Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING
GRAVITATIONAL DISPLACEMENT
[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to power generation, and specifically
relates to power
generation systems using gravitational displacement.
DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
[0003] Energy consumption and energy generation are topics of constant
development, particularly in light of desired improvements in green technology
and
conservation. Now with market uncertainty in the cost and allocation of oil,
natural gas, and
coal which can adversely affect the cost of generating electricity, alternate
sources are being
considered for the generation of energy. For instance, it is becoming
increasingly popular to
decrease fossil fuel consumption by use of renewable energy sources. However,
many
renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power are dependent upon
suitable weather
conditions to create energy. Additionally, electrical utilities are
considering non-petroleum
sources of power for the generation of electricity. Thus, many utilities have
converted their
facilities so that electricity can be generated by steam heated by the use of
coal or by means
of a nuclear reaction. Therefore, there is a need to develop methods of energy
generation that
do not rely on the weather or fossil fuel to remain effective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The following summary presents a simplified summary in order to
provide
a basic understanding of some aspects of the systems and/or methods discussed
herein. This
summary is not an extensive overview of the systems and/or methods discussed
herein. It is not
intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of such
systems and/or
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methods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as
a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[0005] A first general aspect of the disclosure features a method
including creating
a temporary holding area by displacing an amount of a material from an object.
The method
also includes at least partially filling the temporary holding area with an
amount of water.
The method further includes operating a turbine by passing the water from a
water source
exterior to the temporary holding area to the temporary holding area. The
method still further
includes purging the water from the temporary holding area.
[0006] The object defined above can be the surface of the earth or a
geological
formation. Either the surface of the earth or the geological formation must be
suitable to
support a relatively large cavity created into its respective volume. The
water source exterior
to the temporary holding area defined above can be the ocean.
[0007] Referring now to specific features applicable to the first aspect
of this
disclosure, the step of at least partially filling the temporary holding area
with an amount of
water includes enabling water to flow from a first elevation to a second
elevation. The
second elevation is lower than the first elevation. As an example, the first
elevation can be
the elevation of sea level where a land mass meets the ocean, and the second
elevation can be
the elevation of a conduit outlet which introduces the water into the
temporary holding area.
[0008] Referring to further specific features applicable to the first
aspect of this
disclosure, the step of purging the water from the temporary holding area
includes an
explosive detonation. In one example, the explosive detonation can include a
nuclear
detonation.
[0009] Referring to yet another specific feature applicable to the first
aspect of this
disclosure, after the step of purging the water from the temporary holding
area, the steps of at
least partially filling the temporary holding area, operating the turbine, and
purging the water
are repeated. In one example, the steps are repeated such that the step of
purging the water is
repeated periodically.
[0010] A second general aspect of the disclosure features a method of
generating
power by gravity displacement. The method includes creating a temporary
holding area by
displacing an amount of a first material from an object. The method also
includes at least
partially filling the temporary holding area with a second material. The
method further
includes operating an electrical generator by lowering the second material
from a first
elevation to a second elevation, wherein the second elevation is lower than
the first elevation
and the second elevation is within the temporary holding area. The method
still further
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includes purging the second material from the temporary holding area. In one
particular
example, the object defined above can be the surface of the earth or a
geological formation.
Either the surface of the earth or the geological formation must be suitable
to support a
relatively large cavity created into its respective volume.
[0011] Referring now to specific features applicable to the second
aspect of this
disclosure, the step of purging the second material from the temporary holding
area includes
an explosive detonation. In one example, the explosive detonation can include
a nuclear
detonation.
[0012] Referring to another specific feature applicable to the second
aspect of this
disclosure, after the step of purging the water from the temporary holding
area, the steps of at
least partially filling the temporary holding area, operating the turbine, and
purging the water
are repeated. In one example, the steps are repeated such that the step of
purging the water is
repeated periodically.
[0013] Referring to yet another specific feature applicable to the
second aspect of
this disclosure, the step of purging the second material includes propelling
the second
material along a fixed pathway that varies in elevation.
[0014] A third general aspect of the disclosure features a system for
generating
power including a temporary holding vessel constructed by creating a cavity in
the ground.
The temporary holding vessel is located near a large water source, such as the
ocean. At least
a portion of the temporary holding vessel is located at a lower elevation than
a surface of the
large water source. The system for generating power also includes a passageway
extending
along a decline from the large water source into the temporary holding vessel.
