"GRAVIGEM" - A HYDRO KINETIC Regenerative Braking
Power Generation System
INTRODUCTION
Gravigem is a stand-alone power generation system, much the same as a diesel generator with the exception that it runs off gravity. Some might say that this is a perpetual motion machine which is impossible due to the conservation of energy principle. But there is a perpetual force called gravity and gravity continually does work, we use this work aspect, but we use it completely differently than that applied in the hydro approach. Here in lies the IP. All mass things on the planet is subjected to gravity all day every day. Any substrate can be used to make Gravigem work such as sand, ball bearings etc. We have chosen water because of its properties and is much easier to work with and to recycle. Because water is used, some want to call it a hydro based system. This would give it the wrong notion; it is a gravity-based system using regenerative braking.
There is precedent of gravity-based regenerative braking systems currently in operation which are being used to generate power. Probably the most famous is the LKAB system in Sweden are used to power the whole mine, a railway network of 500km and a small town. In this instance it is an iron ore train traveling down a slope from the mountains to the sea which generates >15Mw of power.
Understanding Gravity Based Power Systems
There are many gravity-based systems, each has its own characteristic in the way it works. A water turbine is a rotary machine that converts kinetic energy and potential energy of water into mechanical work.
Water wheels use buckets to hold water as a weight at the end of a lever and others use the kinetic energy against a blade to rotate a device.
Water turbines are divided into two groups: reaction turbines and impulse turbines. The precise shape of water turbine blades is a function of the supply pressure of water, and the type of impeller selected.
Reaction turbines are acted on by water, which changes pressure as it moves through the turbine and gives up its energy. They must be encased to contain the water pressure (or suction), or they must be fully submerged in the water flow. In reaction turbine pressure drop occurs in both fixed and moving blades. It is largely used in dam and large power plants.
Impulse turbines change the velocity of a water jet. Water must be encased to create and contain the water pressure. The jet pushes on the turbine's curved blades which changes the direction of the flow. The resulting change in momentum (impulse) causes a force on the turbine blades. Since the turbine is spinning, the force acts through a distance (work) and the diverted water flow is left with diminished energy. An impulse turbine is one in which the pressure of the fluid flowing over the rotor blades is constant and all the work output is due to the change in kinetic energy of the fluid. Prior to hitting the turbine blades, the water's pressure (potential energy) is converted to kinetic energy by a nozzle and focused on the turbine. No pressure change occurs at the turbine blades, and the turbine doesn't require a housing for operation.
The general method of Power Calculation is:
The power available in a stream of water is;
P = η ⋅ ρ ⋅ g ⋅ h ⋅ q
where:
P = power (J/s or watts)
η = turbine efficiency
Rho = ρ = density of water (kg/m³)
g = acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s²)
h = head (m). For still water, this is the difference in height between the inlet and outlet surfaces. Moving water has an additional component added to account for the kinetic energy of the flow. The total head equals the pressure head plus velocity head.
q = flow rate (m³/s)
Regenerative braking is another form of power generation using kinetic energy . It is an energy recovery mechanism that slows down a moving vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed. The mechanics is explained further on below.
Gravigem is new invention and yet another form of gravity power generation. It is a blend of a water wheel and regenerative braking in a unique way. In regenerative braking the vehicle slows down, in this application the kinetic energy in the water is slowed down using the water wheel’s characteristics over a short time period using regenerative braking methodology. Please see the tables below what can be done.
What is Gravigem?
Benefits to the owner
Target market
Our business plan is to sell plants to entrepreneurs, businesses, malls, schools, communities, office and manufacture plants, farmers, rural communities, rural business, clinics, homes, water and sewerage works etc. rather than generate and sell. We believe that our system is so easy and simple to maintain and operate, that the end user should manage their own power and be independent of anyone especially government to fulfill their energy needs. If we can attain millions of end users to become small producers and supply general power to the grid, we will never be held ransom by a utility and government again through black outs. Millions of producers will eventually bring down the price of power to everybody as opposed to ever increasing price as per the government utilities. Millions of producers will own their own business and bring about wealth distribution on a scale never seen before ... our goal!
Installation into grid – grid designed for it!
