When we struggle for a definition, we remind ourselves that portable energy in batteries is the source of energy, and heat. The electricity humans make is puny compared to what we have in nature. When we consider the untapped power in solar energy, volcanoes, and geothermal forces we stand in awe. Scientists are seeking ways to replicate these organic methods for storing the source of work and heat.
Ways We Know for Storing the Source of Work and Heat
While batteries are grandparent technology, other ideas are emerging. Here we think of heat pumps, batteries connected to photo voltaic solar cells, pumped hydroelectric dams, and so on.
But these are primitive compared to the natural resources we mentioned. Perhaps we need something simpler for storing energy, the source of work and heat. Perhaps we are looking past the obvious by ignoring the power of gravity, which is free and available all around us.
Creating Renewable Energy Using the Power of Gravity
Scientists in Germany have been casting around for ways to bridge the green energy gap. When the sun does not shine, and the wind does not blow we have to look to coal and oil. This is not the right solution, they reason. These resources are not renewable, and besides, they add to the burden of global warming.
These scientists are seeking ways to replace hydro storage dams with other forms of renewable energy storage. Water is a scarce resource, especially in Africa where surface evaporation through radiation is a concern.
Instead of pumping water up and down between dams, they visualize huge buckets of gravel. They want to use off-peak power to winch them up cliffs. And then drive electricity turbines as they lower them during high demand.
Is this idea crazy? Perhaps it is, at least until we run the numbers for human suffering after Chernobyl, and Fukushima. When we do, the idea suddenly starts making sense. A gigantic gravel battery for storing energy the source of work, and heat: Imagine that!
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Preview Image: Mount Apo Geothermal Station, Mindanao, Philippines
