Title: Evaluation of turbomachinery for compressed air energy storage plants
Abstract: A study of possible turbomachinery options for compressed air energy storage plants is presented. The plant is divided into four subsystems: a turbine system, compressor system, motor/generator, and an underground air storage reservoir. The turbine system comprises a high-pressure turbine and combustor, a low-pressure turbine and combustor, and a recuperator. The compressor system comprises a low-pressure compressor, booster compressor, intercoolers, and an aftercooler. A water-compensated mined cavern constitutes the underground air-storage reservoir. Plant performance is presented in terms of five parameters: specific air flow rate, specific heat rate, specific storage volume, specific compression rate, and overall plant efficiency. The capital and operating costs of the plant as a function of the turbomachinery options are presented. Design variables of the turbomachinery are the reservoir pressure and inlet gas temperatures to the turbines.