Study of the independent cooling performance of adiabatic compressed air energy storage system

The adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) system can realize the triple supply of cooling, heat, and electricity output. With the aim of maximizing the cooling generation and electricity production with seasonal variations, this paper proposed three advanced A-CAES refrigeration systems characterized by chilled water supply, cold air supply, and hybrid supply systems, respectively. Corresponding system models were established with a storage capacity of 5000 m3 and an operating pressure range of 4.6-10 MPa. After validating the simulation model with literature data, a parametric study and following economy analysis were conducted in different seasons. The optimal expansion unit configurations of the three systems were confirmed based on their cooling and electricity production under different configurations. Results showed that the maximum cooling capacity of the three systems under optimal configurations are 20.33GJ, 40.05GJ, and 45.05GJ, which can supply 100, 197, and 213 households, respectively. The enhanced cooling capacity of the three systems indicated promising alternatives for refrigeration equipment in the residential area, reducing investment and peak power consumption simultaneously. In addition, the static payback periods of the three systems presented in this study are 21.45 years, 11.88 years, and 16.50 years, respectively. The expansion unit configuration of the hybrid cooling system was confirmed to be the most suitable configuration for cooling maximization. This study can provide a reference for the system design integrated with A-CAES technology for cooling supply and cost savings.