Project Title: Hydro-Power Energy Storage Device Utilizing Elastic Energy
Project Summary: This team partnered with Tensilastic Energy to design a proof-of-concept prototype for Tensilastic’s patented elastic energy storage system—an innovative alternative to traditional pumped hydropower. Instead of relying on gravity and elevation, this system stores energy by squeezing or stretching elastic materials to force fluid through a hydroelectric turbine. The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of converting elastic potential energy into usable hydroelectric power, addressing current limitations of pumped hydro such as lack of portability and scalability. Using MATLAB for calculations and Ansys for simulations, the team evaluated the design’s safety and performance while ensuring compliance with the existing patent. Building and testing a physical prototype was also a critical component of this project, due to the limited research on viscoelastic materials and their complex mechanical behaviors. Experimental results guided recommendations for improving piston seals and refining hull geometries. Though not yet a commercial product, this prototype marks a significant step in Tensilastic Energy’s R&D efforts. It provides valuable insights for future design iterations and supports the development of a more sustainable, scalable, and portable energy storage technology.
