Chapter Three - Compressed air energy storage system

A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system is an electricity storage technology under the category of mechanical energy storage (MES) systems, and is most appropriate for large-scale use and longer storage applications. In a CAES system, the surplus electricity to be stored is used to produce compressed air at high pressures. When there is a need for producing extra power, the stored compressed air is used to drive air expanders and thereby actuate an electricity generator. A CAES system may come in a variety of configurations. Each of these designs is appropriate for specific operating conditions, offers its own advantages, and may suffer from its own disadvantages. This chapter gives a fundamental understanding of CAES technology in various configurations followed by a history of the development of this technology over the years in practice and in the literature. Then, it presents the required mathematical model for analyzing a CAES system thermodynamically followed by a discussion on the future perspectives of this technology.