Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system for charging electric vehicles and particularly to a system for charging electric vehicles by integration of gravity-based energy storage.
Description of Related Art
[002] The increasing global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents significant challenges for energy infrastructure, particularly in managing peak charging demands and ensuring grid stability. Traditional grid-dependent EV charging stations often struggle with power fluctuations, leading to increased reliance on fossil fuel-based backup systems. Additionally, the demand for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions has intensified, highlighting the limitations of existing energy storage methods in effectively managing renewable energy sources for EV charging.
[003] Existing energy storage solutions, such as lithium-ion battery systems and flywheel energy storage, offer temporary relief but are associated with high costs, environmental concerns, and scalability challenges. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), for instance, have limited lifespans, depend on rare earth materials, and require complex recycling processes. Flywheels, while efficient for short-term energy storage, lack the capacity to sustain prolonged energy demands, making them unsuitable for large-scale EV infrastructure. Furthermore, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, though promising, rely heavily on EV battery availability and health, resulting in inconsistent energy exchange with the grid.
[004] To address these challenges, there is a growing interest in integrating renewable energy sources with innovative storage mechanisms that are cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable. Solar-powered EV charging stations offer a cleaner alternative but struggle with energy storage inefficiencies, particularly during nighttime or cloudy conditions. A reliable, long-lasting energy storage solution that can seamlessly integrate with renewable energy and support grid stability is crucial to meeting the increasing energy demands of EV infrastructure.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced system for charging electric vehicles 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 charging electric vehicles 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 an electric vehicle charging station. 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 are elevated by residual energy left upon supplying the operational power to the electric vehicle charging station. 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 electric vehicle charging station. 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 electric vehicle charging station; 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 charging electric vehicles 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 an electric vehicle charging station; 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 charging electric vehicles by integration of gravity-based energy storage.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system provides a clean, renewable energy storage solution by utilizing gravity-based energy storage and solar power.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that reduces dependency on traditional grid power, ensuring uninterrupted EV charging even during power outages or periods of high demand.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that further enhances grid stability by enabling bidirectional energy exchange with EVs.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that can be implemented in small EV charging stations as well as large urban hubs, making it adaptable to various locations and energy requirements.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that is implemented in flat coastal and arid regions, making it suitable for electric vehicle charging stations 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. 1A illustrates a system for charging electric vehicles by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the system for charging an electric scooter by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for charging electric vehicles by integration of gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a system 100 for charging electric vehicles 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 charging the electric vehicles. The system 100 may be installed at a location such as, but not limited to, a home, a charging arena, a garage, a vehicle dealership, a fuel station, 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.
[0025] The system 100 may comprise an electric vehicle charging station 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.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electric vehicle charging station 102 may be adapted to charge the electric vehicles. The electric vehicle charging station 102 may further operate on a Vehicle to Grid (V2G) protocol adapted to transmit power to a grid from the electric vehicle(s) charged at the electric vehicle charging station 102. The V2G-enabled charging station may contribute to load balancing, frequency regulation, and emergency power supply during grid failures or high-demand scenarios.
[0027] Furthermore, the electric vehicle charging station 102 may integrate with smart grid technologies for automated scheduling and optimization of energy flow based on predictive analytics. This integration may help reduce energy costs for vehicle owners by enabling them to sell excess stored energy back to the grid during high electricity price periods. The station may also support multiple charging standards, such as Charge de Move (CHAdeMO), Combined Charging System (CCS), and other V2G-compatible protocols such as ISO 15118 to accommodate various electric vehicle models.
[0028] 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 electric vehicle charging station 102. The renewable energy sources 104 may be, but not limited to, a 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.
[0029] 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. In an embodiment of the present invention, the set of weights 110 may be positioned in proximity to the electric vehicle charging station 102 or at a remote location, depending on the installation requirements and spatial constraints. In an embodiment of the present invention, the set of weights 110 may be housed within an enclosed gravitational energy station (not shown) located adjacent to the electric vehicle charging station 102 for enabling direct energy transfer with minimal transmission losses.
[0030] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the set of weights 110 may be installed at a remote site, such as an elevated terrain or a dedicated gravitational energy storage facility, with the converted energy being transmitted to the electric vehicle charging station 102 via power lines or energy storage systems.
[0031] The set of weights 110 may be configured as a modular system, allowing scalability based on energy demand. The gravitational energy generator 108 may include a controlled lifting mechanism adapted to raise the set of weights 110 during periods of low energy consumption and release them during peak demand to generate electricity. The descent of the set of weights 110 may be precisely controlled by an automated braking and pulley system to ensure a stable and efficient energy conversion process. 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 electric vehicle charging station 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.
