System and method for storing energy
US9869291B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49236
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for storing energy includes a body and a shaft having walls defining an internal volume for containing a fluid, a seal member disposed between the body and the walls of the shaft, and a fluid passage in fluid communication with the shaft. The body is disposed within the internal volume of the shaft for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position within the internal volume of the shaft. The seal member divides the internal volume into a first portion located below the body and a second portion located above the body. The fluid passage communicates fluid with the first portion of the interior volume of the shaft. The system further includes a pump/turbine operatively coupled with the fluid passage to drive a motor/generator to generate electricity upon movement of the body from the first elevation position to the second elevation position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.