How does a spring store energy?

Store energy through twisting and return to their original shape when the force is removed. Store energy through elastic deformation, providing a constant force. The spring constant (k) and elastic potential energy formula (PE=1/2kx2PE = 1/2kx^2PE=1/2kx2) help determine how much potential energy a spring can store.

Is a spring better than a battery?

While they are still less energy dense than batteries, they are superior to steel springs, and their unique structure and properties may make them suited to storing vibrational energy in some niche applications. I'm fairly sure a spring with a diameter of 5 meters would be unusable as a spring.

What happens when a force is applied to a spring?

When a force is applied to a spring, it either compresses (compression spring) or stretches (extension spring). This deformation stores potential energy within the spring's material. The stored energy creates a force that attempts to return the spring to its original shape.

What is spring based energy storage?

Spring-based energy storage is common in toys: jack-in-the-box, snake-in-a-can. I've heard of the opposite system - a concrete block on springs, say, a sidewalk paver in a busy city. As people walk on this block, it compresses the springs underneath it and - something-something, kinetic energy is stored for later use.

Can a spring system convert electric energy into potential energy?

Great answer! It's also important to point out that converting electric energy into the potential energy of a spring system would involve much more losses than storing that same energy into the electro-chemical energy of a battery. The same problem regarding the loss will persist when you use the energy stored in the springs.

Are metal springs dangerous?

Those springs are notoriously dangerous, and the energy they store is not more than the work to open a garage door. Mousetraps, Crossbows, Harpoon guns. while these are intentionally dangerous devices, they "just" have a bit of energy stored in a spring of some description... Metal springs have numerous failure modes.