Patent ID: 8872367

Claim:
A system for generating electrical power, the system comprising: a first drive chain; a weight assembly coupled to the first drive chain, wherein the first drive chain is configured to be pulled in a first direction by the weight assembly as the weight assembly is lowered by the force of gravity from an elevated position; a drive mechanism coupled to the first drive chain, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to be rotated at a first rotational speed in a first rotational direction by the first drive chain as the weight assembly is lowered by the force of gravity; a rotational mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism, wherein the rotational mechanism is configured to be rotated at a second rotational speed by the rotation of the drive mechanism, wherein the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed; a power generation mechanism coupled to the rotational mechanism, wherein a shaft of the power generation mechanism is configured to be rotated at a third rotational speed by the rotation of the rotational mechanism, wherein rotation of the shaft produces electrical power at an output of the power generation mechanism; and a lifting mechanism coupled to the weight assembly, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises: a lifting arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the lifting arm is configured to raise the weight assembly; a lifting platform on the first end of the lifting arm configured for receiving the weight assembly, the lifting mechanism is configured to lift the weight assembly to the elevated position after the weight assembly is lowered by the force of gravity.