Principle of low temperature compressed air energy storage and power generation

What is low-temperature adiabatic compressed air energy storage (LTA-CAES)?

Conclusion Low-temperature Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (LTA-CAES) represents a new approach to realize non-fuel consuming CAES. The approach aims at comparatively low storage temperatures of 95–200 °C. It makes use of the fact that cycle efficiency of A-CAES plants is not governed by the Carnot efficiency.

What determinants determine the efficiency of compressed air energy storage systems?

Research has shown that isentropic efficiency for compressors as well as expanders are key determinants of the overall characteristics and efficiency of compressed air energy storage systems . Compressed air energy storage systems are sub divided into three categories: diabatic CAES systems, adiabatic CAES systems and isothermal CAES systems.

How is energy stored in a low demand space?

In low demand periods, energy is stored by compressing air in an air tight space (typically 4.0~8.0 MPa) such as an underground storage cavern. To store energy, air is compressed and sealed in the space. To extract the stored energy, compressed air is drawn from the storage vessel, mixed with fuel, and then combusted. The expanded air is then passed through a turbine.

How does a compressed air energy storage system work?

The performance of compressed air energy storage systems is centred round the efficiency of the compressors and expanders. It is also important to determine the losses in the system as energy transfer occurs on these components. There are several compression and expansion stages: from the charging, to the discharging phases of the storage system.

Where can compressed air energy be stored?

The number of sites available for compressed air energy storage is higher compared to those of pumped hydro [, ]. Porous rocks and cavern reservoirs are also ideal storage sites for CAES. Gas storage locations are capable of being used as sites for storage of compressed air .

Are compressed air energy storage systems suitable for different applications?

Modularity of compressed air energy storage systems is another key issue that needs further investigation in other to make them ideal for various applications. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.