Heliyon (Nov 2023)
Smart microgrid construction in abandoned mines based on gravity energy storage
Abstract
The share of new energy in China's energy consumption structure is expanding, posing serious challenges to the national grid's stability and reliability.As a result, it is critical to construct large-scale reliable energy storage infrastructure and smart microgrids. Based on the spatial resource endowment of abandoned mines' upper and lower wells and the principle characteristics of the gravity energy storage system, an intelligent microgrid system model for abandoned mines based on gravity energy storage is proposed, and the system's feasibility and key influencing factors are discussed and analyzed from the standpoint of economic benefits. The gravity energy storage system principle, system structure, subsurface powerhouse, underground storage, and transit system are all examined and analyzed.The viability of establishing intelligent microgrid systems in abandoned mines is proved using the resource conditions, technical conditions, economic advantages, and social benefits of Panyidong Mine in Huainan Coal Mine.The findings indicate that the project concept has good economic and social benefits as well as practical viability.Next, from the perspectives of technology, policy, and the ecological environment, several recommendations for the development of a smart microgrid system based on gravity energy storage power station are made. This study presents a novel concept for the advancement of energy storage technology and the reuse of abandoned mine resources, which is critical to the long-term development of abandoned mine resources and the advancement of energy storage technology.