CN117859252A - Power Tunnel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric power tunnel, which comprises a pipe body, a water inlet and a water outlet. The tube body provides a space to accommodate gas, liquid, people, vehicles, etc. The power tunnel may be used for energy storage, power generation, air defense, or other purposes.

Description

Electric tunnel

Cross reference to related applications

The present application is a continuation of the part of US17/777,516 US patent application "energy storage system using heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module and method thereof", filed on 5/17 of 2022 (US patent application claims priority to "energy storage system using heterogeneous pressure energy interactive actuation module and method thereof" in CN 202111466565.5 chinese patent application filed on 12/3 of 2021 in the present examination of US patent application).

Furthermore, the present application claims priority to U.S. patent provisional application "power tunnel" to US 63/349,284 filed on 6 th month 2022.

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

[ field of technology ]

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

[ background Art ]

In order to avoid the threat of war (or nuclear war), various national governments or folk houses are provided for avoiding people, vehicles, planes, materials and the like, for example, the houses can be air-raid shelters, mountain holes, tunnels, overground pipelines, underground pipelines, water pipes, oil pipelines, subway channels, cellars, basements, railway arches and the like. In addition, in some engineering planning or design systems, in order to ensure that the system can maintain stable operation after the engineering is completed later, a standby system is usually designed in addition to the main system. Taking the engineering of tunneling as an example, a standby tunnel is also excavated in addition to the main tunnel, so as to respond to the situation that the main tunnel cannot be used (such as due to mountain collapse, accident, etc.) or is not applied; however, the backup tunnels are typically unopened and idle for use.

[ invention ]

In some embodiments, the present invention utilizes a liquid (e.g., water) to squeeze a gas in a space (e.g., a tube, tunnel, etc.) to change the volume, density, or molecular arrangement of the gas (e.g., air), thereby causing compression of the gas (e.g., the space occupied by air is replaced with water). Further, the liquid may be pushed by expansion, pressure release, etc. of the gas, enabling the liquid to push another device, such as a generator (e.g., water turbine, gas turbine), to generate electricity. In another embodiment, the liquid from the generator can be collected/recovered and allowed to re-squeeze the gas, and through repeated cycling, a green energy source without carbon emissions can be formed. Furthermore, the purpose of energy storage can be achieved by adjusting the time of gas pressure release.

In this embodiment, the foregoing space is illustrated by a tunnel. In the present invention, the disclosed tunnel may also be referred to as a power tunnel because it can store and generate green energy.

Furthermore, in addition to being used to generate green energy, the power tunnel may also be opened when, for example, a war or a natural disaster occurs to accommodate people, supplies, vehicles, aircraft, weapons, etc.

[ description of the drawings ]

Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of a power tunnel energy storage mode according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a power generation mode of a power tunnel, according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic view of a water recycling mode of an electric tunnel, according to some embodiments of the invention.

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

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

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a method of storing energy according to some embodiments of the invention.

[ detailed description ] of the invention

Detailed description of the inventionthe following detailed description of the invention provides drawings of exemplary embodiments. While the invention is described in conjunction with the following embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and examples. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods and steps, components, and procedures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application-and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The operation of the power storage system and the power supply system according to the present invention will be described below by taking a power tunnel as an example.

Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of a power tunnel energy storage mode according to some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1A shows that a power tunnel of diameter R and length L is excavated in mountain 50, where R ranges from about 2 meters to about 10 meters and L ranges from about 10 meters to about 120 meters, for example 10 meters, 20 meters, 50 meters, 80 meters and 100 meters. It should be noted that R and L are only examples, and may be any value in practice. In fig. 1A, a portion of the space of the power tunnel 100 contains a gas 20 (e.g., air), and there is no channel in the power tunnel 100 in which the gas 20 can escape. In some embodiments, the gas in the power tunnel 100 has a lower threshold pressure or is a pre-pressurized gas, for example, having a pressure value of 2atm, 5atm, 10atm, 20atm, 40atm, or 60atm. In some embodiments, the lower threshold pressure is maintained throughout, and thus, the gas pressure in the power tunnel 100 may be at or above the lower threshold pressure before, during, and after the storage or release of water. The lower threshold pressure or the pressure of the pre-pressurized gas may be determined by the gas pressure driven water flow rate and water flow rate so that the hydro-generator may achieve optimal efficiency. For example, the lower threshold pressure of the gas is determined based on the equipment specifications of the hydro-generator, based on the water flow rate and/or water flow rate required to efficiently drive the hydro-generator.

As water 30 enters the power tunnel 100 through the water inlet 14 in the flow direction M1, the water 30 begins to fill the space (e.g., a shelter) inside the power tunnel 100. As more and more water 30 fills the space inside the power tunnel 100, the gas 20 (e.g., air) that was originally inside the power tunnel 100 is gradually squeezed, resulting in the gas 20 being pressurized; for example, the greater the amount of water 30 entering the power tunnel 100, the greater the degree to which the gas 20 is pressurized. In some embodiments, the gas pressure increases from 2atm to between 10 and 70 atm. In one embodiment, if water 30 does not flow from water inlet conduit 12, the force applied by pressurized gas 20 becomes a stored energy force. The flow direction of the water 30 may 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 water flow direction M1.

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

Please refer to fig. 1B. When the water 30 in the electric power tunnel 100 has no other leakage path than 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 is forced to flow in the direction of the hydro-generator 40 (such as a water turbine) (as an example of a generator), the pressurized gas in the electric power tunnel 100 starts to be released in pressure, and the force of the gas depressurization causes the water 30 to be flushed towards the water turbine 40 via the water outlet pipe 16. When the water 30 reaches and acts on the hydro-generator 40, the hydro-generator 40 can generate electricity.

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

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic view of a water recycling mode of an electric tunnel, according to some embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the water 30 flowing through the hydro-generator 40 is collected in the water tank/basin 60 and then returned to the water inlet 14 via a conduit in the flow direction M3 so that the water 30 may be reused, forming a circulating energy storage and power generation system.

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

When a large amount of water enters the power tunnel 100 and there is no leakage path in the power tunnel 100, the gas (e.g., air) in the power tunnel 100 is compressed to store energy (pressurized energy), which is the energy storage mode. In the power generation mode, the pressurized energy is released, forcing water to flow to the hydro-generator 40 to generate electricity. The amount of water received by the hydro-generator 40 depends on the amount of electricity required and the tunnel space required.

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

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

In another embodiment, the space inside the power tunnel 100 may be used as an aircraft runway.

In some embodiments, the space inside the power tunnel 100 may be used to store and launch a missile.

The mask space may be used to store water and pressure. The shelter providing the shelter space can be an air shelter, a pit (such as a coal pit), a cave (such as a natural cave), a tunnel (such as an existing tunnel), an above-ground pipeline, an underground pipeline, a water pipe, an oil pipeline, a subway channel, a cellar, a basement, a railway arch, and the like.

The water source 90 may be a river or lake. The water source 90 may also be a water reservoir. As previously described, the water used to drive the hydro-generator 40 may be recycled to the water tank 60 shown in fig. 1C, or may be directed to the water source 90 for reuse. The reclaimed water within the flume 60 may be used by humans during war.

Said invention is a new-type electricity-storing and power-generating mode, and does not produce a large quantity of heat energy. The advantage is that the presence of the generator cannot be detected by the thermal radar (infrared).

Fig. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a power tunnel, according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown in fig. 2, the method starts in step S21. In step S21, a hole/tunnel is provided. The holes/tunnels may be existing or drilled/cut at a location selected by the user.

In step S22, a generator and a water storage tank are built/installed. In some embodiments, the generator is connected to the hole/tunnel and the water reservoir. As shown in fig. 1C, the flow path between the generator and the hole/tunnel may be provided with one or more valves for determining the direction of water flow. Similarly, the flow path between the reservoir and the hole/tunnel may also be provided with one or more valves for determining the direction of water flow.

The generator may be a liquid turbine generator (e.g. a hydro generator) or a gas turbine generator. The water storage tank can be used as a water source for water supply. The reservoir may also serve as a recovery unit for recovering water acting on the generator. That is, the reservoir may have the function of the reservoir 60 of FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, the reservoir is a natural facility (e.g., a river or lake).

In some embodiments, the shelter with the shelter space comprises a metal layer. In some embodiments, a shelter with a shelter space is further surrounded/encapsulated by metal, concrete (e.g., steel mesh cement), or a combination of both, which may provide the advantage of greater structural stability.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a method of storing energy according to some embodiments of the invention. As shown in fig. 3, the method starts in step S31. In step S31, the method includes storing an amount of energy by receiving a first amount of water to reduce a gas space in the mask space such that the gas pressure increases from a first level to a second level. The first level of gas pressure may be a predetermined pressure value. The preset pressure value may be higher than 2atm or higher than 5atm (e.g., 6atm, 7atm, 8atm, 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 a spatial displacement caused by the first amount of water. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise pre-pressurizing the gas space prior to 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 10atm (e.g., 20atm, 30atm, 40atm, 50atm, or 60 atm).

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

In step S33, the method includes providing a masking space for masking purposes by reducing the gas pressure to about 1 atm. Masking uses may include providing conditions suitable for a person to stay.

While the invention has been disclosed in terms of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments are provided for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that all modifications and substitutions equivalent to the foregoing embodiments are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the patent application.

Claims (20)

1. A power storage system, comprising: A sheltered space configured to have a power storage mode, a power generation mode, and a sheltered mode; When in the power storage mode, the sheltered space receives a first amount of water to increase a gas pressure until the gas pressure rises from a first level to a second level; When in the power generation mode, the first amount of water is reduced in the sheltered space 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 standard atmosphere. 2 . The power storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the first level of the gas pressure is higher than 2 standard atmospheres. 3 . The power storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the first level of the gas pressure is higher than 5 standard atmospheres. 4 . The power storage system of claim 1 , wherein the second level of the gas pressure is higher than 10 standard atmospheres. 5 . The power storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the second level of the gas pressure is between 10 and 70 standard atmospheres. 6 . The power storage system of claim 1 , wherein the third level of the gas pressure is equal to or substantially equal to the first level of the gas pressure. 7 . The power storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the sheltered space has enough space to accommodate personnel in the sheltered mode. 8. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the sheltered space has sufficient space to accommodate a vehicle and an aircraft in the sheltered mode. 9. The power storage system of claim 1, wherein the power is generated by using a water turbine driven by water. 10. A power supply system, comprising: a water source for supplying a first amount of water: a sheltered space for receiving the first amount of water and discharging a second amount of water; and A generator is configured to receive the second amount of water to generate electricity. 11. The power supply system according to claim 10, wherein the water source is selected from a river or a lake. 12. The power supply system according to claim 10, characterized in that a shelter used to provide the shelter space is selected from the following items: air-raid shelter, mine, cave, tunnel, above-ground pipeline, underground pipeline, water pipeline, oil pipeline, subway passage, cellar, basement or railway arch. 13. The power supply system according to claim 10, further comprising a water tank, wherein the water tank recovers water flowing through the generator. 14. The power supply system of claim 13, wherein the recovered water is directed to the water source. 15. 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. 16. An energy storage method, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) storing a certain amount of energy, which is achieved by receiving a first amount of water to reduce a gas space in a sheltered space so that a gas pressure increases from a first level to a second level; b) generating a certain amount of electricity by reducing the first amount of water in the sheltered space to a second amount of water; and c) providing the sheltered space for a sheltered purpose by reducing the gas pressure to approximately 1 standard atmosphere. 17 . The energy storage method according to 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 water of the first amount of water. 18 . The energy storage method according to claim 16 , wherein the first level of the gas pressure is a preset pressure value. 19. The energy storage method of claim 18, further comprising pre-pressurizing the gas space before storing the amount of energy. 20. The energy storage method according to claim 16, wherein the sheltering purpose includes providing a condition suitable for people to stay.