The Principle Efficiency of the New Gravity Energy Storage and Its Site Selection Analysis

Abstract

: In recent years, China has prioritized non-fossil energy development, adhered to the orientation of green development, and focused on the development of renewable energy. With the advancing information age, China’s industrial electricity consumption is growing rapidly; in this context, it is difficult to stably and continuously meet the power demand during peak and trough periods by using green energy as sole electricity supply. Power energy storage technology provides an important means to address this contradiction, among which gravity energy storage technology has become a pertinent research direction for new energy storage methods owing to advantages such as environmental protection, high energy conversion efficiency, low upfront cost, and low requirements for terrain and water sources. Currently, three forms of gravity energy storage exist, including including those utilizing tower cranes, mountains, and abandoned mines, etc .; However, gravity energy storage technology remains in its infancy in China, and the technical and theoretical research on various aspects-such as the principle, safety, and environmental impact of gravity energy storage systems, energy conversion efficiency, power station site selection, heavy block material selection, and applicability–– are inadequate. Based on the energy storage environment in China and abroad, this study analyzed the principle and working mode of the three forms of gravity energy storage. On this basis, the efficiencies of the three energy storage modes were investigated. Finally, from the perspectives of material strength, service life, and formation stability, key recommendations for the selection of materials and power station sites were proposed. The findings provide theoretical support for gravity energy storage in China and address a critical gap concerning the underlying principle and material selection with regard to energy storage technology.