Aquifer compressed air energy storage

Is compressed air energy storage in aquifers a potential large-scale energy storage technology?

Compressed air energy storage in aquifers (CAESA) has been considered a potential large-scale energy storage technology. However, due to the lack of actual field tests, research on the underground processes is still in the stage of theoretical analysis and requires further understanding.

What is compressed air energy storage in aquifers (caesa)?

In addition, in 2022, a 50 MW demonstration of adiabatic CAES using a salt cavern took place in Jintan, China . As a novel compressed air storage technology, compressed air energy storage in aquifers (CAESA), has been proposed inspired by the experience of natural gas or CO 2 storage in aquifers.

How is compressed air stored in an aquifer?

The cooled compressed air is then injected into the aquifer for storage. During peak demand periods, the compressed air stored in the aquifer is released into the heat storage system to be reheated, and it is subsequently expanded through the turbine generator to generate electricity.

Can air bubble replenishment improve aquifer energy storage performance?

A large concentrated air bubble can keep stable pressure and high efficiency. Air bubble replenishment in each cycle has better long-term storage performance. Compressed air energy storage in aquifers (CAESA) has been considered a potential large-scale energy storage technology.

How much air should be stored in a porous media aquifer?

If significant inter-seasonal storage is to be achieved, then safely storing hundreds of millions of cubic metres of air is necessary. Porous media CAES (PM-CAES) would use porous rock formations called saline aquifers, which contain saline (non-potable) water (Fig. 1).

Could compressed-air energy storage be a useful inter-seasonal storage resource?

Compressed-air energy storage could be a useful inter-seasonal storage resource to support highly renewable power systems. This study presents a modelling approach to assess the potential for such storage in porous rocks and, applying it to the UK, finds availability of up to 96 TWh in offshore saline aquifers.