Abandoned coal mines are suitable for compressed air energy storage

Can abandoned coal mines be used as energy storage systems?

The existence of large cavities and the reduced environmental impact make underground coal mines exceptionally suitable for CAES projects. This paper analyzes the potential of abandoned coal mines as energy storage systems an lists the benefits of these projects in the depressed mining areas by the closure of the mines.

Is air storage possible in isolated workings of closed coal mines?

The concept of air storage in isolated workings of closed coal mine is presented taking into account availability of such places in the Silesian Coal Basin of southern Poland. The article also discusses major challenges of such concept such as insulation of underground workings, geomechanical stability of workings and site availability.

Which type of air storage configuration is used in closed coal mines?

Typical CAES configurations such as Adiabatic CAES and Diabatic CAES are described. The concept of air storage in isolated workings of closed coal mine is presented taking into account availability of such places in the Silesian Coal Basin of southern Poland.

Can compressed air energy storage be used in coal mines?

However, the key issues, such as the uneven heat transfer of the system and the corrosion and scaling of the heat transfer medium, need to continue to be addressed. (3) The potential for compressed air energy storage in coal mines' underground spaces is enormous, and it can be used with less costly excavation.

What are the patterns of energy storage in abandoned mines?

The patterns of energy storage in underground space of abandoned mines include mainly pumped hydro storage (PHS) and compressed air energy storage (CAES) [, , , ].

Can a closed coal mine be used for energy storage?

CAES is the most commonly used form of the utilization of abandoned coal mine space for energy storage. Schmidt et al. investigated the technical feasibility of CAES in a closed coal mine and analyzed the effects of air pressure and temperature on sealing layer, concrete lining and rock mass .