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A comment on Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid storage. Parent comment

Re:Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid... by WalterBright on Tuesday January 05, 2021 @05:22PM (#25652007)
Meanwhile, there are hot water heaters in use everywhere. That isn't going to change anytime soon. Besides, in many places during peak solar there isn't anyplace to dump the electricity. Electric hot water heaters can take care of that problem, as water will stay hot in one for a couple days (I know from experience).
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Re:Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid... by dharmab on Tuesday January 05, 2021 @05:32PM (#25652143)
A heat pump can approach 500% efficiency and is powered by outdoor ambient air (using direct heating as a fallback).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vU9x3dFMrU

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Re:Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries for grid... by WalterBright on Tuesday January 05, 2021 @05:45PM (#25652268)
It still uses electricity, and can be shut off during electric rate spikes, acting just like a "grid battery" without the expense.
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