What are the expanders for compressed air energy storage

What is a compressed air energy storage expansion machine?

Expansion machines are designed for various compressed air energy storage systems and operations. An efficient compressed air storage system will only be materialised when the appropriate expanders and compressors are chosen. The performance of compressed air energy storage systems is centred round the efficiency of the compressors and expanders.

What is an air compressor expander?

(Courtesy APT, Inc.) Expanders maximize air compressor and system efficiency by separating the supply side (compressors) from the demand side (users). They are designed to provide for the expansion of compressed air from storage to the system with a minimum loss of energy; results are a consistently lower plant air pressure.

How does a compressed gas expander work?

The potential energy of the compressed gas is transferred to mechanical energy of the shaft. In the expander, the timings of opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves can be controlled. For example, the intake valve of the expander opens when air reaches sufficient pressure in the cylinder.

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.

Why is air expansion important in an adiabatic compressed air energy storage system?

Air expansion is very is important in an adiabatic compressed air energy storage system since there is no combustion of fossil fuels in these storage 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 .