The grid is designed that small plants of <1mw can be installed virtually everywhere. The current infrastructure can usually carry plant production up to 1mw which can be slotted in everywhere. Gravigem plant sizes start from 10kw to 5000kw. The larger plants will need proper infrastructure to carry them. The prospective owner would confirm with the municipality what is the maximum size plant they can install on their plot of land and feed into their grid if they plan to do so. Or they can install for self-use only (many such people will be mall, shop, factory / office owners, and farmers).
Can also be used in conventional hydro plants
With very little civil work, Gravigem can be integrated into most established hydro plants. The benefit would be a much greater output that would repay itself very quickly. Please contact me for more specific details.
Gravigem is a stand-alone power generation system, much the same as a diesel generator with the exception that it runs off gravity. Some might say that this is a perpetual motion machine which is impossible due to the conservation of energy principle. But there is a perpetual force called gravity and gravity continually does work, we use this work aspect, but we use it completely differently than that applied in the hydro approach. Here in lies the IP. All mass things on the planet is subjected to gravity all day every day. Any substrate can be used to make Gravigem work such as sand, ball bearings etc. We have chosen water because of its properties and is much easier to work with and to recycle. Because water is used, some want to call it a hydro based system. This would give it the wrong notion; it is a gravity-based system using regenerative braking.
There is precedent of gravity-based regenerative braking systems currently in operation which are being used to generate power. Probably the most famous is the LKAB system in Sweden are used to power the whole mine, a railway network of 500km and a small town. In this instance it is an iron ore train traveling down a slope from the mountains to the sea which generates >15Mw of power.
Understanding Gravity Based Power Systems
There are many gravity-based systems, each has its own characteristic in the way it works. A water turbine is a rotary machine that converts kinetic energy and potential energy of water into mechanical work.
Water wheels use buckets to hold water as a weight at the end of a lever and others use the kinetic energy against a blade to rotate a device.
Water turbines are divided into two groups: reaction turbines and impulse turbines. The precise shape of water turbine blades is a function of the supply pressure of water, and the type of impeller selected.
Reaction turbines are acted on by water, which changes pressure as it moves through the turbine and gives up its energy. They must be encased to contain the water pressure (or suction), or they must be fully submerged in the water flow. In reaction turbine pressure drop occurs in both fixed and moving blades. It is largely used in dam and large power plants.
Impulse turbines change the velocity of a water jet. Water must be encased to create and contain the water pressure. The jet pushes on the turbine's curved blades which changes the direction of the flow. The resulting change in momentum (impulse) causes a force on the turbine blades. Since the turbine is spinning, the force acts through a distance (work) and the diverted water flow is left with diminished energy. An impulse turbine is one in which the pressure of the fluid flowing over the rotor blades is constant and all the work output is due to the change in kinetic energy of the fluid. Prior to hitting the turbine blades, the water's pressure (potential energy) is converted to kinetic energy by a nozzle and focused on the turbine. No pressure change occurs at the turbine blades, and the turbine doesn't require a housing for operation.
The general method of Power Calculation is:
The power available in a stream of water is;
P = η ⋅ ρ ⋅ g ⋅ h ⋅ q
where:
P = power (J/s or watts)
η = turbine efficiency
Rho = ρ = density of water (kg/m³)
g = acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s²)
h = head (m). For still water, this is the difference in height between the inlet and outlet surfaces. Moving water has an additional component added to account for the kinetic energy of the flow. The total head equals the pressure head plus velocity head.
q = flow rate (m³/s)
Regenerative braking is another form of power generation using kinetic energy . It is an energy recovery mechanism that slows down a moving vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed. The mechanics is explained further on below.
Gravigem is new invention and yet another form of gravity power generation. It is a blend of a water wheel and regenerative braking in a unique way. In regenerative braking the vehicle slows down, in this application the kinetic energy in the water is slowed down using the water wheel’s characteristics over a short time period using regenerative braking methodology. Please see the tables below what can be done.
What is Gravigem?
- It is a stand-alone power generation system. It is a base load system, meaning that if you have a 100kw system it will continuously feed 100kw 24hours a day for 365days a year.
- It is driven by gravity and therefore does not need any external event to work such as sun or wind or a water course.
- A single plant can be designed between 10 – 5000kW.
- It can be replicated as many times as required.
- It is designed to be off and/or on grid.
