The efficiency of adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) systems generally ranges from 70% to 75% and can even exceed 90% in small-scale models. This high efficiency is achieved because A-CAES stores the heat generated during the air compression phase and uses it to reheat the air during expansion, reducing the need for external fuels and increasing overall efficiency.
In contrast, diabatic CAES systems, which are more traditional, have lower efficiencies, typically ranging from 40% to 50%. The efficiency of diabatic systems is reduced due to heat losses during compression and the need to reheat the air using external fuels before expansion.
Here’s a summary comparison:
| CAES Type | Efficiency Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Adiabatic (A-CAES) | 70% to 75% (up to 90% in small-scale) | Stores heat during compression; uses stored heat for expansion. |
| Diabatic | 40% to 50% | Loses heat during compression; uses external fuels for reheating. |
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-efficiency-of-adiabatic-caes-compare-to-diabatic-caes/
