A new slope gravity energy storage system with multi parallel and continuous circulation tracks

Abstract The advancement of gravity energy storage technology represents a significant opportunity for the advancement of green energy development. However, the current gravity energy storage schemes exhibit suboptimal storage efficiency and elevated construction costs. In light of the aforementioned limitations, this paper puts forth a novel ramp gravity energy storage scheme, which entails the design of a mechatronic energy storage system that employs a synthesis of mechanical and electrical systems. A continuous cycle scheme with multiple tracks in parallel and multiple vehicles in tandem operation modes has been designed. These innovative designs effectively overcome the limitations of vertical lifting and single-track reciprocating motion inherent in the current gravity energy storage schemes, and improve the operational efficiency of the slope gravity energy storage system. The new energy storage system can be adapted to different mountainous terrains and different energy storage capacity requirements through the use of flexible combinations and a modular combination design. Furthermore, this paper investigates the weight of the energy storage medium in accordance with varying energy storage requirements. Based on this analysis, the relationship between the system construction cost and the energy storage capacity, slope angle, height, and the number of combination tracks is determined, and the combination scheme with the lowest cost is identified.