Patent ID: 8737558
Filing Date: 2014-05-27
Classification: F03D,F03G,F05B,G01B,Y02E,Y02P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for storing and releasing energy, the system comprising: a linkage structure including a cable having a longitudinal length dimension; a plurality of weighted bodies arranged for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position, holding structure attached to the cable to connect each weighted body to the cable of the linkage structure, to pull the cable in a first direction along its length dimension with movement of each weighted body from the first elevation position to the second elevation position; and an electrical energy generator operatively coupled with the cable of the linkage structure to drive the electrical energy generator to generate electricity upon movement of the cable in the first direction along the length dimension of the cable with movement of each weighted body with gravity from the first elevation position to the second elevation position; wherein the holding structure includes a grapple device that has a first state for operatively engaging one of the weighted bodies to move with that weighted body between the second elevation position and the first elevation position, wherein the grapple device has a second state for operatively disengaging that weighted body so as to be moveable independent of that weighted body, and wherein each weighted body of the plurality of weighted bodies is configured to be operatively engaged by the grapple device, independent of each other one of the weighted bodies in the plurality of weighted bodies.