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It is the intention of KCTD Storage to implement a compression energy storage system along the west coast in order to support the demanding needs of storing renewable energy. One of the inherent issues with renewable energy storage is the variable nature of energy collection, meaning inconsistencies in wind and solar on a day to day basis and time of collection is not during peak consumption. To combat this, air compression storage “works by compressing air to high pressure using compressors during periods of low electric energy demand and then the stored compressed air is released to drive an expander for electricity generation to meet high load demand during the peak time periods.”

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CAES - Compressed Air Energy Storage -  IMAGES Project - animation

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Much like chemical batteries, CAES systems can be installed anywhere, and have proven to be more efficient at a small scale. Large-scale CAES are dependent on suitable underground geology and appropriate storage caverns are more rare than initially hypothesized. The transition in emphasis from large-scale to small-scale CAES systems encourages citizens in participating in the energy grid, and makes them engaged with the energy transition. An individual household’s energy production has increased significantly within the last decade as more households are including energy collection tools in construction, including solar panels and sometimes wind collection. One of the demanding components of small scale storage investment is renewable energy excess, ensuring all energy collected by a household will be utilized.

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A small-size CAES system prototype has been explored mostly by European companies, consisting of a compression section, a high pressure vessel, and an air expansion section. These systems work on a daily basis, compression occurring during excess energy and expansion occurring when users consume that energy. This specific air compressor works for 12 hours a day, when the sun is up. Also, PG&E has devoted millions in research towards this storage.

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1.   How will you transport large storage systems, like hydrogen, in an efficient way due to how much energy and space is required for the size and weight of the storage containers? (Team: WINDer Women)

We will focus on a small scale storage system that is optimum for anyone to use with their residential system regardless of their energy source. By utilizing Compressed air as a means of storing energy It is easily transported and utilizes every bit of space the system will take up.  Since the larger Systems use Caverns for storage transportation is only viable with a small system such as the one our company intends to create.

2.      How will you address the limitations for utilization on both small and large scales since this somewhat of a newer technology? What energy storage type at both a small and large scale has the most advantages and what energy type is that mostly associated with? (All Biofuels, No Breaks)

CAES has applications both small and large scale. It can be implemented in residential households to store excess energy production. It can also be utilized on large scales using geological caverns.

3. How do you plan on combating intermittent energy such as wind and solar? What kind of grid energy storage technologies do you plan on implementing to prevent losses due to excess? (Conservation Corps)

With CAES technology energy is stored during low demand periods and used when demand is high. the ideal solution to address the issue of excess Power

4. What is the current global dependence on batteries of various sizes and what are the environmental implications of the current global disposal method? What are the materials that can not be recycled? and are there innovations in the works to create an environmentally responsible, cradle to cradle battery? (KCTD Storage)

With CAES, there would be no need for continued reliance on batteries as we know them. This would reduce the cost and environmental impact associated with today’s batterey by effectively replacing them with a cleaner, more efficient, and reliable alternative.

5. How do you plan to mitigate the capital cost of storing energy  in the form of batteries to consumer? Assuming that the capital cost of a lithium ion battery ends up costing the consumer $0.30/kWh over its lifetime? (H2Opportunity)

By creating a simple, relitivly small yet efficient CAES system. Capital costs are low and will stay low being a reusable technology. This will no doubt change the way we think about a battery.

6.Is it more cost effective to use a battery or fuel cell to store power or to use two different sources of energy during the different season, times of day, or times of the year? (Such as solar and hydroelectric) (FissionChips)

CAES technology is the most effective and efficient way to store energy.

7.What materials are necessary for constructing batteries and fuel cells, and what are the potential social, environmental, and political issues with obtaining these materials? (Ocean Commocean)

The materials behind a
CAES system are common and post no negative impacts on the environment so there would be no political or social issues associated with this technology.

8.Do you have any new technological advancements or suggestions to increase the efficiency in which we store our energy that is produced and not used by the American consumer. (Biofuel Boyz)

By creating A Compact CAES system efficiency goes up and cost goes down allowing a product that could easily become the worlds standard for energy storage.

9.what is the life span on different storage systems ? how will this effect cost if we installed more and how can we improve the systems we have now? (geothermal A)

The lifespan of different storage systems vary due to the materials that they are made of. We can improve the systems that are currently in place by changing how the world sees energy and adapt the systems in place to more efficient and effective methods.

10.Do you have any plans to incorporate fuel cells and batteries on a larger scale? If so how could you use them to power a city street? A city? A county? Even possibly a state or the whole country? ((Bio)Fueling the Future)

Fuel cells will not be necessary with CAES. By using compressed air as a means to store and capture energy we will be able to make a custom system that can be utilized almost anywhere For any number of applications.

11.Solar panels degrade due to thermal cycling, UV exposure, and mechanical damage. Is there any way to mitigate this and lengthen a panel’s lifespan? (NOTABOMB-NUCLEAR)

Im sure through research and testing solar technology can be improved overall.

12.What renewable energy sources are least limited by storage? (i.e. renewable energy sources that consistently produce a steady amount of energy that is not reliant on weather) (sun worshippers).

