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System and method for storing energy

  • US 8,966,899 B2
  • Filed: 02/06/2012
  • Issued: 03/03/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for storing energy, the system comprising:

  • at least one body;

    a hollow shaft structure having an interior volume containing a fluid, the at least one body being disposed within the interior volume of the hollow shaft structure for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position within the interior volume of the hollow shaft structure, to force fluid out of a first portion of the interior volume of the hollow shaft structure by the movement of the at least one body from the first elevation position to the second elevation position, the first portion of the interior volume of the hollow shaft structure being located vertically below the at least one body;

    a fluid return path structure coupled in fluid flow communication with the hollow shaft structure, for receiving fluid forced out of the first portion of the interior volume of the hollow shaft structure when the at least one body moves from the first elevation position to the second elevation position within the interior volume of the hollow shaft structure;

    an electrical energy generator operatively coupled with the fluid return path structure to receive a drive force from fluid received by the fluid return path structure from the first portion of the interior volume of the hollow shaft structure, to drive the electrical energy generator to generate electricity upon movement of the at least one body from the first elevation position to the second elevation position.

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