Compressed air energy storage system

By setting up a regeneration branch at the compressor outlet, the compressor exhaust air is used to regenerate the dehumidifying material in the system, which solves the problem of high energy consumption in compressed air energy storage systems, achieves low-cost dehumidifying material regeneration, and improves the profitability of the system.

CN121557085APending Publication Date: 2026-02-24HUAKE CHAONENG (BEIJING) ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511813597.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-04
Publication Date
2026-02-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing compressed air energy storage systems consume a lot of energy during the energy storage phase, and the cost of producing high-pressure air is high, resulting in unsatisfactory profitability.

Method used

A regeneration branch is set at the compressor outlet to regenerate the dehumidifying materials in the system, including the dehumidifying materials in the air intake filter and gas-liquid separator, using the compressed air from the compressor outlet. The regeneration process is controlled by a switching valve, and the exhaust gas remaining after the compressor stops is used for near-zero energy consumption regeneration.

Benefits of technology

It reduces energy consumption during the energy storage phase, lowers the cost of regenerating dehumidifying materials, and improves the profitability of compressed air energy storage systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a compressed air energy storage system, and relates to the technical field of compressed air energy storage. In the compressed air energy storage system, a regeneration branch is arranged at an outlet of a compressor, one end of the regeneration branch is communicated with an air outlet of the compressor, and the other end of the regeneration branch is communicated with a regeneration air inlet of equipment; a renewable dehumidification material is arranged in the equipment; and compressed air enters a regeneration gas inlet of the equipment to desorb and regenerate the dehumidification material. The compressed air energy storage system solves the technical problem that an existing system is large in energy consumption in the energy storage stage.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of compressed air energy storage technology, and more particularly to a compressed air energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is a large-scale physical energy storage method involving an "electricity-gas-electricity" conversion. A CAES system includes a compressor, an expander, and a storage unit. Electricity generated during off-peak hours or periods of wind and solar power curtailment drives the compressor, which compresses ambient air to high pressure. This high-pressure air is then stored in the storage unit. During peak electricity demand periods, the high-pressure air in the storage unit drives the expander turbine, which in turn powers a synchronous generator connected to the grid, achieving energy feedback.

[0003] One of the profit models for compressed air energy storage is peak-valley price arbitrage. Therefore, the more high-pressure air generated during the energy storage phase using off-peak electricity, the greater the profit during the energy release phase. In developing this invention, the inventors discovered at least the following problems in the prior art: the system consumes a lot of energy during the energy storage phase, and the cost of generating high-pressure air is high, resulting in unsatisfactory profits after the compressed air energy storage power station is put into operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a compressed air energy storage system to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To achieve this objective, on the one hand, a compressed air energy storage system is provided, wherein the compressor outlet is provided with a regeneration branch, one end of which is connected to the compressor outlet and the other end is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the device; the device contains regenerable dehumidifying material; compressed air enters the device's regeneration gas inlet to desorb and regenerate the dehumidifying material.

[0006] Furthermore, the device is an air intake filter.

[0007] Furthermore, the outlet of the intake filter is connected to the inlet of the primary compressor, and the outlet of the primary compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter, so that the dehumidifying material in the intake filter is desorbed and regenerated by the compressed air from the outlet of the compressor.

[0008] Furthermore, a switching valve is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the primary compressor and the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter. The switching valve is opened when the dehumidifying material in the intake filter needs to be regenerated.

[0009] Furthermore, the device is a gas-liquid separator.

[0010] Furthermore, the inlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the gas phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is dry compressed air; the outlet of the compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the compressed air from the outlet of the compressor is used to desorb and regenerate the dehumidifying material in the gas-liquid separator.

[0011] Furthermore, there is a switch valve on the pipeline between the compressor outlet and the regeneration gas inlet of the gas-liquid separator. The switch valve is opened when the dehumidifying material in the gas-liquid separator needs to be regenerated.

[0012] Furthermore, after the compressor stops, the compressed air inside the compressor is used to desorb the dehumidifying material.

[0013] Furthermore, the compressor outlet is equipped with a cooling heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of compressed air, and a switching valve is provided between the compressor outlet and the hot-side inlet of the cooling heat exchanger. The switching valve is opened during energy storage and closed after energy storage is completed.

[0014] Furthermore, it includes a low-pressure compressor, a medium-pressure compressor, and a high-pressure compressor. The low-pressure compressor is equipped with a low-pressure gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the low-pressure compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator through a pipeline. The medium-pressure compressor is equipped with a medium-pressure gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the medium-pressure compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator through a pipeline.

[0015] Furthermore, the high-pressure section compressor is equipped with a high-pressure section gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the high-pressure section compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the high-pressure section gas-liquid separator through a pipeline.

[0016] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the compressor outlet is provided with a regeneration branch, and the other end of the regeneration branch is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the equipment, using the compressed air from the compressor outlet to regenerate the dehumidifying material in the system. The compressed air energy storage system of this embodiment can utilize the exhaust gas remaining in the compressor after it stops to regenerate the dehumidifying material, thereby reducing energy consumption during the energy storage phase. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 It is the energy storage system in the compressed air energy storage system provided in Embodiment 1; Figure 2 This is the energy storage system in the compressed air energy storage system provided in Embodiment 2; Figure 3 This is one type of energy storage system provided in the compressed air energy storage system of Embodiment 3; Figure 4This is another type of energy storage system in the compressed air energy storage system provided in Example 3.

[0018] In the diagram: 100 - Low-pressure compressor; 150 - Medium-pressure compressor; 180 - High-pressure compressor; 200 - Low-pressure cooling heat exchanger; 210 - Medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger; 220 - High-pressure cooling heat exchanger; 500 - Inlet filter; 300 - Low-pressure gas-liquid separator; 310 - Medium-pressure gas-liquid separator; 320 - High-pressure gas-liquid separator. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0020] Example 1: Figures 1-4 The energy storage system in the compressed air energy storage system of this embodiment is illustrated. The energy storage system includes a compressor unit, which includes at least a low-pressure stage compressor and a high-pressure stage compressor connected in series. In a large-scale compressed air energy storage system, the multi-stage compressors are divided into a low-pressure stage compressor unit, a medium-pressure stage compressor unit, and a high-pressure stage compressor unit according to the outlet pressure. The low-pressure stage compressor unit, the medium-pressure stage compressor unit, and the high-pressure stage compressor unit are connected in series. The outlet of the low-pressure stage compressor unit is connected to the inlet of the medium-pressure stage compressor unit, and the outlet of the medium-pressure stage compressor unit is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure stage compressor unit. Each stage compressor unit may also include multiple compressors, with all compressors connected in series from the low-pressure stage to the high-pressure stage. Figures 1-4 An embodiment of a compressor unit including a high-pressure compressor is shown, wherein the compressor unit consists of a low-pressure compressor 100, a medium-pressure compressor 150, and a high-pressure compressor 180 in sequence from low pressure to high pressure. The low-pressure compressor 100 can be regarded as a low-pressure compressor, the medium-pressure compressor 150 can be regarded as a medium-pressure compressor, and the high-pressure compressor 180 can be regarded as a high-pressure compressor.

[0021] An intake filter 500 is installed on the intake pipe of the low-pressure compressor. The intake filter 500 removes impurities from the air to ensure clean air enters the compressor, thereby improving its lifespan. Outside air 001 is filtered by the intake filter 500 before entering the first-stage compressor. The outlet pipe 003 of the low-pressure compressor 100 is connected to the hot-side inlet of the low-pressure cooling heat exchanger 200. The hot-side outlet of the low-pressure cooling heat exchanger 200 is connected to the inlet of the medium-pressure compressor. The cold-side inlet of the low-pressure cooling heat exchanger 200 is connected to a cold tank, which is used to hold low-temperature media. The low-pressure cooling heat exchanger 200 reduces the high-temperature, high-pressure air in the outlet pipe 003 of the low-pressure compressor 100, preventing excessively high air temperatures from entering the medium-pressure compressor 150. Furthermore, the cold-side outlet of the low-pressure cooling heat exchanger 200 is connected to a hot tank. After the high-temperature, high-pressure air from the low-pressure section compressor outlet enters the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200, its heat is stored in the medium on the cold side of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200. The cold-side outlet of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200 is connected to a heat tank to store the heat from the compressed air into the heat tank. Figure 1 As shown, the cold-side inlet of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200 is connected to the cooling supply pipe 030 via pipe 031, and the cooling supply pipe 030 is connected to the cold tank. The cold-side outlet of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200 is connected to the heat storage pipe 040 via pipe 041, and the heat storage pipe 040 leads to the heat tank.

