Why is adiabatic compressed air energy storage yet to become a viable energy storage option?

Edward R. Barbour
,
Daniel Pottie
,
Philip Eames

Loughborough University

Research Output: Contribution to journal Review article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

Recent theoretical studies have predicted that adiabatic compressed air energy storage (ACAES) can be an effective energy storage option in the future. However, major experimental projects and commercial ventures have so far failed to yield any viable prototypes. Here we explore the underlying reasons behind this failure. By developing an analytical idealized model of a typical ACAES design, we derive a design-dependent efficiency limit for a system with hypothetical, perfect components. This previously overlooked limit, equal to 93.6% under continuous cycling for a typical design, arises from irreversibility associated with the transient pressure in the system. Although the exact value is design dependent, the methodology we present for finding the limit is applicable for a wide range of designs. Turning to real systems, the limit alone does not fully explain the failure of practical ACAES research. However, reviewing the available evidence alongside our analytical model, we reason that underestimation of the system complexity, difficulty with the integration of off-the-shelf components, and a number of misleading performance claims are the primary reasons hindering ACAES development.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Review article Peer-review

Original language

English

Article number

102440

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 102440

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

iScience (Volume 24, Issue 5)

Publication milestones

Published - 21/05/2021

Publication status

Published - 21/05/2021

External Publication IDs

handle.net: 10547/626413
Scopus: 85104963588
PubMed: 34007959

Access to documents

10.1016/j.isci.2021.102440

PIIS2589004221004089.pdf

Final published version, 1.85 MB

License:CC BY

https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042%2821%2900408-9

Final published version

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