Use of Reciprocating Engines in Compressed Air Energy Storage Power Plants

摘要

The application of reciprocating engines to compressed air energy is described. The expected advantages compared to conventional turbines and compressors are reduced reservoir size and cost, reduced equipment cost, reduced compression energy, increased overall plant efficiency, and increased energy storage effectiveness. The performance of possible engine and plant configurations are presented. One possible configuration is the use of a reversible expander/compressor engine; another is a hybrid reciprocating engine-turbomachinery concept. Capital and operating costs are also estimated and compared with that of conventional CAES plant designs. (ERA citation 03:055184)