This paper presents preliminary engineering results for a 50 MW Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) plant for the Alabama Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC). The CAES plant would improve AEC’s power generation mix in two ways: (a) it would provide needed peaking/intermediate power (otherwise purchased) and (b) it would increase the load factor of economical baseload units.
The paper presents the following:
a. Comparative trade-off analysis of various conceptual arrangements with underground storage depths ranging between 1000 feet and 4000 feet. (The most economical concept is selected based on the consideration of economics of the overall plant including underground storage).
b. Engineering and cost data, performance data, construction schedule and environmental data for the selected CAES plant concept.
The results of this preliminary engineering effort prove that a CAES plant is a cost effective addition to AEC’s installed power generation plants.
Preliminary Engineering for a 50 MW Compressed Air Energy Storage Plant for Alabama Electric Cooperative, Inc.