Abstract

An energy storage system having a first, gravity-based energy storage sub-system having at least one weight movable between a first upper position and a second lower position defining a vertical displacement and a second energy storage sub-system comprising a vessel for storage of a pressurized fuel gas has an electrical input/output connection with an external power system and at least one of: a fuel gas inlet for supply of a fuel gas to the energy storage system from an external fuel gas supply or network; and a fuel gas outlet for supply of a fuel gas from the energy storage system to an external fuel gas user or network, and/or has at least one of: a gas to power conversion arrangement for converting energy from fuel gas to electrical energy for storage in the first energy storage sub-system or export to an external power system via the electrical output connection; and a power to gas conversion arrangement for converting electrical energy to a fuel gas for storage in the second energy storage sub-system or export to an external fuel gas user or network via a fuel gas outlet, where a control system is configured to control cooperative or complimentary operation of the first and second energy storage sub-systems according to the requirements of the external power system and/or external fuel gas network or user. The system as defined enable energy storage (charge) and discharge of the system linked to an external power system such as an electricity grid to store energy using a gravity-based storage arrangement to make use of its rapid response time and rapid charge/discharge speed, while providing an enhanced capacity of energy storage.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 53/30 - Constructional details of charging stations
• B60L 53/53 - Batteries
• B60L 53/54 - Fuel cells
• B60L 53/56 - Mechanical storage means, e.g. fly wheels
• F03G 3/00 - Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
• H01M 8/04029 - Heat exchange using liquids
• H01M 8/04082 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
• H01M 8/04089 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of gaseous reactants
• H02J 15/00 - Systems for storing electric energy

Abstract

An energy storage system having a first, gravity-based energy storage sub-system having at least one weight movable between a first upper position and a second lower position defining a vertical displacement and a second energy storage sub-system comprising a vessel for storage of a pressurized fuel gas has an electrical input/output connection with an external power system and at least one of: a fuel gas inlet for supply of a fuel gas to the energy storage system from an external fuel gas supply or network; and a fuel gas outlet for supply of a fuel gas from the energy storage system to an external fuel gas user or network, and/or has at least one of: a gas to power conversion arrangement for converting energy from fuel gas to electrical energy for storage in the first energy storage sub-system or export to an external power system via the electrical output connection; and a power to gas conversion arrangement for converting electrical energy to a fuel gas for storage in the second energy storage sub-system or export to an external fuel gas user or network via a fuel gas outlet, where a control system is configured to control cooperative or complimentary operation of the first and second energy storage sub-systems according to the requirements of the external power system and/or external fuel gas network or user. The system as defined enable energy storage (charge) and discharge of the system linked to an external power system such as an electricity grid to store energy using a gravity-based storage arrangement to make use of its rapid response time and rapid charge/discharge speed, while providing an enhanced capacity of energy storage.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03G 3/00 - Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors

Abstract

An energy storage system and method that enables gravity-based energy storage to have a significantly larger capacity in a single shaft for given capital cost and thus an improved cost per unit energy for large scale energy storage as well as enabling continuity of power input and output at an external connection point across the extent of the system's energy capacity comprises a multi-weight storage system having at least two weights, two transporters each with a transporter linkage that can be coupled to and decoupled from the respective weight and for transporting the weight along a pre-defined path defining a vertical displacement and defining a respective path volume, a second linkage path volume defined by the area of the second linkage decoupled from a weight and developed or swept along a respective pre-defined vertically displaced path, wherein the second linkage path volume does not overlap with the first path volume.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03G 3/00 - Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
• H02K 7/02 - Additional mass for increasing inertia, e.g. flywheels

Abstract

An energy storage system that enables energy storage (charge) and discharge linked to an external power system such as an electricity grid to store energy using a multi-weight gravity-based storage arrangement across the full energy capacity of the system at a desired power level without interruption and may also provide intermittent surge storage/supply to the external system in an efficient and effective manner is provided by a system having an input and output connection with external power system, a primary energy storage arrangement of a multi-weight gravity-based energy storage system having a primary energy capacity and characterized by discontinuities in power flow capability and a secondary energy storage arrangement configured for cooperative and/or complimentary operation with the primary energy storage arrangement and having a secondary energy capacity in which the secondary energy storage arrangement operates cooperatively and/or complimentary with the primary energy storage arrangement to provide the energy storage system with one or more of: a continuous input or output power during a charge or discharge cycle across at least two energy events separated by a discontinuity in output of the primary energy storage arrangement; an enhanced or faster system start-up response whereby the system reaches a desired power input/output level using both the primary energy storage arrangement and the secondary energy storage arrangement simultaneously; an enhanced system discharge halting capability to rapidly halt discharge to an external power system without a power output surge above a desired system power output; and a power surge input/output capability for short durations to input or output power at a power level above the normal power output of the system.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 15/00 - Systems for storing electric energy
• H02J 3/28 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy
• F03G 3/00 - Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
• H02K 7/02 - Additional mass for increasing inertia, e.g. flywheels

Abstract

An energy storage system and method that enables gravity-based energy storage to have a significantly larger capacity in a single shaft for given capital cost and thus an improved cost per unit energy for large scale energy storage as well as enabling continuity of power input and output at an external connection point across the extent of the system's energy capacity comprises a multi-weight storage system having at least two weights, two transporters each with a transporter linkage that can be coupled to and decoupled from the respective weight and for transporting the weight along a pre-defined path defining a vertical displacement and defining a respective path volume, a second linkage path volume defined by the area of the second linkage decoupled from a weight and developed or swept along a respective pre-defined vertically displaced path, wherein the second linkage path volume does not overlap with the first path volume.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03G 3/00 - Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors

Abstract

An energy storage system comprising a plurality of cables, a weight attached to respective end regions of the plurality of cables so that the weight can be raised and lowered through a substantially vertical distance by winch means, wherein the cables extend from the weight, through the winch means and subsequently directed through the substantially vertical distance and attached at opposite end regions to a second weight which is moved in an opposite direction to the first-mentioned weight through the substantially vertical distance, the arrangement being such that the passage of movement of the second weight does not interfere with the passage of movement of the first- mentioned weight.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03G 3/00 - Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
• H02K 7/02 - Additional mass for increasing inertia, e.g. flywheels
• H02K 7/06 - Means for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa