Preliminary feasibility evaluation of compressed air storage power systems. Volume I. Final report, June 1975--December 1976

Technical Report · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7217102

The object of this program was to conduct a preliminary technical, economic, and environmental feasibility evaluation of generating peak power with a compressed air power system incorporating a modified state-of-the-art gas turbine and an hydraulically-compensated, mined, hard-rock cavern. The compressor and turbine sections of the gas turbine would be alternately coupled to a motor/generator for operation during different time periods. During nighttime and weekend off-peak periods, low-cost power would be used to compress air which would be stored in the underground cavern. During subsequent daytime peak-load periods the compressed air would be withdrawn from storage, mixed with fuel, burned and expanded through the turbines to generate peak power. This preliminary evaluation program consisted of a three-phase analytical study effort which provided an in-depth, engineering investigation into the uncertainties associated with the air storage concept. Results are presented covering the siting potential and economics for hard-rock storage caverns, the types of aboveground equipment which could be used with suitable modifications, system performance and economics, and the potential for electric utility application. The technical approach was based on technology currently available, although in some cases not yet reduced to commercial practice. By focussing on state-of-the-art technology, it was possible to identify a low-risk design approach capable of producing about 250 MW which could be considered for near-term commercial application. The design approach has the distinct advantage of providing considerable flexibility with respect to storage conditions without altering the basic configuration or expensive low-pressure components. This practical approach to design was augmented by inclusion of three electric utilities on the project team to infuse utility needs, objectives, background, and experience into the program.

• Research Organization: United Technologies Research Center, East Hartford, CT (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7217102
• Report Number(s): CONS-NSF/42-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
200100 -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Power Plants & Power Generation
25 ENERGY STORAGE
250200* -- Energy Storage-- Compressed & Liquified Gas
AIR
CAVITIES
COMPRESSED AIR
COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY STORAGE
ENERGY STORAGE
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLUIDS
GAS TURBINES
GASES
LEVELS
OFF-PEAK ENERGY STORAGE
POWER PLANTS
STORAGE
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
UNDERGROUND