Energy: The Source of Work and Heat

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When we struggle for a definition, we remind ourselves that portable energy in batteries is the source of energy, and heat. The electricity humans make is puny compared to what we have in nature. When we consider the untapped power in solar energy, volcanoes, and geothermal forces we stand in awe. Scientists are seeking ways to replicate these organic methods for storing the source of work and heat.

Ways We Know for Storing the Source of Work and Heat

Source of Work and Heat
Krafta Geothermal Plant, Iceland: Nick: CC 2.0

While batteries are grandparent technology, other ideas are emerging. Here we think of heat pumps, batteries connected to photo voltaic solar cells, pumped hydroelectric dams, and so on.

But these are primitive compared to the natural resources we mentioned. Perhaps we need something simpler for storing energy, the source of work and heat. Perhaps we are looking past the obvious by ignoring the power of gravity, which is free and available all around us.

Creating Renewable Energy Using the Power of Gravity

Scientists in Germany have been casting around for ways to bridge the green energy gap. When the sun does not shine, and the wind does not blow we have to look to coal and oil. This is not the right solution, they reason. These resources are not renewable, and besides, they add to the burden of global warming.

Source of Work and Heat
Chernobyl Playground: Stefan Krasowski: CC 2.0

These scientists are seeking ways to replace hydro storage dams with other forms of renewable energy storage. Water is a scarce resource, especially in Africa where surface evaporation through radiation is a concern.

Instead of pumping water up and down between dams, they visualize huge buckets of gravel. They want to use off-peak power to winch them up cliffs. And then drive electricity turbines as they lower them during high demand.

Is this idea crazy? Perhaps it is, at least until we run the numbers for human suffering after Chernobyl, and Fukushima. When we do, the idea suddenly starts making sense. A gigantic gravel battery for storing energy the source of work, and heat: Imagine that!

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Preview Image: Mount Apo Geothermal Station, Mindanao, Philippines

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About Author

I tripped over a shrinking bank balance and fell into the writing gig unintentionally. This was after I escaped the corporate world and searched in vain for ways to become rich on the internet by doing nothing. Despite the fact that writing is no recipe for wealth, I rather enjoy it. I will not deny I am obsessed with it when I have the time. I live in Margate on the Kwazulu-Natal south coast of South Africa. I work from home where I ponder on the future of the planet, and what lies beyond in the great hereafter. Sometimes I step out of my computer into the silent riverine forests, and empty golden beaches for which the area is renowned. Richard

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