Energy Storage Flashcards
How does a compressed air energy storage unit work
The system works by storing energy in the form of compressed air in a deep underground geological vessel or reservoir. Renewable electricity could be utilised to run the compressor, and hence this is a means of storing this intermittent energy.
How does a pumped hydro storage unit work
When demand for electricity is low, and excess energy is produced, the excess energy is utilised to pump water from a low level, to a high level. This water stored this energy as Gravitational Potential Energy.
When the generation of energy is low, or below demand, then the water can be allowed to flow down through a turbine, making it spin, turning a generator, and hence produce electricity.
These plants have a typical storage efficiency of 70-80%,