Water from
the large water source flows along the passageway to the temporary holding
vessel. The
system for generating power further includes a hydraulic turbine including
blades mounted on
a shaft. The blades are disposed in the passageway and moved by water flowing
at a rapid
flow rate from the large water source to the temporary holding vessel thereby
rotating the
shaft. The system for generating power still further includes a hydroelectric
generator in
which magnetism is used to generate electricity from the rotating shaft. The
water emitted
from the passageway at least partially fills the temporary holding vessel. The
system for
generating power also includes explosive material for creating an explosion
that purges the
water from the temporary holding vessel.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing and other aspects of the example embodiments will
become
apparent to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates upon
reading the following
description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached hereto are
drawings
which are part of this application.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a power generating system in
accordance
with aspects of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of an example cup-like structure
located in a
temporary holding area which can be used in the power generating system shown
in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 and shows an alternate example cup-
like
structure and temporary holding area;
[0019] FIG. 4 is similar to FIGS. 2-3 and shows an example cup-like
structure and
temporary holding area combining features of similar structures shown in FIGS.
2-3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is cross-section schematic view of another example power
generating system;
[0021] FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 1 showing an alternate arrangement of
an example
power generating system;
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of another example power generating
system; and
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of another example power generating
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Example embodiments are described and illustrated in the
drawings. These
illustrated examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, one or more
aspects of the
disclosure can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of
devices. Moreover,
certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken
as limiting the
features of the example embodiments. Still further, in the drawings, the same
reference
numerals are employed for designating the same elements.
[0025] Examples of methods of power generation using gravitational
displacement
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described
in detail
below. In general, the described power generation systems are intended to use
the natural
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gravitational force of the earth to help create power. For the purposes of
this disclosure, a
turbine is used to describe parts of power generation systems and is meant to
include water-
powered turbines, mechanically-powered electrical generator rotors, and
similar equipment.
[00261 Turning to FIG. 1, a method for generating power by gravity
displacement
is schematically illustrated. The method includes creating a temporary holding
area 20 by
displacing an amount of a material (e.g., soil and/or rocks) 24 from an object
26. The
temporary holding area 20 can be a relatively large cavity as shown, and the
object 26 can be
the earth or geological formation. In one example, the temporary holding area
20 is created
by the use of explosives. The explosives displace a large amount of material
24 from the
surface of the earth to create the temporary holding area 20. The dimensions
of the
temporary holding area 20 are dependent upon several factors including the
power of the
explosives, the type of soil or rock being displaced, fault lines, etc. In one
example, a
predetermined amount of explosive force is applied to create a temporary
holding area 20 of
particular dimensions. The particular dimensions such as a depth 28 and a
diameter 30 can
be calculated and predetermined to provide a temporary holding area 20 that
has a depth 28
and a diameter 30 that will be adequate for predetermined power generation
needs.
[00271 Examples of explosives that can be used in this method include,
but are not
limited to, conventional explosives, trinitrotoluene (TNT), nitroglycerine,
nuclear devices (if
and where use is legally permitted, the ecological effects are sanctioned and
if there is a net
energy gain), etc. It is to be appreciated, that the attendant economic costs
of the
manufacture of some explosives may make the use of nuclear devices in this
disclosure
beneficial. In another example, the method can further include the step of pre-
drilling holes
in the object 26 in order to control the shape and depth of the temporary
holding area 20
resulting from an explosive detonation. Pre-drilled holes can also increase
the likelihood of
removing the desired amount of material from the object. It is also to be
appreciated that the
step of pre-drilling holes or other similar cutting operations can improve the
process of
removing the material 24 from the object 26. In one example, the pre-drilled
area that will
form the cavity creates a monolithic piece of material that can be forced from
the object with
the explosive detonation alone and/or in combination with a pulling force on
the surface of
the object 26. In another example, the pre-drilling can enable the material 24
to be removed
in a relatively low number of pieces by explosive detonation alone or in
combination with a
pulling force.
[00281 The temporary holding area 20 can be located near a relatively
large water
source 34, such as an ocean, sea, bay, large lake, or the like, such that the
relatively large
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water source 34 is exterior to the cavity. One example of the large water
source 34 can be the
ocean. A water conduit 36 (e.g., a pipe) can be created so that the temporary
holding area 20
and the ocean are in fluid communication with one another. An inlet 38 can be
included in
the conduit 36 at the ocean, enabling ocean water to enter the conduit 36 and
travel along its
length as indicated by arrows 40 in FIG. 1. It is to be appreciated that the
inlet 38 can include
grates, filters, and/or other similar equipment in order to prevent relatively
large objects from
entering the conduit 36 and flowing through the conduit 36. FIG. 1 shows the
conduit 36
having the inlet 38 where a land mass 44 meets the ocean and at a depth below
the ocean
surface, or sea level. Locating the inlet 38 at a depth below sea level, the
method can benefit
from hydrostatic pressure created by the height of the ocean water above the
inlet 38. In
other examples, the inlet 38 and conduit 36 can be located at other elevations
than that shown
in FIG. 1. For example, the inlet 38 may be relatively close to sea level and
enable sea water
to enter a section of conduit 45 that includes an elevation change, thereby
taking the water
flow from the ocean to a lower elevation. As the ocean water passes through
the conduit 36,
the water can operate a turbine 46. As the conduit 36 passes the water from
the water source
34 exterior to the temporary holding area 20 into the temporary holding area
20, the conduit
36 can direct the ocean water to a turbine 46. As the ocean water interacts
with the turbine
46, electricity or other forms of power can be generated from the flowing
ocean water,
thereby taking advantage of water's natural tendency to flow from higher
elevations to lower
elevations.
[0029] In particular, the water is forced across blades mounted on a
shaft of the
hydraulic turbine, which causes the shaft to turn.
A hydroelectric generator converts this mechanical
energy into electricity. The operation of a generator is based on the
principles discovered by
Faraday. He found that when a magnet is moved past a conductor, it causes
electricity to
flow. In a large generator, electromagnets are made by circulating direct
current through
loops of wire wound around stacks of magnetic steel laminations. These are
called field
poles, and are mounted on the perimeter of the rotor. The rotor is attached to
the turbine shaft,
and rotates at a fixed speed. When the rotor turns, it causes the field poles
(the
electromagnets) to move past the conductors mounted in the stator. This, in
turn, causes
electricity to flow and a voltage to develop at the generator output
terminals." The present
embodiment differs from the temporary storage and pumping of water back up the
passageway into the dam as disclosed in the above reference, in the use of
explosives to
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purge the water from a temporary storage vessel that may include a lining to
resist the effect
of the explosive purging.
[0030] Kinetic energy removed from the ocean water may result in an
ocean water
flow within the conduit 36 having a lower velocity and/or lower pressure in
the portion of the
conduit 36 downstream from the turbine 46 in comparison to the portion of the
conduit 36
upstream of the turbine 46. Just as the conduit 36 can be located at various
elevations with
respect to sea level as described above, the turbine 46 can also be located at
various
elevations to properly interact with the ocean water flowing through the
conduit 36 and can
also be located at sections of conduit 36 that are not horizontal so as to
take advantage of
water's natural tendency to flow from higher elevations to lower elevations.
[0031] The downstream outlet 48 of the conduit 36 can then enable the
flow of
ocean water to enter the temporary holding area 20 to at least partially fill
the temporary
holding area 20 with an amount of water. As shown, the step of at least
partially filling the
temporary holding area 20 with an amount of water can includes enabling the
water to flow
from a first elevation 50 to a second elevation 54, the second elevation 54
being lower than
the first elevation 50. FIG. 1 shows the outlet 48 of the conduit 36 at an
elevation relatively
close to the bottom of the temporary holding area 20. It is to be understood
that the outlet 48
can be placed at higher elevations relative to the bottom of the temporary
holding area 20. At
higher elevations, the ocean water leaving the outlet 48 will be less often
impeded by the
collection of ocean water within the temporary holding area 20 as the ocean
water enters the
temporary holding area 20.
[0032] The method further includes the step of purging the water from
the
temporary holding area 20. In one example, the step of purging the water from
the temporary
holding area 20 or cavity can include an explosive detonation or explosion.
The explosion
will force a significant portion of the ocean water within the temporary
holding area 20 out of
the temporary holding area 20, thus enabling the volume within the temporary
holding area
20 to once again be at least partially filled with ocean water. As previously
described, the
explosions can be created by any number of devices and materials. Location of
the
detonation can be predetermined to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency
of the step of
purging the water. For example, an explosive charge creating the explosive
detonation can be
placed near the bottom of the temporary holding area 20. In another example,
the explosive
charge can be placed at a height between the bottom of the temporary holding
area 20 and the
surface of the water within the temporary holding area 20. In yet another
example, the
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explosive charge can be dropped from a height above the surface of the water
and detonated
as it enters the water.
[0033] After all or a portion of the ocean water is purged from the
temporary
holding area 20, the method can begin again, including at least partially
filling the temporary
holding area 20, operating the turbine 46, and purging the water from the
temporary holding
area 20. The step of purging the water from the temporary holding area 20 can
occur
periodically as needed to enable more ocean water to flow into the temporary
holding area
20. Ocean water purged from the temporary holding area 20 may flow back to the
ocean,
enter local waterways, be absorbed in the ground, etc. It may be necessary to
manipulate the
landscape around the opening of the temporary holding area 20 such that the
ocean water
purged from the temporary holding area 20 does not simply flow back into the
temporary
holding area 20, but can be directed back into the ocean, for example.
[0034] While FIG. 1 shows one arrangement including single elements of
the
conduit 36, turbine 46, temporary holding area 20, and other components, it is
to be
appreciated that multiple such arrangements can be used together within a
single power
production system. Additionally, such multiple arrangements can be located on
one site
and/or on various sites along a coast line, etc. It is also to be appreciated
that the electricity
generated from the described method can be used for various purposes. Should
the power
production system be located near a metropolitan area, or other suitable
connection to an
electrical grid, the electricity can be sent to the metropolitan area or the
electrical grid for
typically known uses. In another example, should the power production system
be located in
a remote area, or is otherwise unable to be connected to an electrical
distribution network, the
electricity can be used to power an electrolysis plant to remove the
constituent elements of
hydrogen and oxygen from the abundant water source of the ocean. In this
example, the
hydrogen and oxygen can be contained separately and sold to various end users
of elemental
hydrogen and oxygen.
[0035] It may be beneficial to include special construction materials
within the
temporary holding area 20 so that the temporary holding area 20 is capable of
enduring the
demands of periodic explosive detonations. It may be beneficial to create the
temporary
holding area 20 within a mass of rock such as bedrock so that an explosive
detonation can
transfer much of its energy to the water. The bedrock walls can reflect a
portion of the
energy back to the water to help increase the energy added to the water and
propel the water
up and out of the temporary holding area 20. In another example, it may be
beneficial to
include a type of lining to a portion of the temporary holding area 20, such
as a cup-like
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structure 56 toward the bottom of the temporary holding area 20 as shown in
FIG. 2. As
previously described, it may be beneficial to construct the cup-like structure
56 such that it is
able to withstand periodic explosive detonations to purge the ocean water from
the temporary
holding area 20. The lining would need to be constructed of a material of
suitable
composition and thickness so as to withstand the explosive detonation forces.
[0036] The step of purging the water from the temporary holding area 20
can also
include methods of purging other than by explosive detonation. For example,
the water can
be removed by evaporation. In some examples, the construction dimensions of
the temporary
holding area 20 may enable natural geothermal activity of the earth heat at
least a portion of
the water within the temporary holding area 20 and speed the evaporation
process. In another
example, the water may be purged by passing into the earth, such as by
absorption. In
another example, the water may be left in the temporary holding area 20 for a
time, and the
power generation process utilizes another temporary holding area 20 while
water is
evaporated and/or absorbed into the earth to purge the water from the first
temporary holding
area 20. The cost of construction of an additional or multiple temporary
holding areas 20 can
enable the process to become more energy efficient.
[0037] As with the method described in FIG. 1 and a may also be
beneficial to
construct the temporary holding area 20 to certain dimensions and proportions.
As shown in
FIG. 2, the temporary holding area 20 can be constructed with a cup-like
structure 56 to
include particular dimensions such as a diameter 58, a total depth 60, and a
depth of water 64.
Also shown in FIG. 2, the total depth 60 of the temporary holding area 20 can
be significantly
greater than the diameter 58. In this example, the step of purging the
temporary holding area
20 uses more energy from the explosive detonation in a vertical direction than
in a horizontal
direction to expel water from the temporary holding area 20. The amount of
explosive force
required to purge water from the temporary holding area 20 is proportional to
the total depth
60 of the temporary holding area 20. Some examples of temporary holding area
20 total
depth 60 construction dimensions include about 12,000 feet, 10,000 feet, 8,000
feet, and
6,000 feet. The use of an explosive detonation in the step of purging the
water from the
temporary holding area 20 may be about 10% efficient, meaning that about 10%
of the total
explosive energy is used to purge the water from the temporary holding area
20. As such, the
explosive force used for the purging step must be sized accordingly. In one
example, the
cup-like structure 56 can include steel and help reduce or eliminate damage to
the interior of
the temporary holding area 20 that might normally result from explosive
detonations within
the temporary holding area 20.
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[00381 As shown in FIG. 3, the temporary holding area 20 and optional
cup-like
structure 56 can be constructed to other proportions and dimensions. For
example, the
diameter 58 of the temporary holding area 20 can be significantly greater than
the total depth
60. In this example, the step of purging the temporary holding area 20 uses
more energy
from the explosive detonation in a horizontal direction than a vertical
direction to expel water
from the temporary holding area 20. Examples of temporary holding area 20
construction
dimensions include a total depth 60 of about 3,000 feet, the depth of water 64
of about 2,000
feet, the bottom diameter of the cup-like structure 56 of about 5,000 feet,
and the top
diameter of the cup-like structure 56 is about 6,000 feet.
[00391 In another example, the cup-like structure 56 and the temporary
holding
area 20 can be a hybrid of the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in
FIG. 4, the
temporary holding area 20 can include a relatively tall empty column 66
enabling some water
to be purged from the temporary holding area 20 through the column 66 using
energy from
the explosive detonation in the vertical direction while energy in the
horizontal direction can
purge water from the temporary holding area 20 into an annular space 68
surrounding the
temporary holding area 20.
[00401 Turning to FIG. 5, another example of the method is shown. In
this
example, a top opening area 70 of the temporary holding area 20 is surrounded
by a first wall
74. The first wall 74 can be constructed to match the profile of the top
opening area 70, for
example, the first wall 74 can be circular when viewed from above. A second
wall 76 can be
provided a distance away from the first wall 74, and a floor 78 can be
provided between the
first wall 74 and the second wall 76 to create a substantially water-tight
pool 80. In one
example, the pool 80 can have an annular shape, although any suitable shape
can be used.
The pool 80 can hold a quantity of water that is permitted to enter a conduit
36, such as a pipe
that enables the water to flow from a first elevation 82 of the pool 80 to a
lower elevation 84.
[00411 As with the previous example of the method, the conduit 36 can
direct the
water to a turbine 46. As the water interacts with the turbine 46 equipment,
electricity or
other forms of power can be created from the flowing water, thereby taking
advantage of
water's natural tendency to flow from higher elevations to lower elevations.
After interacting
with the turbine 46, the conduit 36 can direct the water to the temporary
holding area 20. The
method further includes the step of purging the water from the temporary
holding area 20 as
indicated by arrows 85. In one example, the step of purging the water from the
temporary
holding area 20 can include an explosive detonation or explosion. The
explosion forces a
significant portion of the water within the temporary holding area 20 out of
the temporary
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holding area 20 through the top opening area 70. As previously described, the
explosions can
be created by any number of devices and materials.
[0042] In this example of the method, all or a significant portion of
the water
purged from the temporary holding area 20 can be purged to the pool 80
surrounding the
temporary holding area 20. As such, all or a majority of the water can be used
repeatedly to
at least partially fill the temporary holding area 20, operate the turbine 46,
and purge the
water from the temporary holding area 20. The step of purging the water from
the temporary
holding area 20 can occur periodically as needed to enable more water to flow
into the
temporary holding area 20. It may be necessary to periodically add water to
the pool 80 in
order to make up for losses through various mechanisms such as evaporation,
vaporization,
spills, leaks, etc.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 6, another example of the method is shown which
is
similar to the example shown in FIG. 1. In this example, the conduit inlet 38
can be at or
relatively close to sea level. The conduit 36 then enables ocean water to flow
via gravity to a
hole 86 in the ground. The water can then be released into a series of buckets
88 or water
wheel (e.g., having paddles or vanes extending outwardly from a hub that move
upon rotation
of the wheel about a fixed shaft when the descending water contacts the
paddles or vanes),
for example, a bucket conveyor 90 that are arranged substantially vertically
within the hole
86. The force from the water filling the buckets 88 on one side of the
conveyor 90 (i.e., the
right side in FIG. 6) will drive the conveyor 90 by gravitational force. Empty
buckets 88 are
elevated back toward the elevation of the conduit 36 by the force of the water
lowering
buckets 88 on the opposing side of the conveyor 90. The buckets 88 can be
configured to be
self-dumping at the bottom of the hole 86. For example, the buckets 88 can be
emptied by
simple rotation of the buckets 88 moving from the right (full) side of the
conveyor 90 to the
left (empty) side of the conveyor 90. Water leaving the buckets 88 can then
travel along the
downstream portion of the conduit 94 to the temporary holding area 20, where
the water
passes through the outlet 48 into the temporary holding area 20.
[0044] In one example, an electrical generator 96 can be physically
connected to a
device on the conveyor 90. For instance, a gear at the top of the conveyor 90
(or water
wheel) can be physically connected to the electrical generator 96. The
connection can be
direct or indirect (e.g., through a series of gears, gearboxes, shafts, belts,
etc.). As in the
previously described example, the electrical generator 96 can then create
electricity for
supply to an electrical distribution grid, an electrolysis plant 97, or other
end uses. As shown
in FIG. 6, the described components can be duplicated, such as in a linear
array 98,
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represented by the visible tops of the holes proceeding to the rear of FIG. 6.
After the
temporary holding area 20 is at least partially filled, the ocean water is
purged from the
temporary holding area 20 and the method can be repeated such that the
temporary holding
area 20 is periodically purged.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 7, a method for generating power by gravity
displacement
is schematically shown. The method includes creating a temporary holding area
20 by
displacing an amount of a first material 100 from an object 26. The object 26
can be the
surface of the earth, and the first material 100 can be dirt, rock, and/or any
other material
found in the surface of the earth. In one example, the temporary holding area
20 is created by
the use of explosives. On the other hand, conventional earth moving
construction equipment
may be used to construct the temporary holding area 20. The explosives can
displace a
relatively large amount of the first material 100 from the surface of the
earth to create a
temporary holding area 20, such as a crater. The dimensions of the temporary
holding area
20 are dependent upon several factors including the power of the explosives,
the type of soil
or rock being displaced, fault lines, etc. In one example, a predetermined
amount of
explosive force is applied to create a temporary holding area 20 of particular
dimensions.
