One of the foremost issues confronting our nation is that of energy security. Lessening our dependence on foreign fossil fuels necessitates progress and growth in the renewable energy sector. However, widespread adoption of clean energy currently faces the challenge of power consistency a dilemma rooted in the problem of storage. This need for reliable and efficient energy conversion and storage is fundamental to coping with inconsistent power sources such as wind and solar, as well as improving the management of other base-load resources. Research into large-scale power storage options led to the proposed concept of an Undersea Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system; designed to work in concert with an advanced modular turbo-generation system. Compressed air storage in undersea membranes has been shown to be far more economical than above ground pressure vessels. Preliminary materials research, design work, site survey, transport pipe implementation strategy, and a cost analysis were conducted during Phase I. This led to a complete financial analysis of a 16MW (128 MWH) pilot plant. Phase II proceeds with prototype development, testing, refinements in system design, and planning for implementation and deployment, segueing into a pilot plant operation in Phase III. Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits: If commercialized, this energy storage system could work in concert with solar, wave, wind, and biomass energy systems to enhance their reliability. A prototype in Hawaii would reduce the States importation of oil, thereby lowering energy costs and improving air quality for its citizens.
