Gravity-Based Energy Storage

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Gravity-based energy storage (GBES) systems utilize the potential energy of a mass raised against gravity to store energy. This can be achieved through various methods, such as pumped hydro storage, where water is pumped uphill to a reservoir, or by lifting solid masses, such as concrete blocks or weights, to a higher elevation. When energy is needed, the mass is lowered, converting potential energy into kinetic energy, which is then used to generate electricity.

Impact on climate action

Gravity-Based Energy Storage within the Thermal & Mechanical Storage theme enhances climate action by offering a scalable and efficient method for storing renewable energy. By utilizing excess energy to lift heavy masses, this innovation stores potential energy for later use, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy integration, mitigating carbon emissions.

Underlying
Technology

  • Potential Energy: GBES systems store energy as potential energy, which is the energy an object possesses due to its position or height.
  • Gravitational Force: Gravity is the force that attracts objects towards each other. In GBES systems, gravity is used to convert potential energy into kinetic energy as the mass is lowered.
  • Mechanical Systems: GBES systems utilize mechanical systems, such as pumps, motors, and turbines, to raise and lower the mass and convert energy between different forms.
  • Energy Conversion: The kinetic energy generated by the falling mass is converted into electricity using generators or turbines.

TRL : 6-8 (depending on the specific technology)


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Advanced Pumped Hydro Storage: Innovations in pumped hydro storage, such as using variable-speed pumps and turbines, are improving efficiency and flexibility.
  • Solid Mass Gravity Storage: Startups are developing innovative systems that use solid masses, such as concrete blocks or weights, to store energy. These systems offer advantages in terms of site flexibility and environmental impact.
  • Gravity-Based Rail Energy Storage: This technology utilizes trains loaded with heavy weights that are pulled uphill using excess electricity and then allowed to roll downhill, generating electricity through regenerative braking.
  • Underground Gravity Storage: Some companies are exploring the use of underground mines or shafts for gravity-based energy storage, offering potential advantages in terms of land use and environmental impact.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Variable-Speed Pumped Hydro Storage
  • Innovative Solid Mass Gravity Systems
  • Gravity-Based Rail Energy Storage
  • Underground Mine Gravity Storage
  • Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems
  • Advanced Turbine Technology
  • Modular Concrete Block Storage
  • Next-Generation Hydraulic Systems
  • Integrated Gravity Storage Designs
  • Hybrid Mechanical-Electrical Systems
  • Novel Flywheel Energy Storage
  • Eco-Friendly Energy Recovery Methods
  • Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
  • Adaptive Control Systems for Gravity Storage

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  1. Energy Vault:
    • Technology Enhancement: Energy Vault has developed an innovative gravity-based energy storage system that utilizes a tower structure and a series of heavy blocks or modules to store and release energy. During periods of excess electricity generation, such as from renewable sources like solar or wind, the system uses this energy to lift the blocks, storing potential energy. When electricity is needed, the blocks are lowered, converting the potential energy back into electricity.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Energy Vault’s solution is notable for its simplicity and scalability. It utilizes proven principles of physics to store and release energy, with the potential for large-scale deployment in various environments. Unlike battery-based energy storage systems, Energy Vault’s technology does not rely on rare materials or chemicals, potentially offering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Energy Vault targets utility companies, renewable energy developers, and industrial facilities seeking cost-effective and scalable energy storage solutions. Their gravity-based energy storage system can help integrate intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid, provide grid stability, and support peak demand management.
  2. Gravitricity:
    • Technology Enhancement: Gravitricity specializes in developing gravity-based energy storage systems based on the principles of pumped hydro storage. Their system involves suspending heavy weights in underground shafts and using winches to raise and lower them, storing and releasing energy as required. The system offers fast response times and high power output, making it suitable for grid balancing and frequency regulation.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Gravitricity’s solution is unique for its adaptability to a wide range of locations, including disused mineshafts and underground caverns. By leveraging existing infrastructure and geological features, their energy storage system can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, offering grid-scale energy storage capabilities without the need for large reservoirs or environmental impact.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Gravitricity targets grid operators, renewable energy developers, and industrial facilities seeking flexible and responsive energy storage solutions. Their gravity-based system can provide grid stability, support renewable energy integration, and enable off-grid power supply in remote locations.
  3. Advanced Rail Energy Storage (ARES):
    • Technology Enhancement: ARES has developed a gravity-based energy storage system that utilizes electric locomotives to transport weighted rail cars up a hill during periods of excess electricity generation. When electricity is needed, the rail cars are released, rolling back down the hill and generating electricity through regenerative braking. The system offers fast response times and high efficiency, making it suitable for grid stabilization and peak shaving.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: ARES’s solution is unique for its use of electric rail technology to store and release energy. By leveraging existing railway infrastructure, their energy storage system can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, offering grid-scale storage capabilities with minimal environmental impact.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: ARES targets utility companies, grid operators, and renewable energy developers seeking innovative energy storage solutions. Their gravity-based system can help improve grid reliability, integrate renewable energy sources, and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based peaker plants.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  1. International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA):
    • Research Focus: IIASA is at the forefront of research on Gravity-Based Energy Storage, focusing on developing novel techniques and system designs for storing and releasing energy using gravitational potential energy.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves exploring various concepts such as pumped hydro storage, underground caverns, and gravitational potential energy systems to store surplus electricity during periods of low demand and release it when needed. They also investigate the integration of renewable energy sources, grid balancing strategies, and techno-economic assessments to evaluate the feasibility and scalability of gravity-based energy storage solutions.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in grid stabilization, peak shaving, and renewable energy integration. By leveraging gravity-based energy storage, IIASA’s research contributes to enhancing grid reliability, reducing energy costs, and accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy system.
  2. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich):
    • Research Focus: ETH Zurich conducts pioneering research on Gravity-Based Energy Storage, leveraging its expertise in energy systems, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable technologies to develop innovative approaches for storing and utilizing gravitational potential energy.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the design and optimization of underground reservoirs, rock caverns, and elevated water tanks for gravity-based energy storage. They also explore advanced materials, construction techniques, and geomechanical modeling to enhance the efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of gravity-based storage systems.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in mountainous regions, remote communities, and urban areas with limited space for conventional energy storage infrastructure. By harnessing gravity as a renewable energy resource, ETH Zurich’s research supports the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, grid stability, and energy independence.
  3. University of Edinburgh:
    • Research Focus: The University of Edinburgh is engaged in innovative research on Gravity-Based Energy Storage, leveraging its expertise in geosciences, geotechnical engineering, and renewable energy technologies to develop scalable and cost-effective solutions for energy storage and grid management.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves investigating the geotechnical and environmental aspects of gravity-based energy storage, including site selection, geological characterization, and risk assessment. They also explore the use of novel materials, construction methods, and control strategies to optimize the performance and reliability of gravity-based storage systems in diverse geological settings.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in renewable energy projects, microgrid systems, and grid-scale energy storage initiatives. By leveraging gravity-based energy storage, the University of Edinburgh’s research contributes to enhancing energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable development.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Pumped hydro storage is the most mature and widely deployed form of gravity-based energy storage, with numerous large-scale facilities in operation around the world. However, other GBES technologies, such as those developed by Energy Vault and Gravitricity, are still in the early stages of commercial deployment.



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