Development of a concept of gravity energy storage systems based on discontinued wells

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.352876

Keywords:

gravity energy storage, wells, renewable energy sources, load-storage unit

Abstract

The object of the study is the well gravity energy storage system (WellGES) implemented in a vertical oil and gas well. The system consists of a heavy load suspended on steel cables that moves along the shaft of a discontinued well to convert potential energy into electrical energy via generators. The inherent instability of renewable energy sources requires the implementation of grid balancing technologies and peak load coverage.

A concept is proposed that involves using the great depth of decommissioned oil and gas wells for gravity energy storage, as well as the feasibility of using such technology for large-scale energy storage.

The well gravity energy storage system converts excess electrical energy into potential mechanical energy. This conversion is carried out by lifting a load-storage unit that moves freely along the wellbore using a cable and a drum with an electric machine operating in engine mode. When the load is lowered, the electric machine switches to regenerative braking mode, returning the stored energy to the power grid.

The advantages of the well gravity energy storage system over existing similar systems have been identified. In particular, the use of a significant height difference (deep wells), lower capital investments due to the use of ready-made objects, environmental safety, and independence from atmospheric conditions. Kinematic and power calculations of the system are carried out, including determining energy consumption, calculation of the hoist, selection of an electric machine and gear ratio of a multi-stage mechanism. Using the example of well No. 64 – Dolyna (depth 2000 m, load 4000 kg), it was calculated that the battery capacity is 22 kWh, which confirms the possibility of implementing the system

Author Biographies

Oleg Vytyaz, Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor

Department of Well Drilling

Ruslan Rachkevych, Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor

Department Technical Mechanics, Engineering and Computer Graphics

Ivan Petryk, Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas

PhD, Associate Professor

Department Technical Mechanics, Engineering and Computer Graphics

Eduard Velikanov, Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas

Department of Computerized Mechanical Engineering

References

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Development of a concept of gravity energy storage systems based on discontinued wells

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Published

2026-02-27

How to Cite

Vytyaz, O., Rachkevych, R., Petryk, I., & Velikanov, E. (2026). Development of a concept of gravity energy storage systems based on discontinued wells. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 1(8 (139), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.352876

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 8 (139) (2026): Energy-saving technologies and equipment

Section

Energy-saving technologies and equipment

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Copyright (c) 2026 Oleg Vytyaz, Ruslan Rachkevych, Ivan Petryk, Eduard Velikanov

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