Two Michigan Technological
University professors,
and one Texas A&M
University professor,
are investigating a method
to store power generated by
alternative power sources.
They propose making use
of unused and abandoned
underground mining sites.
Solar and wind energy
provide inconsistent
electricity, usually
requiring fossil fuel
back-up power plants.
Periods when the wind
does not blow, and
the sun does not shine,
pose major challenges
to an electric grid.
The electric grid requires
instantaneous, balanced
power to keep supply
and demand consistent.
Storage batteries
would work, but are
very expensive.
Researchers Tim Scarlett
and Roman Sidortsov
of Michigan Tech, and
Joseph Dancy, a Michigan
Tech Enterprise Corporation
( MTEC )
board member,
and also a professor
in the Texas A&M
College of Law,
investigated methods
to store power
generated by
alternative means.
The three professors
work with a larger team,
supported by the
Sloan Foundation,
currently looking at
using historic copper
and iron mines in the
Upper Peninsula
of Michigan.
They are investigating
pumped storage —
saving excess renewable
power, generated during
sunny or windy days,
for use during periods
of high demand —
using old mine shafts.
Underground water
would be pumped up
to the surface during
periods of excess power
generation, then allowed
to drain back into the mine
to spin turbines,
generating power,
with no sunshine
or wind required,
just gravity.
“Pumped storage
is a simple and
proven method for
managing intermittent
power generation
from renewable
sources,”
said Dancy.
Dancy extended the trio’s
research by looking at
the applicability of pumped
storage for solar facilities
being constructed
in West Texas, another
historical mining area
in the midst of a major
renewable power
construction boom.
Dancy presented
his Texas findings
to the North Texas
Renewable Energy
Group last month.
Currently, the team
is looking to secure
funding, so student
researchers
can continue the
initial work
this summer.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation markets Michigan as the place to do business, and assists businesses in their growth strategies.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the campus in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a few miles from Lake Superior.