One of the limitations on relying on power produced by wind/wave/sun systems is the storage of the power produced in good conditions for use at other times. This project uses weights suspended in mine-shafts etc. The 250-kilowatt demonstrator project being built at the Port of Leith will enable the technology to be trialled on a smaller scale initially, using an above-ground structure. Should be interesting.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/business/edinburgh-firm-behind-incredible-gravity-energy-storage-project-hails-milestone-2955863
TECHNOLOGY
Our patented technology is based on a simple principle: raising and lowering a heavy weight to store and release energy. The Gravitricity system suspends weights of 500 - 5000 tonnes in a deep shaft by a number of cables, each of which is engaged with a winch capable of lifting its share of the weight. Electrical power is then absorbed or generated by raising or lowering the weight. The weight is guided by a system of tensioned guide wires (patents applied for) to prevent it from swinging and damaging the shaft. The winch system can be accurately controlled through the electrical drives to keep the weight stable in the hole.
Gravitricity™ technology has a unique combination of characteristics:
50-year design life – with no cycle limit or degradation
Response time – zero to full power in less than one second
Efficiency – between 80 and 90 percent
Versatile – can run slowly at low power or fast at high power
Simple – easy to construct near networks
Cost effective – levelised costs well below lithium batteries
Each unit can be configured to produce between 1 and 20MW peak power, with output duration from 15 minutes to 8 hours.
www.gravitricity.com/
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