Turning abandoned mines into batteries

Plus: Meet Aircore Mobility, the next-gen axial flux propulsion and traction motor. Jan 16, 2023 [Blueprint]( Don’t bury your head in the sand, [bury your energy in it instead](. Because there's a new way to store energy, which works by transporting sand into abandoned underground mines – of which there are millions globally. It makes sense when you think about it, because mines already have the basic infrastructure and are connected to the power grid, which significantly reduces the cost. But before you take a look at how cool that is, look at [this video]( which is cool in an entirely different way. It shows how aerogels could be the key to efficient air conditioning technology. Good morning. I’m Alice, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s dive in. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers heard from the man behind the robot that can defend you in court. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. [Play]VIDEO OF THE DAY [Aerogels could be the key to efficient air conditioning technology.]( [Aerogels could be the key to efficient air conditioning technology.]( Definitely not just a lot of hot air. [Must Read]MUST READ [Scientists propose converting abandoned mines into gravity batteries.]( [Scientists propose converting abandoned mines into gravity batteries.]( A team of researchers has developed a [novel way to store energy]( by transporting sand into abandoned underground mines. The new technique, which they’re calling Underground Gravity Energy Storage (UGES), utilizes disused mines – of which there are millions globally. It makes sense when you think about it, because mines already have the basic infrastructure and are connected to the power grid, which significantly reduces the cost. The idea is that UGES generates electricity when the price is high, by lowering sand into an underground mine. The potential energy of the sand is then converted into electricity via regenerative braking. Then, the sand is lifted from the mine to an upper reservoir with the help of electric motors, to store energy when electricity is cheap. → Because the energy storage medium is sand, no energy is lost to self-discharge, which allows for ultra-long-time energy storage that ranges from weeks to several years. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [Facebook]( [TRANSPORTATION]TRANSPORTATION [Meet Aircore Mobility: The next-gen axial flux propulsion and traction motor.]( The new [Aircore Mobility motor]( maximizes vehicle range on land, in the air, or on the water. It does this by delivering high power and torque density. It also claims to operate with “class-leading efficiency” over a wide range of speeds and load circumstances. In place of the typical motor's heavy, copper-wound iron stator, it has a lighter, printed circuit board (PCB) stator in the Aircore Mobility motor, which is ten times more dependable. It utilizes 66 percent less copper, is 50 percent smaller and lighter and is 10 percent more efficient than conventional motors. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [INNOVATION]INNOVATION [Pioneering air-to-water technology harvests high-quality drinking water at home.]( At CES 2023 in Las Vegas last week, a U.S.-based startup, Kara Water, demonstrated a [water dispenser to harvest high-quality drinking water at home](. The atmospheric water generator (AWG) produces antioxidant, anti-bacterial, ionized, and mineral-rich water straight from the air around you. Kara Pure combines the air purifier, dehumidifier, water filter, and dispenser into a single sleek stainless-steel tower, which becomes a constant source of pure drinking water. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [SCIENCE]SCIENCE [Here's how to observe the green comet that last flew by Earth 50,000 years ago.]( A green comet called [C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will pass by Earth for the first time in 50,000 years]( on February 1. We were in the midst of an Ice Age when it was last in our vicinity, and Neanderthals were still roamed the planet. According to scientists' calculations, the comet will never return this close to Earth again, so catch it while you can. Luckily though, you can observe the green glowing space rock whether you’re in the northern or southern hemisphere – and we’ll show you how. [READ MORE [Arrow]]( [MAIL & MUSINGS]MAIL & MUSINGS Scientists propose converting abandoned mines into gravity batteries. What do you think will be the main barrier to mines being turned into gravity batteries? [Technical constraints]( [Cost of implementation]( [Safety concerns]( [Something else entirely]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS On Saturday, we asked you if you think Musk will regain his lost personal fortunes, and you were divided. 30 percent said no, his prime time is over; and 29 percent said yes, 2023 will be his year. Time will tell. 30% No, his prime time is over 29% Yes, 2023 will be his year 21% Hopefully 20% Hope he won’t [QUOTE OF THE DAY]QUOTE OF THE DAY "Stationary storage will be as big as the car business long term. The growth rate will probably be several times what it is for the car business." Elon Musk. [8 utilitarian car vacuums to leave your car spanking clean]( [THINGS WE LOVE]THINGS WE LOVE [image]( [Garren Square Arm Tufted Club Chair]( [image]( [WBM Selenite Crystal Lamp]( [image]( [Magnetic Levitating Globe]( [image]( [Binford Free-standing Single Bathroom Vanity]( [AND ANOTHER THING]AND ANOTHER THING - RobotLawyer creator says [a lot of lawyers 'should be replaced' by AI](. [premium] - Here’s what you need to know about [COVID’s XBB.1.5 ‘Kraken’ variant](. (Science News) - Meet the accessibility advocate [debugging the monochrome world]( for you. [premium] - Supermassive black hole[snacks on the same star]( once every few years. (New Scientist) - Is [wireless tech about to supercharge]( your world? [premium] - Microplastic [pollution aids viruses]( and prolongs their infectivity. (SN Explores) - [Protein injections could repair muscle]( after a heart attack. [Subscribe to IE+ today.]( Prepared by Alice Cooke Enjoy Reading? Forward this email to a friend. Was this email forwarded to you? [Join Free!]( [About Us]( [Advertise]( [Contact Us]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Youtube]( [Linkedin]( [Instagram]( You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. Manage you e-mail preferences or unsubscribe [here](. © Copyright 2022 | The Blueprint is by Interesting Engineering, Inc. 205 Hudson St New York, NY, 10013, USA [Interesting Engineering]