Revolutionizing Energy Storage with VIPER Technology: A Game-Changer for Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is gaining momentum as a sustainable solution for the world's growing energy needs. However, one of the biggest challenges with renewable energy is its intermittency, as the sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow. This is where energy storage comes into play, providing a solution to store excess renewable energy and release it when needed.
Among the various energy storage technologies, Economical Energy’s VIPER technology stands out as a revolutionary approach that leverages well-understood physics and engineering principles to provide cheap, clean, and continuous energy storage. But what on earth is Economical Energy VIPER technology and how does it work?
Vertical Integrated Power Energy Recovery - or VIPER - technology developed by Economical Energy is a cutting-edge energy storage solution that utilizes the fundamental physics of gravity to store and release energy. The system consists of an underground cavity filled with granular mass material made from earth or mine waste, which provides numerous advantages over other alternatives. The cavity is accessed by an existing underground mine or a purpose-built access tunnel, and a bucket elevator is used to transport the granular material vertically, facilitating high flow rates and power capacity through small shafts of approximately 1m in diameter.
One of the key advantages of VIPER technology is its large height capacity and mass capacity, allowing for efficient storage of energy. The granular mass material used in VIPER is up to 2.5 times heavier than water, enabling more mass and therefore more energy to be stored in the underground cavity. Additionally, the bucket elevator, which operates at a single continuous speed, can transport the granular material through a much larger elevation compared to traditional pumped hydro storage, reaching up to 2,000m compared to 800m. This provides significant flexibility in choosing suitable locations for VIPER installations.
The VIPER technology offers several advantages over traditional energy storage technologies, making it a game-changer for renewable energy:
Economical and Scalable: VIPER technology is cost-effective as cavity excavation is about 8 times cheaper than shaft excavation on a dollars per cubic meter basis. Moreover, the scalable nature of VIPER technology reduces the scale-up risk substantially, as the physical size of the transport system only increases in small steps while significantly increasing the quantity of energy stored and power capacity. This makes VIPER a viable option for various applications and installations.
Utilizes Existing Assets: VIPER technology can leverage existing underground mines or purpose-built access tunnels for underground cavity access, making use of already available infrastructure. This provides a unique opportunity for mining companies to decarbonize their operations, build a renewable energy powerhouse, and generate additional revenue streams while bolstering their green credentials.
High Power Capacity and Grid Stabilization: The VIPER system's high flow rates and power capacity through small vertical shafts enable it to provide stability to the grid. The bucket elevator's ability to operate at a single continuous speed and transport the granular material through a large elevation range makes VIPER an ideal solution for grid stabilization, especially during peak demand periods.
Environmental Benefits: The granular mass material used in VIPER is made from earth or mine waste, providing an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for energy storage. VIPER technology also helps in mitigating negative prices and curtailment of renewable energy by storing excess energy and releasing it when prices are higher, avoiding wastage of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based power during peak demand periods.
Want to learn more about VIPER?
Come on down to CORE’s Innovation Zone at Austmine at the Adelaide Convention Centre from May 9-11.
The Economical Energy Team will be exhibiting and are keen to talk with anyone interested in learning more about their unique approach to renewable energy storage.
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