Gravitricity Adds Hydrogen To Energy Storage Mix
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release on the Gravitricity web site.
These are the first two paragraphs of the press release.
Energy storage specialists Gravitricity have revealed plans to add hydrogen and heat storage to their underground gravity energy system.
The Edinburgh innovators have submitted a global patent to turn purpose-built shafts into pressurised energy stores, capable of safely accumulating significant quantities of the gas.
These are my observations.
- I believe the original concept of storing energy will work, which is why I have invested.
- Other companies are proposing to store hydrogen under pressure below ground.
- Heat is being extracted from the London Underground and used for heating buildings.
- Using one hole for three purposes must be more cost-efficient.
These processes might be easier with a regular clean purpose-built shaft!
£3m Hackney Overground Station Upgrade To Begin In June
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the Hackney Gazette.
Selfishly, this is the improvement, that I’m waiting for.
I live to the West of Dalston Junction station on the 38 bus route. The second entrance will make getting to and from Stratford and the various attractions there much easier.
Highview Power Unveils $1bn Of Liquid-Air Energy Storage Projects In Spain
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Recharge Magazine.
The article is based on this press release from Highview Power, which is entitled Highview Power Developing 2 GWh of Liquid Air Long Duration Energy Storage Projects in Spain.
This is the introductory paragraph from the press release.
Highview Power, a global leader in long duration energy storage solutions, announced today it is developing up to 2 GWh of long duration, liquid air energy storage projects across Spain for an estimated investment of around $1 billion. These projects will enable several Spanish regions to move towards their net zero emissions target.
The press release also says this about location and size.
Highview Power is planning to develop up to seven CRYOBattery™ projects ranging from 50 MW/300 MWh in Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y Leon, and the Canary Islands.
Three of these areas are in Northern Spain and the other is a group of islands.
As Spain has at least two large pumped storage systems, perhaps geography rules this proven technology out in these areas.
System Modularity
According to the Wikipedia entry for Highview Power, the two current CRYOBatteries under development are sized as follows.
- Carrington, Manchester, UK – 50 MW/250 MWh – Under construction
- Vermont, USA – 50 MW/400 MWh – Under development
Do the figures indicate that several systems will share the same 50 MW core power system, with a number of liquid air tanks to give the appropriate capacity?
I have extensively modelled chemical plants in my past to see, how different sizes work and I am fairly certain, that Highview Power have developed a design, that is extremely flexible.
It looks like if initial calculations show that a system capable of supplying 50 MW for five hours is needed, but operation proves that a capacity of six hours would be better, that all Highview Power need to do is add another 50 MWh tank.
This is surely an operator’s dream, as if say a developer builds a thousand dwellings and/or a windfarm nearby and more energy storage is needed, an appropriate number of extra tanks can be added.
Sourcing The 50 MW Core Power System
I talked about how the first system at Carrington will use a system from MAN Energy Solutions in MAN Energy Partners With Highview Power On Liquid-Air Energy-Storage Project.
This surely is an approach that minimises risk.
Sourcing The Storage Tanks
I have been searching the Internet for manufacturers of cryogenic gas tanks and I’ve found them in countries like Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US.
But then most hospitals have one for their liquid oxygen.
This image was from shutterstock.
They are not difficult to find.
Spain And Renewable Energy
Spain is a large producer of renewable energy and also a leader in wind and solar power technology.
See Renewable Energy in Spain on Wikipedia for more details.
Siemens Gamesa, which was created by a merger of a German and a Spanish company and is headquartered at Zamudio in Spain, have also developed the Siemens Gamesa ETES, which is a volcanic rock-based energy storage system about the same size of Highview Power’s CRYOBattery.
Conclusion
It looks to me, that Highview Power have closed a good sale.
The Anonymous Widower 