Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system for desalinating water and particularly to a system for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage.
Description of Related Art
[002] Desalination is a critical technology for addressing global freshwater shortages, particularly in coastal and arid regions. As freshwater sources become increasingly scarce due to climate change and population growth, desalination offers a viable alternative by converting seawater into potable water. However, traditional desalination processes, including reverse osmosis (RO) and thermal distillation, are highly energy-intensive. The reliance on fossil fuels for energy supply not only increases operational costs but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainable energy integration an urgent necessity.
[003] To mitigate these challenges, renewable energy sources such as offshore wind and floating solar have been explored to power desalination plants. These sources provide a clean and abundant energy supply, reducing dependence on conventional power grids. However, their intermittent nature poses significant reliability issues. Current energy storage solutions, such as battery storage systems and pumped hydro energy storage, help balance the energy supply but come with drawbacks. Battery storage systems, for instance, have high initial costs, limited lifespans, and environmental concerns related to battery disposal. Pumped hydro, while effective, requires specific topographical conditions, making it unsuitable for many coastal or arid locations.
[004] Given these limitations, there is a need for an energy storage system that seamlessly integrates with renewable energy sources while offering reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Various research efforts have explored modular storage solutions, gravity-based mechanisms, and hybrid renewable microgrids to support desalination operations. These approaches aim to optimize energy utilization, ensure uninterrupted freshwater production, and enhance the sustainability of desalination processes.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced system for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a system for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage. The system comprising renewable energy sources adapted to generate electrical energy. The generated electrical energy is supplied to a microgrid, such that the microgrid is adapted to supply operational power to a desalination plant. The system further comprising a gravitational energy generator comprising a set of weights adapted to harness kinetic energy and potential energy by elevation and lowering for collection and dispersal of energy. The set of weights is elevated by residual energy left upon supplying the operational power to the desalination plant. The system further comprising a power converter adapted to convert the energy dispersed by, lowering of the set of weights, the gravitational energy generator. The energy dispersed is resupplied to the desalination plant. The system further comprising a central control unit communicatively connected to the renewable energy sources, the gravitational energy generator, and to the power converter. The central control unit is configured to monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources; monitor the operational power supplied to the desalination plant; compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator, when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage. The method comprising steps of monitoring electrical energy generated by renewable energy sources; monitoring an operational power supplied to a desalination plant; comparing the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and supplying a residual energy to a gravitational energy generator, when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that integrates seamlessly with renewable energy sources like offshore wind and floating solar, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that relies on durable mechanical components, lowering long-term costs.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that mitigates the intermittency issues of solar and wind energy, enabling uninterrupted desalination operations.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that allows easy adaptation based on energy demand and location-specific constraints.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that is implemented in flat coastal and arid regions, making it suitable for desalination plants where conventional energy storage methods are impractical.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may harness kinetic energy and potential energy by storing and converting the kinetic energy and the potential energy into electrical energy. The converted electrical energy may further be utilized for desalinating water. The system 100 may be installed at a location such as, but not limited to, a coastal area, a sea beach, a river bank, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for installation of the system 100.