- It can be designed to operate at any voltage and frequency.
- It occupies very little space (normally <2x5m^2) and therefore can be applied virtually anywhere.
- It is priced at 3years of production. It has a very long-life span of >50years and longer if looked after properly
- It is a simple machine and very easy to maintain. No specialized tools or training required. Even a lay person can do most repairs and / or maintenance.
- Quick to manufacture and install.
- Noise factor is very low and can be further contained to almost nothing in housing.
- Can work in tandem - meaning that if you bought a system of say 100kw and demand has grown to 150kw, you can always buy another plant and just link it in, and it will work. In other words, upgrade-able at any time.
- Can buy and deploy any size up to 1Mw without license in South Africa and in most African countries.
- The Western Cape Government has confirmed that they will purchase power from any producer. They are free to buy power from plants at less than 1Mw per producer. To buy larger than 1Mw they need permission from Nersa. This creates a huge opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs. You can produce and they will buy. A business can therefore buy and use what it uses and then sell surplus power to the grid, say over night and/or in low demand times during the day. This happens automatically! The grid will then help you to pay off the plant sooner, thereafter you will have a huge extra income once the plant is paid off. They (Western Cape) are keen to get out of the clutches of Eskom. Spells opportunity everywhere in the Western Cape for entrepreneurs
Benefits to the owner
- Power costs become fixed for the owner as soon as you install plants.
- No more increases in the cost of electricity ever!!
- Pay for three years and get >50 years back for free
- Make it a business or as a supplementary income to your business
- Become independent from the grid
- Use surplus no cost power to create an additional business or other creature comforts
- Buy an electric car and free yourself from the fossil fuel grid!
Target market
Our business plan is to sell plants to entrepreneurs, businesses, malls, schools, communities, office and manufacture plants, farmers, rural communities, rural business, clinics, homes, water and sewerage works etc. rather than generate and sell. We believe that our system is so easy and simple to maintain and operate, that the end user should manage their own power and be independent of anyone especially government to fulfill their energy needs. If we can attain millions of end users to become small producers and supply general power to the grid, we will never be held ransom by a utility and government again through black outs. Millions of producers will eventually bring down the price of power to everybody as opposed to ever increasing price as per the government utilities. Millions of producers will own their own business and bring about wealth distribution on a scale never seen before ... our goal!
Installation into grid – grid designed for it!
The grid is designed that small plants of <1mw can be installed virtually everywhere. The current infrastructure can usually carry plant production up to 1mw which can be slotted in everywhere. Gravigem plant sizes start from 10kw to 5000kw. The larger plants will need proper infrastructure to carry them. The prospective owner would confirm with the municipality what is the maximum size plant they can install on their plot of land and feed into their grid if they plan to do so. Or they can install for self-use only (many such people will be mall, shop, factory / office owners, and farmers).
Can also be used in conventional hydro plants
With very little civil work, Gravigem can be integrated into most established hydro plants. The benefit would be a much greater output that would repay itself very quickly. Please contact me for more specific details.
The mechanics of Gravigem, a hydro kinetic regenerative braking methodology
What is kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy of mass in motion. The kinetic energy of an object is the energy it has because of its motion.
In Newtonian (classical) mechanics, which describes macroscopic objects moving at a small fraction of the speed of light, the kinetic energy (E) of a massive body in motion can be calculated as half its mass (m) times the square of its velocity (v): E = ½mv2. Note that energy is a scalar quantity, i.e., it does not depend on direction, and it is always positive.
Perhaps the most important property of kinetic energy is its ability to do work. Work is defined as force acting on an object in the direction of motion. Work and energy are so closely related as to be interchangeable. While energy of motion is usually expressed as E = ½mv2, work (W) is more often thought of as force (F) times distance (d): W = Fd. If we want to change the kinetic energy of a massive object, we must do work on it.
The Work-Energy Theorem
The principle of work and kinetic energy (also known as the work-energy theorem) states that the work done by the sum of all forces acting on a particle equals the change in the kinetic energy of the particle. This definition can be extended to rigid bodies by defining the work of the torque and rotational kinetic energy.