[0032] 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 electric vehicle charging station 102. The power converter 112 may be further adapted to regulate, stabilize, and optimize the converted energy before supplying it to the electric vehicle charging station 102.
[0033] The power converter 112 may be an electromechanical energy conversion unit configured to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. The power converter 112 may include motor-generator setup (not shown) adapted to produce electrical power from the rotational or linear motion, such as a pulley-driven shaft or a rack-and-pinion mechanism connected to the set of weights 110. The power converter 112 may further include a rectifier adapted to convert the generated alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), ensuring efficient energy transfer and storage. The power converter 112 may also include an inverter adapted to convert the DC output into a stabilized AC form suitable for direct utilization by the electric vehicle charging station 102 or the grid.
[0034] The power converter 112 may further be adapted to include a power conditioning unit (not shown) configured to regulate voltage and frequency levels to match the specific requirements of the electric vehicle charging station 102. The power converter 112 may further incorporate an intelligent control system adapted to dynamically manage energy conversion based on real-time demand and supply conditions. The power converter 112 may be in communication with the energy management system of the electric vehicle charging station 102 for optimizing power flow control, load balancing, and efficiency improvements. The power converter 112 may also be adapted to store excess converted energy in an energy storage unit, such as a battery or a supercapacitor, before supplying it to the electric vehicle charging station 102.
[0035] The power converter 112, in conjunction with the gravitational energy generator 108, may enable efficient utilization of gravitational potential energy for supplementing the power requirements of the electric vehicle charging station 102. The power converter 112 may further be adapted to enhance overall energy efficiency, minimize energy losses, and reduce dependency on external power sources. The power converter 112 may also be adapted to integrate with a bidirectional energy flow system, enabling energy exchange with the grid if required. The power converter 112 may further contribute to grid stability by supplying supplemental power during peak demand periods or fluctuations in grid supply.
[0036] 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 electric vehicle charging station 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 electric vehicle charging station 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 electric vehicle charging station 102.
[0037] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the system 100 for charging an electric scooter 116 by integration of the gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electric scooter 116 may be charged using energy harnessed from the gravitational energy generator 108. The gravitational energy generator 108 may be strategically placed near the electric vehicle charging station 102 or within the microgrid 106 infrastructure to minimize energy losses during transmission
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the charging station 102 may include multiple charging ports to accommodate several electric vehicles such as the electric scooter 116, an electric car 118, and other vehicles simultaneously. The gravitational energy generator 108 may function by utilizing a set of weights 110 (as shown in the FIG. 1A), which are elevated using surplus energy from renewable energy sources 104. When energy demand increases or renewable energy generation is insufficient, the set of weights 110 may be lowered, converting potential energy into kinetic energy, which is subsequently converted into electrical energy through the power converter 112 (as shown in the FIG. 1A). The converted electrical energy may then be supplied to the microgrid 106 (as shown in FIG. 1A), that distributes the power to the electric scooter 116 via the electric vehicle charging station 102. The central control unit 114 may continuously monitor the energy flow for efficient charging by optimizing the balance between gravitational energy storage and direct renewable energy supply. This integration enhances energy efficiency, reduces dependency on conventional grid power, and ensures uninterrupted charging for the electric scooter 116.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for charging the electric vehicles by integration of the gravity-based energy storage, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] At step 202, the system 100 may monitor the electrical energy generated by the renewable energy sources 104.
[0041] At step 204, the system 100 may monitor the operational power supplied to the electric vehicle charging station 102.
[0042] 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.
[0043] At step 208, the system 100 may supply the residual energy to the gravitational energy generator 108.
[0044] At step 210, the system 100 may command the microgrid 106 to enable the resupply of the energy collected in the gravitational energy generator 108 to the electric vehicle charging station 102.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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 languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for charging electric vehicles 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 an electric vehicle charging station (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) are elevated by residual energy left upon supplying the operational power to the electric vehicle charging station (102);
a power converter (112) adapted to convert the energy dispersed by, lowering of the set of weights (110), the gravitational energy generator (108), wherein the energy dispersed is resupplied to the electric vehicle charging station (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 electric vehicle charging station (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 electric vehicle charging station (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 electric vehicle charging station (102) is adapted to operate on a Vehicle to Grid (V2G) protocol adapted to transmit power to a grid from an electric vehicle charged at the electric vehicle charging station (102).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the renewable energy sources (104) comprise a solar panel array, wind turbines, or a combination thereof.
7. A method (200) for charging electric vehicles 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 an electric vehicle charging station (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 electric vehicle charging station (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 solar panel array, wind turbines, or a combination thereof.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electric vehicle charging station (102) is adapted to operate on a Vehicle to Grid (V2G) protocol adapted to transmit power to a grid from an electric vehicle charged at the electric vehicle charging station (102).
Date: March 03, 2025
Place: Noida

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