How Does Torsional Energy Storage Work?
By Jack Shaw
Alternative energy sources such as wind and solar pose one question science has yet to fully answer — what do you do when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow? The problem of how to store clean energy has hindered its more widespread adoption.
However, the answer may lie in a simple design that has existed for centuries, and which you can even argue draws inspiration from the structure of human DNA. Torsional energy storage is an exciting possibility that researchers have just begun to harness for the green energy era.
The Different Forms of Energy
Think back to your high school physics class. You learned about two types of energy — potential and kinetic. Potential energy is stored energy that depends on the relative position of various parts in a moving system. Changing those conditions converts this stored or potential energy into kinetic energy — the kind that gets work done, like making the lights work and the heater run.
Potential or “stored” energy takes four possible forms:
- Chemical, such as the hydrogen fuel cells used in some newer alternative vehicles.
- Electrical, such as that stored in batteries that run electric cars or currently store solar and wind power.
- Gravitational, such as a boulder perched atop a steep hill, requiring only a push to send it rolling.
- Elastic, such as a tightly curled coil ready to spring.
What Is Torsional Energy?
Take a piece of cord — or even a strand of hair — and twist it. What happens when you let go of the end? It springs back, returning to close to its original form with no additional effort required from you. That’s because releasing the hold or torsion on the coil transformed the energy stored within it from potential energy to kinetic energy. The torque exerted is relative to the angle at which the coil was twisted.
Torsional energy is an example of elastic potential energy that manufacturers already use in countless products today. The torsion spring in watches and clocks keeps accurate time. Torsional springs can also open your garage door or hang your washing out to dry when used in a clothespin.
How Torsional Energy Storage Works
Torsional energy storage builds on basic physics principles. When working in conjunction with modern technology such as nanotubes, it offers a safe and more environmentally friendly alternative to storing the power produced by solar and wind. Continued research into this arena can make the messy job of power production clean from beginning to end.
Torsional Energy Storage and Alternative Energy Sources
Torsional energy storage holds tremendous potential to make storing alternative energy cleaner and safer. It may solve many of the environmental problems created by current methods.
The Problem With Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are currently the go-to option for alternative energy storage. You’ll find them in electric cars, but they’re also the preferred choice for keeping solar-powered homes running at night. Off-grid wind power generators also rely on them to store energy on blustery days.
However, mining lithium creates a slew of environmental problems. Each tonne of mined lithium results in 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, mining takes an enormous amount of water, leading to scarcities in already arid regions. Hemp and sodium batteries offer a greener alternative but remain too early in development to replace lithium at present.
Researchers have also experimented with hydrogen fuel cells, particularly vehicle manufacturers such as Hyundai, Toyota, and BMW. However, while these designs may be cleaner, they can also be used as powerful weapons, raising consumer concerns.
Enter Torsional Energy Storage as a Clean, Safe Alternative
Taking the clean energy generated by wind and solar power and storing it in springs has enormous potential. Unlike hydrogen, springs pose no explosion risks. Lithium also has a high combustion risk and is dangerous when it does explode because of the difficulty of extinguishing the subsequent blaze.
Torsional springs come in various shapes and styles making them applicable for multiple energy storage solutions. Existing mechanical spring types include:
- Torsion, such as those in watches and clocks.
- Extension and compression springs, such as those on trampolines.
- Barrel springs, such as those used in spring mattresses.
However, mechanical torsion storage would likely take up an enormous amount of space, straining available land resources. Nanotechnology can help reduce this size requirement and make such storage more feasible.
Recently, researchers discovered the ability to use twisted, single-walled carbon nanotube ropes to store an enormous amount of power. Their design exceeded the amount stored by mechanical springs by four orders of magnitude and lithium batteries by a factor of three.
Powering the Nation’s Future With the Help of Torsional Energy Storage
Expanding the use of carbon nanotube ropes for energy storage promises to make energy production truly green from inception to completion. Solar panels or wind turbines capture the power provided by nature, directing it into nanotubes incorporating torsional spring principles and keeping it safe until needed.
These solutions can work in conjunction with other green technologies to clear the air and improve health and safety for everyone. Power plants can begin integrating these storage solutions on massive scales. Clean energy generated by a solar or wind farm and stored flows to consumers, who can use it to charge their electric cars and run their homes and businesses.
Jack Shaw is the senior editor of the men’s lifestyle magazine Modded and has written extensively about electric vehicles, sustainable practices, and maintaining a green lifestyle through your everyday actions. His writing can be found in Green Living Journal, Packaging Digest, EcoHotels, and more. Connect with him via his LinkedIn.