Advanced railway energy storage system

What is advanced rail energy storage?

Advanced Rail Energy Storage (ARES) uses proven rail technology to harness the power of gravity, providing a utility-scale storage solution at a cost that beats batteries. ARES’ highly efficient electric motors drive mass cars uphill, converting electric power to mechanical potential energy.

What is Ares (advanced rail energy storage)?

Cava et al. describe one concept called ARES (Advanced Rail Energy Storage), which incorporates the transfer of weighted rail cars between low and high elevation topographies.

Could a land-based alternative provide grid-scale energy storage using electric locomotives?

Santa Barbara, California-based company Advanced Rail Energy Storage (ARES) has come up with a land-based alternative that would provide grid scale energy storage using electric locomotives. ARES’ technology uses heavy rail cars that are pushed to the top of a grade using excess power from renewable energy plants or when electricity demand is low.

Can onboard energy storage systems be integrated in trains?

As a result, a high tendency for integrating onboard energy storage systems in trains is being observed worldwide. This article provides a detailed review of onboard railway systems with energy storage devices. In-service trains as well as relevant prototypes are presented, and their characteristics are analyzed.

What is Ares energy storage?

Over the last decade, ARES has developed, tested and patented rail-based, gravity-powered energy storage technologies. By 4th quarter 2024, we will have our first facility in operation with many more to follow.

What is Ares rail-based storage?

ARES rail-based storage can be configured to operate in a variety of modes that bring value to the grid (i.e., high power, high-duration ancillary services, etc.) and can move between these configurations.