What is Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST)?

Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST) is a gravitational-based storage solution. It stores energy by lifting wet sand containers or other high-density materials using autonomous trailer devices. The system requires empty spaces on the top and bottom of the building.

What is the proposed arrangement for the lift energy storage system?

An example of the proposed arrangement is presented in Table 1. Energy is stored as potential energy by elevating storage containers with an existing lift in the building from the lower storage site to the upper storage site. Electricity is then generated by lowering the storage containers from the upper to the lower storage site.

Can lifts and empty apartments in tall buildings store energy?

This paper proposes the use of lifts and empty apartments in tall buildings to store energy. Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST) is a gravitational-based storage solution. Energy is stored by lifting wet sand containers or other high density materials, which are transported remotely in and out of the lift with autonomous trailer devices.

What is lift energy storage technology?

Lift Energy Storage Technology is a proposed long-term storage solution that relies on elevators to bring solid masses to the tops of buildings in charging mode. It then lowers the same mass to produce electricity in discharge mode. Image: Federal University of Espírito Santo, Energy, Creative Commons License CC BY 4.0

Can lifts be used as energy storage devices?

There are several ghost towns where the lifts could be used as energy storage devices through Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST). A review of ghost cities in China can be seen in Ref. . In some cases, the investors do not rent empty apartments because they want to be flexible to sell the flat any time they get a good price.

Could lift energy storage technology be a viable alternative to long-term energy storage?

Conclusion Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST) could be a viable alternative to long-term energy storage in high-rise buildings. LEST could be designed to store energy for long-term time scales (a week) to generate a small but constant amount of energy for a long time.