Speaker
Description
Liquid air energy storage (LAES) technology has gained recognition as a promising energy storage solution, characterized by its high energy density and independence from geographical constraints. However, conventional cold storage methods, such as liquid-phase and solid-phase storage, suffer from inherent limitations, underscoring the need for more efficient and reliable cold storage solutions to improve LAES performance. This study proposes the integration of cold energy released during liquefied natural gas (LNG) vaporization into the LAES system. By employing a compression refrigeration cycle, the LNG cold energy is upgraded to a temperature range suitable for high-pressure air liquefaction. Nitrogen is utilized as the working fluid in this cycle to eliminate safety risks associated with the direct interaction of LNG and air within the same heat exchanger. This innovative approach not only reduces the cost and enhances the safety of the cold storage unit but also optimizes its functionality. Moreover, the cold energy from liquid air is recovered through Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs) to generate electricity, further improving the system's overall energy utilization. A thermodynamic model of the proposed system is developed, and the impacts of critical parameters, including compression pressure, liquefaction rate, and expansion pressure, on the round-trip efficiency of the LAES system are thoroughly analyzed. The results provide valuable insights for optimizing cold storage in LAES systems and offer a robust reference for the integration of LNG cold energy with LAES technology.
