Performance analysis of a compressed air energy storage incorporated with a biomass power generation system

Abstract

Compressed air energy storage technology is recognized as a promising method to consume renewable energy on a large scale and establish the safe and stable operation of the power grid. To improve the energy efficiency and economic performance of the compressed air energy storage system, this study proposes a design for integrating a compressed air energy storage system with a biomass power generation system. In the energy storage process, the feedwater from the biomass power generation system is used to cool the compressed air in the compressed air energy storage system. In the energy release process, the flue gas from the biomass power generation system is used to heat the compressed air. Besides, the compressed air from the compressed air energy storage system first works in the expander and then goes to the biomass power generation system for combustion. Based on the system simulation, the proposed system is assessed from the energy, exergy, economy, and environment perspectives. The results show that the round-trip efficiency and the energy storage density of the compressed air energy storage subsystem are 84.90 % and 15.91 MJ/m3, respectively. The exergy efficiency of the compressed air energy storage subsystem is 80.46 %, with the highest exergy loss in the throttle valves. The total investment of the compressed air energy storage subsystem is 256.45 k$, and the dynamic payback period and the net present value are 4.20 years and 340.48 k$. Besides, the proposed system’s CO2 emission is 258 kg/GWh. This study provides a new option for enhancing the performance of compressed air energy storage through the system integration.