M. Gautam, D. Wu, C. Wiggins, R. Rebich
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
United States
Keywords: long duration energy storage, rail-based energy storage, gravitational potential energy
Summary:
The transition to a decarbonized and resilient power grid necessitates innovative and efficient long-duration energy storage solutions to manage the variability of renewable energy sources. This presentation delves into advanced rail energy storage systems, a promising long-duration storage technology that harnesses gravitational potential energy to provide reliable and scalable energy storage. The operational physics of the system, including the fundamental equations and mechanisms governing its functionality, are explored in depth. Various operational modes, such as constant power/constant speed, constant power/variable speed, and variable power/variable speed, are analyzed to evaluate their performance across diverse grid applications. The presentation also highlights the potential of advanced rail energy storage to support critical grid services, including energy arbitrage, capacity value, infrastructure upgrade deferral, etc. Its adaptability and scalability make it a compelling solution for enhancing grid reliability and flexibility in the context of increasing renewable energy integration. This research underscores the pivotal role of advanced rail energy storage as a long-duration energy storage solution, offering actionable insights for researchers, system operators, and policymakers aiming to shape a sustainable and resilient energy future.