Compressed air energy storage and environmental protection

What is compressed air energy storage (CAES)?

Among the different ES technologies, compressed air energy storage (CAES) can store tens to hundreds of MW of power capacity for long-term applications and utility-scale. The increasing need for large-scale ES has led to the rising interest and development of CAES projects.

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.

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 .

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 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.

What is a compressed air storage system?

The compressed air storages built above the ground are designed from steel. These types of storage systems can be installed everywhere, and they also tend to produce a higher energy density. The initial capital cost for above- the-ground storage systems are very high.