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Thermodynamic response of underground caverns for compressed air energy storage considering different operational modes of the energy storage system

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  • Xu, Yingjun
  • Xia, Caichu
  • Zhou, Shuwei
  • Xu, Chen

Abstract

In this study, a novel computational model and numerical implementation method are proposed to analyze the thermodynamic response of underground compressed air energy storage (CAES) caverns. This model accounts for the influence of varying operational characteristics of compressors and expanders on air temperature and pressure fluctuations within the cavern. A cyclic charging and discharging test was conducted using a multi-field simulation system for high-pressure underground caverns, effectively validating the proposed model. To further demonstrate its applicability, the model was employed in a real engineering case to investigate the thermodynamic response of underground CAES caverns under different operating modes. The results reveal that system operating modes significantly affect air temperature variations, while their impact on air pressure is relatively minor. Under constant-pressure compression, the air temperature inside the cavern is higher than that in sliding-pressure mode and increases with rising pressure. Additionally, adopting a multi-stage expansion mode results in a higher minimum air temperature in the cavern compared to single-stage expansion.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Yingjun & Xia, Caichu & Zhou, Shuwei & Xu, Chen, 2025. "Thermodynamic response of underground caverns for compressed air energy storage considering different operational modes of the energy storage system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:331:y:2025:i:c:s036054422502314x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136672
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