[0022] Furthermore, the outlet of the medium-pressure compressor 150 is equipped with a medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210. The outlet of the medium-pressure compressor 150 is connected to the hot-side inlet of the medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210 via pipe 006, the hot-side outlet of the medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210 is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure compressor 180, and the cold-side inlet of the medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210 is connected to the cold tank. The function of the medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210 is the same as that of the low-pressure cooling heat exchanger 200. The cold-side inlet of the medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210 is connected to the cooling supply pipe 030 via pipe 032, and the cooling supply pipe 030 is connected to the cold tank. The cold-side outlet of the medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210 is connected to the heat storage pipe 040 via pipe 042, and the heat storage pipe 040 leads to the heat tank.

[0023] Furthermore, a high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is provided at the outlet of the high-pressure section compressor 180. The outlet of the high-pressure section compressor 180 is connected to the hot-side inlet of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 via pipe 010. In this embodiment, the hot-side outlet of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is connected to the gas storage unit. Optionally, the hot-side outlet of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is connected to the inlet of the lower low-pressure section compressor. The cold-side inlet of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is connected to the cold tank. The function of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is the same as that of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200 and the medium-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 210. The cold-side inlet of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is connected to the cooling supply pipe 030 via pipe 033, and the cooling supply pipe 030 is connected to the cold tank. The cold-side outlet of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is connected to the heat storage pipe 040 via pipe 043, and the heat storage pipe 040 leads to the heat tank.

[0024] like Figure 1 In the compressed air energy storage system of this embodiment, the intake filter 500 includes a dehumidification layer filled with dehumidifying material. The intake filter with the dehumidification layer not only removes impurities from the air but also deeply removes water vapor, ensuring that the air entering the compressor is dry and thus preventing water accumulation inside the compressor. Optionally, the dehumidifying material is an adsorption-type desiccant, which can absorb liquid mist from the air and achieve spontaneous regeneration through compressed air.

[0025] In the compressed air energy storage system of this embodiment, a pipeline 020 is also provided at the outlet of the low-pressure section compressor 100. One end of the pipeline 020 is connected to the outlet of the low-pressure section compressor 100, and the other end of the pipeline 020 is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter 500. The regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500 is connected to the low-pressure end. The high-temperature, high-pressure air from the outlet of the low-pressure section compressor is used through the pipeline 020 to desorb and regenerate the dehumidifying material inside the intake filter 500. The high-temperature, high-pressure air from the outlet of the low-pressure section compressor enables efficient regeneration of the dehumidifying material. In the high-temperature, high-pressure air, the high temperature provides the energy for desorption of the dehumidifying material, and the high pressure provides the discharge force for the dehumidifying material. The two work together to remove moisture from the dehumidifying material more quickly and thoroughly, achieving efficient regeneration.

[0026] Furthermore, the regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500 is connected to the low-pressure end. In this embodiment, the compressor outlet is high-temperature and high-pressure air, and the compressor outlet is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter 500. The regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500 is connected to the low-pressure end, thereby creating a pressure difference between the regeneration gas inlet and the regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500. Without the need for power equipment, the high-temperature and high-pressure air from the compressor outlet in the low-pressure section can spontaneously enter the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter 500.

[0027] Optionally, a power pump for providing power for regeneration is also provided at the regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500. Optionally, the regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500 is connected to the atmosphere via pipe 021, and the humid air from the regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500 can be directly discharged into the atmosphere through pipe 021. Alternatively, the regeneration gas outlet of the intake filter 500 can be connected to a corresponding collection device such as a chimney via pipe 021.

[0028] Furthermore, there is a switch valve 420 on the pipeline 020 between the outlet of the low-pressure section compressor 100 and the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter 500. When the dehumidifying material in the intake filter 500 needs to be regenerated, the switch valve 420 is opened, and the switch valve 420 is closed after the regeneration is completed.

[0029] Furthermore, a switching valve 400 is installed on the pipeline 003 between the outlet of the low-pressure section compressor 100 and the inlet of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200. When the system's energy storage process ends, the low-pressure section compressor and the switching valve 400 are closed, preventing air from the compressor outlet from entering the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200 and its subsequent air path. When the system needs energy storage, the switching valve 400 is opened.

[0030] In this embodiment, at the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100, the regeneration of the dehumidifying material in the intake filter 500 and the system energy storage are carried out independently in two separate branches. That is, the regeneration of the dehumidifying material in the intake filter 500 and the system energy storage can be carried out simultaneously or separately.

[0031] Optionally, the regeneration process can be initiated after the energy storage process ends by controlling switching valves 400 and 420. After the energy storage process ends, switching valve 400 is closed and switching valve 420 is opened, allowing the high-temperature, high-pressure air from the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100 to enter the regeneration gas inlet of the air intake filter 500. When the system needs energy storage, switching valve 400 is opened and switching valve 420 is closed, preventing the high-temperature, high-pressure air from the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100 from entering the regeneration gas inlet of the air intake filter 500. Initiating the regeneration process after the energy storage process utilizes the waste gas remaining in the system when the compressor is off to regenerate the dehumidifying material.

[0032] After a compressed air energy storage power station is put into operation, the energy storage unit is activated during off-peak electricity periods. After energy storage ends, a large amount of compressed air remains inside the compressor and its connected pipelines. Since this compressed air includes compressed air from the low- and medium-pressure compressors and their auxiliary equipment pipelines, its pressure is lower than the storage pressure of the storage device and therefore cannot be sent into it. Currently, a common practice in compressed air energy storage power stations is to directly discharge the residual compressed air into the atmosphere as system waste gas after the compressor stops. However, this compressed air was also generated using off-peak electricity, and direct discharge is a waste of energy, resulting in economic losses. The compressed air energy storage system in this embodiment utilizes this compressed air for the regeneration of dehumidifying materials, and the process consumes almost zero energy, thus reducing the total cost of energy storage during operation.

[0033] Example 2:

[0034] The parts of the compressed air energy storage system in this embodiment that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will not be described again.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 The hot-side outlet pipe 004 of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200 is equipped with a low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300 for drying the compressed air entering the medium-pressure section compressor 150. The hot-side outlet of the low-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 200 is connected to the inlet of the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300. The gas phase outlet of the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300 is dried compressed air. The gas phase outlet of the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300 is connected to the air inlet of the medium-pressure section compressor 150 through pipe 005. The liquid phase outlet of the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300 is connected to the drain pipe 050. The liquid phase component in the compressed air passing through the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300 is discharged through the drain pipe 050.

[0036] Furthermore, the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300 includes a dehumidification layer filled with dehumidifying material. This dehumidification layer effectively removes water vapor from the compressed air, ensuring that the air entering the medium-pressure section compressor is dry, thus preventing water accumulation within the compressor.

[0037] In this embodiment of the compressed air energy storage system, the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100 is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300 via pipe 022. The high-temperature, high-pressure air from the low-pressure compressor outlet desorbs and regenerates the dehumidifying material within the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300. A pipe 023 is provided at the regeneration gas outlet of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300, with the other end of pipe 023 being a low-pressure end, or a drive pump for driving the regeneration path is provided on pipe 023. Optionally, the regeneration gas outlet of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300 is connected to the atmosphere via pipe 023, allowing the humid air from the regeneration gas outlet to be directly discharged into the atmosphere. Alternatively, the regeneration gas outlet of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300 is connected to a corresponding collection device such as a chimney via pipe 023.

[0038] Furthermore, the regeneration process can be initiated at the end of the energy storage process. A switching valve 410 is located on pipeline 022 between the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100 and the regeneration gas inlet of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300. Switching valve 410 is opened when the dehumidifying material in the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300 needs regeneration. At the end of the system's energy storage process, the low-pressure compressor and switching valve 400 are shut off. If the regeneration material in the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300 needs regeneration, switching valve 410 is opened. When the system needs to start energy storage, switching valve 410 is closed and switching valve 400 is opened.

[0039] Example 3:

[0040] The parts of the compressed air energy storage system in this embodiment that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will not be described again.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 When both the intake filter 500 and the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300 are equipped with dehumidification layers of dehumidifying material, the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100 can simultaneously be provided with a pipeline 020 for regenerating the dehumidifying material in the intake filter 500 and a pipeline 022 for the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300. A switching valve 420 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100 and the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter 500, and a switching valve 410 is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the low-pressure compressor 100 and the regeneration gas inlet of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300. In this embodiment, the low-pressure compressor 100 can selectively regenerate the dehumidifying material in the intake filter 500, or the dehumidifying material in the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300, or simultaneously regenerate the dehumidifying material in both the intake filter 500 and the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300.

[0042] Optionally, the hot-side outlet pipe 007 of the intermediate-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 210 is equipped with an intermediate-pressure section gas-liquid separator 310 for drying the compressed air entering the high-pressure section compressor 180. The intermediate-pressure section gas-liquid separator 310 functions the same as the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator 300. The gas phase outlet of the intermediate-pressure section gas-liquid separator 310 is connected to the air inlet of the high-pressure section compressor 180 through pipes 008 and 009, and the liquid phase outlet of the intermediate-pressure section gas-liquid separator 310 is connected to the drain pipe 051. The liquid phase component in the compressed air passing through the intermediate-pressure section gas-liquid separator 310 is discharged through the drain pipe 051.

[0043] Furthermore, the hot-side outlet pipe 011 of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220 is equipped with a high-pressure section gas-liquid separator 320 for drying the compressed air entering the gas storage device. The high-pressure section gas-liquid separator 320 reduces the moisture content of the high-pressure air that has reached the pressure required by the gas storage device, ensuring that the high-pressure air entering the gas storage device is dry and preventing the generation of large amounts of condensate within the gas storage device. The gas phase outlet of the high-pressure section gas-liquid separator 320 leads to the gas storage device via pipe 012. Of course, if the compressor air pressure needs to be further increased, the compressed air from the gas phase outlet of the high-pressure section gas-liquid separator 320 can also be connected to a four-stage compressor via pipe 012.

[0044] In this embodiment, both the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator 310 and / or the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 320 are equipped with a dehumidifying layer of sweat-removing material. When the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator 310 is equipped with sweat-removing material, the outlet of the medium-pressure compressor 150 is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator 310 via a pipe 024. The regeneration gas outlet of the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator 310 is equipped with a pipe 025, the other end of which is a low-pressure end and can be connected to the atmosphere or a chimney. A switch valve 450 is located on the pipe 024 between the outlet of the medium-pressure compressor 150 and the regeneration gas inlet of the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator 310. The switch valve 450 is opened when the dehumidifying material in the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator 310 needs to be regenerated.

[0045] Furthermore, the outlet of the medium-pressure compressor 150 is provided with a pipe 006, the other end of which is connected to the hot-side inlet of the medium-pressure cooling heat exchanger 210. A switch valve 430 is installed on the pipe 006. The switch valve 430 is opened when the system stores energy and closed when the energy storage ends. Optionally, the system can start the regeneration process after the energy storage process is completed by controlling the switch valves 430 and 450.

[0046] When the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 320 is equipped with dehumidifying material, the outlet of the high-pressure compressor 180 is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 320 via pipe 026. The regeneration gas outlet of the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 320 is equipped with pipe 027, the other end of which is a low-pressure end and can be connected to the atmosphere or a chimney. A switch valve 470 is located on pipe 026 between the outlet of the high-pressure compressor 180 and the regeneration gas inlet of the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 320. The switch valve 470 is opened when the dehumidifying material in the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 320 needs regeneration.

[0047] Furthermore, the outlet of the high-pressure section compressor 180 is provided with a pipe 010, the other end of which is connected to the hot-side inlet of the high-pressure section cooling heat exchanger 220. A switching valve 460 is installed on the pipe 010. The switching valve 460 is opened when the system stores energy and closed when energy storage ends. Optionally, the system can start the regeneration process after the energy storage process is completed by controlling the switching valves 460 and 470.

[0048] This embodiment of the compressed air energy storage system uses a compressor unit with a high-pressure section as an example. The main differences between the low-pressure, medium-pressure, and high-pressure compressors are their compression ratios and the temperatures and pressures of the inlet and outlet air. The differences between the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 300, the medium-pressure gas-liquid separator 310, and the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 320 are their locations and the pressures of the compressed air at their inlet and outlet. The differences between the low-pressure, medium-pressure, and high-pressure cooling heat exchangers are the temperatures and pressures of the compressed air at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger's air passages, while the temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the water passages are the same.

