What is compressed air energy storage?

Compressed air energy storage or simply CAES is one of the many ways that energy can be stored during times of high production for use at a time when there is high electricity demand.

Where can compressed air energy be stored?

The number of sites available for compressed air energy storage is higher compared to those of pumped hydro [, ]. Porous rocks and cavern reservoirs are also ideal storage sites for CAES. Gas storage locations are capable of being used as sites for storage of compressed air .

What are the advantages of compressed air energy storage systems?

One of the main advantages of Compressed Air Energy Storage systems is that they can be integrated with renewable sources of energy, such as wind or solar power.

How is air compressed?

In Compressed Air Energy Storage, air is compressed using compressors and stored in storage tanks. The compressor is run by a motor generator to which the excess available energy is fed.

What is the typical pressure used in compressed air energy storage?

During the operation, excess electricity is used to compress the air into a salt cavern located underground, typically at depths of 500–800 m and under pressures of up to 100 bars. Diabatic storage systems utilize most of the heat using compression with intercoolers in an energy storage system underground.

How is compressed air stored?

Storage: The compressed air is stored in the storage vessel until it is needed to generate electricity. The storage vessel must be air-tight to prevent any loss of compressed air. Expansion: When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released from the storage vessel and sent through a pipeline to a turbine.