The work W done by the net force on a particle equals the change in the particle’s kinetic energy KE;
W=ΔKE=1/2mv2f−1/2mv2i
where vi and vf are the speeds of the particle before and after the application of force, and m is the particle’s mass. Regenerative braking uses this work energy principle.
What is regenerative braking and how does it work?
For a given direction of travel, the current flow through the motor armatures during braking will be opposite to that during motoring. Therefore, the motor exerts torque in a direction that is opposite from the rolling direction. Moving vehicles have a lot of kinetic energy, and when brakes are applied to slow a vehicle, all of that kinetic energy has to go somewhere. Regenerative braking uses an electric vehicle’s motor as a generator to convert much of the kinetic energy lost when decelerating back into stored energy in the vehicle’s battery. Efficiency of the regenerative braking process varies across many vehicles, motors, batteries and controllers, but is generally recognized between 60-70% efficient. This simply means that 70% of the kinetic energy lost during the act of braking can be turned back into acceleration later. On long downhills, regenerative braking can be used to constantly regulate speed while continuously charging the battery. Regenerative braking effect drops off at lower speeds. An AC/DC rectifier and a very large capacitor may be used to store the regenerated energy, in addition to or transferred to the battery later. The use of a capacitor allows much more rapid peak storage of energy, and at higher voltages.
Some rail way systems (e.g. LKAB)(see separate page describing this in detail) use regenerative systems as a braking mechanism to control the train’s descent down long downhills and in the process generate enough electricity for its rail network, mine and a town. For a given direction of travel, current flow through the motor armatures during braking will be opposite to that during motoring. Therefore, the motor exerts torque in a direction that is opposite from the rolling direction.
Regenerative braking in cars
Regenerative braking in cars is a two-step process involving the motor/generator and the battery. The initial kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy by the generator and is then converted into chemical energy by the battery. This process is less efficient than the flywheel. The work efficiency of the generator can be represented by:
where
The only work into the generator is the initial kinetic energy of the car and the only work produced by the generator is the electrical energy. Rearranging this equation to solve for the power produced by the generator gives this equation:
What is kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy of mass in motion. The kinetic energy of an object is the energy it has because of its motion.
In Newtonian (classical) mechanics, which describes macroscopic objects moving at a small fraction of the speed of light, the kinetic energy (E) of a massive body in motion can be calculated as half its mass (m) times the square of its velocity (v): E = ½mv2. Note that energy is a scalar quantity, i.e., it does not depend on direction, and it is always positive.
Perhaps the most important property of kinetic energy is its ability to do work. Work is defined as force acting on an object in the direction of motion. Work and energy are so closely related as to be interchangeable. While energy of motion is usually expressed as E = ½mv2, work (W) is more often thought of as force (F) times distance (d): W = Fd. If we want to change the kinetic energy of a massive object, we must do work on it.
The Work-Energy Theorem
The principle of work and kinetic energy (also known as the work-energy theorem) states that the work done by the sum of all forces acting on a particle equals the change in the kinetic energy of the particle. This definition can be extended to rigid bodies by defining the work of the torque and rotational kinetic energy.
The work W done by the net force on a particle equals the change in the particle’s kinetic energy KE;
W=ΔKE=1/2mv2f−1/2mv2i
where vi and vf are the speeds of the particle before and after the application of force, and m is the particle’s mass. Regenerative braking uses this work energy principle.
What is regenerative braking and how does it work?
For a given direction of travel, the current flow through the motor armatures during braking will be opposite to that during motoring. Therefore, the motor exerts torque in a direction that is opposite from the rolling direction. Moving vehicles have a lot of kinetic energy, and when brakes are applied to slow a vehicle, all of that kinetic energy has to go somewhere. Regenerative braking uses an electric vehicle’s motor as a generator to convert much of the kinetic energy lost when decelerating back into stored energy in the vehicle’s battery. Efficiency of the regenerative braking process varies across many vehicles, motors, batteries and controllers, but is generally recognized between 60-70% efficient. This simply means that 70% of the kinetic energy lost during the act of braking can be turned back into acceleration later. On long downhills, regenerative braking can be used to constantly regulate speed while continuously charging the battery. Regenerative braking effect drops off at lower speeds. An AC/DC rectifier and a very large capacitor may be used to store the regenerated energy, in addition to or transferred to the battery later. The use of a capacitor allows much more rapid peak storage of energy, and at higher voltages.
