Advanced rail energy storage

[RubberToe]

Thought I posted this previously, but didn't see it in search results. Looks like they scaled this down from a prior system, but at least they are in construction:

Pahrump gravel mine will store energy using carts, rails, and a big hill

 

[iPlug]

Hard to remember if It was seen here or on other forums before

What is the round trip efficiency?

 

[nwdiver]

What is the round trip efficiency?

I would expect it to be >90%. Not many opportunities for energy loss pushing mass up a hill at low speed.

Maybe Nikola should give this a try... I think they've already 'made' more $$$ harnessing gravity than any other company

 

[bruce4000]

Checked into this a couple of years ago but nothing seemed to be happening so good to see actual progress. Seems to me some of the railroads could use some existing equipment and main lines to do the same thing. Before Covid, I saw some pictures of literally 1000 locomotives on storage tracks due to decline of coal traffic Which could be repurposed (need to add overhead lines and pantograph and bypass the diesel prime movers)