Gravity Battery

Sustainable energy sources are necessary for a zero-carbon world, but the disadvantage of most of these sources is their inconsistency. The sun isn't always out and wind isn't always blowing. A way to store this energy for later use is necessary for a constant supply. Typical alkaline batteries can't charge and discharge this much energy, but there are other solutions.

One solution is the gravity battery. It works by having multiple cranes that lift and drop large concrete blocks. When energy in the grid is high, it charges by stacking the blocks into a tall tower. When power is needed it discharges and lowers these blocks down and the kinetic energy released from the blocks being lowered powers generators.

The model I've made is based off a real working prototype in Edinburg. The top crane assembly can rotate and one of the cranes can be raised and lowered. Each block is also removable so you can change the battery into its charging or discharging state.