Some rail way systems (e.g. LKAB)(see separate page describing this in detail) use regenerative systems as a braking mechanism to control the train’s descent down long downhills and in the process generate enough electricity for its rail network, mine and a town. For a given direction of travel, current flow through the motor armatures during braking will be opposite to that during motoring. Therefore, the motor exerts torque in a direction that is opposite from the rolling direction.
Regenerative braking in cars
Regenerative braking in cars is a two-step process involving the motor/generator and the battery. The initial kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy by the generator and is then converted into chemical energy by the battery. This process is less efficient than the flywheel. The work efficiency of the generator can be represented by:
where
- Win is the work into the generator.
- Wout is the work produced by the generator
The only work into the generator is the initial kinetic energy of the car and the only work produced by the generator is the electrical energy. Rearranging this equation to solve for the power produced by the generator gives this equation:
where
- ∆t is the amount of time the car brakes
- m is the mass of the car.
- v is the initial velocity of the car just before braking.
Applying the above on a 1000kg car down a steep slope where the car travels at 60km/h. The velocity is 16.67m/s and the car is held at a constant velocity via regenerative braking then the power out would be assuming 100% efficiency of generator:
P = eff(1)*1000*16.672/2*1 = 277888.9/2 = 138944.4Watts or 138.9kW
Just to demonstrate that other power generation methods will give the same answer, we convert the velocity to a head V = sqrt(2*g*h) = h = V2/2*g = 16.672/2*9.81 = 14.1635m
Using the P = mgh = 1000*9.81*14.1635 = 138944.4Watts or 138.9kW
The above table is used to convert kmh to m/s. It also indicates that how high the fall must be to get to the equivalent kmh. Example you need to drop something from 14.16m for it to be traveling at 60kmph when it touches the floor.
When slowing the vehicle down by using regenerative braking an additional work energy is generated which is over and above the initial work energy as indicated above. The following work energy formula is used:
Work net = (KE initial - KE final)/t = (0.5*mv^2 initial - 0.5*mv^2) / t
where t = time
Note; The time parameters for the regenerative braking could be different to the initial braking energy of 1 second. This means that the braking could be hard at say 0.1seconds.
Kinetic energy initial = 0.5*mass*velocity^2 = 0.5*1000*16.67^2 = 138.94kJoules (Initial velocity)
Kinetic energy final = 0.5*mass*velocity^2 = 0.5*1000*16.39^2 = 134.31kJoules (Slowed velocity by 1kmh)
Difference is 138.94 -134.31 = 4.6kj/ time of 1 = 4.6Kw
The table aside indicates the power output of the car being held initially at 60kmh and then slowed by 1kmh every second and then in the next column it is slowed by 0.1sec/kmh (hard braking!) for every 1kmh.
We notice that at a steady 60kmh the power output is 138.9kW. When the car is slowed form 60-59kmh the regenerative work energy generated is 4.6kW. The total work energy needed to slow the car would be 143.5kW. The car slows to 59kmh and the output would then be 138.9kW. If that velocity was then maintained the output would be 134.3kW. Should a further 1kmh be slowed within 1sec the extra power generated would be 4.5kW bringing the total 138.8kW. The cycle could then repeat itself and so on.
The question is then where did the additional 4.6kW come from? The answer is additional braking action. Therefore, the breaking action energy generation is not dependent on the original power generation. It is an independent function. We can see that as the car slows the additional power generated becomes less and less.
Looking to the right in the table, where the car is subjected to hard braking the original power generation pattern is the same, but the amount of power generated is markedly more. As the vehicle slows so to does the additional power needed to slow the vehicle down, which is to be expected.
When slowing the vehicle down by using regenerative braking an additional work energy is generated which is over and above the initial work energy as indicated above. The following work energy formula is used:
Work net = (KE initial - KE final)/t = (0.5*mv^2 initial - 0.5*mv^2) / t
where t = time
Note; The time parameters for the regenerative braking could be different to the initial braking energy of 1 second. This means that the braking could be hard at say 0.1seconds.
Kinetic energy initial = 0.5*mass*velocity^2 = 0.5*1000*16.67^2 = 138.94kJoules (Initial velocity)
Kinetic energy final = 0.5*mass*velocity^2 = 0.5*1000*16.39^2 = 134.31kJoules (Slowed velocity by 1kmh)
Difference is 138.94 -134.31 = 4.6kj/ time of 1 = 4.6Kw
The table aside indicates the power output of the car being held initially at 60kmh and then slowed by 1kmh every second and then in the next column it is slowed by 0.1sec/kmh (hard braking!) for every 1kmh.
We notice that at a steady 60kmh the power output is 138.9kW. When the car is slowed form 60-59kmh the regenerative work energy generated is 4.6kW. The total work energy needed to slow the car would be 143.5kW. The car slows to 59kmh and the output would then be 138.9kW. If that velocity was then maintained the output would be 134.3kW. Should a further 1kmh be slowed within 1sec the extra power generated would be 4.5kW bringing the total 138.8kW. The cycle could then repeat itself and so on.
The question is then where did the additional 4.6kW come from? The answer is additional braking action. Therefore, the breaking action energy generation is not dependent on the original power generation. It is an independent function. We can see that as the car slows the additional power generated becomes less and less.
Looking to the right in the table, where the car is subjected to hard braking the original power generation pattern is the same, but the amount of power generated is markedly more. As the vehicle slows so to does the additional power needed to slow the vehicle down, which is to be expected.
I have created a scenario where the whole process is inverted on its head and it operates in the exact opposite way described above. The so called "road" is now driven by gravity (work) and therefore constant at the point of work where the regenerative braking needs to occur within the same time parameters as the table above. In the table below this is presented, the start velocity remains constant and the regenerative braking occurs from start to a particular velocity that occurs within the same time periods as above table. The results are indicated in the table below:
One can see the increase in regenerative work energy needed for each drop in kmh for both the 1 second and the 0.1second column. In the 0.1sec column the regenerative power needed supersedes the original power to just before dropping in velocity from 60-56kmh. Look at what happens when regenerative braking is applied from 60-40kmh in 0.1seconds!
This mathematical exercise indicates what is possible using regenerative braking as a power generation system and although it is a very good indicator it is not absolute truth, the power output cannot grow forever, other factors kick in as was discovered via 8 proof of concept trials.
I have taken this process and made it practical in the trials and have added much more IP to the process to make it possible. The sum of 8 Proof of Concepts / Pilot product tests to date helped to refine it more and more and am now ready for the demonstration plant. These figures are close to the truth but at >70% efficiency.! I cannot disclose any more as the IP is in the registration pipeline but can disclose to appropriate clients under an NDA.
From the above one can see the possibilities over conventional methodologies and there is no contravention of the principle of the conservation of energy concept. Regenerative braking does not contravene it. It is merely another power generation methodology using hydro kinetic energy.
From the 8 proof of concepts performed we estimate between 70-80% efficiency. We have polished virtually every aspect of the system. The recycle energy efficiency from cars etc. has resulted in figures being recorded around 70%. But this includes losses in the battery process. We do not have this problem. This then brings about the stand-alone concept of power generation in a way never been done before.
This technology brings about a base-load Renewable Energy system that has not been offered before, it never needs batteries, it is a 24/7 and 365 days a year power generation system. It is low in maintenance and very long lasting, it can be replicated as many times as needed. It has been designed to supply off grid and on grid scenarios. This is the future of power generation in the world. Some say that this is controversial, if it was then the LKAB train power generation system would not work. That system operates every day all day. It too was controversial at the time of design. That is progress. Gravity powered systems are currently working around the world, it too is time for further innovation.
Plant costs and Levelized cost of Electricity (USD comparison)
Plant costs are the roughly the equivalent of wind and PV for the smaller plants (10-30kw) but tend towards 50% of their costs at 100kw and less at 1000kw. Gravigem delivers power 100% of the time whilst the others are intermittent. From a LCOE point of view Wind and PV, both have costs of between 6-7c/khw ($) whilst Gravigem has 0.002c/kwh ($) based on a 50 year life span which could easily be made longer if looked after.
Plant sizes
I have done extensive market research on what would be the appropriate sizes of plants for various segments of the market. Bearing in mind risk, it is always better to have two or three plants rather than one, this creates continuity and caters for maintenance or when something goes wrong on one plant. Also, that it is not possible to cater for every possible size that could be demanded in the market as the production line would be big and complicated. Therefore, clients can mix and match different sizes together to meet their specific requirements. The planned sizes are 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000kw. Any surplus power can be supplied to the grid and help to pay off the plant.
