TW202406373A - Power tunnel - Google Patents

Abstract

A power tunnel comprises a tube body, an inlet, and an outlet. The tube body provides space to accommodate gases, liquids, people, vehicles, etc. The power tunnel can be used for energy storage, power generation, air-raid shelter, or other purposes.

Description

power tunnel

[Cross-reference to related applications]

This application is a partial continuation of the US patent application US17/777,516 "Energy storage system and method using heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module" filed on May 17, 2022 (the US patent application Currently under review, it claims the priority of the Chinese patent application CN202111466565.5 "Energy storage system and method using heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module" applied on December 3, 2021).

In addition, this application claims priority over the US patent provisional application US63/349,284 "Power Tunnel" filed on June 6, 2022.

All of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

The present invention relates to the technical field of energy, and in particular to an electric power tunnel.

In order to avoid the threat of war (or nuclear war), governments or private citizens of various countries have set up many bunkers to provide shelter for people, vehicles, aircraft, materials, etc. For example, bunkers can be air-raid shelters, caves, tunnels, above-ground pipelines, underground pipelines, Water pipes, oil pipes, subway passages, cellars, basements, railway arches, etc. Or, in certain engineering planning or design systems, in order to ensure that the system can maintain stable operation after the project is completed, a backup system is usually designed in addition to the main system. Taking the tunneling project as an example, in addition to the main tunnel, a backup tunnel will also be dug to deal with the situation when the main tunnel cannot be used (such as due to landslides, accidents, etc.) or is insufficient for use; however, backup tunnels are usually They are all closed and unused.

In some embodiments, the present invention uses liquid (such as water) to squeeze gas located in a space (such as a tube, a tunnel, etc.) to change the volume, density, or molecular arrangement of the gas (such as air), and thereby Causes compression of the gas (for example, the space occupied by air is replaced by water). In addition, through the expansion, pressure relief, release, etc. of the gas, the liquid can be pushed, so that the liquid can drive another device, such as a generator (such as a water turbine, a gas turbine), to generate electricity. In another embodiment, the liquid from the generator can be collected/recycled, and the liquid can be squeezed into the gas again. Through repeated circulation, green energy without carbon emissions can be formed. Furthermore, by adjusting the time of gas pressure release, the purpose of energy storage can be achieved.

In this embodiment, the aforementioned space is explained by taking a tunnel as an example. In the present invention, since the tunnel disclosed can store and generate green energy, it can also be called an electric tunnel.

Furthermore, in addition to being used to generate green energy, power tunnels can also be opened in times of war or natural disasters to accommodate people, supplies, vehicles, aircraft, weapons, etc.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and drawings of exemplary embodiments are provided. Although the present invention is described with reference to the following examples, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and examples. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalent embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, many specific details are described in the following description of the embodiments of the present invention to more fully describe the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this specification that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods and steps, components and processes have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the invention. Of course, it is understood that in developing all such actual implementations, many specific decisions must be made for each implementation to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application and business-related constraints. It is understood that the specific goals may vary depending on the application and business-related constraints. It varies from implementation to implementation and from developer to developer. Furthermore, it is understood that such development efforts may be complex and time consuming, but would nonetheless be routine in the engineering arts to those of ordinary skill in the art who have the benefit of this description.

The following takes a power tunnel as an example to illustrate the operation of the power storage system and power supply system of the present invention.

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an energy storage mode of a power tunnel according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1A shows the excavation of an electric tunnel of diameter R and length L in a mountain 50, where R ranges from approximately 2 meters to 10 meters, and L ranges from approximately 10 meters to 120 meters. Between meters, for example, 10 meters, 20 meters, 50 meters, 80 meters and 100 meters. It is worth noting that the above R and L are just examples and can actually be any numerical values. In FIG. 1A , a part of the space of the power tunnel 100 contains gas 20 (such as air), and there is no channel in the power tunnel 100 through which the gas 20 can escape. In some embodiments, the gas in the power tunnel 100 has a lower threshold pressure or is a prepressurized gas, and its pressure value is, for example, 2 atm, 5 atm, 10 atm, 20 atm, 40 atm or 60 atm. In some embodiments, the lower threshold pressure is maintained at all times, so the gas pressure in the power tunnel 100 is equal to or higher than the lower threshold pressure before, during, and after storing or releasing water. The above-mentioned lower threshold pressure or the above-mentioned pressure of the pre-pressurized gas can be determined by the water flow rate and water flow rate driven by the gas pressure, so that the hydroelectric generator can achieve optimal efficiency. For example, the lower threshold pressure of the gas is determined based on the equipment specifications of the hydro-generator and the water flow rate and/or water flow rate required to efficiently drive the hydro-generator.

When the water 30 enters the power tunnel 100 along the flow direction M1 through the water inlet 14 , the water 30 will begin to fill the space inside the power tunnel 100 (eg, a sheltered space). As more and more water 30 fills the space inside the power tunnel 100, the gas 20 (such as air) originally in the power tunnel 100 is gradually squeezed, causing the gas 20 to be pressurized; for example, the water entering the power tunnel 100 The greater the amount of water 30, the greater the degree to which the gas 20 is pressurized. In some embodiments, the gas pressure is increased from 2 atm to between 10 and 70 atm. In one embodiment, if the water 30 does not flow out from the water inlet pipe 12, the force exerted by the pressurized gas 20 will become a force that stores energy. The flow of water 30 can be controlled by opening or closing one or more valves. For example, valve 17 is closed to allow water 30 to enter power tunnel 100 in flow direction M1.

In some embodiments, the gas 20 in the power tunnel 100 may be pre-pressurized, such as to 40 atm, before the water 30 is pumped into the power tunnel 100 .

See Figure 1B. When the water 30 in the power tunnel 100 has no other leakage channels except the water inlet 14 (or the water outlet 14), and the water inlet pipe 12 has been blocked by closing the valve 15, the water will be forced to the hydrogenerator 40 (such as water The pressurized gas in the power tunnel 100 begins to release pressure, and the force of gas decompression causes the water 30 to rush towards the water turbine 40 via the water outlet pipe 16 . When the water 30 reaches and acts on the hydrogenerator 40, the hydrogenerator 40 can generate electricity.

In the above process, the total amount of energy stored and the amount of electricity generated can be determined by adjusting the flow direction, flow rate and water volume of the water.

Figure 1C illustrates a schematic diagram of a water recycling mode in a power tunnel according to some embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments, the water 30 flowing through the hydrogenerator 40 is collected in the water tank/sink 60 and then returned to the water inlet 14 along the flow direction M3 via the pipe, so that the water 30 can be reused, forming a cycle. energy storage and power generation systems.

Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of a power tunnel used as a shelter according to some embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments, the power tunnel 100 used as a power supply system includes: a water source 90 for supplying a first amount of water; a shelter space for receiving the first amount of water and discharging the second amount of water. ; A water turbine generator 40 (as an example of a generator) for receiving the second amount of water to generate electricity; a water inlet 10A; a water outlet 10B; and water pipes 13, 16, 18. The bunker with the shelter space may be the aforementioned tunnel dug in the mountain 50 . It will be appreciated that the direction of water flow in the system can be controlled by one or more valves. For example, when water is injected into the power tunnel 100, the water pipe 16 can be blocked by a valve (not shown) to prevent water from flowing out from the water outlet 10b. This water can be used as storage water for drinking by ordinary people and staff.

When a large amount of water enters the power tunnel 100 and there is no leakage channel in the power tunnel 100, the gas (such as air) in the power tunnel 100 will be compressed to store energy (pressurized energy), which is the energy storage mode. In the power generation mode, this pressurized energy is released, forcing water to flow to the hydrogenerator 40 to generate electricity. The amount of water received by the hydrogenerator 40 depends on the power required and the tunnel space required.

The water used to drive the hydrogenerator 40 may be recycled to the water tank 60 shown in Figure 1C or directed back to the water source 90 for reuse.

As shown in Figure 1D, when a war or natural disaster occurs, water can be removed or drained from the power tunnel 100, so that the space inside the power tunnel 100 can be used as an air defense shelter for personnel 103, vehicles (such as Cars, airplanes, ambulances 102, missile vehicles 104), materials, etc. can be protected by the power tunnel 100 without being harmed or damaged.

In another embodiment, the space inside the power tunnel 100 can be used as an airstrip.

In some embodiments, the space inside the power tunnel 100 can be used to store and launch missiles.

The sheltered space can be used to store water and pressure. Bunkers providing shelter space can be air raid shelters, mines (such as coal mine pits), caves (such as natural caves), tunnels (such as existing tunnels), above-ground pipelines, underground pipelines, water pipelines, oil pipelines, subway passages, cellars, and basements , railway arches, etc.

Water source 90 may be a river or a lake. The water source 90 may also be a water storage tank. As mentioned previously, the water used to drive the hydroelectric generator 40 can be recycled to the water tank 60 shown in Figure 1C, or can be directed to the water source 90 for reuse. The recycled water in the tank 60 can be used by people during the war.

The above invention is a new type of electricity storage and power generation method that does not generate a large amount of heat energy. The advantage is that thermal radar (infrared) cannot detect the presence of the generator.

Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a power tunnel according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the method begins with step S21. In step S21, a hole/tunnel is provided. The hole/tunnel may be existing or may be drilled/excavated at a location selected by the user.

In step S22, a generator and water storage tank are constructed/installed. In some embodiments, the generator is connected to the hole/tunnel and the water storage tank. As shown in Figure 1C, the flow path between the generator and the hole/tunnel can be provided with one or more valves to determine the direction of the flow. Similarly, the flow path between the storage tank and the hole/tunnel can also be equipped with one or more valves to determine the direction of the flow.

The generator may be a liquid turbine generator (such as a water turbine generator) or a gas turbine generator. The water storage tank can be used as the source of water supply. The water storage tank also serves as a recovery unit for water used in the generator. That is to say, the water storage tank may have the function of the water tank 60 in Figure 1C. In some embodiments, the water storage tank is a natural feature (such as a river or lake).

In some embodiments, the mask with the masking space includes a metal layer. In some embodiments, a shelter with a sheltered space is further surrounded/encapsulated by metal, concrete (such as wire mesh cement), or a combination of the two, which may provide the advantage of greater structural stability.

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of an energy storage method according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the method begins with step S31. In step S31, the method includes storing a certain amount of energy by receiving a first amount of water to reduce the gas space in the shielding space so that the gas pressure increases from a first level to a second level. achieved. The first level of the gas pressure may be a preset pressure value. The preset pressure value can be higher than 2 atm or higher than 5 atm (for example, 6 atm, 7 atm, 8 atm or 9 atm).

In some embodiments, the difference between the second level of gas pressure and the first level of gas pressure is caused by spatial displacement caused by the first amount of water. In some embodiments, the method may further include prepressurizing the gas space before storing the amount of energy. In some embodiments, the second level of gas pressure is between 10 and 70 atm. The second level of gas pressure may be higher than 10 atm (eg, 20 atm, 30 atm, 40 atm, 50 atm or 60 atm).

In step S32, the method includes generating a certain amount of electricity by reducing the first amount of water in the sheltered space to a second amount of water. Specifically, the reduced amount of water can be used to drive a generator to produce a certain amount of electricity.

In step S33, the method includes providing the shielding space for shielding purposes by reducing the gas pressure to approximately 1 atm. Sheltering purposes may include providing conditions suitable for human occupancy.

The present invention has been disclosed through the above preferred specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that all modifications and substitutions equivalent to the foregoing specific embodiments should be included within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the patent application.

10A: Water inlet 10B:Water outlet 12:Water inlet pipe 13:Water pipe 14:Water inlet 15: valve 16:Water outlet pipe/water pipe 17: valve 18:Water pipe 20:Gas 30:water 40:Hydraulic generator/water turbine 50:Mountains 60:Water tank/sink 90:Water source 100:Power Tunnel 102:Ambulance 103: Personnel 104:Missile Vehicle L: length R: diameter M1: direction M2: direction M3: direction S21, S22: steps S31, S32, S33: steps

Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an energy storage mode of a power tunnel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of the power generation mode of the power tunnel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1C illustrates a schematic diagram of a water recycling mode in a power tunnel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of a power tunnel used as a shelter according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a power tunnel according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of an energy storage method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

12:Water inlet pipe

14:Water inlet

17: valve

20:Gas

30:water

40:Hydraulic generator/water turbine

50:Mountains

100:Power Tunnel

L: length

R: diameter

M1: direction

Claims (20)

An electrical power storage system including: A shielding space configured to have a power storage mode, a power generation mode and a shielding mode; When in the power storage mode, the shielding space receives a first amount of water to increase a gas pressure until the gas pressure increases from a first level to a second level; When in the power generation mode, causing the shelter space to reduce the first amount of water to generate electricity by reducing the gas pressure from the second level to a third level; and When in the masking mode, the masking space reduces the gas pressure to approximately 1 atm. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the first level of the gas pressure is higher than 2 atm. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the first standard of the gas pressure is higher than 5 atm. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the second level of the gas pressure is higher than 10 atm. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the second level of the gas pressure is between 10 and 70 atm. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the third level of the gas pressure is equal or substantially equal to the first level of the gas pressure. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the shelter space has enough space to accommodate personnel in the shelter mode. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the shelter space has enough space to accommodate vehicles and aircraft in the shelter mode. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the power is generated by using a water turbine driven by water. A power supply system including: A water source for supplying a first amount of water; a sheltered space for receiving the first volume of water and discharging a second volume of water; and A generator for receiving the second amount of water to generate electricity. The power supply system of claim 10, wherein the water source is selected from a river or a lake. Such as the power supply system of claim 10, wherein a bunker used to provide the shelter space is selected from the following items: air raid shelters, mines, caves, tunnels, above-ground pipelines, underground pipelines, water pipelines, oil pipelines, subway passages, cellars, basements Or railway arches. The power supply system of claim 10 further includes a water tank that recycles water flowing through the generator. The power supply system of claim 13, wherein the recycled water is directed to the water source. The power supply system of claim 13, wherein the sheltered space contains air, and the air is compressed by the first amount of water to store energy. A method of energy storage including: a) Store a certain amount of energy, which is achieved by receiving a first amount of water to reduce a gas space in a sheltered space, causing a gas pressure to increase from a first level to a second level ; b) generate a certain amount of electricity by reducing the first amount of water in the sheltered space to a second amount of water; and c) Provide the shelter space for a shelter purpose by reducing the gas pressure to approximately 1 atm. The energy storage method of claim 16, wherein the difference between the second level of the gas pressure and the first level of the gas pressure is caused by spatial displacement caused by the first amount of water. The energy storage method of claim 16, wherein the first level of the gas pressure is a preset pressure value. The energy storage method of claim 18 further includes prepressurizing the gas space before storing the certain amount of energy. The energy storage method of claim 16, wherein the shielding purpose includes providing a condition suitable for people to stay.