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 and recovery system that operates in a gravitational field that consists of: (a) An energy source (b) An energy conversion apparatus that converts energy as in (a) to mechanical energy (c) A buoyant object (d) A mechanical arrangement that repositions buoyant object (c) into a state of higher potential energy (e) A mechanical arrangement that maintains buoyant object (c) in a state of higher potential energy as in (d) for an indefinite period of time (f) A mechanical arrangement that releases mechanical arrangement as in (e) on demand causing buoyant object (c) to gain kinetic energy (g) A mechanical arrangement that controls and converts kinetic energy as in (f) to a plurality of energy forms including, but not limited to, electrical, rotational, pneumatic

2. An energy storage and generation system as in claim 1 where the energy source (a) is an electrical energy source and the energy conversion apparatus (b) is an electric motor/generator.

3. An energy storage and generation system as in claim 1 where the energy source (a) is pneumatic and the energy conversion apparatus (b) is a pneumatic motor.

4. An energy storage and generation system as in claim 1 where the energy source (a) is hydraulic and the energy conversion apparatus (b) is a hydraulic motor.

5. An energy storage and generation system as in claim 1 where mechanical arrangement (d) incorporates an electric generator.

6. An energy storage and generation system as in claim 1 where mechanical arrangement (d) incorporates a pneumatic pump/motor.

7. An energy storage and generation system as in claim 1 where mechanical arrangement (d) incorporates a hydraulic pump/motor

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1) Shows the invention using a solar array as the power source.

[0022] FIG. 2) Shows the invention as it could be installed in an elevator shaft in a high-rise building.

[0023] FIG. 3) Shows the invention as it could be installed on an offshore oil platform using a buoyant object.

[0024] FIG. 4) Shows the invention as it could be installed on an offshore Wind Turbine

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The Gravity Field Energy Storage & Recovery System is a mechanical, electrical and electronic system that can store energy from a variety of sources. The enemy 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.

[0026] 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

[00001]$F=\frac{{\mathrm{GM}}_e.Math.M_b}{r^2}$

[0027] 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

[0028] 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 amass of the ensemble. Thus, the force of gravity upon an object near the surface of the Earth is

[00002]$F=\frac{{\mathrm{GM}}_e.Math.m}{r^2}$

[0029] Where M.sub.e 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.

[0030] The acceleration due to gravity is

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

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.

[0031] We calculate the change in g with increasing altitude, such

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

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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

[00005]$F=\frac{d}{\mathrm{dt}}.Math.\mathrm{Mv}$$F\left(x\right)=m.Math.\frac{\mathrm{dv}}{\mathrm{dt}}$$m.Math.{}_{x_a}^{x_b}.Math.\frac{\mathrm{dv}}{\mathrm{dt}}.Math.\mathrm{dx}={}_{x_a}^{x_b}.Math.F\left(x\right).Math.\mathrm{dx}$

And after a formal procedure we find that

1/2mv.sub.b.sup.21/2mv.sub.a.sup.2=.sub.x.sub.a.sup.x.sup.bF(x)dx

where the term
1/2mv.sup.2
is known as the kinetic energy and the tight 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

[0034] This formula is known as The Work-Energy Theorem in one dimension.

[0035] In practice we see that a canon hall 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 call, 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 chip 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

[0036] 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.

[0037] The Gravitational Energy Field Storage & Recovery System operates with Earth's gravitational fields. When we do work to separate masses that are gravitationally attracted to each other we create a them of potential energy. This invention harnesses these forces to store energy and then recover this stored energy on demand.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 loss-less 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 becomes kinetic with the start of 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

[0043] in the embodiment of the Elevator Shaft Example [ESE] we refer to the system depicted in FIG. 2, which shows photovoltaic solar panels to represent a plurality of possible energy sources. Energy can be harnessed from power sources such as:

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

[0044] One or more of these forms of energy will be employed to drive the mass repositioning in the energy storage cycle. In the ESE example any of these forms of source energy are converted into electrical energy. This electrical energy is used to drive an electrical motor/generator. The motor/generator is operated in motor mode. In motor mode the system delivers electrical energy to the motor generator that turns a shaft. This shaft is used to create mechanical energy.

[0045] This mechanical energy is used to drive an energy conversion apparatus The Energy Conversion Apparatus [ECA] in the ESE example is a gearbox providing the proper gear ratios to operate in the three modes: supply energy to the system, store the energy, and recover the energy from the system.

[0046] Electrical energy selected, processed, and managed is converted to mechanical energy by the use of an electrical motor/generator. The size of this motor allows it to drive the ECA. The ECA drives the main shaft. The main shaft is connected to the mass coupler. The mass coupler is connected to the massive object. The described apparatus repositions the mass of the massive object by lifting it in the elevator shaft to the upper limit in the elevator shaft.

