CAES by design: A user-centered approach to designing Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems for future electrical grid: A case study for Ontario

Abstract Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems, if designed right, can provide a range of high-value grid services that are required for stable operation of the electrical grid. In this paper, a new design approach for customized CAES based on user-centered design (UCD) methodology is developed. To this end, a study of the electrical grid infrastructure and challenges, with a focus on Ontario (Canada) is presented. Afterward, a system approach methodology called CAES-by-Design is developed that incorporates the impact of grid profiles. Hourly load profiles of the Ontario grid are analyzed. Using a thermodynamic model, it is shown how the performance requirements of an adiabatic CAES (A-CAES) system, in terms of capacity, charge and discharge rates and duration are affected by the grid demand and supply profile. For example, it is observed that a compressor capacity of 13% of maximum excess energy and a turbine capacity of 10% of maximum required energy would be sufficient to capture more than 50% of the charging and discharging opportunities. Furthermore, the impact of charging and discharging cycle dynamics on the sizing and operating characteristics of thermal energy storage (TES) system is discussed. Results of this analysis suggest that a comprehensive assessment tool can be developed based on the presented methodology.