Decoding compressed air energy storage

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 .

What are the different types of compressed air energy storage (CAES)?

Figure 1. Various options for compressed air energy storage (CAES). PA-CAES: Porous Aquifer-CAES, DR -CAES: Depleted Reservoir CAES, CW-CAES: Cased Wellbore-CAES. Note: this figure is not scaled. Figure 2. A sealed mine adit as a potential pressure vessel. Note - CA: compressed air, RC: reinforced

What determines the design of a compressed air energy storage system?

The reverse operation of both components to each other determines their design when integrated on a compressed air energy storage system. The screw and scroll are two examples of expanders, classified under reciprocating and rotary types.

What is compressed air energy storage?

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is the use of compressed air to store energy for use at a later time when required , , , , . Excess energy generated from renewable energy sources when demand is low can be stored with the application of this technology.

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.