Abstract
Compressed air energy storage (CAES) can level rates of electricity generation at central plants. Air compressed during low demand may be stored in deep water-bearing permeable rock formations (aquifers). During peak demand the compressed air is reheated and expanded through turbines. An aquifer reservoir uses a closed anticline with impervious caprock overlying a permeable sandstone or limestone. The confined reservoir volume accommodates sufficient compressed air for peak generation. The reservoir depth below its associated water table is selected to store air at the system's design pressure. Compromising geologic features such as faults are avoided. Rock properties needed to qualify a site include mechanical, physical (permeability, porosity) and mineralogical/geochemical characteristics of caprock and reservoir rock. Threshold pressure of the caprock must be sufficient to retain compressed air. A small structure near Pittsfield, Illinois, is being characterized for experimental scale field injection of compressed air at shallow depth. This test is designed to fulfill three objectives: (1) evaluate numerical modeling and laboratory conclusions about CAES behavior in aquifers; (2) demonstrate air injection, storage and recovery; and (3) evaluate and modify preliminary reservoir stability criteria. Characterizing methods include seismic exploration, confirmatory drilling, geophysical logging, caprock and reservoir rock testing, hydrology tests and watermore » analysis.« less
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