Economic and technical feasibility study of compressed air storage
The results of a study of the economic and technical feasibility of compressed air energy storage (CAES) are presented. The study, which concentrated primarily on the application of underground air storage with combustion turbines, consisted of two phases. In the first phase a general assessment of the technical alternatives, economic characteristics and the institutional constraints associated with underground storage of compressed air for utility peaking application was carried out. The goal of this assessment was to identify potential barrier problems and to define the incentive for the implementation of compressed air storage. In the second phase, the general conclusions of the assessment were tested by carrying out the conceptual design of a CAES plant at two specific sites, and a program of further work indicated by the assessment study was formulated. The conceptual design of a CAES plant employing storage in an aquifer and that of a plant employing storage in a conventionally excavated cavern employing a water leg to maintain constant pressure are shown. Recommendations for further work, as well as directions of future turbomachinery development, are made. It is concluded that compressed air storage is technically feasible for off-peak energy storage, and, depending on site conditions, CAES plants may be favored over simple cycle turbine plants to meet peak demands. (LCL)
- Research Organization:
- General Electric Co., Schenectady, N.Y. (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7186215
- Report Number(s):
- ERDA-76-76
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
200100 -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Power Plants & Power Generation
25 ENERGY STORAGE
250200* -- Energy Storage-- Compressed & Liquified Gas
AIR
CAVITIES
COMPRESSED AIR
DESIGN
ECONOMICS
ENERGY STORAGE
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLUIDS
FORECASTING
GAS TURBINES
GASES
GEOLOGY
LEVELS
MARKET
OFF-PEAK ENERGY STORAGE
OPERATION
POWER PLANTS
STORAGE
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
UNDERGROUND