Optimizing the Performance of Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Compressor and Turbine Trains

This paper is a result of work done by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation on a $1.8 million, 3 1/2 year study funded by DOE and EPRI.The potential future market for Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system is substantial. The savings realized by utilizing CAES power plants can be very attractive with the proper generation mix.The thermodynamic parametric performance studies that were conducted to screen the various aquifer charging and discharging cycles are discussed. Equations are presented to directly calculate the optimum (minimum required total compressor work and air cooler heat rejection) intercooler(s) location for a compressor train utilizing one and two inter-coolers. An equation is also presented which directly determines the reheat combustor location required to maximize the turbine train output. A discussion is included why the performance of CAES power cycles must be optimized by considering the total power production energy costs not on a basis of maximum turbine output power or heat rate.Hardware and economic considerations which lead to CAES LP turbomachinery component standardization are discussed. Such standardization allows a manufacturer to economically adapt its CAES turbomachinery to a range of different air storage pressures.Copyright © 1982 by ASME