- The storage system is ideal for areas with high levels of solar radiation.
- The model is a multi-state energy conversion system.
- Researchers believe that this storage system will be ideal for Africa.
A British-Nigerian research team has developed a Solar PV design model that integrates gravity-based energy storage systems. According to the scientists, their concept is a multi-state energy conversion system that builds upon the previous works on various energy storage technologies, including pumped-hydro gravity storage systems, compressed air gravity storage, among others.
The model design comprises a solar power generator, a bulk booster charge controller; an inverter; a solenoid device; a deep cycle battery; a pulley block, a geared motor, a microcontroller, and wire ropes. The battery in this design is used for smoothing out the system’s power output rather than storing electricity primarily. The battery will last longer in this proposed system as it will have a constant output hour duration. The battery is connected to an inverter which, in turn, is connected to AC loads.
The researchers concluded that due to high electrical requirements, the system needs to utilise high-power solar modules with an output of over 500W, with a combination of multiple panels ideal for areas with low solar radiation levels. This system is ideal for rooftop solar energy deployment in Africa. The continent enjoys high solar radiation levels and a sizeable quantity of metal scrap materials that can manufacture the systems’ components.
The research group comprises scientists from the De Montfort University in the United Kingdom and the Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, and a complete description of their work can be found in the paper Gravitricity based on solar and gravity energy storage for residential applications, recently published in the International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering.