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

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

Applied Energy, 2025, vol. 378, issue PA, No S0306261924021573

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.

Keywords: Gravity energy storage; Energy storage plant; Capacity optimization; Control strategies; Economic evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124774

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