PUSHING THE LIMITS OF LARGE-SCALE ENERGY STORAGE: OPTIMIZED COMBINED CYCLE CAES

Introduction

PUSH-CCC proposes to solve the key existing limits of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) scalability, replicability, efficiency, and energy density while boosting its cost-effective commercial development in Europe. This will be achieved by bringing a breakthrough CAES concept to TRL4, which is based on a novel optimized integration of advanced technology and scientific advances beyond the state of the art.

Objectives

The project aims to push the efficiency and profitability of the volatile-fluid-based isobaric adiabatic Combined Cycle CAES (CCC) patented by RIEGOSUR. This is a scientifically proven high-potential concept due to the enhancement of turbomachinery efficiency and cavern volume minimization.

Experimental Development

The construction of an experimental cavern lab in the Canary Islands will lead to the first isobaric adiabatic CAES system at TRL4 in Europe. This initiative will meet the expected outcomes of the Challenge, filling in the existing gaps to accelerate the penetration of renewable energies in the grid.

Collaborative Efforts

PUSH-CCC brings together expert partners to solve the key scaling, efficiency, and profitability issues by leveraging:

1. An AI-based optimized heat pump cycle to minimize the energy requirements of the volatile fluid processes in real-time, considering climatological conditions (I).
2. A cost-effective large-scale membrane for suitable operation in the hard-rock cavern (II).
3. Optimized turbomachinery for AA-CAES applications (single-stage compressor) (III).
4. A cost-effective, efficient heat storage technology based on innovative heat exchangers and heat storage medium (IV).
5. A disruptive AI-based hierarchical control system (V).

Expected Outcomes

This project aims to bring a high-efficient (>80%), cost-effective technology with high replication potential. The high energy density of 11.8 kWh/m³ allows for operation in hard rock areas, which are a major part of the continental land-use.

Environmental Impact

Autonomous plants will operate with atmospheric air and a closed-loop water & CO2 system, capturing 10 kTn of CO2 per year for a standard 500 MW plant from the overloaded atmosphere with an innovative system.