Dynamic Programming-based Mass Block Placement Method for Gravity Energy Storage

Gravity energy storage is a high-capacity, efficient, and long-life energy storage method. The time for mass blocks to enter and exit the stacking area is closely related to the system’s power response. In order to shorten the total time for mass blocks to enter and exit the stacking area, this paper firstly establishes a mass block placement model for gravity energy storage systems using dynamic programming algorithm, taking into account weather changes and mechanical failures that occur during actual field applications. It enables a rapid solution to the optimal mass block placement method. Finally, the gravity energy storage system’s mass block placement time calculation is implemented using the Visual Studio environment. The total time is compared between the optimal placement method and the conventional one. The results show that the proposed placement method can reduce the time consumption by approximately 69%, providing an effective solution for the mass block placement method in gravity energy storage systems.