Natural gas has been used with CAES and hydro power provides a seeming limitless amount of energy that can be harnessed from any flowing water source.

14.How will old batteries be recycled and disposed, and what implications do these methods have on the surrounding environment?(Sea Breeze)

Batteries will not be necessary with a CAES system, so this should not be an issue.

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The data is inconclusive on which CAES system is more profitable or efficient in the ability to store energy. KCTD has chosen to develop a small scale system to allow customers to take this technology into their own hands and begin familiarizing society with the possible applications of compressed air energy storage. KCTD is dedicated to safety of our customers and overall sustainability of the CAES system. The following financial plan prioritizes research and scientific results to ensure a system that is cost effective over an extended lifetime, with responsible waste disposal procedures.

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CAES unit research development process diagram.

Source: Khamis, Alias, et al. “Overview of Mini Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage System.” The 4th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conf. (PEOCO2010), 23 June 2010.

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We  $64M grant to create and execute a plan for domestic energy development  in the United States over the next 20 years. This project is aimed to design a small scale system to produce 12 VAC voltage. The hardware for this system consists of 4 parts, which are; air compressor, micro-turbine, DC electric generator and DC-AC converter circuit.

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The first financial step is to develop a standard CAES unit that will be compatible with the average U.S. residential dwelling. This stage will assure customers that they are receiving a unit that has a designated lifetime; fully tested and developed to withstand site specific climate challenges, underground seismic activity, and pressure limitations. The unit will be fully equipped with an air compressor, compressed air storage unit, micro-turbine, DC electric generator and DC-AC converter circuit. In this stage multiple compressed air storage units will be developed for various volumes of energy storage within a safe and reasonable range. The budget accounts for the development of these units, not the production and distribution of the units. Customers must purchase their unit according to their individual energy demands and climate challenges.

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KCTD prepares this executable plan for energy development as a part of the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act – SB 350. If KCTD received the funding, the company proposes development, construction, and operation of implemented CAES home systems. The compatibility of the geological formation for the west coast must be tested and proven, specifically the seismic effects of small scale air compression. In this executive plan, KCTD describes air compression in regards to land use, biological resources, socioeconomics and environmental justice, public health and safety, visual impact, utilities, and energy and water resources.

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 Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Benefits

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 Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Benefits

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Non-explosive, non-toxic

Consumes 70% less fuel than a peaking power plant and has lower O&M costs

30+ year service life versus 10+ for batteries

Provides energy 7X longer than same cost lithium-ion

Battery bank designed for multiple hours/days

Lowest leveled cost for energy storage*

High reliability and Black Start capable

Utilizes proven technology

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Unlike comparably efficient pumped hydro storage, CAES does not require water or any other mass source to be raised above the surface. CAES is therefore much more efficient

Small-scale compressed air energy storage systems with high air pressures turn the inefficiency of compression and expansion into an advantage

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Peak shaving and other technical benefits result in lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other emissions

Energy market support functions delay energy grid expansions which saves natural resources

The storage capacity provided by the technology delays energy power supply expansions which saves both natural resources and reduces emissions from power production

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General Process of CAES units on a small scale.

Source: Khamis, Alias, et al. “Overview of Mini Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage System.” The 4th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conf. (PEOCO2010), 23 June 2010.

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Prototype of CAES unit from another scientific research project.

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Prototype of CAES unit from another scientific research project.

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Source: Khamis, Alias, et al. “Overview of Mini Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage System.” The 4th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conf. (PEOCO2010), 23 June 2010.

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The second financial necessity is the research assuring the CAES units are fully compatible with any type of generated energy. This connection component must guarantee that the air compressor can be powered by all sources of renewable energy at an even and steady rate. Because the various forms of renewable energy have their own electrical output capabilities the connection component must be able to regulate the energy powering the air compressor. When there is too much energy output from an energy source or the CAES unit is fully charged the connection component must house a smart meter so the excess energy can be redirected to the electrical grid. The municipality may choose to implement a large scale CAES system at a large centralized location for further energy storage.

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The third phase requiring financial assistance is the regulating maintenance and ongoing research of the CAES units. After customers have purchased and installed their CAES units regular inspections and system updates should be made throughout the lifetime of the product. This phase could be done by employees trained as engineers and inspectors to monitor the safety and performance of the CAES units or a digital device could be developed. Depending on the CAES units operational requirements KCTD will determine which option would be the most efficient. While we would assume a digital device would be the best method, physical inspections may be necessary due to climate conditions that may cause compromises undetectable to a digital device. The safety of our clients are the priority of KCTD so it is of the utmost importance that the CAES units are regularly checked for compromises that could be dangerous.

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The fourth and final stage in the financial plan is the disposal and recycling of CAES units. KCTD is dedicated to providing customers with a sustainable product which means we will also responsibly dispose of all KCTD CAES units and parts. Our recycling process involves disassembling the units air compressor, compressed air storage unit, micro-turbine, DC electric generator and DC-AC converter circuit back into parts. The materials that can be salvaged will be reformed into new components. The electrical components will be stripped down and disposed of responsibly. And if there are any issues with a CAES unit before the expected lifespan KCTD will repair or replace the part that is affecting the unit.