Thermodynamic and economic analyses of a novel liquid air energy storage (LAES) coupled with thermoelectric generator and Kalina cycle

Abstract

Liquid air energy storage (LAES), as a grid-scale energy storage technology, has attracted considerable attention in recent years. In spite of the significant advantages of the LAES such as high energy density and fast-response ability that makes it a practical choice to alleviate the fluctuations of renewable energies, the low efficiency is an important challenge for the LAES. To address this issue, a novel green and operative concept based on a combination of the LAES with the Kalina cycle and thermoelectric generator is introduced in the present research. This hybridization not only assists further development of both the LAES and renewable energies, but it also assists grid stability by peak shaving and peak shifting. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that this green combination results in a round trip efficiency of 61.6%. Moreover, this system has a great total storage energy density of 109.4 MJ/m3. To confirm the economic feasibility of the reference system, a precise economic analysis for the case study of California, USA indicated a payback period of 3.5 years and profitability of over $26 million during its economic book life.