The particular dimensions such as a depth 104 and a diameter 106 can be
calculated and
predetermined to provide a temporary holding area 20 that has a depth 104 and
a diameter
106 that will be adequate for the desired power generation needs. Examples of
explosives
that can be used in this method include, but are not limited to, conventional
explosives,
trinitrotoluene (TNT), nitroglycerine, nuclear devices, etc. It is to be
appreciated that the use
of nuclear devices may provide a benefit of lowering the economic costs of
creating the
temporary holding area 20 and later periodically purging the temporary holding
area 20. In
another example, the method can further include the step of pre-drilling holes
in the object in
order to control the shape and depth of the temporary holding area 20
resulting from an
explosive blast.
[0046] In one example, the amount of the first material 100 removed from
the
object, such as the surface of the earth, will remain generally in the
vicinity of the temporary
holding area 20. One example method for generating power by gravity
displacement includes
at least partially filling the temporary holding area 20 with a second
material 108. The
second material 108 can include the first material 100 removed from the
temporary holding
area 20 in addition to other types of material found on the surface of the
object. In some
instances, the second material can include the first material 100 only. In one
example, the
temporary holding area 20 has been created, leaving the first material 100
displaced from the
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temporary holding area 20 in a ring pattern around the temporary holding area
20. This
displaced first material 100 can be combined with other material that was not
necessarily
removed from the temporary holding area 20. In an alternative example, the
second material
108 can include other materials such as waste construction materials, clean
fill, unwanted or
unused excavated material, organic waste, or other materials can be used in
addition to or as
an alternative to the displaced material. It may be beneficial to utilize a
second material 108
such as sand or loosely compacted earth in order to take advantage of those
materials' ability
to have suitable flow properties and relatively low density and weight that
may facilitate
purging.
[00471 The method for generating power by gravity displacement includes
operating an electrical generator 96 by lowering the second material 108 from
a first
elevation 110 to a second elevation 114, wherein the second elevation 114 is
lower than the
first elevation 110 and the second elevation 114 is within the temporary
holding area 20. In
one particular example, a vertical conveyor 116 can be constructed within the
temporary
holding area 20. The vertical conveyor 116 can be a bucket conveyor. The
buckets can be
filled with the second material 108 and then lowered into the temporary
holding area 20.
Thus, as gravity lowers the second material 108 from a first elevation 110 to
the bottom of
the temporary holding area 20 at a second elevation 114, the vertical conveyor
116 is urged to
move as the buckets on one side of the vertical conveyor 116 are laden with
the second
material 108. As the vertical conveyor 116 operates, the laden buckets travel
down into the
interior space of the temporary holding area 20, and the buckets are emptied
at a second
elevation 114 lower than the first elevation 110 where the second material 108
was placed
into the buckets. The empty buckets then return to the first elevation 110,
powered by the
gravitational pull on the laden buckets on the opposite side of the vertical
conveyor 116. In
one example, the second elevation 114 is lower than the first elevation 110
and the second
elevation 114 is within the temporary holding area 20. In this example, the
vertical conveyor
116 can interact with components that can typically be associated with
conveyors, such as
interacting with shafts, bearings, drive train elements such as sprockets,
etc. As shown in
FIG. 7, the vertical conveyor 116 can interact with a second conveyor 118. The
second
conveyor 118 can be configured to transport the second material 108 from the
exterior space
of the temporary holding area 20 to the top of the vertical conveyor 116. In
this example, the
second conveyor 118 can transfer the second material 108 from buckets on the
second
conveyor 118 to buckets on the vertical conveyor 116. In another example, the
vertical
conveyor 116 and the second conveyor 118 can be segments of the same conveyor
wherein
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buckets can pass along the second conveyor 118 onto the vertical conveyor 116
and back
again.
[0048] As the vertical conveyor 116 operates, its interaction with any
number of
components such as shafts or sprockets can cause a rotation of the shaft
and/or sprocket. In
one example, a sprocket or shaft of the vertical conveyor can be physically
connected to a
shaft of the electrical generator 96. Thus, as the shaft and/or sprocket is
turned, the electrical
generator 96 is also turned, thereby creating power. The power created by the
electrical
generator 96 can be used to create any number of resources including
electrical energy to be
provided to a typical electrical power grid, battery charging power, kinetic
energy to operate
mechanical systems of manufacturing plants, power to provide electrolysis of
water
components into hydrogen and oxygen, and so forth. It is to be appreciated
that any number
of uses or forms of the power created by this method are contemplated by the
present
disclosure.