[0049] It should be noted that the presence or absence of dehumidifying material in the intake filter is related to the physical properties of the intake air. Whether or not a gas-liquid separator containing dehumidifying material is installed after which stage or stages of the compressor is related to the inlet parameters of the next stage equipment. Generally, a gas-liquid separator is installed at the outlet of the first or early stages of the compressor to remove moisture from the compressed air. As the compressor pressure increases, the air at the compressor outlet becomes increasingly dry, and a gas-liquid separator may no longer be needed at the compressor outlet. When a gas-liquid separator is installed at the compressor outlet, a regeneration branch can be added at the compressor outlet, connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the equipment requiring regeneration.

[0050] It should be noted that the above embodiment is illustrated using an example where the dehumidifying material is installed in the air inlet filter and the gas-liquid separator. If the dehumidifying material in other devices within the system needs to be regenerated, simply connect the compressor outlet to the device's regeneration gas inlet via a pipeline, and install a switch valve on the pipeline to regenerate the dehumidifying material using compressed air.

[0051] For compressed air energy storage systems that have been put into operation, the compressor units will face the issue of needing to start and stop at any time. Each time the compressor unit stops, a large amount of compressed air remains inside the compressor, especially in the low- and medium-pressure sections. This air cannot be sent to the air storage device and is currently only discharged into the atmosphere as waste gas. In fact, the generation of this waste gas also utilizes electricity, therefore, this waste gas is part of the electricity generation cost. Currently, the scale of compressed air energy storage is increasing, the compression ratio of the compressor units is increasing, and the number of compressors within the units is also increasing. Under these circumstances, a large amount of waste gas will be generated each time the compressor unit stops.

[0052] The compressed air energy storage system in this embodiment is equipped with an intake filter containing a dehumidifier and a gas-liquid separator at the compressor inlet, which improves the operating efficiency of the compressor unit and the quality of compressed air produced during the energy storage phase. Simultaneously, the exhaust gas from the compressor after energy storage stops can be used to regenerate the dehumidifier material in a near-zero energy consumption manner, eliminating the need for dehumidifier material regeneration during construction and operation, reducing the initial investment in the power station, and improving the profitability of the compressed air energy storage power station.

[0053] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0054] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0055] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compressed air energy storage system, characterized in that, The compressor outlet is equipped with a regeneration branch, one end of which is connected to the compressor outlet and the other end is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the equipment; the equipment contains regenerable dehumidifying material. Compressed air enters the regeneration gas inlet of the equipment to desorb and regenerate the dehumidifying material.

2. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is an air intake filter.

3. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet of the air intake filter is connected to the inlet of the primary compressor, and the outlet of the primary compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the air intake filter. The dehumidifying material in the air intake filter is regenerated by the compressed air from the outlet of the compressor.

4. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A switch valve is installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the primary compressor and the regeneration gas inlet of the intake filter. The switch valve is opened when the dehumidifying material in the intake filter needs to be regenerated.

5. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is a gas-liquid separator.

6. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the gas phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is dry compressed air; The compressor outlet is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the compressed air from the compressor outlet is used to desorb and regenerate the dehumidifying material in the gas-liquid separator.

7. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 6, characterized in that, There is a switch valve on the pipeline between the compressor outlet and the regeneration gas inlet of the gas-liquid separator. The switch valve is opened when the dehumidifying material in the gas-liquid separator needs to be regenerated.

8. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the compressor stops, the compressed air inside the compressor is used to desorb the dehumidifying material.

9. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The compressor outlet is equipped with a cooling heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of compressed air. A switching valve is provided between the compressor outlet and the hot-side inlet of the cooling heat exchanger. The switching valve is opened during energy storage and closed after energy storage is completed.

10. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that, It includes a low-pressure section compressor, a medium-pressure section compressor, and a high-pressure section compressor. The low-pressure section compressor is equipped with a low-pressure section gas-liquid separator. The outlet of the low-pressure section compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the low-pressure section gas-liquid separator through a pipeline. The medium-pressure section compressor is equipped with a medium-pressure section gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the medium-pressure section compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the medium-pressure section gas-liquid separator through a pipeline.

11. The compressed air energy storage system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The high-pressure section compressor is equipped with a high-pressure section gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the high-pressure section compressor is connected to the regeneration gas inlet of the high-pressure section gas-liquid separator through a pipeline.

Citation Information

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