The Mine Shaft Energy Storage System—Implementation Threats and Opportunities

Abstract

For several years, research work has been carried out on energy storage that uses changes in the potential energy of masses being lifted or lowered. The energy of such a solution depends on the mass to be transported and the height to which the weight has to be lifted. Increasing the weight to be lifted is limited by the parameters of the mechanical components, such as ropes. Increasing the height, however, is difficult to implement, if only because of the weather conditions that affect the safe operation of such a system. In fact, the ideal solution is to use mine shafts, which in Poland are up to 1300 m deep. The progressive process of decommissioning the mining industry creates new opportunities to use this part of the infrastructure of mining plants for the construction of energy storage facilities. In the article, possible constructions of gravitational energy storage facilities based on existing hoisting machines are described. There are three main areas in which the operation of an energy store should be analysed if it were to be realised in a mine shaft. The mine shaft, as a working mine and for energy storage, is subject to relevant regulations that need to be met. To confirm the assumptions about the possible use of the existing infrastructure, measurements of one hoisting machine in Poland were carried out and example results of these measurements are included.