Green energy stores of the future

Editor's Choice

2nd Quarter 2018 Editor's Choice Other technologies

Former South African mines could find a new lease of life – with old mine shafts turned into hi-tech green energy stores. Energy startup, Gravitricity has just received a R12 million grant from Innovate UK, the British government’s innovation agency, for its plan to harness the power of gravity to store renewable energy. South Africa has been identified as an ideal country to roll out the green energy stores. The technology uses a massive weight suspended in a mine shaft to capture green power and then release it in seconds. If Gravitricity’s plan succeeds, its technology could breathe new life into former mining communities.

Gravitricity will start building a scale demonstrator later this year and will install a full-scale prototype by 2020. “Gravitricity uses a heavy weight of 2000 tons suspended in a deep shaft by cables attached to winches,” explains managing director, Charlie Blair. “When there is excess electricity, for example on a windy day, the weight is winched to the top of the shaft ready to generate power. This weight can then be released when required and the winches become generators, producing either a large burst of electricity quickly, or releasing it more slowly depending on what is needed.”

Unlike batteries, the system can operate for decades without any degradation or reduction in performance. The startup plans to build models from 1 to 20 MW, and estimates each energy storage system will last up to 50 years.

For more information contact Neil Davidson, Gravitricity, +44 75 4573 5402, neil@neildavidson.org, www.gravitricity.com

Share this article:

Execution of the massive Azmet Reactor project DRC
Editor's Choice News & events
The Azmet Reactor project, a collaborative effort led by Viva Engineering, involved fabricating six massive reactors that were over three stories high in Gauteng, and then transporting these more than 2500 kilometres to a mine in the DRC - where all 3265 parts fitted perfectly, with not even one of the 26 900 bolts out of place. This was a massive achievement.

Read more...

The time is now to implement a motor management strategy
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Motor management plays an all-important role in controlling motor energy costs in various industries, segments and applications. Research and practical experience have consistently shown that effective motor management practices can result in significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and improved overall system reliability.

Read more...

SKF’s successful raid action in Cape Town
SKF South Africa Editor's Choice Shaft power components
Authorities, with collaborative support from SKF, recently conducted a large and highly effective raid on a very well-known bearing seller of SKF bearings in Cape Town.

Read more...

Case study on automotive quality control
Motion Tronic Editor's Choice
Motion Tronic selected high-performance PLCs and HMIs from Inovance Technology to engineer a smart catalytic converter quality control solution for the exhaust facility at Toyota South Africa Motors.

Read more...

PC-based motion control on a labelling machine
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
For 50 years, Bausch+Ströbel in Germany has been developing packaging and production systems for the pharmaceutical industries. The company’s goal is to offer the best technical and economical solutions for the challenges of modern industry. Its new ESA1025 labelling machine shows how this is achieved with PC-based control from Beckhoff as the central motion controller.

Read more...

Thrust for hybrid electric flying
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Several leading academic institutes in Germany are collaborating on the future of hybrid electric flying. The partners are researching an entirely new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers.

Read more...

Tough couplings for tough industries
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG Editor's Choice
BMG’s extensive range of power transmission components encompasses robust products from Regal Rexnord, a leading manufacturer of critical system components that perform efficiently under rigorous demands in diverse applications.

Read more...

Hydraulic connectors with residual pressure
Editor's Choice Hydraulic systems & components
Hydraulic connections are vital in both outdoor and indoor industrial machinery. However, the hydraulics lines frequently require connecting and disconnecting for maintenance or changeover. The goal is to enable quick, easy swaps to enhance machine flexibility and productivity.

Read more...

Inovance brings advanced motion control to South Africa
Motion Tronic Editor's Choice
Inovance and its South African distributor, Motion Tronic are launching the Easy Series PLC in this country, bringing its flexible, high-performance motion control solution to customers across South Africa in a wide range of industry sectors.

Read more...

Categories

Editor's Choice

Green energy stores of the future

Further reading:

Publications by Technews