Compressed Air Storage Pressure Split for Power and Pneumatics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems struggle to efficiently store and manage energy fluctuations in renewable energy power generation, particularly in plants where power generation and demand are mismatched, leading to inefficiencies in energy storage and usage.
Innovation Solution
A CAES device with a compressor that compresses air to pressures exceeding a predetermined level for energy storage and an expander that generates power from this compressed air, while also supplying air at lower pressures to pneumatic apparatuses, allowing for flexible energy management and demand adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the compressor compresses air to high pressure for energy storage in the pressure accumulation tank, then the amount of energy stored increases, but the energy consumption of the compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air flow is segmented into two paths based on pressure: high-pressure air (>predetermined pressure) goes to the expander for power generation, while low-pressure air (≤predetermined pressure) goes to the pneumatic apparatus. This segmentation allows the system to utilize compressed air for multiple purposes, reducing the need for excessive compression and lowering compressor energy consumption while maintaining energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores energy in the pressure accumulation tank, generates electricity through the expander, and supplies pneumatic pressure to industrial apparatus. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet diverse energy demands without requiring separate systems, improving overall energy utilization efficiency.
2Power
If all compressed air is supplied to the expander for power generation, then the electric power generation capacity increases, but the pneumatic apparatus cannot receive sufficient compressed air
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air supply is divided into two streams based on pressure thresholds: air exceeding the predetermined pressure is directed to the expander for power generation, while air at or below the predetermined pressure is supplied to the pneumatic apparatus. This pressure-based segmentation ensures both power generation and pneumatic operations receive adequate air supply simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure as a parameter to route compressed air to different destinations. By monitoring the pressure of compressed air and comparing it to the predetermined pressure threshold, the system dynamically directs air flow to optimize both power generation output and pneumatic apparatus operation without conflict.
3Productivity
If the compressor operates at high capacity to meet daytime pneumatic demand, then the pneumatic apparatus receives sufficient air, but the energy storage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air system performs multiple functions concurrently: it supplies pneumatic pressure to industrial apparatus, stores energy in the pressure accumulation tank, and generates electricity through the expander. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet pneumatic demand while simultaneously maintaining energy storage and generation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own compressed air output to serve pneumatic apparatus directly without requiring additional compression, thereby reducing the burden on the compressor and preserving energy storage capacity. The pneumatic apparatus is self-sufficient using air at or below the predetermined pressure, while the system continues to store and generate energy from higher pressure air.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a compressed air energy storage device that includes: a compressor that is driven by an electric motor; a pressure accumulation tank that stores compressed air compressed by the compressor; an expander that is driven by the compressed air stored in the pressure accumulation tank; a generator that is driven by the expander; and a pneumatic pressure supply pipe that supplies the compressed air to a pneumatic apparatus driven by a pneumatic pressure, the compressor compresses air to a pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure set higher than a pneumatic usage pressure for driving the pneumatic apparatus, compressed air whose pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure is supplied to the expander to generate electric power, and compressed air whose pressure is equal to or lower than the predetermined pressure is supplied to the pneumatic apparatus via the pneumatic pressure supply pipe.