Underground Compressed Air Energy Storage For Electric Utilities

ABSTRACT Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is a concept for electric utility application which stores energy generated during periods of low demand and releases that energy during peak demand periods. Air is compressed during low demand periods by motor-driven compressors and stored in large underground reservoirs. When power is required, the air is heated by burning fuel in combustion chambers, and expanded in turbines to drive electric generators. CAES technology appears to be one of the most attractive near-term energy storage options for utilities. This is reflected in the currently operating CAES plant in West Germany and the present American CAES technology and demonstration programs.