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Improved liquid air energy storage process considering air purification: Continuous and flexible energy storage and power generation

Author

Listed:
  • Liu, Yuxin
  • Yu, Dongling
  • Tong, Lige
  • Zhang, Peikun
  • Guo, Wei
  • Zuo, Zhongqi
  • Wang, Li
  • Ding, Yulong

Abstract

Liquid air energy storage (LAES) processes have been extensively analyzed due to their low constraints and capability for large-scale storage. However, the efficiency and storage flexibility of conventional LAES are significantly constrained by the air purification process. To improve the continuous storage capacity and economic viability of LAES, this paper proposes two enhanced processes, dual-compression LAES and medium-pressure expansion LAES, utilizing the backflow gas as purified purge gas. The design and operating parameters of liquefaction process were optimized using a genetic algorithm. The round-trip efficiency, system exergy efficiency, dynamic payback period, and levelized cost of electricity for the dual-compression LAES are 58.98 %, 65.9 %, 11 years, and 120.4 $/MWh, respectively, while those for the medium-pressure expansion LAES are 62.15 %, 68.17 %, 9 years, and 114.4 $/MWh, respectively. Additionally, the economic benefits of medium-pressure expansion LAES become more significant with higher off-peak electricity costs and a lower peak-valley electricity price ratio. The proposed processes are characterized by high efficiency and economic viability, without storage time constraints. The dual-compression process is simple to retrofit but has limited upgrade potential, making it suitable for existing LAES, whereas the medium-pressure expansion process offers more significant upgrades but requires extensive retrofitting, making it suitable for new LAES.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Yuxin & Yu, Dongling & Tong, Lige & Zhang, Peikun & Guo, Wei & Zuo, Zhongqi & Wang, Li & Ding, Yulong, 2024. "Improved liquid air energy storage process considering air purification: Continuous and flexible energy storage and power generation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:231:y:2024:i:c:s096014812401019x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.120951
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. She, Xiaohui & Peng, Xiaodong & Nie, Binjian & Leng, Guanghui & Zhang, Xiaosong & Weng, Likui & Tong, Lige & Zheng, Lifang & Wang, Li & Ding, Yulong, 2017. "Enhancement of round trip efficiency of liquid air energy storage through effective utilization of heat of compression," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 1632-1642.
    2. Wang, Chen & Zhang, Xiaosong & You, Zhanping & Zhang, Muxing & Huang, Shifang & She, Xiaohui, 2021. "The effect of air purification on liquid air energy storage – An analysis from molecular to systematic modelling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
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    5. He, Xiufen & Liu, Yunong & Rehman, Ali & Wang, Li, 2022. "Feasibility and performance analysis of a novel air separation unit with energy storage and air recovery," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 598-619.
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