Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational Potential Energy
Lifting a mass stores gravitational potential energy, recoverable as it falls — the principle behind hydro and pumped storage.
The potential energy is PE = m·g·h. where m is the mass, g gravity and h the height gained.
Inputs
m := 200 kg=200 kg
g := 9.81 m/s^2=9.81 m/s^2
h := 15 m=15 m
Apply the gravitational PE formula.
PE := m·g·h=29430 Nm
Results
This energy is fully recoverable in an ideal system. A reservoir’s stored energy is just this expression summed over its water mass and head.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uniform gravity over the height.
- Reference level at the start height.
- No air resistance.