[0024] The system 100 may comprise a desalination plant 102, renewable energy sources 104, a microgrid 106, a gravitational energy generator 108, set of weights 110, a power converter 112, and a central control unit 114.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the desalination plant 102 may be adapted to desalinate water. The desalination of the water may be carried by reduction of salt concentration in the water. Further, the desalination plant 102 may pass the desalinated water through mediums such as, but not limited to, a sea water inlet port, a pump, a reverse osmosis membrane, treatment reagents, a storage means, a thermal desalination module, and so forth. Upon passage of the desalinated water through the mediums, the processed water may be suitable for drinking and day-to-day human life and routine requirement.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the renewable energy sources 104 may be adapted to generate electrical energy. The generated electrical energy may be supplied to the microgrid 106. The microgrid 106 may be adapted to supply operational power to the desalination plant 102. The renewable energy sources 104 may be, but not limited to, a floating solar panel array, wind turbines, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the renewable energy sources 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gravitational energy generator 108 may comprise the set of weights 110. The set of weights 110 may be adapted to harness the kinetic energy and the potential energy by elevation and lowering of the set of weights 110. The elevation and lowering of the set of weights 110 may enable the collection and dispersal of energy. Further, the set of weights 110 may be elevated by residual energy left upon supplying the operational power to the desalination plant 102. The elevation of the set of weights 110 by the gravitational energy generator 108 may convert the kinetic energy possessed by the set of weights 110 into the potential energy. The lowering of the set of weights 110 by the gravitational energy generator 108 convert the potential energy possessed by the set of weights 110 into the kinetic energy.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power converter 112 may be adapted to convert the energy dispersed when lowering the set of weights 110 in the gravitational energy generator 108. The energy dispersed and converted may further be resupplied to the desalination plant 102.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the central control unit 114 may be connected to the renewable energy sources 104, the gravitational energy generator 108. The central control unit 114 may be configured to monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources 104. The central control unit 114 may be configured to monitor the operational power supplied to the desalination plant 102. The central control unit 114 may be configured to compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated. Upon comparison, if the supplied operational power is less than the generated electrical energy, then the central control unit 114 may be configured to supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator 108. However, upon comparison, if the generated electrical energy is less than the supplied operational power, then the central control unit 114 may be configured to command the microgrid 106 to enable the resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator 108 to the desalination plant 102. In other words, if the renewable energy sources 104 are unable to supply the operational power, then the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator 108 may be resupplied to the desalination plant 102.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for desalinating water by integration of the gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] At step 202, the system 100 may monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources 104.
[0032] At step 204, the system 100 may monitor the operational power supplied to the desalination plant 102.
[0033] At step 206, the system 100 may compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated. Upon comparison, if the supplied operational power is less than the generated electrical energy, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 208. Else, the method 200 may proceed to a step 210.
[0034] At step 208, the system 100 may supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator 108.
[0035] At step 210 the system 100 may compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated. Upon comparison, if the generated electrical energy is less than the supplied operational power, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 212.
[0036] At the step 212, the system 100 may command the microgrid 106 to enable the resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator 108 to the desalination plant 102.
[0037] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal language of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage, the system (100) comprising:
renewable energy sources (104) adapted to generate electrical energy, wherein the generated electrical energy is supplied to a microgrid (106), such that the microgrid (106) is adapted to supply operational power to a desalination plant (102);
a gravitational energy generator (108) comprising a set of weights (110) adapted to harness kinetic energy and potential energy by elevation and lowering for collection and dispersal of energy, wherein the set of weights (110) is elevated by residual energy left upon supplying the operational power to the desalination plant (102);
a power converter (112) adapted to convert the energy dispersed by, lowering the set of weights (110), the gravitational energy generator (108), wherein the energy dispersed is resupplied to the desalination plant (102); and
a central control unit (114) communicatively connected to the renewable energy sources (104), the gravitational energy generator (108), and to the power converter (112), characterized in that the central control unit (114) is configured to:
monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources (104);
monitor the operational power supplied to the desalination plant (102);
compare the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and
supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator (108), when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elevation of the set of weights (110) by the gravitational energy generator (108) converts the kinetic energy possessed by the set of weights (110) into the potential energy.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lowering of the set of weights (110) by the gravitational energy generator (108) converts the potential energy possessed by the set of weights (110) into the kinetic energy.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control unit (114) is configured to command the microgrid (106) to enable the resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator (108) to the desalination plant (102), when the renewable energy sources (104) are unable to supply the operational power.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the desalination plant (102) comprise a sea water inlet port, a pump, a reverse osmosis membrane, treatment reagents, a storage means, a thermal desalination module, or a combination thereof.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the renewable energy sources (104) comprise a floating solar panel array, wind turbines, or a combination thereof.
7. A method (200) for desalinating water by integration of gravity-based energy storage, the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
monitoring electrical energy generated by renewable energy sources (104);
monitoring an operational power supplied to a desalination plant (102);
comparing the operational power supplied with the electrical energy generated; and
supplying a residual energy to a gravitational energy generator (108), when the operational power supplied is less than the electrical energy generated.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of commanding a microgrid (106) to enable a resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator (108) to the desalination plant (102), when the renewable energy sources (104) are unable to supply the operational power.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the renewable energy sources (104) comprise a floating solar panel array, wind turbines, or a combination thereof.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the desalination plant (102) comprise a sea water inlet port, a pump, a reverse osmosis membrane, treatment reagents, a storage means, a thermal desalination module, or a combination thereof.
Date: March 04, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant