Preliminary Feasibility Evaluation of Compressed Air Storage Power Systems.

摘要

This program involves a comprehensive evaluation of the technical and economic feasibility of providing low-cost,low-pollution peaking power from a modified gas turbine compressed air storage power system. In this power system concept low-cost,off-peak power would be used to compress air which would be stored in mined,underground hardrock caverns. During subsequent peak-load periods the compressed air would be withdrawn from storage,mixed with fuel,burned,and expanded through a turbine to generate peak power. This 18-month preliminary feasibility evaluation program consists of three principal technical phases:Phase I deals with geological surveys of the populous Northeast and North Central regions of the U.S. to identify prospective areas suitable for air storage caverns;Phase 2involves conceptual system design studies leading to an assessment of the technical,economic,and environmental feasibility of the power system;Phase 3consists of specific application studies for electric utilities to identify the potential benefit of air storage systems to the ultimate user. This semiannual report covers progress made during the first six months of the program. Preliminary results are presented for the geological surveys being conducted for Phase I and for the conceptual system design studies being conducted for Phase 2.