Researchers from IIASA sustainable service systems propose using tall buildings to store energy in an article. The essence of the idea is to lift and store heavy materials when there is a surplus of energy. If energy is required, heavy materials can be loaded back into elevators and lowered to generate energy.
Researchers call their system “LEST”: Remove Energy Storage Technology. They state that the necessary infrastructure already exists in buildings equipped with elevators with regenerative brakes. Wet sand is recommended as a heavy material. This can be stored in robot containers in empty apartments and rooms on various floors.
Chief Superintendent Julian Hunt says the idea came to him when he was moving to the 14th floor. They also note that some details still need to be worked out before LEST can be used on a large scale.
Source: Win the future
Source: Hardware Info