Multiobjective Optimization Of Vortex Tubes Integrated In A Trigenerative Compressed Air Energy Storage System

Abstract

A trigenerative compressed air energy storage system (CAES) integrating vortex tubes is investigated numerically. In this work, the system is sized according to the electrical power required for the community of Aupaluk in Nunavik (QC). The vortex tube parameters are optimized using a genetic algorithm to maximize the electrical efficiency of the system and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The proposed system increases both the electrical efficiency and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the same system using a throttling valve in the discharging process. Details on the pressure and temperature levels at each step of the system are provided for the optimal solution. Finally, vortex tubes may generate liquid carbon dioxide from atmospheric air in CAES using high storage pressure. This new quadrigeneration CAES is one promising way to address the problem of climate change.Index Terms-Compressed-air energy storage system, Ranque-Hilsch vortex tube, thermodynamic model, multiobjective optimization.