Researchers Say Gravity Energy Storage is Possible in High-Rise Buildings

Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada have introduced an exciting idea that could change how energy is stored in cities. They believe that high-rise buildings can be used to store renewable energy through a gravity-based system. This technology could work together with solar panels, small wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries to make buildings more energy-efficient and less dependent on the grid. 

The system works in a simple but smart way. It uses a rope-hoist mechanism that lifts heavy weights, such as steel or concrete blocks, to store energy when solar or wind power is available. Later, when electricity is needed, the weights are lowered, and the movement generates power. The process is similar to how elevators operate, using motor-generator units, ropes, and gears to move up and down. 

In this setup, the gravity system is the main source of energy storage, while lithium-ion batteries are only used for quick responses during sudden increases or drops in power. By combining the three technologies, solar, wind, and gravity storage, buildings could become more self-sufficient, using clean energy most of the time and relying on the grid less often. 

According to lead researcher Muhammed A. Hassan, the design is not only technically possible but has already been proven in practice. He mentioned that a company called Gravitricity has built a prototype in Edinburgh, Scotland. The project has a capacity of 250 kilowatts and uses two heavy weights connected to generators. The company has also started two larger projects, one producing 4 megawatts and another 8 megawatts, showing that gravity-based storage can work at different scales. 

The research team tested their model on 625 different building designs, studying how each building’s shape and size affect energy use. They used a computer model called a multi-objective genetic algorithm dubbed MOGA to measure the levelized cost of electricity and how much power each building would still need from the grid. 

Their findings showed that the system could produce electricity at costs ranging from $0.051 to $0.111 per kilowatt-hour. They also found that taller buildings tend to have cheaper electricity costs but rely more on the grid. The system’s payback period was estimated at between 9 and 17 years, meaning it could pay for itself over time and remain profitable in the long term. 

Still, the researchers admit that some challenges remain. The system must prove it can work reliably 24 hours a day for many years. It also needs lower construction costs and more support from the energy industry. If these issues are solved, gravity storage could become a key part of sustainable urban living. Experts predict that by the late 2020s, this technology could be ready for wide commercial use, helping cities move closer to a clean and dependable energy future. 

Who knows, the cutting-edge technologies that are being focused on by enterprises like D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) could make this energy system a reality sooner than the researchers envision. 

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS 

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