Energy storage
First Claim
1. An energy storage and delivery system including:
- at least one mass element;
a defined volume containing said at least one mass element;
a source of electrical energy;
a first electro-mechanical device connected to said source for using electrical energy from said source to raise said mass element from a position of relatively low potential energy to a position of relatively higher potential energy in said defined volume;
a second electro-mechanical device connected to said mass while it is lowered to a position of lower potential energy;
said second electro-mechanical device generating electricity in response to said lowering of said mass; and
a control device for individually operating said first and second devices according to a set of predetermined conditions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Several embodiments are disclosed that enhance and improve the efficiencies of alternative electrical generating sources by converting electrical energy to potential energy through electro-mechanical means. The embodiments provide gravitational energy storage by lifting masses from lower to higher elevations during desired periods, such as when the generating sources are producing excess energy or when electrical rates are the least expensive. Energy storage is maintained until such time as it is need and then converted from potential mechanical energy to electricity by gravitational forces. By storing energy, one can supplement and enhance the efficiencies of producing electricity by alternative means such as wind and solar by expanding the times when electricity is available. Additionally, one can time-shift the purchase and use of commercial power by buying power to store energy when rates are low and using the stored energy when rates are high.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An energy storage and delivery system including:
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at least one mass element; a defined volume containing said at least one mass element; a source of electrical energy; a first electro-mechanical device connected to said source for using electrical energy from said source to raise said mass element from a position of relatively low potential energy to a position of relatively higher potential energy in said defined volume; a second electro-mechanical device connected to said mass while it is lowered to a position of lower potential energy; said second electro-mechanical device generating electricity in response to said lowering of said mass; and a control device for individually operating said first and second devices according to a set of predetermined conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of increasing the efficiency of a wind turbine generator by storing energy for later delivery through the steps of:
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providing an electric motor to be powered by the output of said generator; providing a vertical space to raise and lower a mass for storage; providing a mass for storage; providing a mechanism to raise, hold and lower said mass within said vertical space; connecting said electric motor to said mechanism to raise said mass within said vertical space; connecting said mechanism to said generator to generate electrical energy when said mass is lowered within said vertical space. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method of storing and delivering energy including:
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providing at least one mass element; defining a volume containing said at least one mass element; providing a source of electrical energy; providing a first electro-mechanical device connected to said source of electrical energy for using electrical energy from said source to raise said mass element from a position of relatively low potential energy to a position of relatively higher potential energy in said defined volume; providing a second electro-mechanical device connected to said mass while it is lowered to a position of lower potential energy; providing a said second electro-mechanical device generating electricity in response to said lowering of said mass; and providing a control device for individually operating said first and second devices according to a set of predetermined conditions to store potential energy and to generate electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification