Storage Bags Research Articles

Assessing the Impact of Hermetic Storage Technology on Storage Quantity and Post-Harvest Storage Losses Among Smallholding Maize Farmers in Nepal

Promoting smallholding farmers to use improved storage technology is pivotal to enhance the sustainable agri-food system. Studies suggest that hermetic storage technology reduces post-harvest storage losses, improves grain quality, and enhances food security. However, weak causal evidence is prevalent due to confounding and endogeneity issues in such studies. Hence, this study examines the impact of hermetic storage bags through a randomized encouragement design, using the instrumental variable (IV) approach, among 692 smallholding farmers in Nepal, where maize is one of the major food crops. Farmers were encouraged by offers of 100% and 50% subsidies on the price of up to three Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags. We found that an additional unit of the hermetic storage bag increased maize storage by 42.84 kg and reduced post-harvest storage losses by 10 kg (32.92% reduction) for the farmers encouraged with a 100% subsidy. It increased maize storage by 39.2 kg for the farmers encouraged with a 50% subsidy, with no significant effect on post-harvest storage losses in this group compared to the control group. Thus, it is essential to encourage farmers to adopt improved storage technologies to increase storage and reduce post-harvest losses. This can contribute to enhancing local food security.

Platelet storage in small bags as a model of platelet function in full-sized containers.

Evaluation of additive solutions, storage containers, new collection and storage methods, and other potential modifications is resource intensive, resulting in diversion of platelets away from blood bank inventories and significant time to complete study recruitments. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility of a small bag for the study of platelet storage, and, by using a standardized respirometry test, separate daily metabolic capacity from observations made in the dynamic storage environment of changing pH, fuels, and end products. Single-donor apheresis platelets collected in 100% plasma had small volumes removed to meet secondary processing requirements. Small volumes (23 ± 1.4 mL) were placed in 50-mL bags constructed of platelet storage material, stored 7 days, and assessed with a panel of in vitro assays. Platelet bioenergetics (oxygen consumption and acid production rates) were measured with a respirometer. The patterns of platelet pH decline, activation, and potency by thrombin generation were consistent with historical reports. Lactate production rates (54.1 ± 11.3 μmol/1012plt/h) were significantly correlated with pH decrease, increased activation, and thrombin generation potency by Day 7. Respirometry revealed a reduction of the glycolytic capacity and accumulating damage to the oxidative system for ATP production over storage. Small bags present a storage profile of metabolic changes and activation consistent with historical data for full bag storage. Therefore, this system has promise to provide a platform for scaling experiments of platelet storage in a manner that maximizes platelets collected in research settings and does not compromise availability for patient treatment as exercised in this study.

Interference of Plasticizers on Plasma Protein Binding Measurements.

Accurate measurement of plasma protein binding (PPB) is of critical importance in drug discovery. Methodologies for PPB measurement continue to evolve to address the challenges of highly bound compounds. In order to generate high quality PPB data, it is crucial to not only apply state-of-the-art methods and highly sensitive and selective detectors, but also use high-quality plasma. In this study, we found that plasticizers, leaching from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasma storage bags, interfered with drug binding to both human α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) and human serum albumin (HSA). Several AAG and HSA binding drugs were used to probe the differences in PPB using blood/plasma collected and stored in PVC bags or glass tubes through vacutainers. The results showed that plasma collected using vacutainers into the glass tubes has lower plasma fraction unbound (fu,p) values than those from the PVC bags. The fu,p differences can be as high as 32-fold. Hence, it is recommended to use vacutainers and glass tubes rather than PVC bags, for blood collection and plasma storage. Plasma from animal species collected using polypropylene syringes into polyethylene tubes showed no differences in fu,p from plasma collected using vacutainers into glass tubes. Not all compounds are sensitive to plasticizer interference for PPB. It is therefore important to select appropriate positive controls for fu,pmeasurement, such as warfarin for HSA and imatinib for AAG, to monitor the quality of plasma and minimize the interference from plasticizers.

