Could this Technology Revolutionize the Way We Store Energy?
- Researchers at MIT and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery that liquid air energy storage (LAES) could be a more cost-effective option than existing techniques.
- LAES works by taking excess electricity from the grid to cool and liquify air, which is then stored at ambient pressure.
How LAES Works
LAES is a promising technology that can store energy in the form of liquid air. The process begins with the cooling and liquification of air, which is then stored at ambient pressure. When additional electricity is required for the grid, the liquid air is heated and pressurized, causing it to expand as it turns back into a gas, driving an electricity generator.
The process is similar to the one used in refrigeration systems, but on a much larger scale.
Cost Comparison
| LAES | $60 per MWh |
| Lithium-ion Battery Storage | $180 per MWh |
| Pumped Hydropower Storage | $120 per MWh |
Benefits of LAES
- Low Cost: LAES is estimated to be around a third of the cost of lithium-ion battery storage and half that of pumped hydropower storage.
- No Contaminants Involved
- Space-Saving
Challenges and Limitations
While LAES has several advantages, it also faces several challenges and limitations. For example, the researchers found that the “net present value” of LAES is negative in most circumstances, meaning it would cost more for an operator to store excess electricity using LAES than they would earn when selling back to the grid.
The model also found that improvements to energy efficiency of LAES had no impact on economic viability.
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