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<p>Islanded, renewably powered microgrids require energy storage or emergency generation to overcome intermittency. Batteries and fossil fuel generators have traditionally filled these roles. However, liquid air energy storage (LAES) is a promising alternative. Using power in excess of immediate demand, a LAES system can liquefy and cryogenically store ambient air. When renewable generation abates, the liquid air can be heated and expanded to provide power to the microgrid. Using a modeling and simulation approach, the requirements for a Linde-Hampson based LAES system satisfied a building scale (5 kW) demand for five hours. Functional requirements for the system are established and most significant factors are examined. Compressor pressure and flow are identified as the most important towards liquid yield, and components to realize a complete system are selected. Next, a dual-Stirling engine-based LAES system focusing on the energy generation subsystem is explored. Experimental data were gathered from a prototype that was built and compared against an ideal Stirling cycle. Energy efficiency was calculated, and improvements were suggested. Both LAES systems presented are coupled with Girouard, Pollman, and Hernandez’s LAES research into a supply-based Linde-Hampson system and the liquid generation subsystem of a dual-Stirling engine prototype to form two complete LAES systems.
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<br>Subjects: LAES; liquid air energy storage; microgrid; renewable energy; Linde-Hampson; Stirling cycle</div>
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Bailey, Nicholas A.</div>
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