Compressed Air Energy Storage System for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The intermittent and variable nature of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, creates a mismatch between energy availability and peak demand, necessitating an efficient energy storage solution that overcomes the limitations of existing technologies like batteries, which are durable and environmentally hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A system for energy storage and electricity generation using compressed air, where air is compressed and stored underground, allowing for regulated energy release to generate electricity, with minimal moving parts and long service lifetime, utilizing steel and concrete materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used for energy storage, then energy can be stored for later delivery, but durability is poor and environmental harm is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical energy storage (batteries) with a mechanical energy storage system using compressed air. The compressor mechanically compresses air into underground storage caverns during off-peak hours, and the compressed air expands through a turbine during peak demand to generate electricity. This mechanical system eliminates the use of hazardous chemical materials like lead and acid electrolytes found in traditional batteries, thereby resolving the environmental harm issue while providing long service lifetime without degradation.
2Productivity
If renewable energy sources are used, then energy supply is sustainable, but irregular availability creates mismatch with peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by compressing and storing air during periods of low energy demand and high renewable energy availability. The compressor uses excess renewable energy to compress air into underground storage caverns when wind or solar generation is high. This stored compressed air is then released during peak demand periods to drive turbines and generate electricity, effectively smoothing out the irregularity of renewable energy supply and creating a stable, on-demand energy source.
3Quantity of substance
If compressed air is stored underground, then energy storage capacity is increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level or small-scale energy storage to large-capacity underground storage by exploiting the third dimension (depth). Compressed air is stored in naturally formed or artificially created underground caverns, which provide vast storage capacity without occupying surface space. This dimensional transition enables massive energy storage capacity while utilizing existing geological structures, thereby increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides a reliable, long-term energy storage solution that maintains performance without degrading over cycles, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy storage methods by leveraging thermally isolated compressed air for efficient electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
The compressed air is supplied to a turbine which drives an electrical generator to produce electricity
Implementation Method 2
Compressed air is heated by the thermal storage unit prior to entering a turbine, which powers an electrical generator
Implementation Method 3
ambient air temperature, turbine exhaust or other types of waste heat are used to preheat the compressed air prior to the compressed air entering the thermal storage unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (1) for energy storage and electricity generation is described. The system includes an energy storage subsystem (10) and an electricity generation subsystem (100) coupled to the energy storage subsystem (10). The energy storage subsystem (10) is configured to store energy in the form of compressed air at a temperature greater than a temperature of ambient air in the atmosphere. The electricity generation subsystem (100) includes an airlift pumping system and a hydro-electric power system driven by the airlift pumping system (110), and is configured to produce electricity by utilizing the compressed air stored in the energy storage subsystem (10) at the temperature greater than the temperature of ambient air in the atmosphere.