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Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)

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Definition:
A storage method that compresses air into underground caverns during periods of low demand and releases it to drive turbines when electricity is needed.

Key Components:

  • Air compression system
  • Underground storage (salt caverns, depleted gas fields)
  • Power generation turbines

Use Cases/Industries:

Advantages:

  • Can store energy for long durations
  • Uses abundant and inexpensive air as the storage medium
  • High efficiency when combined with heat recovery

Challenges:

  • Requires specialized geological formations
  • Lower efficiency compared to batteries or pumped hydro
  • Infrastructure costs can be high

Related Terms:
Energy Storage System (ESS), Grid Stability, Frequency Regulation

Example:
The McIntosh CAES Plant in Alabama has operated since 1991, storing up to 110 MW of energy for grid balancing.

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Synonyms:
Air Energy Storage, Pneumatic Storage
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