[0049] Over time, the temporary holding area 20 fills with the second
material 108
that is lowered into the temporary holding area 20 to turn the electrical
generator 96. It is to
be understood that the height of the vertical conveyor 116 may not extend to
the lower-most
portion of the interior space of the temporary holding area 20. Additionally,
the vertical
conveyor 116 can be of a fixed or adjustable height, wherein the adjustable
height enables the
vertical conveyor 116 to release or dump the second material 108 at a height
that is relatively
close to the top of the accumulation of the second material 108 placed into
the interior space
of the temporary holding area 20. Furthermore, the release or dump point of
the vertical
conveyor 116 may be moved about the interior space of the temporary holding
area 20 such
that a relatively even distribution of the second material 108 is placed
within the temporary
holding area 20. Additionally, it will take an amount of time to at least
partially fill the
temporary holding area 20. During this time, power can be continuously created
at the
electrical generator 96, regardless of weather conditions, time of day, etc.
unlike conventional
wind and solar generation stations which may depend upon the weather
conditions and the
time of day to reliably produce power.
[0050] Furthermore, as the temporary holding area 20 becomes filled, the
operator
of the power generation operation may desire to remove the second material 108
from the
temporary holding area 20 so that the second material 108 can be lowered again
by gravity to
continue creating power. In that case, another explosive charge can be
detonated to purge the
material from the temporary holding area 20, thereby enabling the method steps
to repeat. As
with the first explosive charge detonated, calculations can be predetermined
to aid in creating
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a temporary holding area 20 that conforms to the appropriate shape and size of
the land
available. The calculations can also include factors for how much material is
to be removed
in order to create power for a certain life cycle time of the power generating
operation. The
conveyor equipment and other equipment will be removed from inside and removed
from
nearby the temporary holding area 20 prior to the explosive detonation and
returned to the
temporary holding area 20 after the explosive detonation in order to avoid
potential damage
to the conveyor equipment.
[0051] As previously described, it may be beneficial to utilize a second
material
108 such as sand or loosely compacted earth in order to take advantage of
those materials'
suitable flow properties, relatively low weight and density (e.g., compared to
rocks). The
method can utilize the natural ability of sand or loosely compacted earth to
flow as it is
loaded onto the described conveyors and into the temporary holding area 20.
The ability of
the sand or loosely compacted earth to flow will also aid in the step of
purging the temporary
holding area 20, as these materials are more likely to absorb energy from an
explosive
detonation in order to purge the temporary holding area 20. In another
example, it may be
beneficial to conduct the method of power generation at a location that has an
abundance of
sand or loosely compacted earth which can be used repeatedly and supplemented
by the
abundant supply of sand or loosely compacted earth.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 8, another method of generating power by gravity
displacement is shown. The method includes providing a fixed pathway 124 that
varies in
elevation. The fixed pathway 124 can be constructed in any number of ways, and
it has a
difference in elevation along its length. In one example, the fixed pathway
124 is a heavy-
duty tube-shaped structure in a substantially vertical orientation. The tube
extends from a
temporary holding area 20 at a second elevation 126 to a first elevation 128
which is higher
than the second elevation 126. It is to be understood that fixed pathway 124
design factors
should include consideration for transporting a second material 108 which can
include objects
of relatively large weight. The objects of relatively large weight can be any
number of
objects. In one example, the objects of relatively large weight can be similar
to cannonballs
in that the objects of relatively large weight are substantially round and
heavy. In one
example, the objects of relatively large weight can each weigh about 400 to
500 pounds.
[0053] The method further includes detonating explosives to move at
least one
object of relatively large weight from the second elevation 126 of the fixed
pathway 124 to
the first elevation 128 of the fixed pathway 124. The design of the fixed
pathway 124 at the
second elevation 126 can include a temporary holding area 20 in which an
explosive is
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detonated. The blast energy from the detonation is focused on the object of
relatively large
weight, and moves the object of relatively large weight along the fixed
pathway 124 to a
higher elevation, for example, the first elevation 128. This focused blast
energy, increases
the efficiency of the energy transfer from the blast energy to the object of
relatively large
weight when compared to other, non-focused explosive detonations. Calculations
for the
explosive detonation force can also include factors such as limiting damage to
the fixed
pathway 124, the elevation difference between the second elevation 126 and the
first
elevation 128, the weight of the object, and similar factors. The fixed
pathway 124 includes
structure at the first elevation 128 that prohibits the at least one object of
relatively large
weight from returning back down the initial pathway that it traversed
immediately after the
explosive detonation. In one example, this structure can take the form of a
curved section
130 of the fixed pathway 124. The curved section 130 of the fixed pathway 124
limit the
travel of the at least one object of relatively large weight to a second
substantially vertical
section 134 of the fixed pathway 124. It is to be appreciated that the height
of the first
elevation 128 and the construction of the fixed pathway 124 can be calculated
in concert with
the calculations for the explosive detonation to maximize efficiency. In one
example, the
explosive detonation can propel the object of relatively large weight to the
first elevation 128
such that the object of relatively large weight reaches its peak elevation at
first elevation 128.
