How It Works
ARES GravityLine’sTM fixed motor, chain-drive system draws electricity from renewables and/or the grid to drive mass cars uphill against the force of gravity – efficiently converting electrical energy into the potential mechanical energy of mass raised to a higher elevation. When the grid requires power, this process is reversed and the mass cars proceed downhill with the electric motors operating as generators, thereby converting the potential mechanical energy back into electricity.
The GravityLineTM storage system is made up of multiple 5MW tracks and can vary in size from 5 MW to 1 GW of power and an equivalent range of energy (MWh to GWh) depending upon weight and number of mass cars, slope and distance. ARES’ GravityLineTM design boasts duration flexibility of between 15 mins and 24+ hours.
GravityLineTM
Competitive Advantages
Site Flexibility
GravityLineTM systems can be sited in a wide variety of locations due to an ability to operate effectively on elevation differentials as low as 200 feet.
Reliability
GravityLineTM systems use chain drive rather than cable, eliminating reliability issues associated with cable, including elongation, oscillation, and difficulty of transport and repairs.
High Ramp Rate
GravityLineTM systems use steep grades providing higher elevation changes of greater masses over time, enabling higher ramp rates for both charging and discharging.
Fully Sustainable
GravityLineTM uses recycled steel rails, low carbon mass cars, sophisticated motors and electronics, freely available gravity and no water.