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#1
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Gravity Energy System connects to grid.
Energy Vault, a company specializing in energy storage solutions, has successfully connected its gravity energy storage system to the Chinese State Grid. This is a significant step for the company as China is the world's largest energy storage market.
The company has also begun construction on three more gravity energy storage systems in China. These projects are expected to generate revenue for Energy Vault as they are built and commissioned. Energy Vault's technology is designed to support the balancing of China's national energy grid by storing and delivering renewable energy. The company is working with Chinese companies to deploy its technology in China. Read more: https://investors.energyvault.com/ne...s/default.aspx https://au.investing.com/news/stock-...s-93CH-3137192
Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content. |
#2
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What are Gravity Storage systems
Gravity storage systems are a relatively new technology that utilizes gravity's potential energy to store energy for later use. Here's a breakdown of how they work:
Concept: The core principle is simple. By lifting a heavy object (usually concrete blocks) to a height, you store energy as gravitational potential energy. When needed, you lower the object, and its descent converts that potential energy back into electricity through a generator. Applications: Gravity storage is targeted for grid-scale energy storage, offering long-duration storage capabilities to complement renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Advantages: Long-duration storage: Unlike batteries that have limited storage capacity, gravity storage can hold energy for extended periods, potentially days or even weeks. This makes it ideal for managing seasonal variations in renewable energy production. Simple and reliable: The technology uses well-understood physics and readily available materials like concrete and steel. This potentially translates to lower maintenance costs compared to some other storage solutions. Environmentally friendly: Gravity storage doesn't require any harmful chemicals or rare earth materials, making it an attractive option from a sustainability perspective. Challenges: Geographical limitations: While not strictly needing a high elevation change, suitable locations with stable and solid bedrock are preferred for construction. This can limit potential deployment sites. Efficiency: The efficiency of the conversion process (lifting and lowering the weights) can affect the overall energy storage capacity. Development stage: Gravity storage is a developing technology. While companies are making strides, large-scale deployments are still uncommon. Here are some companies at the forefront of gravity storage development: Energy Vault (https://www.energyvault.com/) Green Gravity [Australian startup developing gravity storage for disused mines] Gravity Storage [Swiss company with a different take on gravity storage using existing mine shafts] While still in its early stages, gravity storage has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of renewable energy storage. Its long-duration capabilities and reliance on simple, sustainable materials make it a promising technology to watch.
Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content. |
#3
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Elevation change is beneficial, but not strictly necessary: While a significant elevation change can increase the storage capacity of a gravity storage system, it's not an absolute requirement. The key factor is having a sufficient height to raise and lower the heavy object (usually concrete blocks). Even a modest height difference can be effective, especially when combined with a very massive weight.
Focus on potential energy: The core principle is storing gravitational potential energy. This energy depends on both the mass of the object and the height it's lifted to. So, a very heavy object raised to a moderate height can store the same amount of energy as a lighter object lifted to a much greater height. Here's an analogy: Imagine lifting a bowling ball and a feather. The bowling ball, although lifted to a lower height, will store much more gravitational potential energy due to its significantly larger mass. Site considerations: While a high elevation change can be advantageous, the primary site considerations for gravity storage systems are: Stable and solid bedrock: This is crucial for safely supporting the weight of the system and the heavy object used for storage. Available space: The system requires a designated area for the structure that houses the lifting mechanism and the weight itself. By focusing on these factors, gravity storage systems can be potentially deployed in a wider range of locations, even those without dramatic elevation changes.
Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content. |
#4
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While not strictly needing a high elevation change?
Elevation change is beneficial, but not strictly necessary: While a significant elevation change can increase the storage capacity of a gravity storage system, it's not an absolute requirement. The key factor is having a sufficient height to raise and lower the heavy object (usually concrete blocks). Even a modest height difference can be effective, especially when combined with a very massive weight.
Focus on potential energy: The core principle is storing gravitational potential energy. This energy depends on both the mass of the object and the height it's lifted to. So, a very heavy object raised to a moderate height can store the same amount of energy as a lighter object lifted to a much greater height. Here's an analogy: Imagine lifting a bowling ball and a feather. The bowling ball, although lifted to a lower height, will store much more gravitational potential energy due to its significantly larger mass. Site considerations: While a high elevation change can be advantageous, the primary site considerations for gravity storage systems are: Stable and solid bedrock: This is crucial for safely supporting the weight of the system and the heavy object used for storage. Available space: The system requires a designated area for the structure that houses the lifting mechanism and the weight itself. By focusing on these factors, gravity storage systems can be potentially deployed in a wider range of locations, even those without dramatic elevation changes.
Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content. |
#5
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Benefits of High Elevation Change
Benefits of High Elevation Change:
Increased Storage Capacity: A larger height difference allows for lifting the heavy object (usually concrete blocks) further. This translates to storing more gravitational potential energy, essentially increasing the system's total energy storage capacity. Drawbacks of Needing High Elevation Change: Limited Deployment Sites: Finding locations with significant and suitable elevation changes can be challenging. This might restrict where these systems can be built. Alternative: Focus on Mass and Modest Height: Even with a moderate height difference, a very massive object can store a substantial amount of energy. This approach allows for more flexibility in choosing deployment locations. Conclusion: While a high elevation change offers advantages, it's not essential. The key concept is maximizing the gravitational potential energy stored. This can be achieved through a combination of a massive object and a sufficient lifting height, even if the height itself isn't dramatic. This broader perspective opens doors for deploying gravity storage systems in a wider range of locations.
Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content. |
#6
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Cost comparisons for energy storage technologies
Cost comparisons for energy storage technologies can be tricky because they depend on several factors, including: Project size and scale: Large-scale PHES facilities will naturally be more expensive than a smaller off-grid battery system. Technology maturity: Newer technologies like gravity storage might have higher upfront costs due to being in earlier development stages. Site-specific considerations: Factors like geographical features and construction requirements can influence the final cost. However, here's a general comparison to give you an idea: Pumped hydro storage (PHES): While mature and reliable, PHES has the highest upfront cost due to the significant civil engineering involved in building reservoirs and dams. Estimates range from $1,000 to $3,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of storage capacity. Lithium-ion batteries: Costs are steadily decreasing, but they still come in at a higher price point than PHES per kWh. The range can be anywhere from $200 to $600 per kWh. Lead-acid batteries: The most affordable option, with costs around $100 to $200 per kWh. However, they have a shorter lifespan and lower depth of discharge compared to Li-ion. Gravity storage: As a developing technology, cost data is limited. Estimates suggest it could fall between Li-ion and PHES, potentially in the $500 to $1,000 per kWh range. Here are some resources for further exploration: Lazard's Levelized Cost of Storage report: This annual report provides a detailed comparison of the costs of various energy storage technologies. You can find it by searching for "Lazard Levelized Cost of Storage". Articles from reputable energy websites: Look for articles from organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) or the US Department of Energy (DoE) that discuss energy storage costs. Remember, these are just estimates. The actual cost for a specific project will depend on the factors mentioned earlier.
Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content. |
#7
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Could tidal generators be included in this discussion above?
Absolutely, tidal generators can be included in the discussion of energy storage solutions, although they have a different role compared to technologies like PHES and batteries. Here's how they fit in:
Tidal Generators for Energy Production: Tidal generators are not primarily energy storage devices. They function by converting the kinetic energy of moving tides into electricity. They are a form of renewable energy generation, similar to solar or wind power. Tidal and Energy Storage - A Complementary Approach: While tidal can't directly store energy, it can be a good partner for storage solutions like PHES or batteries. The predictable nature of tides allows for strategic power generation during high-flow periods. This generated electricity can then be stored in battery systems or pumped-hydro reservoirs for later use during low-flow periods or peak demand times. Challenges of Tidal as Storage: Tidal energy production fluctuates based on the tidal cycle, which is predictable but not constant. Unlike traditional storage solutions, tidal generators can't necessarily produce power on demand. Overall: Tidal energy is a valuable renewable source for electricity generation that can complement energy storage solutions for a more reliable grid. While tidal itself doesn't directly store energy, its predictable generation cycle allows for strategic energy production that can be used in conjunction with storage for a more balanced and sustainable energy system. Cost Considerations: The cost of tidal energy varies depending on factors like location, project size, and tidal strength. However, it generally falls within the range of other renewable energy sources like solar or wind. If you're interested in learning more about the costs associated with tidal energy, you can search for reports from organizations like the Ocean Energy Systems (OES) or the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Disclaimer: The author of this post, may or may not be a shareholder of any of the companies mentioned in this column. No company mentioned has sponsored or paid for this content. |
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