Purpose of underground compressed air energy storage

What is compressed air energy storage?

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is one of the many energy storage options that can store electric energy in the form of potential energy (compressed air) and can be deployed near central power plants or distribution centers. In response to demand, the stored energy can be discharged by expanding the stored air with a turboexpander generator.

Where is compressed air stored?

Compressed air is stored in underground caverns or up ground vessels , . The CAES technology has existed for more than four decades. However, only Germany (Huntorf CAES plant) and the United States (McIntosh CAES plant) operate full-scale CAES systems, which are conventional CAES systems that use fuel in operation , .

When did compressed air storage start?

The concept of large-scale compressed air storage was developed in the middle of the last century. The first patent for compressed air storage in artificially constructed cavities deep underground, as a means of storing electrical energy, was issued in the United States in 1948.

How does compressed air work?

Compressed air technology pressurises atmospheric air, converting it into stored potential energy (like compressing a spring). When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released to flow through an expander (turbine-generator) to produce energy.

Can compressed air energy storage improve the profitability of existing power plants?

Linden Svd, Patel M. New compressed air energy storage concept improves the profitability of existing simple cycle, combined cycle, wind energy, and landfill gas power plants. In: Proceedings of ASME Turbo Expo 2004: Power for Land, Sea, and Air; 2004 Jun 14–17; Vienna, Austria. ASME; 2004. p. 103–10. F. He, Y. Xu, X. Zhang, C. Liu, H. Chen

How does a geological storage facility use electrical energy?

This process uses electrical energy to compress air and store it under high pressure in underground geological storage facilities. This compressed air can be released on demand to produce electrical energy via a turbine and generator.