GB2210932A - Structures for deriving energy from natural sources - Google Patents

Structures for deriving energy from natural sources Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2210932A
GB2210932A GB8723990A GB8723990A GB2210932A GB 2210932 A GB2210932 A GB 2210932A GB 8723990 A GB8723990 A GB 8723990A GB 8723990 A GB8723990 A GB 8723990A GB 2210932 A GB2210932 A GB 2210932A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
energy
weight
block
natural
slope
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB8723990A
Other versions
GB8723990D0 (en
GB2210932B (en
Inventor
John Patrick Farrell
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB8723990A priority Critical patent/GB2210932B/en
Publication of GB8723990D0 publication Critical patent/GB8723990D0/en
Publication of GB2210932A publication Critical patent/GB2210932A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2210932B publication Critical patent/GB2210932B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
    • F03D9/007—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations the wind motor being combined with means for converting solar radiation into useful energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
    • F03D9/10—Combinations of wind motors with apparatus storing energy
    • F03D9/13—Combinations of wind motors with apparatus storing energy storing gravitational potential energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G3/00—Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/46—Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
    • Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)

Abstract

Energy derived from tidal or river flow energy units 17, solar cells 15 and wind driven devices 16, is fed to a control centre 14 and may be used to drive a block 10 up guides 11 to store the energy. Subsequent lowering of the block can be used to release energy. The block may comprise a container which may be filled with rainwater when in its raised position and drained in its lowered position. The block may be raised by drive motors located thereon and driving pinions engaging racks on the slope. The block 10 may be large enough to grow crops, graze livestock, and/or provide a recreation park, tourist attraction and hotel. Another aspect of the invention (Fig. 5) provides an underground structure 20, (such as a nuclear shelter) the structure being encased in puddle clay 26, to seal the structure and prevent water or any other liquid from entering if cracks in the structure should occur. An accommodation chamber 20 is connected to an access shaft 22 via a tunnel 21. <IMAGE>

Description

STRUCTURES The invention relates to structures and particularly, though not exclusively, to structures for human habitation.
According to a first embodiment of the invention, a structure is provided with means to derive energy from at least two natural sources.
The natural sources may include energy generated by movement of currents, for example wind currents, thermal currents or water currents, for example from the sea or rivers.
The sources of energy may include solar energy and tidal energy.
Preferably the structure has means to store the energy.
The structure may comprise a weight and drive means powered by the energy sources to raise the weight, such that energy can subsequently be released by lowering the weight.
Preferably the weight is mounted for sliding movement up and down a slope.
The weight may comprise a container.
The container may have means for storing liquid, for example rain water, such that the weight can be increased when there is ample energy available, or decreased when there is minimal energy avail able when the structure is nearing the bottom of the slope.
The weight may cover a substantial area. It may be grassed over or covered with other crops and may for example be used for grazing livestock.
Alternatively, or in addition, the weight may comprise living accommodation. It may for example comprise a recreation park and tourist attraction complete with a hotel.
According to a second aspect of the Invention natural energy storage means Is provided In the form of a weight and means to raise the weight, the raising means being powered by natural energy.
The weight may comprise a container and may for example comprise living accommodation.
According to a third aspect of the invention a structure is provided underground, the structure being encased in puddle clay to seal the structure and prevent water or any other liquid from entering the structure if cracks in the structure should occur, for example as a result of an explosion.
The structure may provide an effective nuclear shelter.
By way of example, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of structure according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the first embodiment of structure; Figure 3 Is a front view of the first embodiment of structure; Figure 4 Is a side view of the first embodiment of structure; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of structure according to the Invention; and Figure 6 is a vertical cross-section through the second embodiment of structure according to the invention.
The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a weight in the form of a large block 10 arranged for sliding movement on guides 11 up and down a slope 12 constructed on a hillside 13.
Built Into the hiilside adjacent to the slope 12 is a computerised energy control and distribution centre 14.
As can best be seen from Figure 2, the control centre 14 is connected not only to the block 10, but also to solar energy cells 15, wind powered units 16, and tidal or river energy units 17.
The structure is constructed on an appropriately positioned hillside where the solar cells 15 can receive maximum sunshine, the wind powered units 16 can be positioned to receive the maximum wind, and where there Is a convenient river or seafront where currents or tidal energy will cause the units 17 to transmit electrical power to the control centre 14.
The power cable connections can be seen in Figure 2 indicated by the reference numeral 18.
The energy received by the structure 10 can be utillsed for the needs of the structure as described below, and/or can be transmitted to the national grid via an appropriate power line 19.
By connect i ng various different sources of natural energy to the structure, the maximum power can be delivered to the structure under any given conditions.
For example, when the weather is very good, and there may be little wind, the maximum solar energy is likely to be received and tidal energy may also still be available.
In times of bad weather when there may be minimal solar energy, there may wel I be maximum wind power and water current power.
The control centre 14 is provided with drive means which can utillse the received power to move the block 10 up the slope 12. This stores the energy in the form of potential energy, and when very little energy Is being received from all the sources, the block 10 can be allowed to move back down the slope under the force of gravity, thus effectively releasing energy for use by the control centre.
The amount of energy that can be stored by the block 10 is directly related to the weight of the block, and the block 10 may comprise a container arranged to store rain water. Thus the weight of the block 10 can be Increased If desired, to Increase the potential energy stored when the block is at the top of the slope. When the block is at the bottom of the slope, and it is necessary to use energy to raise the block once more, the water within the block can be released If desired, to reduce the weight of the block, if there is insufficient energy to raise the fully loaded block.
The block 10 may be of very substantial size.
The upper, substantially horizontal surface of the block may be grassed over or covered with other crops, for example for use in grazing livestock.
The block may comprise a building, provided with living accommodation, and the building may for example comprise a hotel. Parts of the block may comprise a recreation park and tourist attraction.
If the structure is positioned in an area in which snows forms, then snow may be used to increase the weight of the block to further assist in the amount of energy stored.
Turning now to Figures 5 and 6 an alternative embodiment of structure is shown, which is built underground. The structure comprises an accommodation chamber 20, horizontal access tunnel 21, and a vertical access shaft 22. The shaft has an appropriate closure 23.
The structure is positioned below the top soil 24 and is thus surrounded by sub-sol I 25. However, between the reinforced concrete of the structure, and the soil, there is provided a substantial layer of puddle clay 26, completely surrounding the chamber 20, the tunnel 21, and the shaft 22.
Puddle clay is a plastic material produced by mixing clay thoroughly with substantially one fifth of Its weight of water. Because the puddle clay remains plastic, and does not set hard, it will tend to seal any cracks that might appear In the reinforced concrete, thus preventing water or any other liquid from entering the structure.
In areas of moist earth, the puddle clay may be 20 centimeters thick. Where the earth tends to remain dry, the puddle clay may be 30 centimeters thick or more.
The clay cavity is preferably lined with waterproof material to prevent the puddle clay in the cavity from drying out.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For example, features of the two embodiments of structure described above may be combined.
Any desired means may be used to drive the block 10 up a slope, but it is preferred that a drive cog mechanism is used. For example, the block 10 may be fitted with one or more motors arranged to rotate one or more drive pinlons which engage with one or more toothed racks extending up and down the slope, to keep the block In alignment. The pinions may be driven by a series of planetary gears, so speed and torque can be adJusted to meet demand, with surplus energy utilised to take the block upwards.
The structures may have any desired location.
The structure of Figures 1 to 4 may for example be sited inland, any distance from the tide or river source, with appropriate cable connections to transmit the power from the tide or power source. The structure may draw power from a power station during off peak periods at the power station.

Claims (21)

1. A structure provided with means to derive energy from at least two natural sources.
2. A structure as claimed in Claim 1, in which at least one of the natural sources provides energy generated by movement of currents.
3. A structure as claimed in Claim l or Claim 2, in which at least one of the natural sources provides energy comprising solar energy or tidal energy.
4. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, having means to store energy.
5. A structure as claimed in Claim 4, comprising a weight and drive means powered by the energy sources to raise the weight, such that energy can subsequently be released by lowering the weight.
6. A structure as claimed in Claim 5, in which the weight is mounted on wheels and rack and pinion for sliding movement up and down a slope.
7. A structure as claimed in Claim 6, in which the weight comprises a container.
8. A structure as claimed in Claim 7, in which the container has means for storing liquid, for example rain water, such that the weight can be increased when there is ample energy available, or decreased when there is minimal energy output required or when the structure is nearing the bottom of the slope.
9. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 8, in which the weight covers a substantial area.
10. A structure as claimed in Claim 9, in which the weight is grassed over and/or covered with other crops.
11. A structure as claimed in Claim 10, when used for grazing livestock.
12. A structure as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 11, in which the weight comprises living accommodation.
13. A structure as claimed in Claim 12, in which the weight comprises a recreation park and tourist attraction, complete with a hotel.
14. A structure constructed and arranged substantially as defined herein, with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
15. Natural energy storage means in the form of a weight and means to raise the weight, the raising means being powered by natural energy.
16. Natural energy storage means as claimed in Claim 15, in which the weight comprises one or more containers, as may be required.
17. Natural energy storage means as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 15, in which the weight comprises living accommodation.
18. Natural energy storage means constructed and arranged substantially as described herein, with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.
19. A structure provided underground, the structure being encased in puddle clay to seal the structure and prevent water or any other liquid from entering the structure if cracks in the structure should occur, for example as a result of an explosion.
20. A structure as claimed in Claim 19, in the form of a nuclear shelter.
21. A structure constructed and arranged substantially as herein described, with reference to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings.
GB8723990A 1987-10-13 1987-10-13 Structure for deriving useful energy from natural sources. Expired - Lifetime GB2210932B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8723990A GB2210932B (en) 1987-10-13 1987-10-13 Structure for deriving useful energy from natural sources.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8723990A GB2210932B (en) 1987-10-13 1987-10-13 Structure for deriving useful energy from natural sources.