[0047] In any desired position the massive object can be locked in position. By locking the position of the massive object no energy is required or lost during the storage cycle regardless of duration.

[0048] Having repositioned the massive object to the top of the elevator shaft we have two options that can be chosen. Keep the energy stored by not moving the massive object. Release the massive object in the elevator shaft to generate the required energy. After the desired energy storage duration has been completed it is time to release the energy that has been stored. The release cycle begins with the configuration of the system for energy generation.

[0049] The proper mechanical hydraulic and electrical and system parameters are satisfied. Once satisfied the release and generation moves to the release of the locking mechanism.

[0050] With the release of the locking mechanism the management of the massive object is under the control of the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems. These systems are configured so the proper counter EMF (electro motive force) is electrically applied to the motor'generator in generator mode of operation. The application of the counter ENV/electrical load coincides with the completion of the following sequence of system operation.

[0051] The GEFSRS system delivers the proper mechanical load to allow the controlled failing of the massive object to turn the Main Shaft in the opposite direction of the energy storage cycle. The main shaft rotation drives the Energy Conversion Apparatus [ECA]. The rotation of the ECA drives the proper rotation of the Motor Generator Shaft. The rotation of the motor/generator in generator mode generates electricity that exceeds the counter EMF/electrical load.

[0052] This energy release cycle and conversion process delivers electrical power to drive a load until the massive object has reached is resting state. When the massive object is at its resting state the energy storage cycle can be started. Or the massive object, can remain in the resting state.

FIGS. 1-4

[0053] 1) SOLAR ARRAY: Delivers electric energy to the building. Alternative electrical energy sources may include but are not limited to hydroelectric, wind, ocean tidal, ocean current, or local power grid.

[0054] 2) ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC INTERCONNECT: Interconnect from Solar Array 1 to System Electronics Control Unit 3. Provides energy transfer to the storage system and contains electronic sensor signal paths including contact closures and sensor data delivering information, commands, and signals, to operate any and all components of the system.

[0055] 3) SYSTEM ELECTRONICS CONTROL UNIT: Manages the electrical energy from the plurality of sources which may be used at different times of day or night, characterized by parameters such as load characteristics and weather.

[0056] 4) ELECTRIC MOTOR/GENERATOR: An electric motor with reconfigurable armature windings is used as both motor and generator. In motor mode it is used to reposition the mass in the gravitational field in the energy storage cycle. In generator mode it is used to recover energy as the mass is released in a controlled acceleration. The output of the Electric Motor/Generator will connect to the System Electronics Control Unit 3 via Electrical and Electronics Interconnect 3.

[0057] 5) ELECTRIC MOTOR/GENERATOR SHAFT:

[0058] Electric Motor/Generator Shaft couples Electric Motor/Generator 4 to Energy Conversion Apparatus 6.

[0059] 6) ENERGY CONVERSION APPARATUS: The Energy Conversion Apparatus (transmission) couples the Electric Motor/Generator Shaft 5 to the Main Shaft 7. The embodiment described in the drawing shows a gear reduction system. This transmission allows the proper gear ratios to be configured to optimize the load on the system during charging and recovery cycle.

[0060] 7) MAIN SHAFT: The Main Shaft 7 bears the load of the Mass 9 via Cable 8 which spools around the shaft. The main shaft rotates one direction in the charging cycle and reverses during energy recovery.

[0061] 8) CABLE: Cable 8 couples Main Shaft 7 to Mass 9. Rotation of Main Shaft 7 spools Cable 8 changing its length.

[0062] 9) MASS: Mass 10 is any object of any size or weight

[0063] 10) PULLEY: Pulley 10 and Cable 8 comprise a block and tackle system configured to optimize load on the system during charging and recovery phases. Together they couple Electric Motor/Generator Shaft 5 to Mass 9.

[0064] 11) RACK: The Main Shaft 7 couples to Buoyant Object 12 through Rack 12. Pinion on Main Shaft 7 and Rack 12 form a rack and pinion system such that the rotation of Main shaft 7 causes a lowering or raising of Buoyant Object 12.

[0065] 12) BUOYANT OBJECT: Object which is less dense than water

[0066] 13) WATER SURFACE: Depicts the surface of a body of water.

[0067] 14) SEABED: Depicts the surface of the Earth below the water.

[0068] 16): PTO SHAFT: Direct drive from Diesel engine provides shaft horsepower from the diesel tractor to the energy

[0069] 18) ELECTRIC GENERATOR: Electric Generator

[0070] 19) WIND TURBINE