Business plan
In line with our vision and mission, we plan to empower people through our business by creating business opportunities for others. Over time this will have a major impact on society and many subsequent businesses will emerge as a result of lower cost of electricity particularly when desalination occurs. This will change the entire economic dynamic of any country.
Stand-alone renewable energy systems that feed into micro grids everywhere is the future. In time the micro grids will inter connect with each other as fail-safe back-up systems. Centralized systems are yesteryear technology and almost all centralized utilities are facing the death spiral with renewal energy products competing against them. This technology is yet another example that will add to this scenario, as there is no centralized system that can compete with this technology over the longer term, especially when the systems are paid off and still generate free electricity for very long periods thereafter. Couple this with thousands and thousands of other smaller producers, they are in trouble.
The pricing of the product is three years production and is expected to have a life span of >50 years and longer if well looked after. This means that you pay for three years and receive a minimum of 50 years free energy. We have approached various governments and asked if they would buy power from many producers creating a very stable low-cost grid and without exception all have said yes. This means then, you as an owner, can sell your surplus power into the grid and earn money when you are not using it, such as at night or during the day, when your demand is low. This will all happen automatically. Therefore, it becomes a free source of energy for you and a source of income over time.
We plan to sell plants to entrepreneurs, businesses, rural business and communities, schools, clinics, hospitals, farmers etc. This also brings about desalination possibilities, as energy costs were the main deterrent. Water problems and electrical power can then become a thing of the past as consumption and irrigation can be done directly from the ocean.
Crowd funding
I am looking for funding to fund a small (15kw) pilot plant and to prepare to start designing larger plants. I have been following the Tesla situation in the manufacture of electric cars in the USA. They have run into problems trying to grow too big in a very short period of time. We plan to start small and perfect the design, manufacture (mostly outsourced), assembly process and distribution processes along with computer control systems of accounting, stock, ownership, maintenance and repairs and location. Once perfected we will move on to the next larger size. Regarding funding, minimum deposit required is R1000. If you want a plant for yourself and want to be prioritized, all deposits of 5000 and greater will fall into the priority listing. Larger amounts are welcome, deposits larger than 5000 will ensure further preference in the order process for your own plant. Regardless of deposit size, your deposits will be your discount on your own plant - this being the benefit to you as a result of your deposit. A further benefit is that should you decide not to buy your own plant you will be paid a simple interest rate of 10% on your deposit, repayable from internal sources as the business grows and at directors discretion. The advantage to you should you buy a plant and choose to just to feed into the grid, you could earn a potential 33% return on your money every year. If you sell a portion then your cash return will obviously be less. We think the terms of this offer is very fair and be of benefit to all. We are aiming for 5m or above but will utilize the money in stages as follows:
One can see the increase in regenerative work energy needed for each drop in kmh for both the 1 second and the 0.1second column. In the 0.1sec column the regenerative power needed supersedes the original power to just before dropping in velocity from 60-56kmh. Look at what happens when regenerative braking is applied from 60-40kmh in 0.1seconds!
This mathematical exercise indicates what is possible using regenerative braking as a power generation system and although it is a very good indicator it is not absolute truth, the power output cannot grow forever, other factors kick in as was discovered via 8 proof of concept trials.
I have taken this process and made it practical in the trials and have added much more IP to the process to make it possible. The sum of 8 Proof of Concepts / Pilot product tests to date helped to refine it more and more and am now ready for the demonstration plant. These figures are close to the truth but at >70% efficiency.! I cannot disclose any more as the IP is in the registration pipeline but can disclose to appropriate clients under an NDA.
From the above one can see the possibilities over conventional methodologies and there is no contravention of the principle of the conservation of energy concept. Regenerative braking does not contravene it. It is merely another power generation methodology using hydro kinetic energy.
From the 8 proof of concepts performed we estimate between 70-80% efficiency. We have polished virtually every aspect of the system. The recycle energy efficiency from cars etc. has resulted in figures being recorded around 70%. But this includes losses in the battery process. We do not have this problem. This then brings about the stand-alone concept of power generation in a way never been done before.
