Paper published: “Algorithm and Optimization Model for Energy Storage Using Vertically Stacked Blocks”

Doctoral students Sajjad Haidar (Project C4), Hani Shahmoradi-Moghadam (Project B2), and their supervisors Prof. Schegner and Prof. Schönberger have published a new paper. Titled “Algorithm and Optimization Model for Energy Storage Using Vertically Stacked Blocks” and published in the Journal "IEEE Access" (Q1, IF: 3.74), this paper is based on inter-cluster cooperation between clusters B and C.  It focuses on the possibility of energy storage in vertically stacked blocks as suggested by several recent startups.

Click here to see the paper.

An algorithm is proposed based on conceptual constraints to allow for the removal and storage of excess electrical energy in the form of gravitational potential energy. To improve these results further, the concepts of wasted energy and unmet demand are used to develop a new mathematical model which aims to minimize the maximum unmet demand in all time periods using lowering and stacking of blocks at specific locations. Simulation results show that for time periods up to a week long, this storage system is able to shift blocks stored in a tower of vertically stacked blocks to reduce unmet demand significantly. This is augmented by storing extra energy from a photovoltaic system, taking account of stochasticity and temporal variability. Based on a sensitivity analysis, the authors therefore conclude that this system and its associated mathematical optimization can be feasible when scaled up to meet ancillary-level grid storage applications.