Potential of flavesone as a grain protectant: Long-term efficacy and residues for controlling the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), in stored wheat

A study was undertaken to evaluate the synthetic biopesticide, flavesone, as a potential grain protectant for the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), in wheat. The search for new grain protectants is critical because of the propensity of R. dominica to develop genetic resistance to various insecticides such as organophosphates (OPs), carbamates, synthetic pyrethroids and juvenile hormone analogues. Wheat was treated with 0, 60, 90 or 120 ppm of flavesone as it passed through an auger into large (1 tonne) storage bags. The treated wheat was stored for 13 months under sheltered ambient conditions in southeast Queensland, and samples were also collected 1 week after treatment and stored for 13 months in the laboratory at 30 °C and 55% RH for comparative purposes. Bioassays of wheat stored under laboratory and ambient conditions, showed that an application rate of 60 ppm provided protection for at least 13 months from a susceptible strain, based on high levels of suppression of the F1 generation. Untreated wheat stored under ambient conditions became heavily infested with R. dominica, while none were detected in any of the treatments, thus further confirming the potential of flavesone as an effective grain protectant. However, bioassays showed that the 60-ppm rate only provided 3 months protection from a strain that was resistant to OPs and pyrethroids, indicating potential non-target site resistance present in this strain. Higher application rates of 90 and 120 ppm were required for 13 months protection. As reported in some other grain protectant studies, initial flavesone residues were lower than the targeted rates, suggesting potential for improving formulation and application methods. Flavesone residues remained relatively stable throughout the study period. We believe that the data generated through this study will provide foundation in establishing field application rate for this new molecule and its possible registration for use by industry to mitigate resistance problems.

Agarose Micro/Nanostructured Surfaces: A Step Toward an Innovative Solution for Platelet Storage Bags

AbstractIn addressing the critical limitations associated with platelet storage, the study investigates an innovative solution aimed at preventing the unwanted activation of platelets within storage bags. This activation is a key factor that currently restricts the shelf life of platelet products to only 72 h, leading to extreme waste production and high costs. Here, highly effective surfaces are identified for minimizing surface‐induced platelet activation. Using thermal nanoimprint lithography (T‐NIL), a new method is demonstrated for patterning reproducible agarose micro/nanostructures (a natural hydrogel with anti‐platelet adhesive properties) including dots, chains, pills, and squares. The agarose (3%) structured surfaces displayed outstanding flexibility and hydrophilic behavior that prevented platelet adhesion as confirmed by confocal microscopy. Importantly, pill‐shaped structures effectively maintained their ability to prevent platelet adhesion, even after a long cell‐contacting duration. Atomic force microscopy indicated that the effectiveness of dampening platelet adherence is determined by the shape, size, height, and aspect ratio of the structures. A model is provided to explain how the different shapes affect wettability and thereby hinder platelet adherence. The developed anti‐adhesive agarose structured surfaces show promise to revolutionize platelet storage, provide vital insights into biomaterials research, and demonstrate the potential of tailored agarose surfaces in biomedical applications.

Splitting apheresis platelets as a contingency measure for inventory shortages.

Splitting apheresis platelet (PLT) units increase available inventory during shortages. The impact of prolonged storage in gas-impermeable aliquot bags on PLT quality in vitro and transfusion outcomes in patients remains uncertain. We assessed in vitro PLT quality and thromboelastography (TEG) in PLTs stored for 8 or 24 h in aliquot bags compared with baseline (T0). Retrospective assessment of response (PLT increment and corrected count increment (CCI)) was conducted among adults (≥18 years) transfused with split platelet units from January 2021 to June 2022. No differences were observed in PLT and white blood cell (WBC) counts, mean platelet volume, or TEG parameters during storage, except for an increase in TEG R time (mean ± SD) at 24 h (6.1 ± 0.5 min) compared to T0 (4.4 ± 0.8 min), p = 0.0031 one-way ANOVA. Eighty-one patients were transfused 119 split units with a median [IQR] PLT yield of 2.1 × 1011[1.9 × 1011 to 2.3 × 1011] and storage duration of 1.6[0.7-9.1] h. The overall median PLT count increment was 6.0 × 103/uL and CCI was 5.0 × 103, correlating negatively with split unit storage duration (Spearman rho = -0.218, p = 0.017). Compared with split transfusions of pathogen-reduced (PR) PLTs, non-PR splits were associated with higher median platelet count increments (7.0 × 103/μL vs. 4.0 × 103/μL, p = 0.0263 Mann-Whitney U) and higher CCIs (6.5 × 103 vs. 3.9 × 103, p = 0.0116 Mann-Whitney U) despite no differences in PLT yields (2.1 × 1011/μL vs. 2.1 × 1011/μL). Storing PLTs in aliquot bags for 8 or 24 h does not adversely affect their quality in vitro. Splitting apheresis PLTs are feasible for adult transfusions during shortages. It may be advisable to prioritize non-PR PLTs for splitting given improved patient responses.

A Review on the Mathematical Modelling of the Grain Storage Ecosystemin Storage Structures and Bags

The grain storage ecosystem comprises of biotic and abiotic factors that interact during grain storage, and their interaction affects the quality of the stored grains over time. The understanding and management of the complex interaction of the biotic and abiotic factors in the stored grain ecosystem is crucial to decision-making and in the development of management strategies for grain farmers and elevators. Mathematical modelling has emerged as an essential approach in tackling complex systems such as the stored grain ecosystem. This review explores the application of mathematical modelling in the grain storage ecosystem and synthesizes the existing literature, highlighting the various mathematical models and approaches to solving issues relating to the grain storage ecosystem. The review will be helpful to researchers and stored grain experts in the grain industry on the various mathematical modelling approaches and equations that can be employed to solve problems associated with grain storage in order to better manage the quality of stored grain.

Armazenamento e qualidade dos grãos de variedades crioulas de feijão-caupi em silo bolsa

ABSTRACT Storage is one of the main stages during grain production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of silo bags as an alternative for storing landrace cowpea grains. The experiment used samples of the Arigozinho, Manteiguinha, and Quarentão cowpea varieties from Cruzeiro do Sul - Acre, harvested in the 2021 crop season. The samples (500 g) were stored in raffia and silo bags for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The experimental design was completely randomized, arranged in a split-plot-in-time scheme (2 × 5) with four replicates. Storage conditions represented the plots: silo bags and raffia bags. The subplots comprised five storage conditions: 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days for each landrace cowpea variety. The insect species identified in all varieties was Zabrotes subfasciatus, with infestation ranging from 49% to 98% in raffia bags and less than 10% in silo bags over 120 days. A depreciation in grain quality was observed during storage in raffia bags. There was increase in electrical conductivity, fluctuations in water content, and reductions in bulk density and germination due to the higher degree of infestation in all the investigated varieties. The grains stored in silo bags showed minimal variations over the 120 days, maintaining their initial quality throughout the storage period. The bag silo storage system is an effective alternative for controlling Z. subfasciatus and maintaining the grain quality of the varieties Arigozinho, Manteiguinha, and Quarentão for a period of up to 120 days.

Development of Android-Based Package Sorting Application Based on Distance

In the operational logistics of goods delivery, the effectiveness of couriers in organizing and managing packages plays a crucial role in optimizing delivery routes. The objective of developing this Android-based package sorting application is to reduce errors in the sorting process before packages are placed into storage bags. With the help of this application, couriers can prioritize the farthest packages for loading into the storage bags first, while stacking the nearest packages on top. The methodology employed involves scanning package receipts using barcodes and calculating distances based on the coordinates of the courier and the recipient using the Haversine formula. The application was tested using black-box techniques, ensuring that each feature functions as expected. Additionally, testing was conducted with five couriers and five admin staff from the delivery company by providing a questionnaire containing questions about the developed application. The number of errors before and after using the application was used to determine the success of error reduction in the package sorting process. The results from the questionnaire indicate a 96.88% reduction in sorting errors, signifying that the developed application effectively lowered the error rate during the package sorting process. This reduction in errors leads to a faster sorting process, providing benefits such as decreasing delivery delays, which significantly enhances customer satisfaction and improves the quality of the delivery company.

Effects of Temperature and Packaging Atmosphere on Shelf Life, Biochemical, and Sensory Attributes of Glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) Grown Hydroponically at Different Salinity Levels.

Halophytes, such as Salicornia species, are promising new foods and are consumed for their pleasant salty taste and nutritional value. Since Salicornia is perishable, modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) can be a useful tool, in combination with proper temperature, to halt further quality degradation in this type of product. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MAP, with or without refrigeration, to extend the shelf life of glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) grown hydroponically (floating raft system) in a greenhouse with a nutrient solution containing 0 g/L (C) or 12.5 g/L of NaCl (T). The dry matter content, weight loss, respiration rate, biochemical composition, color, antioxidant capacity, and sensorial attributes were determined in shoots after harvest and during storage in plastic bags filled with technical air or with MAP at 4 or 20 °C for 120 h. At harvest, plants supplied with salt-enriched solution (T) showed a significant improvement in nutritional value and sensory profile. Storage in air at room temperature (20 °C) accelerated weight loss and diminished color stability, particularly in non-salinity samples (C), while MAP extended the shelf life of all the samples regardless of the storage temperature adopted. Optimal storage conditions were observed when MAP was combined with refrigeration, which allowed to effectively preserve shoots sensory acceptability for a period of about seven days. Future research could further explore the long-term effects on the nutritional value and sensory quality of S. europaea under various combinations of MAP and different storage temperatures ranging between 4 °C and 20 °C.

Efficacy of Zerofly® hermetic and polypropylene storage bags for conservation of maize in layer poultry farms in Ghana

Efficacy of Zerofly® hermetic and polypropylene storage bags for conservation of maize in layer poultry farms in Ghana

Microplastics release from infant feeding bottles and milk storage bags

The health impairment of microplastics (MPs) in infants has received considerable attention, with oral ingestion being an important exposure route. However, research remains limited on MPs released in feeding bottles (FBs) and breastmilk storage bottles (BSBs) during daily use. To address this gap, our study investigated the MPs released from polyphenylene sulfone resins (PPSU)-FBs, silicone-FBs, polyethylene (PE)-BSBs, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-BSBs under typical usage conditions. Our findings revealed that the four materials of FBs and BSBs can release 1465–5893 particles/L MPs (median concentration). The predominant MPs released from all FBs and PE-BSBs were identified as PE, while LDPE-BSBs predominantly released polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and acrylates (ACR). Approximately 70% of MPs were found within the 20–50 μm particle size range. Higher temperatures led to a two-fold increase in the total MPs. Notably, infants would additionally intake 2080–5910 MPs per day through FBs and BSBs. Months with higher nutritional requirements, and when using silicone FBs and LDPE BSBs, increased the ingestion of MPs in infants. In conclusion, our study highlighted that those FBs and BSBs can precipitate varying numbers, types, and particle sizes of MPs. To protect infants from MPs ingestion, it is recommended to choose non-plastic FBs and non-plastic breastmilk storage containers.

Effect of Packaging Material on Infestation Level in Stored Groundnut Pods

Groundnut crop is an important crop for farmers of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat State in India. Generally, farmers cultivate groundnut crop in the Kharif season. Storage of groundnut pods is associated with the problem of bruchid during storage in jute bags. To address this storage problem with groundnut pods, current research was carried out comparing performance of different packaging materials with their traditional storage system in jute bags. Seven different types of bags were used as packaging materials. The experiment was carried out for the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The storage period was December-July. Pool data for two years were considered for determination of the effect of packaging material on storage of groundnut pods with respect to moisture content, germination percentage, pod damage due to infestation, pest population, and aflatoxin. Groundnut stored in cloth bag showed maximum variation in moisture content during the storage period (6.40% to 8.35%), maximum pest population of pupa (6.82 pupa/200 gm sample) and adult of bruchid beetle (3.14 adult/200 gm sample), pod damage due to infestation on number basis (61.13%) as well as weight basis (63.46%) whereas minimum variation was found in moisture content during the storage period (6.74% to 6.90%), maximum pest population of pupa (2.44 pupa/200 gm sample) and adult of bruchid beetle (1.51 adult/200 gm sample), pod damage due to infestation on number basis (18.24%) as well as weight basis (18.76%) in triple layer hermetic storage bag i.e., Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags followed by closely woven net bag. The minimum germination percentage (69.22%) was found in cloth bag and it was the maximum (78.18%) in triple layer hermetic storage bag. Aflatoxin in the pods stored in triple layer hermetic storage bags was under limit. Results of this study will be helpful to select storage bags for storing groundnut pods.

