EP4283113A1 - Gravitational and air buoyancy pump - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the present invention was to provide a practical method that makes it possible to efficiently use the forces of gravity and air buoyancy (or gas buoyancy) in water that exist on Earth, in particular for generating energy. This object was achieved by a method , which enables pumping by means of a system and the controlled and coordinated inflow and outflow of water. An important component of the invention is a - as light as possible - buoyancy device (5) located in a vertical pump container (1), which consists primarily of closed buoyancy containers (6) filled with air or gas and which is either firmly connected or can be connected to a Weight plate (4) acting on the pump piston. The weight plate, which is airtight and watertight to the edge of the pump container when closed, provides the necessary pumping energy in interaction with the earth's gravitational force. The controlled flow of water, together with the buoyancy of the buoyancy device and closable openings in the pump container (2) and in the weight plate (8), enables the weight plate in the pump container to be raised after a pumping process has been completed. The kinetic and height energy of the water obtained through the pumping processes of the process can be used in particular to generate energy or to propel ships. In brief, the present invention uses the flow properties of water, the air/gas buoyancy in the water and the gravitational force of the earth and opens up a new, efficient way to make these forces usable via a pumping process, in particular for energy generation and drive technology. Fig. 2 of the drawings below is suggested for publication with the summary, as it best illustrates the basic idea of the invention.

Description

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a system and a method related thereto for pumping liquid, in particular water. The invention can be used primarily for energy generation and propulsion technology, especially for ship propulsion. The energy resulting from the pumping process (either the height energy of the water or the energy of the resulting water flow) can be used, in particular to drive turbines or water wheels.

Background of the invention

The earth's natural resources are limited. In addition, the consumption of fossil fuels (especially oil and natural gas) has a negative impact on climate change. Nevertheless, large amounts of fossil fuels are constantly being consumed worldwide. The areas of energy production, especially electricity generation, and the area of ship propulsion are particularly important. Oil tankers, container ships and cruise ships consume incredible amounts of heavy oil and are repeatedly responsible for small and large natural disasters. CO2-neutral shipping and a (further) possibility of generating significant amounts of “green” electricity would be a huge benefit. The present invention is potentially suitable for taking a step in the right direction in this regard and for making important areas of fossil energy consumption more climate-neutral and sustainable.

The use of hydropower has great potential. Harvesting the high-altitude energy of water is an effective and practically used way to store energy. Pumped storage power plants pump water into a higher storage lake when excess and therefore cheap electricity makes this possible cost-effectively. The resulting energy from the water can be used at a later point in time when the need for electricity is greater. Energy generation via appropriate turbines is state of the art. This form of energy generation and storage is particularly interesting because such systems have a relatively high level of efficiency. The high-altitude energy of water can be generated relatively well use electrical power. The problem with such systems is obvious: you first need a lot of energy to pump the water. In any case, you cannot generate any energy by pumping the water up. This approach only makes sense from the point of view of energy storage. Apart from this practical option for energy storage , the use of hydropower to generate energy is very limited locally. In this respect there is a dependence on natural conditions. For example, you first need a suitable body of water before you can generate energy by damming it and then using appropriate turbines to flow through it. If there were a way to pump larger amounts of water to significantly higher altitudes without having to use a comparable amount of (generated electrical) energy, this would be very economically beneficial. The present invention offers, among other things, a solution approach for this. It can thus make a contribution to the energy transition and to reducing the dependence of certain countries on gas and oil imports. How big this contribution will and can ultimately be remains to be seen.

Detailed description of the invention

The basic embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The drawings used below are for illustration and better understanding purposes only. They are not part of the drawings of the patent specification and for this reason are not given a figure number.

This in Fig. 1 The (basic) system shown is based on the system of a conventional pump. The pump container (1), in this case a cylinder, is open at the top and has a closable drain (2) on the side, just above the cylinder base. A hose (or alternatively a pipe) (3) is connected to this, which leads upwards, far beyond the edge of the pump container. In the pump container there is a "weight plate" (4) as a "pump piston", which is sealed airtight and watertight to the edge of the cylinder. The - relatively heavy - weight plate should be able to slide up and down in the cylinder with as little friction as possible.

If you fill the pump container - without a piston in it (= weight plate) - with water from above and then place the piston on top, the weight of the piston pushes the water in the pump container into the hose and upwards (as far as the hose ends and the water flows out the top or until the counter pressure in the hose is too great due to the weight of the water and the weight plate comes to a standstill in the balance of forces).

Basically, this is comparable to a standard hand/foot pump for pumping air or water. The central difference is that the pump energy is exclusively is applied by the gravitational force of the earth. The gravitational force always remains the same. The pump performance can be influenced by the weight of the plate (piston). The heavier the plate, the greater the pumping performance. Depending on the weight of the plate and the design of the outflow pipe/hose, water can be transported upwards in this way (to relatively high heights with a relatively thin pipe; to lower heights with a thicker pipe; this requires a larger amount of water with a thicker pipe can be implemented per unit of time).

Please note: In the vertical pipe segment (from above the respective water surface in the pump cylinder) there can be a maximum amount of water that corresponds to the weight of the weight plate (or corresponds to the gravitational force that acts on the plate in the water).

The weight plate (the pump piston) can be made of concrete, stone, metal (or mixed material). It has to be heavy and stable. The panel must be airtight and watertight towards the edge. The latter may need to be ensured using appropriate seals.

Der "Aufzug"/Die Auftriebsvorrichtung (5) ist in seiner/ihrer Gestaltung nicht auf die oben angedeutete Form beschränkt. Beim "Aufzug" handelt es sich um eine Leichtbaukonstruktion, die im Wesentlichen aus abgeschlossenen Kammern (6) besteht, die mit Luft oder Gas gefüllt sind. Diese sorgen für den Auftrieb im Wasser. Um einen möglichst starken Auftrieb zu erzeugen, sollte die gesamte Konstruktion möglichst leicht sein. Die Kammern müssen luft- und wasserdicht sein. Es soll keine Luft/ kein Gas aus den Kammern entweichen können und kein Wasser von außen in die Kammern einfließen können. Zwischen den Kammern und/oder in der Mitte sind Durchlässe, bzw. ist ein Durchlass (7) anzuordnen, durch die/den Wasser strömen kann. In Fig. 4 ist beispielhaft eine denkbare Gestaltung des "Aufzugs"/der Auftriebsvorrichtung abgebildet. In sich geschlossene Luft-, bzw. Gaskammern (6) sind über Verbindungsstangen (18) zur Stabilisierung der Vorrichtung verbunden. In der Auftriebsvorrichtung befindet sich ein Durchlass (7), durch den Wasser fließen kann. Am Rand der Auftriebsvorrichtung können - zur Innenseite des Pumpbehälters hin - Kontakte zur Führung der Vorrichtung (17) angebracht werden.At the end of the pumping process, the weight plate (4) is located at the bottom of the pump container (1). The question arises as to how to get the plate back up. This is the core of the invention. The present invention uses the buoyancy of air in water for this purpose. The previous application is expanded to include an “elevator” (5). This can either be firmly connected to the weight plate (the piston) or alternatively be designed as a detachable element.

The “elevator”/buoyancy device (5) is not limited in its design to the form indicated above. The "elevator" is a lightweight construction that essentially consists of closed chambers (6) that are filled with air or gas. These ensure buoyancy in the water. In order to generate the greatest possible buoyancy, the entire construction should be as light as possible. The chambers must be airtight and watertight. No air/gas should be able to escape from the chambers and no water should be able to flow into the chambers from outside. Passages or a passage (7) through which water can flow must be arranged between the chambers and/or in the middle. In Fig. 4 An example of a conceivable design of the “elevator”/buoyancy device is shown. Self-contained air or gas chambers (6) are connected via connecting rods (18) to stabilize the device. There is a passage (7) in the buoyancy device through which water can flow. Contacts for guiding the device (17) can be attached to the edge of the buoyancy device - towards the inside of the pump container.

The buoyancy device ("elevator") (5) is significantly lighter than the comparable volume of water. In a pump container (1) filled with water, it will rise to the surface of the water. It is able to carry a certain (additional) weight upwards. With an appropriate design - depending on the weight of the weight plate (4) - the buoyancy device is able to transport itself and the weight plate upwards (probably not all the way to the edge, but far up).

The problem is that the weight plate (4) is airtight and watertight. Water flowing into the cylinder from above cannot get under the plate. The plate would also not be able to move upwards due to the resulting negative pressure. The invention solves this problem with a closable passage (8) (or with several closable passages). This is integrated into the plate. The passage is closed when the plate pushes water/liquid into the hose (3) on the way down. The passage is then opened when the plate is at the bottom and needs to go back up. The water that flows from above into the pump tank (1) gets under the plate (4) and enables the elevator (5) to rise along with the weight plate (4).

The culverts should preferably be slightly funnel-shaped to promote water flow.

At the bottom of the pump tank, "stilts"/"stoppers" (9) must be attached to the edge to prevent the weight plate (4) from sinking to the floor. This is intended to prevent the plate from being pressed against the floor. The contact pressure would make it difficult for the plate to rise. Once the weight plate has dropped, it rests on the “stoppers”.

1. 1. Der zunächst leere Pumpbehälter (1) (vorliegend in Fig. 2 ein Zylinder) ist zu Beginn mit Wasser/Flüssigkeit zu befüllen. Hierzu ist der Abfluss (2) zum Schlauch/Rohr (3) - seitlich unten am Pumpbehälter - geschlossen. Das Wasser fließt von oben in den - nach oben offenen - Pumpbehälter ein. Nach unten ist der Pumpbehälter dicht, so dass kein Wasser entweichen kann.
2. 2. Die Auftriebsvorrichtung ("Aufzug") (5) befindet sich an der Wasseroberfläche. Sie schwimmt aufgrund ihres Gewichts (sie ist sehr leicht!) auf dem Wasser im Pumpbehälter. In der Auftriebsvorrichtung befinden sich mehrere Durchlässe, durch die Wasser fließen kann (bzw. ein großer Durchfluss in der Mitte oder beides kombiniert) (7). Die Vorrichtung muss zum Rand hin nicht luftdicht abschließen. Die Durchlässe in der Vorrichtung (im "Aufzug") bleiben dauerhaft geöffnet, müssen gar nicht verschließbar sein. Am "Aufzug" befindet sich - unten angekoppelt - die Gewichtsplatte (4). Sie besitzt einen großen Durchlass (ein "Loch") in der Mitte (8), der verschlossen werden kann (bzw. auch mehrere verschließbare Durchlässe an verschiedenen Stellen). Der Aufzug mit der Gewichtsplatte schwimmt auf dem einströmenden Wasser und steigt mit dem steigenden Wasserspiegel im Pumpbehälter immer weiter nach oben. Die Durchlässe im Aufzug (7) und in der Gewichtsplatte (8) sind alle geöffnet, sodass Wasser durchfließen kann.
3. 3. Der Pumpbehälter (1) ist nunmehr weitgehend vollständig befüllt; es fließt kein Wasser mehr ein. Oben an der Wasseroberfläche (bzw. fast an der Oberfläche) befindet sich der Verbund aus Aufzug (5) und Gewichtsplatte (4). Der Aufzug wird nunmehr arretiert (gemäß Stand der Technik), also z.B. mittels Halterung (10) am Rand des Pumpbehälters befestigt. Der Durchlass in der Gewichtsplatte (8) wird verschlossen, sodass kein Wasser mehr durch die Gewichtsplatte strömen kann (die Platte ist zum Rand hin luft- und wasserdicht abgeschlossen; der Durchlass in der Mitte wird nunmehr ebenfalls luft- und wasserdicht verschlossen, etwa durch eine Art "Schiebetür" in der Gewichtsplatte). Es wird nunmehr der Abfluss (2) zum Schlauch/Rohr geöffnet und die Gewichtsplatte vom Aufzug abgetrennt.
4. 4. Es fließt nunmehr Wasser in den seitlichen Schlauch (3), bzw. das Wasser wird durch die sich absenkende Gewichtsplatte (4) regelrecht in den Schlauch gepresst. Die auf die Gewichtsplatte einwirkende Gravitationskraft bewirkt, dass das Wasser durch den Schlauch nach oben in die Höhe gepresst wird. Das ist der einzige Weg, den das Wasser nehmen kann. Das Wasser (zumindest der Großteil davon) kann so - je nach Gewicht der Platte und Dicke des Schlauchs - in ein mehr oder weniger höher gelegenes Auffangbecken (13) transportiert werden [und dabei ggf. auch bereits eine oder mehrere Turbinen zur Stromerzeugung (12) durchfließen, bzw. ein Wasserrad (14) antreiben].
5. 5. Das Wasser sammelt sich im Auffangbecken (13), das zu diesem Zeitpunkt nach unten hin noch abgeschlossen ist. Wenn die Gewichtsplatte (4) am Boden des Pumpbehälters (1), bzw. auf den dort angebrachten Stelzen/Stoppern (9) angelangt ist, stoppt der Pumpvorgang. Im kompletten Schlauch/Rohr (3) befindet sich nun Wasser. Es wird nunmehr der Abfluss vom Pumpbehälter zum Schlauch (2) wieder wasserdicht verschlossen. Das im Schlauch (3) befindliche Wasser kann also nicht in den Pumpbehälter (1) zurückfließen.
6. 6. In der am Boden des Pumpbehälters befindlichen Gewichtsplatte (4) wird der Durchlass in der Mitte (8) (bzw. werden sämtliche vorhandenen Durchlässe) geöffnet. In der Gewichtsplatte befindet sich also wieder ein offenes "Loch", bzw. mehrere offene "Löcher", durch das/die Wasser fließen kann. Noch fließt aber kein Wasser hindurch. Die Gewichtsplatte befindet sich lediglich mit geöffneten Durchlässen am Boden des Pumpbehälters (bzw. auf den dortigen Stelzen).
7. 7. Es wird sodann der "Aufzug" (5) aus seiner Halterung (10) gelöst und er senkt sich im Luftraum oberhalb der Gewichtsplatte zu dieser hinab. (vgl. Hilfsmechanismus zum Absenken in Fig. 5)
8. 8. Wenn der Aufzug unten angekommen ist und auf der Gewichtsplatte aufliegt, werden die beiden Elemente über hierfür vorgesehene Vorrichtungen (11) (oben auf der Gewichtsplatte, bzw. unten am Aufzug; gemäß Stand der Technik) wieder miteinander verbunden. Aufzug (5) und Gewichtsplatte (4) sind dann also wieder fest miteinander verbunden.
9. 9. Es wird jetzt anschließend der sich unten am Auffangbecken (13) befindliche Abfluss (15) geöffnet und das dort befindliche Wasser fließt über Turbinen (16), die die Höhenenergie des Wassers in Energie/Strom umwandeln, zurück in den Pumpbehälter (1).
10. 10. Dort beginnt die Einheit aus Aufzug (5) und Gewichtsplatte (4) sich mit steigendem Wasserpegel im Pumpbehälter (1) nach oben zu bewegen. Oben angelangt wird der Durchlass (8) in der Gewichtsplatte (4) (bzw. werden sämtliche Durchlässe in der

In the following, the basic embodiment of the method, or the basic functionality of the system, will be presented based on the timing of a pumping process. The representation is based on Fig. 2 .

1. 1. The initially empty pump container (1) (present in Fig. 2 a cylinder) must initially be filled with water/liquid. For this purpose, the drain (2) to the hose/pipe (3) - at the bottom of the pump container - is closed. The water flows from above into the pump tank, which is open at the top. The pump container is sealed at the bottom so that no water can escape.
2. 2. The buoyancy device (“elevator”) (5) is located on the water surface. It floats on the water in the pump tank due to its weight (it is very light!). There are several passages in the buoyancy device through which water can flow (or a large flow in the middle, or a combination of both) (7). The device does not have to be airtight towards the edge. The passages in the device (in the "elevator") remain permanently open and do not have to be lockable at all. The weight plate (4) is attached to the bottom of the “elevator”. It has a large passage (a "hole") in the middle (8), which can be closed (or several closable passages in different places). The elevator with the weight plate floats on the incoming water and continues to rise as the water level in the pump tank rises. The passages in the elevator (7) and weight plate (8) are all open to allow water to flow through.
3. 3. The pump container (1) is now largely completely filled; no more water flows in. At the top of the water surface (or almost on the surface) is the combination of elevator (5) and weight plate (4). The elevator is now locked (according to the prior art), for example attached to the edge of the pump container by means of a holder (10). The passage in the weight plate (8) is closed so that no more water can flow through the weight plate (the plate is sealed airtight and watertight towards the edge; the passage in the middle is now also closed airtight and watertight, for example by a Type of "sliding door" in the weight plate). The drain (2) to the hose/pipe is now opened and the weight plate is separated from the elevator.
4. 4. Water now flows into the side hose (3), or the water is literally pressed into the hose by the lowering weight plate (4). The ones on the The gravitational force acting on the weight plate causes the water to be pressed upwards through the hose. That's the only way the water can take. The water (at least the majority of it) can - depending on the weight of the plate and the thickness of the hose - be transported to a more or less higher-lying collecting basin (13) [and possibly also one or more turbines to generate electricity (12) flow through, or drive a water wheel (14)].
5. 5. The water collects in the collecting basin (13), which is still closed at the bottom at this point. When the weight plate (4) reaches the bottom of the pump container (1) or on the stilts/stoppers (9) attached there, the pumping process stops. There is now water in the entire hose/pipe (3). The drain from the pump container to the hose (2) is now sealed watertight again. The water in the hose (3) cannot flow back into the pump container (1).
6. 6. In the weight plate (4) located at the bottom of the pump tank, the passage in the middle (8) (or all existing passages) is opened. In the weight plate there is again an open “hole” or several open “holes” through which water can flow. But no water is flowing through yet. The weight plate is only located at the bottom of the pump tank (or on the stilts there) with the passages open.
7. 7. The "elevator" (5) is then released from its holder (10) and it lowers down to the weight plate in the air space above it. (see auxiliary mechanism for lowering in Fig. 5 )
8. 8. When the elevator has reached the bottom and is resting on the weight plate, the two elements are reconnected to one another using devices (11) provided for this purpose (at the top of the weight plate or at the bottom of the elevator; according to the prior art). The elevator (5) and weight plate (4) are then firmly connected to each other again.
9. 9. The drain (15) located at the bottom of the collecting basin (13) is now opened and the water there flows back into the pump tank (1) via turbines (16), which convert the high energy of the water into energy/electricity. .
10. 10. There the unit consisting of elevator (5) and weight plate (4) begins to move upwards as the water level in the pump tank (1) rises. At the top, the passage (8) is in the weight plate (4) (or all passages are in the

Weight plate) closed, the elevator (5) is locked (10), the weight plate (4) is disconnected from the elevator and the drain (2) is opened. Now everything begins again...

Alternatively, it would be conceivable to permanently connect the weight plate (4) and the elevator (5) as a unit. The entire network would always move up and down. Locking the elevator, lowering it and coupling/uncoupling the weight plate would no longer be necessary. The system would be simpler without these intermediate steps. However, it remains to be clarified whether this variant works to the same extent.

Building on the basic mechanism presented, the following modifications, further developments and possible applications arise in particular:
First of all, it should be noted that the shape of the pump container - usually a cylinder in the drawings - can be largely varied freely. For maximum use of space (= maximum pumping capacity), a square basic shape is particularly suitable. But other shapes - such as ovals or polygons - are also suitable. Depending on the shape of the pump container (1), the weight plate (4) and the buoyancy device (5) located therein must also be adjusted accordingly. The advantage of such a (non-circular) design is that the up and down moving components of the system, i.e. in particular the weight plate and the buoyancy device, are already guided through the appropriate shape and there is no risk of unnecessary rotations around their own axis .

In Fig. 3 is an obvious variation of the Fig. 2 shown. Instead of the collecting basin (13), another pump with identical functionality as the one in Fig. 1 The pump shown can be interposed. This makes it possible to direct the water in the pump tank through a turbine with additional pressure. It is conceivable to expand this system with additional pumps and turbines arranged between the pumps, in particular for energy/power generation.

Fig. 5 contains the sketch of an auxiliary device for lowering the elevator. In order to slow down the lowering of the elevator (5) in the pump container (1) - after lowering the weight plate (4) - a counterweight (21) is attached via a cable connection (20) that runs over rotatable rollers (19). The counterweight is in one for guidance Pipe, or in a shaft (22) in which there is otherwise only air. The counterweight (21) should be slightly lighter than the elevator (5). In this way, the elevator can be lowered gently. In addition, the counterweight also helps to “pull up” the combination of elevator and weight plate. In this respect, the counterweight supports the buoyancy of the buoyancy device.

Fig. 6 is the representation of a large power plant in a - natural or artificial - body of water (e.g. lake, sea or river). There are several systems in a sub-basin (24). Fig. 1 . These pump water via long hoses/pipes (3) into an upper basin (23). From there the water flows through turbines to generate electricity (16) back into the lower basin (24). In contrast to the systems shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The additional water flow takes place via appropriate devices on the edge of the pump tank in the lower basin. The upper edge of the pump tank generally protrudes above the water surface in the lower basin. This means that no water can flow into the pump tanks. When the respective pumping systems have finished their pumping process and additional water flow is necessary to raise the sunken weight plate, the edge of the pumping container is lowered below the water surface or corresponding passages are opened at the upper edge of the pumping container. The corresponding mechanisms are in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shown as an example. As soon as enough water has flowed into the pump tank, the edge is raised above the water surface again, or the passages at the upper edge of the pump tank are closed again. A new pumping process as shown in Fig. 1 can start. A constant cycle arises. Since the water from the upper basin (23) can flow permanently through the turbines (16) and then simply flows back into the lower basin (24) (and not directly into the pump tank), it is not necessary to retain/dam up the water in the upper basin. The upper basin (23) can therefore also be relatively small in size.

Fig. 9 is an exemplary representation of a ship's propulsion system. Annexes according to Fig. 1 pump water upwards to drive a wheel/turbine. The hoses (3) through which the water flows are aligned so that the pumped water causes the wheel/turbine (27) to rotate. The rotation of the turbine/wheel is transmitted to a ship's propeller (25) via corresponding rods and a gear transmission (26) - according to the prior art. The wheel/turbine is significantly larger than that Propeller to use as much leverage as possible. In this way, a fast speed of the ship's propeller (25) can be generated at a moderate speed of the wheel/turbine (27). After hitting the turbine/wheel (27), the water from the pump tanks flows from above back into the pump tank (1) of another pumping system that has already completed its pumping process. In the representation in Fig. 9 The two systems shown pump alternately. The water flows back into the other pump tank. By appropriately arranging many additional pump systems, you can ensure that the turbine/wheel (27) and thus the ship's propeller (25) are permanently driven, or by several pumps at the same time. You can dose the drive as required or switch it off completely by stopping individual or all pumping processes. This can be done by not disconnecting the weight plate from the elevator or by simply closing the drain (2) to the pipe/hose (3).

The illustration ( Fig. 9 ) only briefly illustrates how it works; The design options are diverse, especially with regard to the orientation and design of the turbine/wheel (27) and the exact design of the water return flow.

Fig. 12 illustrates the spatial arrangement of a corresponding drive system, as one could imagine it as an example.

Fig. 10 represents a variant of the Fig. 9 The system only differs from the system there in that the water from the (lower) pump tank is first pumped into a higher pump tank, from which it is then pumped against the turbine/wheel (27). The water then flows back into the lower pump tank.

Fig. 11 also represents a variant of the Fig. 9 In contrast to this, the water here - after hitting the wheel/turbine (27) - falls into a collecting basin (28) and does not flow directly back into a pump system. There are closable drains (29) at the bottom of the collecting basin, through which the water then flows back into the pump tank if necessary - timed to coincide with the pumping processes.

Annexes according to Fig. 9 , 10 and 11 can not only be used to drive a ship's turbine. The rotation generated can also be used to generate electricity via a generator (as a “small power plant”, so to speak, to supply individual or a few households). A space-saving, compact arrangement of several pump systems directly next to each other or one above the other is particularly suitable for this.

In a ship, it would also be conceivable to allow water to constantly flow in from outside (e.g. from the sea) into a closed area of the hull. This water flows into the pumping systems and is then pumped out of the ship through a drain at the back to drive the ship. Depending on the strength of the water flow created, this could be enough to move a ship.

State of the art - delimitation

An initial survey-like research has shown that the task of the invention, to make use of the gravitational force of the earth and the buoyancy of air or gas in water, was already the starting point for other inventions. However, as far as can be seen, these inventions differ significantly from the present invention, often in the beginning.

The patented invention DE102017004789A1 ("Gravitational pump") includes a pump that generates a flow from which energy is obtained by means of a piston set in motion by means of buoyancy or gravity. This initially sounds like a counterpart to the present invention, but upon closer inspection it is fundamentally different. The invention differs significantly from the present invention in its appearance. In addition, the invention is based on completely different mechanisms. A crucial difference is that the invention - in contrast to the present invention - works by pumping in gas. This is a key difference that comes with significant disadvantages. The constant pumping in of gas mixtures itself costs a lot of energy, especially since this may have to be done under considerable pressure. In this regard, it must also be taken into account that the gas must first reach the point where it is to be pumped in. Depending on the location of the system, transport routes are more or less long; depending on the size of the system, considerable amounts of gas are required. Gas transport is also not entirely without danger; at least it requires specialist personnel. This may also affect the Operation of the plant. The gas also has to be let out again - another, not entirely uncomplicated, intermediate step. The approach of the present invention, which operates completely without feeding in air or gas, is advantageous in this respect. The invention of the “gravitational pump” is also largely based on a largely closed pump container. An important component of the present invention, on the other hand, is a pump container that is open at the top and allows water to flow in from above. The piston of the "gravity pump" also moves laterally rather than vertically like the pump piston of the present invention. The characteristic rope connections of the invention are also not present in the present invention. The invention of the “gravitational pump” is simply based on different mechanisms of action than the present invention. The invention DE102017004789A1 realizes another inventive idea. This is also evident from the fact that a “very large piston surface ” is characteristic of the invention. A fundamental difference from the present invention.

The creative and interesting invention of the "gyroscopic penny-farthing power station" ( DE102009039743A1 ) has a disadvantage in that it takes up a lot of space. This goes hand in hand with the invention, as the essential feature of the invention is the use of leverage through the “largest possible lever arm”. The invention uses lever physics and combines this with the kinetic forces that exist in the water due to the buoyancy of air. Apart from the fact that the earth's gravitational force is not an issue at all in this invention, the invention also follows a completely different approach to using air buoyancy in water than the present invention. In contrast to this, the system also works by feeding in gas or air. In this respect, reference can be made to the above statements. The idea here is completely different, which is reflected in a very different external design of the invention. There are therefore only a few parallels to the present invention.

Also the "element power plant (EKW)" ( DE202006008957U1 ) is fundamentally different from the present invention. It uses the hydropower of rivers. The invention is essentially an “upgrade” of known and existing hydroelectric power plants. River water from the turbine of such a system should not be released unused into the underwater, but rather fed into the system of the “element power plant” for further energy generation. One intelligent use of remaining energy, “residual energy generation” so to speak. This means that the invention differs from the present invention in its approach. The invention of the "element power plant", unlike the present invention, uses the energy of (already) flowing water. This is what the system depends on, or rather what it is based on. It is not designed to generate water energy itself, especially altitude energy. The system also works with work cycles that change the position of the cylinders by periodically rotating them through 90 degrees. The position of the pump cylinders of the present invention, on the other hand, is always constant. The only thing in common with the present invention is the piston moving vertically. However, this is - again in contrast to the present invention - moved by the water column pressure, which is generated by the (residual) energy of the water previously moved through a turbine. Air buoyancy only plays a crucial role in variant four of the “element power plant”. In this respect, however, the air buoyancy does not affect the piston, but rather the cylinder, which supports the rotation of the system through the air in it and makes it easier for the piston to rise.

• Zunächst zeichnet sich die Erfindung dadurch aus, dass sie ohne die Zuführung von Stoffen von außen arbeitet. Es muss insbesondere keine Luft, bzw. kein Gas zugeführt/eingepumpt werden.
• Durch die Pumpvorgänge der Erfindung werden zudem - abgesehen von geringfügigem Materialabrieb und ggf. Schmiermitteln - keine Stoffe verbraucht.
• Die Anlage ist nicht auf seltene Rohstoffe angewiesen. Die zur Verwirklichung der Erfindung verwendeten - nicht seltenen - Rohstoffe gehen nicht verloren; sie werden nicht verbraucht.
• Die auf der Erfindung aufbauenden, oben dargestellten Verfahren können als geschlossene Kreisläufe arbeiten, bzw. sind sogar vor allem darauf ausgelegt.
• Das macht sie in besonderem Maße flexibel hinsichtlich möglicher Standorte. Die Erfindung ist nicht auf bestimmte Standorte angewiesen.
• Wesentlicher funktioneller Bestandteil der Erfindung ist, dass beim Pumpvorgang durch das Absenken der Gewichtsplatte (4) im Pumpbehälter oberhalb der Gewichtsplatte ein mit Luft gefüllter Raum entsteht. In diesem ist ein Absenken des "Aufzugs"/der Auftriebsvorrichtung (5) ohne relevanten Energieaufwand möglich. Der Aufzug/die Auftriebsvorrichtung hätte im Wasser, bzw. allgemein in Flüssigkeit, stets einen enormen Auftrieb, der ein Absenken erschweren, bzw. unmöglich machen würde.
• Der kontrollierte Ab- und Zufluss von Wasser durch verschließbare Abflüsse und Durchlässe, zeitlich abgestimmt auf die Pumpvorgänge, ist essentieller Bestandteil der in Fig. 2 dargestellten grundlegenden Funktionsweise der Erfindung.
• Ein großer Vorteil der Erfindung ist die sehr kompakte Ausgestaltung. Die Erfindung kann in ihrer Ausgestaltung jedenfalls sehr kompakt verwirklicht werden.
• Trotzdem ist die genaue Ausgestaltung dabei flexibel. Die Maße der Pumpbehälter (Höhe, Durchmesser, etc.) und die Lagen/Höhen etwaiger Auffangbecken sind weitgehend flexibel, da insbesondere durch die variierbare Dicke des Schlauches (3), dessen Verlauf und durch das Gewicht der Gewichtsplatte (4) die einzelnen Parameter der Erfindung genau aufeinander abgestimmt werden können. Die Anlage kann damit ideal an örtliche Gegebenheiten angepasst werden. Das auch deshalb, weil nicht nur die Größe der Pumpanlagen, sondern auch die Anzahl der Anlagen leicht variierbar ist.
• Für den Betrieb der Anlagen sind zudem keine besonderen äußeren Bedingungen notwendig. Die Anlage an sich ist insbesondere nicht anfällig für Hitze oder Nässe. Lediglich extreme Kälte kann durch die Bildung von Eis den Betrieb der Anlage beeinflussen. Da das Wasser in der Anlage jedoch fast dauerhaft zirkuliert, dürfte auch hierfür die Anfälligkeit nicht allzu hoch sein.
• In ihrer Anwendung als Kraftwerk zur Energiegewinnung ermöglicht die Erfindung eine Energieerzeugung "direkt vor Ort". Das bietet sich insbesondere bei etwas abgelegenen Stromverbrauchern an (etwa bei abgelegenen Dörfern).
• Die Erfindung kann - wie bereits erwähnt - weitgehend standortunabhängig verwirklicht werden, da sie im Betrieb nicht auf die Zuführung von Stoffen angewiesen ist. Es müssen also keine Transporte zur Anlage hin vorgenommen werden. Zudem können ggf. etwaig erforderliche örtliche Voraussetzungen auch künstlich geschaffen werden. Die weitgehende Standortunabhängigkeit der Erfindung kann Stromtransporte entbehrlich machen. Die Notwendigkeit weiter Stromtransporte über kostspielige Infrastruktur könnte vielerorts entfallen. Die Energieerzeugung und -versorgung könnte damit im Gesamten viel dezentraler organisiert werden.
• Auf der Erfindung basierende Anlagen zur Energieerzeugung können weitgehend passgenau auf den örtlichen Bedarf abgestimmt werden.
• Die Anlage benötigt keine Ruhepausen; Dauerbetrieb ist möglich.
• Daneben ist die Anlage ideal geeignet für eine Vollautomatisierung. Das aufeinander abgestimmte Öffnen und Schließen von Abflüssen und Durchlässen, bzw. das Lösen von Halterungen, könnte ohne Weiteres vollautomatisiert geschehen.
• Durch viele - kleinere und größere Anlagen - kann die Stabilität des Stromnetzes (weiter) erhöht werden (sofern man die Anlagen an das Stromnetz anschließt). Die Anlagen sind potentiell in der Lage, zuverlässig und dauerhaft Strom zu erzeugen.
• Die Anlage besteht aus relativ wenigen, robusten Bauteilen; sie weist damit potentiell eine geringe Störanfälligkeit auf
• Das zum Pumpen verwendete Wasser muss keine besonderen Eigenschaften aufweisen (es muss sich insbesondere nicht um Trinkwasser handeln). [Wenn man die Anlage aber unter schwierigen Bedingungen verwirklicht (etwa in aggressivem Salzwasser im Meer) muss man bei den verwendeten Materialien natürlich auf eine diesbezügliche Widerstandsfähigkeit achten.]
• Die von der Erfindung genutzten Kräfte - die Gravitationskraft der Erde und der Auftrieb im Wasser - sind zwei beständige Konstanten. Das auf der Erfindung aufbauende Verfahren zur Stromerzeugung/zum Antrieb von Schiffen (bzw. allgemein zum vorgelagerten Antrieb von Rädern/Turbinen) ermöglicht eine effiziente Nutzung der Gravitations- und Luftauftriebskräfte "ohne Schnörkel".
• Die Anlage ist nicht auf ein fließendes Gewässer angewiesen.
• Sie ist auch nicht auf ein sonstiges natürliches Gewässer angewiesen; in einem solchen bietet sich die Verwirklichung der Erfindung aber besonders an
• Es entstehen durch den Betrieb der Anlage und der dargestellten, darauf aufbauenden Verfahren keine Abfallprodukte

In order to differentiate the present invention from the prior art or to enable a relevant examination - especially against the background of the prior art that goes beyond the above representations - the central advantages/features of the present invention will be presented again below make them - especially in their entirety - something new. In this respect, the formulated patent claims are of course primarily decisive for the assessment.

• First of all, the invention is characterized by the fact that it works without the supply of substances from outside. In particular, no air or gas needs to be supplied/pumped in.
• In addition, apart from minor material abrasion and possibly lubricants, no materials are consumed by the pumping processes of the invention.
• The system does not rely on rare raw materials. The raw materials - which are not rare - used to realize the invention are not lost; they are not consumed.
• The methods shown above based on the invention can work as closed circuits, or are even designed primarily for this purpose.
• This makes them particularly flexible with regard to possible locations. The invention is not dependent on specific locations.
• An essential functional component of the invention is that during the pumping process, a space filled with air is created by lowering the weight plate (4) in the pump container above the weight plate. In this way, the “elevator”/buoyancy device (5) can be lowered without any relevant expenditure of energy. The elevator/buoyancy device would always have enormous buoyancy in water, or in liquid in general, which would make lowering difficult or impossible.
• The controlled outflow and inflow of water through closable drains and passages, timed to the pumping processes, is an essential part of the in Fig. 2 basic functionality of the invention shown.
• A big advantage of the invention is the very compact design. In any case, the invention can be implemented in a very compact manner in its design.
• Nevertheless, the exact design is flexible. The dimensions of the pump tanks (height, diameter, etc.) and the positions/heights of any collecting basins are largely flexible, as the individual parameters of the hose (3) are determined in particular by the variable thickness of the hose (3), its course and the weight of the weight plate (4). Invention can be precisely coordinated. The system can therefore be ideally adapted to local conditions. This is also because not only the size of the pumping systems, but also the number of systems can be easily varied.
• Furthermore, no special external conditions are necessary for the operation of the systems. The system itself is particularly not susceptible to heat or moisture. Only extreme cold can affect the operation of the system due to the formation of ice. However, since the water in the system circulates almost permanently, the susceptibility to this should not be too high.
• When used as a power plant to generate energy, the invention enables energy to be generated “directly on site”. This is particularly useful for somewhat remote electricity consumers (e.g. remote villages).
• As already mentioned, the invention can be implemented largely regardless of location, since it does not rely on the supply of substances during operation. This means there is no need to transport anything to the facility. In addition, any necessary local conditions can also be created artificially become. The fact that the invention is largely independent of location can make electricity transport unnecessary. The need for further electricity transmission via expensive infrastructure could be eliminated in many places. Energy production and supply could therefore be organized in a much more decentralized manner overall.
• Energy generation systems based on the invention can largely be tailored to local needs.
• The system does not require any rest breaks; Continuous operation is possible.
• The system is also ideal for full automation. The coordinated opening and closing of drains and culverts, or the loosening of brackets, could easily be fully automated.
• The stability of the power grid can be (further) increased by many systems - smaller and larger (as long as the systems are connected to the power grid). The systems are potentially able to generate electricity reliably and permanently.
• The system consists of relatively few, robust components; It therefore potentially has a low susceptibility to failure
• The water used for pumping does not have to have any special properties (in particular it does not have to be drinking water). [However, if you are building the system under difficult conditions (e.g. in aggressive salt water in the sea), you of course have to pay attention to the resistance of the materials used.]
• The forces used by the invention - the gravitational force of the earth and the buoyancy of water - are two constant constants. The method based on the invention for generating electricity/propelling ships (or generally for driving wheels/turbines upstream) enables efficient use of the gravitational and air buoyancy forces "without any frills".
• The system does not rely on running water.
• It is also not dependent on any other natural body of water; However, the realization of the invention is particularly suitable in such a situation
• No waste products are created through the operation of the system and the processes based on it

The invention was explained using its preferred basic embodiments. However, there can be many other modifications and variations in addition to those shown can be carried out without going beyond the scope of the present invention. The appended claims are also intended to cover these modifications and variations insofar as they are included within the true scope of the invention. The number additions in brackets in the patent claims only serve for better understanding and are not intended to represent any restrictions.

Claims (7)

System for pumping liquid, comprising: a vertically oriented pump container (1) which is open at the top - or at least is open to the extent that air and water can flow in - and which has at least one watertight sealable drain (2) in its lower edge area or in the base ; a relatively heavy plate (4) located in the pump container (1) and acting as a pump piston, which is airtight and watertight to the edge of the pump container and can move up and down in the pump container; in the plate (4) there is at least one passage (8) which can be closed in a watertight and airtight manner and which, when open, allows liquid to flow through; a - relatively light - buoyancy device (5) that is firmly connected or connectable to the plate (4), which mainly consists of closed buoyancy containers (6) filled with air or gas and connected to one another and which pass through at least one passage (7) or through corresponding ones gaps allow liquid to flow through; The buoyancy device (5) must also be able to move up and down in the pump container (1). a line (3), such as a hose or a pipe, connected to the drain (2); Stop devices (9) at the bottom of the pump tank (1), which prevent the plate (4) from sinking to the bottom of the pump tank (1); the stop devices (9) are useful for the system, but they are not an absolutely necessary component; Pumping system according to claim 1, with or without stopping devices (9), wherein the buoyancy device (5) and the plate (4) are fundamentally separated; the buoyancy device (5) can be temporarily secured in the upper edge region of the pump container (1) by means of releasable holders (10) - or other devices for temporary locking; devices (11) for connecting the plate (4) to the buoyancy device (5) are present, which are located on the top of the plate and/or the bottom of the buoyancy device; - optional (since it is beneficial, but not absolutely necessary) - the buoyancy device (5) is attached to a counterweight (21) via a cable connection (20), which runs over rotatable rollers (19), which is parallel to the pump container (1). moved up and down in the opposite direction to the buoyancy device (5). Method in which - using one or more pumping systems according to claim 1 and / or claim 2 - by the gravitational force of the earth, the air/gas buoyancy in the water, the flow properties of water/liquid and the controlled inflow and outflow of water/liquid the timed opening and closing of closable passages (8) and drains [(2), (15)] kinetic and height energy of liquid/water is obtained, which is generated via the flow of turbines [(12), (16), (27 )] or water wheels (14) and can be converted into electrical power via appropriate generators; Plant according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is used to drive a turbine [(12), (16), (27)], a water wheel (14) or a functionally equivalent device using the method according to claim 3; Systems according to claim 1 or claim 2, which pump water/liquid into a higher-lying collecting basin (13) in a circular system using the method according to claim 3; Pumping systems according to claim 1 or claim 2, which set turbines (27) or water wheels (14) in rotation via a water jet - generated using the method according to claim 3 - which - if necessary via connecting rods and gear ratios (26) - a ship's propeller ( 25) or drive a power generator; Use of one or more systems according to claim 1 or claim 2 in a body of water, with the inflow of water into the pump container (1) through a lowering mechanism (Fig. 8) or via closable passages (Fig. 7) at the upper edge of the pump container (1). ) is made possible;

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