Work begins on reliable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly insulated compressed air energy storage system
Tue, Jun 23, 2015-
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Tests begin for greater implementation of wind power generation
Waseda University’s Advanced Collaborative Research Organization for Smart Society (Director Yasuhiro Hayashi of the Faculty of Science and Engineering), The Institute of Applied Energy (IAE), and Kobe Steel, LTD have begun development on a reliable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly insulated compressed air energy storage system.
A compressed air energy storage system generates power using stored electric power in the form of compressed air and heat. This type of storage system is constructed from general-purpose machines, making it long-lasting and reliable. Furthermore, the system does require rare materials, simplifying the disposal process. Energy output and storage options can also be freely manipulated.
This system aims to be capable of controlling output fluctuations of renewable energy (particularly wind power). The system was one project adopted as part of the National Research and Development Agency and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization’s initiative to develop new technologies for dealing with energy fluctuations. The system will undergo trial tests in 2016 and be produced for commercial purposes in 2017 while continuing to undergo testing.
Waseda University was founded in 1882 as Japan’s leading private university. The Advanced Collaborative Research Organization for Smart Society was established in 2014 and leads Smart Society research with smart grid technology at its base. Waseda University is in charge of developing appropriate control algorithms and machinery tools control software for Kobe Steel, LTD’s insulated compressed air energy storage system.
The Institute of Applied Energy was founded in 1978 to establish a systematic foundation for energy technology, spur technological progress, and develop the national economy. As a think tank, the institute continues to eagerly pursue research initiatives. The Institute is responsible for mitigating output fluctuations of wind power, designing a power generation system, trial testing, and evaluation for this project.
Kobe Steel, LTD developed the first domestic high voltage air compressor in 1915 and has 100 years of history as an air compressor maker with domestic and international products. For this project, Kobe Steel, LTD is expected to develop an oil free screw compressor, a screw power generator, a high-temperature storage tank, and an air storage tank.
