Renewable energy is growing fast, and it is rising every year. However, do you know that a surprising amount of clean energy is still wasted when solar panels and wind turbines generate more power than the grid can efficiently store? This is where the Liquid Air Energy Storage System (LAES) comes into the picture. This advanced energy storage technique is a powerful solution for storing large amounts of energy in a compact space for an extended duration.
In this technique, electricity is used to cool and shrink the atmospheric air to 1/700th of its original volume at –196°C (–320°F). This energy is stored as liquid and later expands the air to generate power.
Some commercial projects are designed so that the LAES systems can power tens of thousands of homes during peak demand. But, how can liquid air store renewable energy for the grid? How is electricity converted into liquid air and back again? This article explains everything step by step. Read the full article and get to know more about LAES, a futuristic technology that is already being built and tested at real power-grid scale.
What Is Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES)?
Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) is an advanced energy storage technology that stores electricity by cooling air to a liquid state. The stored energy is later converted back into power. It is also known as cryogenic energy storage because it depends on extremely low temperatures to hold energy.
As the renewable energy production is growing, the LAES technique offers a promising solution to store excess solar and wind power and release it during peak demand.
The LAES system helps balance grid electricity dominated by solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. It works anywhere and does not require a specific geographical location. The tanks and machinery used in this process can be placed near power plants, industrial hubs, and renewable farms.
Air is free, infinitely available, and non-toxic. The LAES process involves only air and electricity. The system does not use any hazardous materials or any toxic chemicals. It offers long-duration storage and is ideal for durations of 4 to 20 hours or even longer.
Why Air Is Used for Energy Storage?
Air is used for energy storage because
- Air is a natural part of the environment and exists everywhere in vast quantities. It is free to use as a raw material for energy storage. It is also safer to handle, as it is non-toxic and non-flammable.
- The air can store a large amount of energy in different forms, such as Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) and Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES).
- Air storage technologies are suitable for long-duration energy needs. The energy can be stored for hours to days.
- The air energy systems can be used for both small industrial applications and utility-scale installations measured in hundreds of megawatts. With proper maintenance, these energy systems can operate for 40 to 50 years.
- The air energy systems work anywhere and can be placed near power plants, industrial hubs, and renewable farms.
How Liquid Air Can Store Renewable Energy for the Grid? A Step-by-Step Guide
When the renewable energy production is higher, the LAES system captures the electricity by turning the atmospheric air into liquid air through cooling. The LAES system stores the energy and releases it back to the grid when needed. A step-by-step process for how liquid air stores renewable energy for the grid is explained below.
Step 1: CHARGING
The first step is a power-to-power conversion process where surplus electric energy is transformed into potential energy stored within the liquid air.
The LAES system starts charging when the renewable energy production is high and the grid demand is low. First, the system draws the air from the atmosphere, cleans and dries it to remove moisture from the air.
Then, the air is compressed and cooled by using electricity. The compressed air is cooled down to about -196 °C (-320 °F). This is known as the liquefaction process. At this point, the volume of the air reduces dramatically, and the air becomes liquid.
The liquid air is pumped and stored in large, insulated tanks called cryogenic tanks. These tanks keep the liquid air cold and prevent heat gain.
Step 2: STORAGE
The liquid air is stored in cryogenic tanks at low pressure and cryogenic temperatures. The liquid is stored for a long duration without significant loss. In this process, large amounts of energy are stored in a smaller space efficiently.
Step 3: DISCHARGING
The LAES system begins the discharging process when the grid needs more power. In this process, the pumps increase the pressure of the stored liquid air. The liquid air is warmed using ambient heat, and it recovers thermal energy. In this process, the liquid expands rapidly into a high-pressure gas.
The high-pressure gas spins the turbines connected to generators, which produce electricity. The electricity produced is supplied to the grid.
This is a gas expansion step where the volume expansion of air creates the mechanical force. The mechanical force is used to generate electricity.
Reference: Liquid air energy storage technology: a comprehensive review of research, development and deployment
Uses of Liquid Air Energy Storage
- The liquid air energy storage systems are used to store large volumes of electricity for the power grid. When the renewable energy systems generate an excess amount of power, the LAES systems absorb the excess power, convert it into liquid air, and later use it when electricity demand rises.
- The LAES systems provide long-duration energy storage, often from 4 hours to multiple days. It is used as an emergency backup and supplies power when the electricity demand rises.
- LAES systems help restore inertia, support stable frequency regulation, and improve stability. It supplies reactive power, which helps maintain voltage levels and improves power quality on the grid.
- The LAES systems can be quickly charged and discharged. This helps grid operators balance fluctuating generation and consumption.
- The LAES system supports decarbonization goals by using ambient air and electricity with no combustion or fuel burn.
Reference: Liquid air energy storage – Operation and performance of the first pilot plant in the world
Challenges of Liquid Air Energy Storage
This new technology still requires a high initial capital investment. The efficiency of the LAES system is still lower than that of some competing systems. But, according to the researcher, these challenges are temporary and will be solved by the researchers soon with innovative developments.
Liquid Air Energy Storage Vs lithium-ion batteries
| Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) | Lithium-ion Batteries | |
| Definition | Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) is an advanced energy storage technology that stores electricity by cooling air into a liquid at around -196 °C. The stored energy is later converted back into power. | Lithium-ion batteries store energy electrochemically. While charging, the ions move from the cathode to the anode and are stored there. While discharging, the ions flow back to the cathode by creating an electric current to power devices. |
| Efficiency | LAES systems offer efficiency of around 50% to 70%. It means these systems return 50–70% of the energy they store | Lithium-ion batteries offer efficiency of around 85% to 90%. |
| Energy Storage Duration | It offers long-duration storage, and the energy can be stored for a few hours to days. | These batteries can store energy for minutes to a few hours. So, these batteries are ideal for short-duration projects. |
| Lifespan | The lifespan or operational lifetime of LAES systems is 30 to 40 years. | The lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is 10 to 15 years. |
| Cost | The average lifetime cost to store and deliver one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is $60 per MWh. This is usually one-third of the cost of lithium-ion batteries. | Lithium-ion batteries are comparatively more expensive than LAES systems. |
| Scalability | LAES systems can be expanded to very large utility-scale projects. | The scalability of these batteries is limited by material constraints, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. |
Real-World Project
Carrington LAES Plant (Manchester, United Kingdom)
This project is being built at Carrington, near Manchester, in the UK. The developer of this project is Highview Power. The plant is targeted to start operations by early 2026. As wind and solar generation increase in the UK, this plant is developed to balance electricity supply and demand. This plant has used Liquid Air Energy Storage Technology to store excess renewable energy. The storage capacity of this plant is 300 MW, and the power output is 50 MW for up to six hours.
Conclusion
The LAES systems stand out as an environmentally friendly and potentially low-cost solution for long-duration renewable energy storage. The global market of the Liquid Air Energy Storage system market is growing fast as the utilities and governments are looking for a powerful solution for reliable, low-carbon storage options. The LAES market is expected to grow to nearly USD 1.9 billion by 2033. One of the key advantages of this technology is that it can store and release energy over longer periods, which range from several hours to multiple days. The use of air and some standard industrial components makes it cost-effective. The cost of the LAES system is about one-third of the cost of lithium-ion battery storage.
FAQS
- What is Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) technology?
Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) is an advanced energy storage technology that stores electricity by cooling air into a liquid. The stored energy is later converted back into power.
- How long does a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system store energy?
A Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system offers long-duration storage and is ideal for durations of 4 to 20 hours or even longer.
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