Modeling and Simulation Informed Conceptual Design, Analysis, and Initial Component Selection of a Supply-Side Building Scale LAES System for Renewable, Islanded Microgrid Resiliency

Abstract

Effective use and integration of renewable energy sources, coupled with different storage options, is an emerging priority within the Department of Defense. One promising method of energy storage is a Liquid Air Energy Storage system (LAES), which uses renewable energy in excess of immediate demand to make and cryogenically store liquid air for later expansion through a turbine to generate power when needed. This paper outlines a modeling and simulation approach to determining the design and material specifications based on a supply requirement of a renewable energy fed LAES. The source power requirement was based on the available renewable generation at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Turbo-Propulsion Laboratory of 18 kW. These models revised previous validated versions, which were used to design a small-scale theoretical LAES system, to yield an integrated, practical, building-scale simulation. The expansion and generation portion of a LAES system was simulated for a Linde-Hampson cycle using the process modeling software Aspen HYSYS. The results from this model, along with a demand side analysis, will be used to map the trade space of a LAES system and determine potential commercial components for system construction. This work is part of a larger effort to determine the effectiveness of potential energy storage solutions for naval facilities or Forward Operating Bases (FOB).