Mini-Scale Model of Compressed Air Renewable Energy Storage (CARES) System

Renewable energy resources are the best alternative to overcome the issue of increased global energy consumption, depletion of primary energy resources and hazardous environmental impact. As a result, energy storage has become critical to guide energy management and ensure the consistency of power s

Project Title

Mini-Scale Model of Compressed Air Renewable Energy Storage (CARES) System

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

Renewable energy resources are the best alternative to overcome the issue of increased global energy consumption, depletion of primary energy resources and hazardous environmental impact. As a result, energy storage has become critical to guide energy management and ensure the consistency of power systems. To address energy demands, several energy storage technologies has been used globally. The proposed project examines a solar integrated compressed air renewable energy storage (CARES) system.

CARES is considered as a green, environment friendly and sustainable kind of energy storage by unprecedented high efficiency and long-lasting storage capabilities when compared to the rest of the energy storage systems. In this project, CARES system will be assessed using fundamental thermodynamic principles and designed the compression step utilizing off-the-shelf technical instruments. The project design comprises a compressor, a storage tank, a turbine and a generator that demonstrate the concept about ecologically favorable energy storage system which is capable of effectively utilizing the sun radiant energy.

In compressed air renewable energy storage system, ambient air is compressed and the compressed air is stored in a reservoir like any storage tank or any pressure vessel. This is the charging process and it will conduct when excess solar energy is available. When there is need of energy like at night when solar energy is not available, then compressed air in the pressure vessel is expanded at high temperature and pressure. The heated and pressurize air run the turbine and the turbine runs the generator by which electricity or energy is produced. This is the discharging process.

Models of specific constituents are grouped to form the overall system model. Performance and economic evaluation will also be performed. The purpose of this project is to show the studied data from compressed air renewable energy storage (CARES) model that is suited for small-scale applications.

Project Objectives

The core objectives of the project are as follows:

• Design and development of the Mini- scale CARES system.
• Performance evaluation of the Mini- scale CARES system.
• Techno-economic analysis to analyze that, whether this technology is economical and feasible to construct on small scale or not. 
• Quality assurance, whether this technology is able to share energy load.

Project Implementation Method

The compressed air renewable energy storage (CARES) system implementation methods cover three stages: designing, formulation, fabrication.

Initially the prototype model of the compressed air renewable energy storage system is designed in the 3Ds max software. Using designing techniques 3d models of the core components are designed and the physical appearance of the model is done at this stage.

Further the technical details of the major components like compressor, storage tank, turbine and generator are collected. Using these technical details, the systems specification is formulated using the standard methods, equations and formulas. In this stage, systems designing parameters like temperature, pressure, flow rate, power, RPM etc. are calculated. At this stage, the systems characteristics, technical details and designing parameters are done.

After formulating the specifications of the system, skeleton of the system is fabricated using off the shelf instruments. At first using iron bars and the chip board the frame of the model is constructed. The purpose of the frame to provide the foundation for the components. Then the compressor and storage tank are linked together by copper pipe. The turbine and generator are coupled together. The turbine input is connected with the storage tank output. Moreover, pressure switch, pressure gauges, control valves, display screen, flow meter etc. are installed on frame/foundation to enhance the systems proficiency and to control the systems parameters. All these components are installed on the foundation. The safety measures are incorporated to avoid any risk.

This is how the compressed air renewable energy storage (CARES) system is implemented.

Benefits of the Project

Following are the benefits of the project that why it has been chosen:

• The compressed air renewable energy system is totally green energy system and environmentally friendly. None of the solo part contribute any pollution to the environment.
• CARES technology is economical, has less maintenance cost, and have a high power-rating (from few KW to several MW).
• The CARES system is independent of place because air to be compressed is available everywhere anytime.
• There is approximately zero running cost because sun energy is free, air is free.
• The self-discharge of the CARES system is very low and life of the CARES systems is high as compared to the batteries.
• The sustainable development of the CARES system can cover the energy crisis issues of the current era.
• The CARES system can be integrated with any renewable energy system like wind, hydro, solar etc.
• The CARES storage system can be implemented commercially.
• The discharged air after the turbine can be used for heating purpose.  

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The technical detail and parameters which are necessary for the designing and fabrication of the compressed air energy storage system are as follows:

• Power consumption by the compressor.

• Pressure, temperature and flow rate of the compressor.
• Charging time.
• Diameter and thickness of the storage tank.
• Pressure and temperature of air in the storage tank.
• Discharging time.
• Pressure and flow rate of the air before entering the turbine.
• Turbine RPM.
• Power generated.

The installed capacities of the final deliverable are as follows:

• Compressor running voltages = 12/24 V
• Compressor’s pressure = 500 psi
• Compressor’s delivery flow rate = 0.7 – 1 CFM
• Storage tank capacity = 30 liter
• Storage tank max bearable pressure = 17-20 bar
• Storage tank storage pressure = 8 bar
• Turbine RPM = 2000
• Turbine max flow rate = 132 CFM
• Turbine noise index = 64 dB
• Generator output voltages = 12/24 V

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Education , Agriculture , Manufacturing , Others

Core Technology

Clean Tech

Other Technologies

Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action

Required Resources

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