Compressed Air Energy Storage -- An Exergy-based Analysis of Turbomachinery Systems

James Konrad, University of Windsor

Abstract

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a semi-mature technology which has been used since the 1970s for power smoothing and "spinning reserve" for the electricity grid. With the recent increase in development of intermittent energy sources such as wind, tidal and solar power, energy storage will become more important to grid stability and energy efficiency. The potential for use of CAES as an enabling technology for renewable energy in the province of Ontario is examined. An exergy-based analysis of an existing CAES facility in Alabama is presented in order to explain the potential for further development of second-generation CAES for renewable energy applications.