Efficient energy storage bridges the divide between supply and demand. One method of energy storage is compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems, which is currently only used on a large scale. The goal of this project was to build a thermally efficient CAES system for a small scale application. Our final system extracts energy in the form of latent heat by using a water coil heat exchanger. Our system raised 10 L of water an average of 6.5 ºC and reached a maximum system output of 8.92 V. We evaluated the power output of the system, supported by theoretical analysis and experimental research. Future recommendations explore using a different energy extraction system to maximize power output and changing standard pressures and sizes of system materials to generate improved results. The flexibility and environmental friendliness of this system emphasizes the potential of small scale CAES systems in the future.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Ye, Maureen
• Connors, Dylan
• Drake, Mikaela
• Nowak, Taylor
• Brady, Meghan

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 53921
• E-project-032522-082559

Advisor

• Savilonis, Brian James

Year

• 2022

Date created

• 2022-03-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright