Compressed air to store electrical energy

2001/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Energia

Recently there was a blackout on the west coast of the United States. At that time, the demand for electricity was higher than the grid could offer, which caused the unexpected interruption of the power supply.

According to researchers at the Sandia National Laboratory, the energy that is not consumed immediately after its creation can be used for air compression; subsequently, when no other electricity is produced to meet demand, this compressed air can be used to power turbines and produce electricity. The test will be conducted in an old mine located 700 meters deep in the state of Ohio. On weekends the grid electricity will increase the air pressure of the mine. On working days the compressed air will affect the generators.