US 2026/0085663 A1Published application

Linear synchronous motor-based gravitational potential energy storage system

OwnerHoward Trottinventor

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Abstract

A linear synchronous motor-based gravitational potential energy storage system includes mass cars moving along an inclined plane between a lower and upper storage yard. The system comprises tracks guiding the mass cars, with linear synchronous motors positioned along the tracks. Electromagnetic coils interact with permanent magnets that move with the mass cars to produce a linear force. A synchronization mechanism aligns the motors with the electrical grid. Switches control electricity flow to the coils, and an electrical busbar distributes power. A cooling system manages heat. The motors draw electrical energy from the grid to move the mass cars upward, storing potential energy, and convert potential energy into electrical energy as the mass cars descend, feeding the generated energy back into the grid.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An energy storage system comprising:

a track extending between a lower storage yard and an upper storage yard;
a first frame system extending along a first side of the track;
a second frame system extending along a second side of the track;
a plurality of mass cars configured to move along the track between the first frame system and the second frame system, each mass car of the plurality of mass cars having a first side, a second side;
a plurality of permanent magnets configured to move along the track with the plurality of mass cars;
wherein the first frame system and the second frame system each comprises:
a plurality of fixed electromagnetic coils;
and
a plurality of switches positioned on the frame to engage with a respective mass car as it moves along the track, the plurality of switches being operable to control a flow of electricity to the electromagnetic coils to manage their activation and deactivation,
wherein the plurality of permanent magnets are positioned to electromagnetically engage with at least some of the plurality of fixed electromagnetic coils as a respective mass car moves along the track.

7 more elements

A method for storing and generating energy using one or more linear synchronous motor, the method comprising:

providing a track extending between a lower storage yard and an upper storage yard;
positioning a plurality of mass cars configured to move along the track;
positioning the one or more linear synchronous motor along the track, each linear synchronous motor comprising electromagnetic coils configured to interact with permanent magnets configured to move with the mass cars to generate a linear force for moving the mass cars along the track;
synchronizing the operation of the one or more linear synchronous motor with the alternating current of an electrical grid;
and
during a charging mode:
drawing electrical energy from the electrical grid to energize the electromagnetic coils;
moving the mass cars from the lower storage yard to the upper storage yard, thereby storing potential energy in the mass cars;
and
during a generating mode:
allowing the mass cars to descend from the upper storage yard to the lower storage yard;
converting the potential energy of the descending mass cars into electrical energy by inducing a current in the electromagnetic coils;
and
feeding the generated electrical energy back into the electrical grid.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 19/334,719Filed 19 Sep 2025
Priority: 20 Sep 2024
Published: 26 Mar 2026
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification19 codes

B60L 13/03
Electric propulsion for monorail vehicles, suspension vehicles or rack railways; Magnetic suspension or levitation for vehicles: electric…
F03G 3/094
Gravity or weight motors: specially adapted for potential energy power storage stations; combinations of gravity or weight motors with electric…
B60L 55/00
Arrangements for supplying energy stored within a vehicle to a power network
H02J 15/30
Systems for storing electric energy specially adapted for power networks: using storage of inertial or mechanical energy, e.g. using flywheels