Green energy stores of the future

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, [email protected], www.gravitricity.com

Further reading:

Planar motor system for quality assurance
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.

Read more...

---

Robotic solution for adhesive tape application with flexible control
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Robotics & Mechatronics
In industry, even elaborate processes, such as the application of adhesive tape to parts with varying geometries are automated. Innovative Automation has developed a platform with Beckhoff control technology and a remote feeding module, which increases productivity and enables flexible customisation for different requirements.

Read more...

---

The world’s most powerful worm
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.

Read more...

---

Problem solving under pressure
Axiom Hydraulics Editor's Choice
The greatest strength of Axiom Hydraulics lies in the company’s ability to solve complex problems and adapt systems to meet unique challenges. This capability stems from two key factors: the diverse experience of its team members, which spans decades across multiple disciplines, and their unwavering dedication to their clients.

Read more...

---

New AI advisor for robot selection
igus Editor's Choice Robotics & Mechatronics
igus’ new AI chatbot has been added to the online platform RBTX.com. The interactive consultant is designed to enable companies with little previous experience and technological expertise to quickly and reliably put together low-cost automation solutions to becoming more competitive.

Read more...

---

Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts
Artic Driers International Editor's Choice Pneumatic systems & components
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.

Read more...

---

Process control system for the entire plant lifecycle
Siemens South Africa Editor's Choice
The automation of process plants has been characterised by IT silos for a long time. The high level of IT security required was achieved through strict isolation from the outside world. However, this made unlocking the opportunities for digitalisation very difficult. This is a compelling reason to opt for Simatic PCS neo – Siemens’s completely web-based process control system with state-of-the-art IT security concepts.

Read more...

---

Celebrating 65 years: rebuilding and redefining its legacy
Axiom Hydraulics Editor's Choice News & events
Founded in 1959 by Neill Simpson, Axiom Hydraulics has grown into one of South Africa’s elite hydraulic companies. Over the past six and a half decades they’ve weathered many challenges, but none as devastating as the fire of 2023.

Read more...

---

Monitoring the health of systems
SA Gauge Editor's Choice Shaft power components
Pressure and temperature gauges are vital instruments in various industries. However, they are susceptible to failures that can compromise their accuracy and reliability. When these gauges fail, the consequences can be severe.

Read more...

---

PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---