Apparatus and method

Abstract

A gravitational energy storage system moves a linear weighted arrangement 4 in a vertical or near-vertical hole or shaft 10 by way of a winching system 8, 11 with electrical drive means. A plurality of weighted objects 6 are connected end-to-end forming the linear weighted arrangement, and the connection is a flexible coupling 18 between one weighted object 6 to an adjacent weighted object 6. The electrical drive system 8 raises the weights 6 using electrical power from the local grid to store energy or lowers them under the influence of gravity to return electrical energy to the grid. The weights may run have wheels 16, runners or rollers. The winch 8 may be located at ground level at a sufficient distance from the shaft that the string or train of weights may be pulled entirely out of the shaft, optionally over a slightly sloping surface 14, which may have a smooth curve 13 where it joins the shaft or hole 10.

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