FP8.7 - Standardising Sustainability: Towards reducing single-use items in elective surgery

Abstract Aims To examine the prevalence of single-use items routinely given to patients undergoing surgery in 5 hospitals within a single health board and to propose interventions to improve environmental sustainability. Methods Systems in five hospitals were examined. Patients were shadowed through their pre and post-operative journey, observing the distribution of single-use items at each stage. Structured interviews were conducted with 52 patients and 79 nursing staff across the 5 sites. Results Process maps produced for each hospital found large variability in items given out routinely at each site e.g. disposable underwear, anti-slip socks, scrub hats, plastic storage bags and cups 85% of patients cared about the negative environmental impact of healthcare. The majority felt that disposable hats (65%), underwear (71%) and socks (75%) were unnecessary. Only 1 patient was against bringing their own items. 84% of staff thought an overuse of single-use items existed. However, most staff felt that disposable items were necessary sometimes. 84% though it was acceptable for patients to bring in reusable dressing gown, slippers, and water bottles. Exploring potential barriers to using patients’ own items identified concerns around infection control, hygiene, and losing patient’s items. Conclusions Unnecessary variation in disposable item use in the surgical journey exists between hospitals. Patients and nursing staff agree that too many single-use items are used. Use of disposable items should be standardised and minimised to reduce waste, cost and improve environmental sustainability. Pre-operative instructions to patients should include bringing their own bags, slippers and water bottles.

Sustainable Maize Storage Technology Adoption in Ghana: Implications for Postharvest Losses, Farm Income, and Income Inequality

ABSTRACTThe Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag, a sustainable post‐harvest storage technology, can address the high postharvest losses that are a major threat to economic development, food security and the environment in Africa. However, there is limited empirical research on this technology. This study therefore aims to fill this knowledge gap by analysing the factors influencing the diffusion and adoption rates of PICS bags and estimates the impact of the technology adoption on postharvest losses, farm income and income inequality in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The results show that less than 20% of farmers adopt the PICS bag, suggesting low adoption despite the widespread exposure of 51.75%. The technology adoption rate could be increased by 20% if all the farmers were exposed to it. It reduces postharvest losses by 14.2%–19.1%, increases farm income by 89.7%–91.2% and reduces income inequality by 51.33%. These findings suggest that promoting the technology can stimulate sustainable rural development by improving farmers' welfare.

Insect Pest Management in Stored Millets

Recognizing the significance of millets as Nutri-Cereals, India celebrated the National Year of Millets in 2018, and subsequently, as proposed by India, the FAO of the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYoM). Consequently, there has been an intensive drive, globally, to increase the production and popularise the consumption of whole as well as processed millets by creating an awareness about their significant health benefits and richness in nutritional elements. Besides food, millets play a role as feed and in industrial uses. In commensurate with anticipated higher production, storage and international trade of whole millets and their products, it is important to protect millets throughout the supply chain from stored grain insects, the predominant biotic agent responsible for their qualitative and quantitative losses. In this context, this review focusses on the type of insect infestation encountered in millets from field to consumer levels affecting their market value and causing consumer concern. Insect management techniques adopted by the stakeholders such as farmers, traders, and government grain storage agencies are discussed. Due to financial constraints, small holder farmers use traditional storages and insect management measures using locally available plant products. Like other cereals, fumigation with aluminium phosphide (phosphine) preparations has a major role in insect pest management in millets at various storage levels. Hermetic storage bags of different capacities are used in India and in other millet producing countries especially at farmers level as a valuable insect management tool for whole millets and seed materials. Powdered and processed millets have shorter shelf-life and are more vulnerable to insect attack during storage. Hence, there are studies to increase their shelf life and to check infestation by suitable packaging material. Alternate insect management techniques investigated include ozone treatment, protective packaging materials, screening and breeding of millet varieties that are resistant to grain insects National regulations pertinent to insect management in stored millets have also been discussed.

Small volume platelet concentrates for neonatal use are more susceptible to shear-induced storage lesion

The impact of the biophysical environment on the platelet storage lesion (PSL) has mainly focused on reduced temperature storage, overlooking the significance of storage-induced shear stress. Shear stress in platelet storage refers to the frictional force acting parallel to the bag surface and exists solely through the implementation of agitation. This study investigates whether minimizing exposure to agitation-induced shear stress can alleviate the unexplained loss of function in stored platelet concentrates for neonatal transfusion (neonatal PCs). Using particle tracking analysis, fluid motion was measured in neonatal and adult platelet storage bags under agitation frequencies ranging from 20–60 rpm. Platelets stored at 20-60 rpm agitation over 8 days were examined by biochemical analysis, aggregation, and expression of activation markers. Results indicate that neonatal PCs experience significantly higher storage-induced shear stress compared to adult doses, leading to reduced functionality and increased activation from day 2 of storage. Adjusting the neonatal PC agitation frequency to 20 rpm improved functionality in early storage, while 40 rpm maintains this improvement throughout storage with reduced activation, compared to 60 rpm storage. This study confirms that small volume PC storage for neonatal use contributes to the PSL through the induction of shear stress, suggesting further evaluation of the recommended agitation frequency for neonatal PCs or postponement of the production of neonatal PCs until requested for neonatal transfusion.

Systematic study of polymer gas sampling bags for offline analysis of exhaled breath

Polymeric bags are a widely applied, simple, and cost-effective method for the storage and offline analysis of gaseous samples. Various materials have been used as sampling bags, all known to contain impurities and differing in their cost, durability, and storage capabilities. Herein, we present a comparative study of several well-known bag materials, Tedlar (PVF), Kynar (PVDF), Teflon (PTFE), and Nalophan (PET), as well as a new material, ethylene vinyl copolymer (EVOH), commonly used for storing food. We investigated the influences of storage conditions, humidity, bag cleaning, and light exposure on volatile organic compound concentration (acetone, acetic acid, isoprene, benzene, limonene, among others) in samples of exhaled human breath stored in bags for up to 48 h. Specifically, we show high losses of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in bags of all materials (for most SCFAs, less than 50% after 8 h of storage). We found that samples in Tedlar, Nalophan, and EVOH bags undergo changes in composition when exposed to UV radiation over a period of 48 h. We report high initial impurity levels in all the bags and their doubling after a period of 48 h. We compare secondary electrospray ionization and proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry in the context of offline analysis after storage in sampling bags. We provide an analytical perspective on the temporal evolution of bag contents by presenting the intensity changes of all significantm/zfeatures. We also present a simple, automated, and cost-effective offline sample introduction system, which enables controlled delivery of collected gaseous samples from polymeric bags into the mass spectrometer. Overall, our findings suggest that sampling bags exhibit high levels of impurities, are sensitive to several environmental factors (e.g. light exposure), and provide low recoveries for some classes of compounds, e.g. SCFAs.

Knowledge and management practices for disposable baby diapers among child caregivers in informal urban settlements in Uganda

ABSTRACT Proper handling of child faeces is essential in reducing exposure to pathogens in homes and the environment. The exponential rise in usage of disposable baby diapers requires understanding of caregivers' knowledge and management practices of disposable diapers. We interviewed 230 caregivers of under-five children in an informal settlement in Uganda about their knowledge and practices on used disposable baby diaper management and used logistic regression to assess factors associated with proper management of used diapers. Only 36.5% (84) of caregivers had high knowledge of proper used diaper management practices, and this was associated with having a child ≤12 months [Prevalence Ratio, PR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.04-3.01] and having tertiary education [PR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.12-3.92]. Most caregivers (63.5%, 146) indicated that diapers can be mixed with other general waste. Among the 173 who stored diapers before disposal, 83.2% (144) used polythene bags for storage. Overall, only 49.1% (113) caregivers had proper diaper waste management practices, which was inversely associated with having a young child (≤12 months) [PR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.95]. Findings highlight deficiencies in knowledge and diaper management practices and underscore the need to intensify awareness and education programmes on the best used diaper management practices.

Design of Underwater Compressed Air Flexible Airbag Energy Storage Device and Experimental Study of Physical Model in Pool

Renewable energy is a prominent area of research within the energy sector, and the storage of renewable energy represents an efficient method for its utilization. There are various energy storage methods available, among which compressed air energy storage stands out due to its large capacity and cost-effective working medium. While land-based compressed air energy storage power stations have been constructed worldwide, their efficiency remains low. Underwater compressed air energy storage has the potential to significantly enhance efficiency, although no such device currently exists. This paper presents the design of an UWCA-FABESD utilizing five flexible air bags for underwater gas storage and discharge. Additionally, it introduces the working principle of the adiabatic underwater compressed air energy storage system and device. Furthermore, a small-scale physical model with similar functionality was designed and manufactured to simulate the charging process of the air bag in onshore charging and discharging tests as well as posture adjustment and lifting arrangement tests, along with underwater charging and discharging tests. These experiments validated the related functions of the designed underwater compressed air flexible bag energy storage device while proposing methods for its improvement. This research provides a new approach to underwater compressed air energy storage.