Design of Underwater Compressed Air Flexible Airbag Energy Storage Device and Experimental Study of Physical Model in Pool

Abstract

Renewable energy is a prominent area of research within the energy sector, and the storage of renewable energy represents an efficient method for its utilization. There are various energy storage methods available, among which compressed air energy storage stands out due to its large capacity and cost-effective working medium. While land-based compressed air energy storage power stations have been constructed worldwide, their efficiency remains low. Underwater compressed air energy storage has the potential to significantly enhance efficiency, although no such device currently exists. This paper presents the design of an UWCA-FABESD utilizing five flexible air bags for underwater gas storage and discharge. Additionally, it introduces the working principle of the adiabatic underwater compressed air energy storage system and device. Furthermore, a small-scale physical model with similar functionality was designed and manufactured to simulate the charging process of the air bag in onshore charging and discharging tests as well as posture adjustment and lifting arrangement tests, along with underwater charging and discharging tests. These experiments validated the related functions of the designed underwater compressed air flexible bag energy storage device while proposing methods for its improvement. This research provides a new approach to underwater compressed air energy storage.