STORING ENERGY IN LIQUID AIR

The use of air liquefaction to store energy is referred to as Liquid Air Energy Storage, or LAES for short. Researchers say this system has the potential to provide energy to the grid operator at all times on an as-needed basis and to prevent supply bottlenecks. This is particularly important when green energy is generated from wind and sun.

Liquid air can be stored in insulated tanks without further energy expenditure. When it is vaporized and returns to its gaseous state, the vaporization process can drive turbines that feed part of the electricity back into the grid. The use of liquid air for grid-based energy storage could make energy supply more reliable, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and give rise to a whole new industry. Renewable energies are not always produced at the “right” time. This causes surpluses – at night, for example, when demand is low. Air liquefaction can be used to store energy, thereby making it available for peak times and/or as emission-free fuel. Liquid air can be used in a range of innovative engines as well as in large, grid-compatible energy storage systems.