This technology brings about a base-load Renewable Energy system that has not been offered before, it never needs batteries, it is a 24/7 and 365 days a year power generation system. It is low in maintenance and very long lasting, it can be replicated as many times as needed. It has been designed to supply off grid and on grid scenarios. This is the future of power generation in the world. Some say that this is controversial, if it was then the LKAB train power generation system would not work. That system operates every day all day. It too was controversial at the time of design. That is progress. Gravity powered systems are currently working around the world, it too is time for further innovation.
Plant costs and Levelized cost of Electricity (USD comparison)
Plant costs are the roughly the equivalent of wind and PV for the smaller plants (10-30kw) but tend towards 50% of their costs at 100kw and less at 1000kw. Gravigem delivers power 100% of the time whilst the others are intermittent. From a LCOE point of view Wind and PV, both have costs of between 6-7c/khw ($) whilst Gravigem has 0.002c/kwh ($) based on a 50 year life span which could easily be made longer if looked after.
Plant sizes
I have done extensive market research on what would be the appropriate sizes of plants for various segments of the market. Bearing in mind risk, it is always better to have two or three plants rather than one, this creates continuity and caters for maintenance or when something goes wrong on one plant. Also, that it is not possible to cater for every possible size that could be demanded in the market as the production line would be big and complicated. Therefore, clients can mix and match different sizes together to meet their specific requirements. The planned sizes are 10, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000kw. Any surplus power can be supplied to the grid and help to pay off the plant.
Business plan
In line with our vision and mission, we plan to empower people through our business by creating business opportunities for others. Over time this will have a major impact on society and many subsequent businesses will emerge as a result of lower cost of electricity particularly when desalination occurs. This will change the entire economic dynamic of any country.
Stand-alone renewable energy systems that feed into micro grids everywhere is the future. In time the micro grids will inter connect with each other as fail-safe back-up systems. Centralized systems are yesteryear technology and almost all centralized utilities are facing the death spiral with renewal energy products competing against them. This technology is yet another example that will add to this scenario, as there is no centralized system that can compete with this technology over the longer term, especially when the systems are paid off and still generate free electricity for very long periods thereafter. Couple this with thousands and thousands of other smaller producers, they are in trouble.
The pricing of the product is three years production and is expected to have a life span of >50 years and longer if well looked after. This means that you pay for three years and receive a minimum of 50 years free energy. We have approached various governments and asked if they would buy power from many producers creating a very stable low-cost grid and without exception all have said yes. This means then, you as an owner, can sell your surplus power into the grid and earn money when you are not using it, such as at night or during the day, when your demand is low. This will all happen automatically. Therefore, it becomes a free source of energy for you and a source of income over time.
We plan to sell plants to entrepreneurs, businesses, rural business and communities, schools, clinics, hospitals, farmers etc. This also brings about desalination possibilities, as energy costs were the main deterrent. Water problems and electrical power can then become a thing of the past as consumption and irrigation can be done directly from the ocean.
Crowd funding
I am looking for funding to fund a small (15kw) pilot plant and to prepare to start designing larger plants. I have been following the Tesla situation in the manufacture of electric cars in the USA. They have run into problems trying to grow too big in a very short period of time. We plan to start small and perfect the design, manufacture (mostly outsourced), assembly process and distribution processes along with computer control systems of accounting, stock, ownership, maintenance and repairs and location. Once perfected we will move on to the next larger size. Regarding funding, minimum deposit required is R1000. If you want a plant for yourself and want to be prioritized, all deposits of 5000 and greater will fall into the priority listing. Larger amounts are welcome, deposits larger than 5000 will ensure further preference in the order process for your own plant. Regardless of deposit size, your deposits will be your discount on your own plant - this being the benefit to you as a result of your deposit. A further benefit is that should you decide not to buy your own plant you will be paid a simple interest rate of 10% on your deposit, repayable from internal sources as the business grows and at directors discretion. The advantage to you should you buy a plant and choose to just to feed into the grid, you could earn a potential 33% return on your money every year. If you sell a portion then your cash return will obviously be less. We think the terms of this offer is very fair and be of benefit to all. We are aiming for 5m or above but will utilize the money in stages as follows: