How efficient is small compressed air energy storage

What are the advantages of compressed air energy storage systems?

One of the main advantages of Compressed Air Energy Storage systems is that they can be integrated with renewable sources of energy, such as wind or solar power.

What is compressed air energy storage (CAES)?

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) can store surplus energy from wind generation for later use, which can help alleviate the mismatch between generation and demand. In this study, a small-scale CAES system, utilizing scroll machines for charging and discharging, was developed to integrate into a wind generation for a household load.

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.

How many kW can a compressed air energy storage system produce?

CAES systems are categorised into large-scale compressed air energy storage systems and small-scale CAES. The large-scale is capable of producing more than 100MW, while the small-scale only produce less than 10 kW . The small-scale produces energy between 10 kW - 100MW .

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.

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 .