MODEL-BASED AND EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR FUTURE LIQUID AIR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

Abstract

While operating renewable power systems, energy storage systems are integral in ensuring the continuity of power during generation intermittencies. Due to its high energy density and proven large-scale implementation, liquid air energy storage (LAES) is a potential energy storage system for the future needs of both mobile and static micro grids. This thesis presents two separate papers using the systems engineering process; modeling and testing of a potential LAES system and an experiment investigating the potential for new liquid generation methods. The first paper builds an analytical model of a supply-side LAES system intended to use excess energy from renewable sources that would otherwise be wasted. This analysis supported the system component selection and the expected performance based on prior, validated model research. The second paper investigates the potential of using a Stirling cycle based cryocooler to generate liquid air. These papers are in conjunction with peer work on a demand-side model for LAES as well as Stirling engine-based energy regeneration using liquid air. Future work includes prototyping a LAES system based on energy storage requirements.