Design of optimum compressed air energy-storage systems

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) power systems are being considered by electric utilities for load-leveling application. Their economic benefit and the extent of premium fuel conservation is dependent on their design. An optimum design approach for CAES is presented in this paper. It is based on decomposition of the overall CAES plant/utility grid system into three partially-decoupled sybsystems. Technical and economic models of the subsystems are used in a constrained optimization procedure. The constraints are imposed by the physical characteristics of the subsystems, by interaction among the subsystems and by the interfacing requirements imposed by the utility. To illustrate the concepts, models for the system comprising the compressor train, piping, and an aquifer reservoir have been used in the optimization procedure. Results from these studies show that substantial reductions in capital cost and total operating cost can be achieved using optimization techniques.