In this way, the object of relatively large weight has a maximum value of
potential energy
that can be imparted to power generation equipment as will be described.
[0054] In this
second substantially vertical section 134 of the fixed pathway 124,
the method allows gravity to lower the at least one object of relatively large
weight from the
first elevation 128 of the fixed pathway 124 to the second elevation 126 of
the fixed pathway
124. The fixed pathway 124 allows the controlled lowering of the at least one
object of
relatively large weight back to its position at the beginning of the method,
i.e., above the
temporary holding area 20 where explosive detonations occur. The second
substantially
vertical section 134 of the fixed pathway 124 includes a mechanical system to
controllably
lower the at least one object of relatively large weight from the first
elevation 128 of the fixed
pathway 124 to the second elevation 126 of the fixed pathway 124. This is
accomplished by
a conveyor system 136 that can have a number of buckets 138 or shelves, etc.
that hold the at
least one object of relatively large weight as it is lowered in elevation. The
buckets 138 are
connected to a chain or other conveyor part to form a plurality of buckets or
shelves operating
together. In one example, the second substantially vertical section 134 of the
fixed pathway
124 can be lowering a plurality of objects of relatively large weight at one
time.
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[0055] Additional devices can be added to the structure shown in FIG. 8
in order to
collect and utilize the heat output of the explosive detonations. In one
example, a closed-loop
water system can be located near or around the explosive detonation area in
order to remove
heat from the lower end of the fixed pathway 24. The heat transfer from the
structure and the
surrounding environment to the water within the closed loop can be used to
develop steam.
In turn, the steam can be used to power mechanical devices, operate a turbine
to create
electricity, supply heat to other objects or volumes, or any combination of
these uses. The
additional steam process can increase the efficiency of the described power
generation
system.
[0056] The method further includes the step of operating an electrical
generator 96
so that gravitational force upon the object of relatively large weight both
lowers the object of
relatively large weight and operates the electrical generator 96. In one
example, structure at
the top of the conveyor system, such as a sprocket or shaft, can be rotated by
the force of
gravity acting upon the at least one object of relatively large weight. The
sprocket or shaft
can be mechanically connected to the electrical generator 96 in order to
operate the electrical
generator 96.
[0057] One benefit of the provided methods is low cost energy
production. In
several currently known methods of energy production, natural resources are
mined,
transported, and sold through various levels of commercial entities. Each step
can be
expensive, and each adds cost to the end user of the energy.
[0058] Another benefit of the provided methods includes the vast
availability of
ocean water, driven by gravity, to power an electrical generator or turbine.
In contrast, many
hydroelectric generating stations rely upon rivers and impounded waters such
as reservoirs
behind dams. These systems have limited water amounts that must be controlled
to prevent
draining too much water from upstream areas, prevent downstream flooding, and
sometimes
balancing these needs with consideration for human use of the water. The
described methods
allow for usage of the vastly greater amount of ocean water around the globe.
[0059] Another benefit of the provided methods include the limited
footprint for
hydroelectric power generation plants. While some dam and reservoir systems
encompass
hundreds of square miles of land that may be otherwise useful, the described
methods can
employ hydroelectric power generation installations on the order of ten square
miles.
[0060] Another benefit of the provided methods is the relatively low to
zero
pollution contribution to the associated air, land or water that are
associated with the methods
with the possible exception of using nuclear explosions. Turning turbines or
other power
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creation devices can be of low pollution levels, particularly in comparison to
burning fossil
fuels and the destructive effects of mining to the natural flora and fauna of
areas surrounding
mines.
[0061] Another benefit of the provided methods is the provision of
energy
production without consuming the limited fossil fuels of the earth. Fossil
fuels are precious,
finite resources, and it is of benefit to all to limit their consumption.
[0062] The successful commercial implementation of the embodiments of
this
disclosure depend upon the feasibility of purging the material such as water
from the
temporary storage vessel using explosives (e.g., whether such use of
explosives is permitted
by law and whether the cost of building and operating the system is
significantly less than the
value of the electricity that is generated).
[0063] This disclosure has been described with reference to the example
embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to
others upon a
reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments
incorporating one or
more aspects of the disclosure discussed above are intended to include all
such modifications
and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
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