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Enhancing modular gravity energy storage plants: A hybrid strategy for optimal unit capacity configuration

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  • Tong, Wenxuan
  • Lu, Zhengang
  • Chen, Yanbo
  • Zhao, Guoliang
  • Hunt, Julian David
  • Xu, Guizhi

Abstract

The large-scale integration of intermittent renewable energy sources poses significant challenges to grid flexibility and stability. Gravity energy storage offers a viable solution for high-capacity, long-duration, and economical energy storage. Modular gravity energy storage (M-GES) represents a promising branch of this technology; however, the lack of research on unit capacity configuration hinders its widespread adoption. This paper presents a pioneering investigation into the optimal capacity configuration of the motor system in M-GES power plants, which is crucial for stable operation and cost efficiency. We introduce a hybrid capacity optimization strategy that combines equal capacity configuration (EC) and double-rate capacity configuration (DR). Using the MATLAB/Simulink platform, we validate the power characteristics of the M-GES power plant under this new strategy, demonstrating that the power deviation remains within 0.1 %. Notably, the Hybrid configuration can reduce the total cost of the motor system by 50 % to 80 % compared to the traditional EC approach. This research provides significant insights to support the commercialization of M-GES technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Tong, Wenxuan & Lu, Zhengang & Chen, Yanbo & Zhao, Guoliang & Hunt, Julian David & Xu, Guizhi, 2025. "Enhancing modular gravity energy storage plants: A hybrid strategy for optimal unit capacity configuration," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 378(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:378:y:2025:i:pa:s0306261924021573
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124774
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