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Innovative Gravity Energy Storage Systems
Aug 29, 2024
Lecture Notes on Gravity Energy Storage and Re-Energize's R19 System
Introduction to Pump Storage Hydropower
Traditional pump storage hydro power stations act as gravity batteries.
Use water from an upper reservoir to store and release energy by spinning turbines.
Limitations include lack of density compared to materials like concrete or lead.
R-Energize's Innovative Approach
R19 Breakthrough
: Combines flexibility of water and high density of other materials.
Concept resembles mechanics of cuckoo clocks, storing potential energy via lifted weight.
Closed loop hydro power systems utilize this principle.
Water flows between reservoirs to generate energy during high demand.
Water is pumped back up during excess energy periods.
Limitations of Traditional Pump Storage
Geographical and Cost Limitations
: Conventional pump storage systems are expensive and geographically constrained.
Example: Swiss Alps pump storage facility - 900 MW, 20,000 MWh capacity, over 2,000 m above sea level.
R-Energize's Waterless Hydro Energy System
Operates effectively on small hills instead of high mountains.
Uses a dense slurry instead of water, allowing for smaller reservoirs and less height difference.
Energy Density
: The slurry stores 2.5 times the energy using the same volume.
Details of R19 System
Fluid Composition
: Ultra-fine powder of solid particles mixed with a surfactant.
Viscosity Management: The slurry has a viscosity of 20 centipoise (cp); manageable flow characteristics.
Pipes need to be 25-30% thicker to account for increased viscosity.
Challenges and Considerations
Temperature Sensitivity
: High-density fluids are sensitive to temperature changes affecting viscosity.
Need for temperature control using heating elements or excess turbine heat.
Separation of Components
: Water and solids in the slurry could separate over time; requires finely milled particles and constant movement.
Demonstrations and Future Plans
Demonstration Success
: First demo showed R19 achieving twice the power output of water at the same elevation.
Upcoming construction of a 500 kW demonstrator in Plymouth, England.
Expected operation to help decarbonize mining operations.
Plans for 10-50 MW grid projects and a goal for 100 MW ratings by 2030.
Application includes a partnership with apple farmers for a microgrid in South Africa.
Benefits of R-Energize's System
Increased Energy Density
: Faster and easier construction of systems.
Reduced Environmental Footprint
: Smaller reservoirs, less recycling, and minimal use of rare earth metals.
Established Technology Foundation
: Builds upon traditional pump storage systems, reducing R&D costs.
Cost Effectiveness
: Projected levelized storage cost of $150/MWh vs. $25/MWh for lithium-ion batteries.
Conclusion
R-Energize's system offers a promising alternative to conventional energy storage methods.
Questions remain about long-term viability and operational challenges.
Ongoing research and demonstrations will determine practical success.
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