Pictures of the core components of compressed air energy storage

What is a compressed air energy storage system?

A compressed air energy storage system works by storing pressurized air in volumes. When there is a high demand for electricity, the pressurized air is used to run turbines to generate power. There are three main types of systems used to manage heat in these systems.

How is air compressed?

In Compressed Air Energy Storage, air is compressed using compressors and stored in storage tanks. The compressor is run by a motor generator to which the excess available energy is fed.

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 is the theoretical background of compressed air energy storage?

Appendix B presents an overview of the theoretical background on compressed air energy storage. Most compressed air energy storage systems addressed in literature are large-scale systems of above 100 MW which most of the time use depleted mines as the cavity to store the high pressure fluid.

Where will compressed air be stored?

In a Compressed Air Energy Storage system, the compressed air is stored in an underground aquifer. Wind energy is used to compress the air, along with available off-peak power. The plant configuration is for 200MW of CAES generating capacity, with 100MW of wind energy.

What are the stages of a compressed air energy storage system?

There are several compression and expansion stages: from the charging, to the discharging phases of the storage system. 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 .