Wind Energy Stored In Gravity

thingiverse

### Check out some of our other models: [ - Desktop Satellite Antenna](https://pinshape.com/items/27103-3d-printed-desktop-satellite-antenna) [ - Animated Humanoid Robot Head](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1037311) [ - Mini Vertical Wind Turbine](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:971564) [ - Mike's Spool Holder](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1085724) [ - The Catfish - A fully working submarine](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:920376) [ - Pumpkin Carving Tools](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1081121) # Harnessing Wind Energy in Gravity ## The Challenge Design a 3D model that captures the power of wind. ## Technology Connections Energy transfer, movable assemblies. ## The Idea This model showcases a cutting-edge concept being explored in renewable energy: storing energy from wind and solar in gravity. This innovative solution eliminates the need for expensive and environmentally damaging batteries. We can utilize generated energy to lift heavy objects and later retrieve the energy by using the weight of the lifted object to turn gears as it returns down. A gravity battery is considered full when the heavy object is lifted all the way up. Real-world implementations typically involve weights that are either lowered into deep holes in the ground or stored in above-ground silos. ## How It Works Energy is generated by a vertical wind turbine on the left side. There's a movable battery section in the middle that can be adjusted to charge or expend the gravity battery. On the right side, there's a fan that reproduces the summer breeze after it's caught and stored in the battery. Multiple copies of the rack gear can be glued together to increase storage capacity indefinitely. A small release lever on top keeps gears moving in one direction. I'm using 8x7x22mm ball bearings for smooth movement: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BBGTK6 Video: http://youtu.be/l1YajkmqFpw and https://youtu.be/9IRc9xG2ers Check out Bill Gates discussing gravity energy storage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH5Lgv-4te8 Visit http://www.gravitybattery.info/ for a proposed home use solution illustration. **Mini version of the vertical wind turbine:** http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:971564