CAES/UPH hybrid study, Phase I. Final report

The utilization of existing underground caverns for compressed air energy storage in combination with a CAES system could significantly reduce plant costs by minimizing the cost of underground cavern excavation. Since the Pilot Knob iron ore mine in Pilot Knob, Missouri, is available it offers an ideal opportunity to assess the technical and economic feasibility of such a modification. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to investigate the possibilities of utilizing the Pilot Knob with different CAES systems and evaluate their technical and economic feasibility. The evaluation consisted of the following: a geological and hydrological assessment of the mine and determination of its capacity for compressed air energy storage; an evaluation of the mine with regard to its configuration and the required volume and structural modifications to suit the different CAES concepts from a civil engineering viewpoint; identification of alternate CAES cycles that are applicable for utilizing the mine and estimation of performance and cost parameters; and combination of the necessary surface structures and site layout required for the different CAES concepts including an overall cost estimate and schedule. The geological and hydrological evaluation indicated that the mine is suitable for compressed air storage, and only minor modificationsmore » would be required to bring the mine to a condition suitable for utilization. A plan is presented for a CAES power plant and its cost is estimated. (LCL)« less