Indirect energy storage

What is long-duration energy storage?

Some methods of achieving “long-duration energy storage” are promising. For example, with pumped hydro energy storage, water is pumped from a lake to another, higher lake when there’s extra electricity and released back down through power-generating turbines when more electricity is needed.

Are liquid air energy storage systems economically viable?

“Liquid air energy storage” (LAES) systems have been built, so the technology is technically feasible. Moreover, LAES systems are totally clean and can be sited nearly anywhere, storing vast amounts of electricity for days or longer and delivering it when it’s needed. But there haven’t been conclusive studies of its economic viability.

What is indirect integration?

The indirect integration allows the heat transfer fluid to operate under different conditions than the reaction, enabling higher turbine inlet pressures (high turbine pressure ratios) or alternative power cycle working fluids. It allows the reactor to operate at the desired conditions by modifying the reaction pressure and temperature.

Can Lees provide long-duration storage if power grids are decarbonized?

They conclude that LAES holds promise as a means of providing critically needed long-duration storage when future power grids are decarbonized and dominated by intermittent renewable sources of electricity.

Could liquid air energy storage be a low-cost alternative?

A new model developed by an MIT-led team shows that liquid air energy storage could be the lowest-cost option for ensuring a continuous supply of power on a future grid dominated by carbon-free but intermittent sources of electricity.

How does pumped hydro energy storage work?

For example, with pumped hydro energy storage, water is pumped from a lake to another, higher lake when there’s extra electricity and released back down through power-generating turbines when more electricity is needed. But that approach is limited by geography, and most potential sites in the United States have already been used.