lossless for an indefinite period of time unlike battery systems. 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.

(27) The stored energy can be released and recovered by controlling the acceleration of the mass as the potential energy becomes kinetic energy. Kinetic energy can be converted to a plurality of useful energy forms, including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and others.

(28) The energy storage phase can be repeated with random or continuous amounts of energy until the unit reaches it energy storage limit. The energy can remain stored for indefinite periods of time without loss.

(29) The stored energy can be released by controlling the acceleration of the mass. The stored potential energy becomes kinetic with the acceleration of the mass in the release cycle.

General System Configuration

(30) Energy can be harnessed from power sources such as:

(31) electromechanical, geothermal, wind, ocean tidal, ocean current, ocean wave, ocean thermal, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, solar, chemical reactions, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and others.

(32) FIG. 1 the electronic control unit 11, configures the system to either take energy from, or to return energy to, the power grid 13. Power is stored at night, and during periods of low demand, when power is cheaper, and released during the day and during periods of high demand, when power is expensive, thus achieving a net economy.

(33) During storage phase, power is delivered via electric interconnect 10 to electric motor 7, which drives input shaft 4. Transmission 6 matches the load from the main shaft 1 to the electric motor 7. Rotation of the main shaft 1 rotates gear 2, which displaces rack 3 downward, which forces buoyant object 14 to submerge into fluid 12, storing potential energy.

(34) During release phase, the kinetic energy of the rising buoyant object rotates the main shaft 1 via the rack 3 and rotation of gear 2. Transmission 6 matches the load to the main shaft from electric generator 8, driving into power grid 13.

(35) FIG. 2 an embodiment as it may be found at a factory building next to as river. Storage unit consisting of electric motor 7, input shaft 4, transmission 6, and main shaft 1, force bouyant onject 14 downward Via rack 3 and gear 2. The release by rising bouyant object 14, rotates output shaft 5 Via rack 3, gear 2, main shaft 1, transmission 6 as in the previous embodiment depeicted by FIG 1. Attached to the output shaft is factory machinery 17. Electronic control unit 11, conf1gures the system to store energy from either the power grid or the solar array depending on the prevailing conditions.

(36) FIG. 3 is an embodiment as may be found on an ocean platform, using solar panels to, similarly, power electric motor 7 to submerge buoyant object 14 Via rack 3, gear 2, main shaft 1. Power output is realized at electric motor 8 Via rotation of output shaft 5, transmission 6, and main shaft 1 as buoyant object 14 rises with rack 3. turning gear 2.

(37) FIG. 4 is an embodiment found in an ocean wind farm. The drawing depicts a wind turbine 16 powering electric motor/ generator 9 Via interconnect 10 and control unit 11. Transmission 6 regulates rotation of gear 2 submerging Via rack 3 buoyant object 14, which is mounted coaxial to the stanchion of the wind turbine.

(38) 1) MAIN SHAFT

(39) 2) GEAR

(40) 3) RACK

(41) 4) FIRST SHAFT

(42) 5) SECOND SHAFT

(43) 6) TRANSMISSION

(44) 7) ELECTRIC MOTOR

(45) 8) ELECTRIC GENERATOR

(46) 9) ELECTRIC MOTOT/GENERATOR

(47) 10) ELECTRICSL/ELECTRONIC INTERCONNECT

(48) 11) ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

(49) 12) WATER SURFACE

(50) 13) ELECTRIC POWER GRID

(51) 14) BUOYANT OBJECT

(52) 15) SOLAR ARRAY

(53) 16) WIND TURBINE

(54) 17) FACTORY MACHINERY