Jane I Huang

US Patent:

8333070, Dec 18, 2012

Filed:

May 4, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/100492

Inventors:

Henry C. Huang - Cambridge MA, US
Jane Huang - Cambridge MA, US

International Classification:

F03B 13/18
F03B 17/02

US Classification:

60497, 60495, 60507

Abstract:

Provided is an energy storage system configured to accumulate energy for subsequent discharge. One embodiment includes an indirect energy storage assembly configured to accept energy input from a direct storage assembly. The indirect energy storage assembly includes a converter for lifting a mass, a speed reducer coupled to the converter for increasing torque provided, and a mass coupled to the speed reducer for generating potential energy when raised. In one embodiment, the direct energy storage assembly produces energy based on descent of a mass, the descent controlled by operation of a speed increaser coupled to a generator. In one example, the speed increaser provides an input:output ratio of at least 1:100. The speed increaser can be configured based on parameters of the generator (e. g. , speed and torque).