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8723990D0 GB8723990D0 (en) 1987-11-18
GB2210932A true GB2210932A (en) 1989-06-21
GB2210932B GB2210932B (en) 1992-06-10

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8723990A Expired - Lifetime GB2210932B (en) 1987-10-13 1987-10-13 Structure for deriving useful energy from natural sources.

Country Status (1)

Country Link
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2438416A (en) * 2006-05-22 2007-11-28 Alan Lowther An electrical mechanical gravitational storage device
CN102536669A (en) * 2010-12-30 2012-07-04 上海万德风力发电股份有限公司 Wind energy and tidal energy complementary energy-storage power generation system

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB705691A (en) * 1951-06-04 1954-03-17 Martin William Richard Capps Improvements in domestic and the like heating systems employing the heat-pump principle
US3974394A (en) * 1974-07-10 1976-08-10 Wayne Bailey Capturing hydro power, earth power and wind power with means and methods of storing same
GB2013789A (en) * 1978-01-25 1979-08-15 Solwin Ind Ltd Method and system for generating energy from solar and wind sources
GB2060815A (en) * 1979-08-29 1981-05-07 Aalam M Energy storage system
GB2060781A (en) * 1977-12-09 1981-05-07 Horten H E Solar energy power plant
EP0073840A1 (en) * 1981-01-28 1983-03-16 Costica Rusu Hydro-electric plant for the conversion of wind and solar energy
US4379972A (en) * 1981-05-26 1983-04-12 Daniel T. Sosa Turbine ventilator
US4462213A (en) * 1979-09-26 1984-07-31 Lewis Arlin C Solar-wind energy conversion system
US4541242A (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-09-17 Thompson Randall Jr Tide activated generator
US4610140A (en) * 1984-02-21 1986-09-09 Thompson Randall Jr Tide activated generator
GB2187512A (en) * 1985-11-08 1987-09-09 Cecil Arthur Johnson Combined solar power and wind power generator

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB705691A (en) * 1951-06-04 1954-03-17 Martin William Richard Capps Improvements in domestic and the like heating systems employing the heat-pump principle
US3974394A (en) * 1974-07-10 1976-08-10 Wayne Bailey Capturing hydro power, earth power and wind power with means and methods of storing same
GB2060781A (en) * 1977-12-09 1981-05-07 Horten H E Solar energy power plant
GB2013789A (en) * 1978-01-25 1979-08-15 Solwin Ind Ltd Method and system for generating energy from solar and wind sources
GB2060815A (en) * 1979-08-29 1981-05-07 Aalam M Energy storage system
US4462213A (en) * 1979-09-26 1984-07-31 Lewis Arlin C Solar-wind energy conversion system
EP0073840A1 (en) * 1981-01-28 1983-03-16 Costica Rusu Hydro-electric plant for the conversion of wind and solar energy
US4379972A (en) * 1981-05-26 1983-04-12 Daniel T. Sosa Turbine ventilator
US4541242A (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-09-17 Thompson Randall Jr Tide activated generator
US4610140A (en) * 1984-02-21 1986-09-09 Thompson Randall Jr Tide activated generator
GB2187512A (en) * 1985-11-08 1987-09-09 Cecil Arthur Johnson Combined solar power and wind power generator

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2438416A (en) * 2006-05-22 2007-11-28 Alan Lowther An electrical mechanical gravitational storage device
CN102536669A (en) * 2010-12-30 2012-07-04 上海万德风力发电股份有限公司 Wind energy and tidal energy complementary energy-storage power generation system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8723990D0 (en) 1987-11-18
GB2210932B (en) 1992-06-10

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19931013