Most people understand the need for grid scale batteries as we convert to renewable energy. Gravity batteries are the (or at least a big part of the) answer. Gravity batteries are already in use, most commonly in the form of pumped storage. Pumping water from a lower reservoir to a higher one with excess power generated during the day or when the wind blows and then reversing the process to generate power when demand is high. It can have a high capacity of storage and is reliable but is very expensive
A better option is rail car storage. Grade a ramp. Build a railway on the ramp. Connect a rail car filled with sand by cable to a motor / generator mounted at the top of the ramp. Use excess power to pull the rail car up the ramp, let it down the ramp to generate power in times of demand.
No new technology needed, we've been building railways for nearly two hundred years. Very adaptable provided there is enough elevation differential...not going to work in flatlands. Almost any slope will work but the steeper the better, the longer the better and it has to be straight. Even a low slope will work but it may need additional rail cars to increase its capacity.
It is virtually fool proof so would give complete reliability.
Also if the ramp is made wide when built (40 to 50 feet) additional railways could be added for very little additional cost, multiplying its capacity.
It wouldn't be very nice to look at but in my town the landfill would be ideal. A straight track about a mile long with at least two hundred feet elevation change.
This is not my idea. I read about it years ago and am really puzzled as to why it's not being used, or even talked about.
Also, for flat land areas, played out oil wells could become 'energy wells'. Not all wells will work but many have a bore of six inches or more and a depth of 2500 ft. First the bottom of the well would have to be plugged, then put a weight on a cable connected to a motor / generator mounted over the well. Many dry well pads still have electric lines still in place.
Again, not my idea but a good one.
These are relatively inexpensive. with all the need for batteries why aren't these getting a look? If not a pilot project...
A better option is rail car storage. Grade a ramp. Build a railway on the ramp. Connect a rail car filled with sand by cable to a motor / generator mounted at the top of the ramp. Use excess power to pull the rail car up the ramp, let it down the ramp to generate power in times of demand.
No new technology needed, we've been building railways for nearly two hundred years. Very adaptable provided there is enough elevation differential...not going to work in flatlands. Almost any slope will work but the steeper the better, the longer the better and it has to be straight. Even a low slope will work but it may need additional rail cars to increase its capacity.
It is virtually fool proof so would give complete reliability.
Also if the ramp is made wide when built (40 to 50 feet) additional railways could be added for very little additional cost, multiplying its capacity.
It wouldn't be very nice to look at but in my town the landfill would be ideal. A straight track about a mile long with at least two hundred feet elevation change.
This is not my idea. I read about it years ago and am really puzzled as to why it's not being used, or even talked about.
Also, for flat land areas, played out oil wells could become 'energy wells'. Not all wells will work but many have a bore of six inches or more and a depth of 2500 ft. First the bottom of the well would have to be plugged, then put a weight on a cable connected to a motor / generator mounted over the well. Many dry well pads still have electric lines still in place.
Again, not my idea but a good one.
These are relatively inexpensive. with all the need for batteries why aren't these getting a look? If not a pilot project...
