For the product launch, PowerPHASE has been focusing on applications on GE’s 7FA turbines, the company said in a technical presentation seen by Gas to Power Journal.
Storing compressed air
The Storage Engine, a flexible version of its compressed-air energy storage (CAES) plant, is based on a repowered gas turbine. It combines the company’s compressed-air technology with its FastLight energy storage solution, which is designed to convert 10% of the output of any gas turbine into energy storage.
The technology is based on a repowered gas turbine whereby the compression process has been amended and replaces with fuel-driven compressors. The system captures excess electricity and stores it in the form of compressed air in dedicated cylinders, for later use. When discharged, the stored energy can generate between 90 MW and 400 MW for a limited number of hours.
Functionality of peaking plant
“The unique feature of the Storage Engine is that is functions as a peaking gas turbine by displacing a series of electrical and fuel-driven Turbophase compressors when the stored compressed air has run out,” Kraft explains. The novel way of energy storage enables to quickly supply megawatts of power to the grid.
Turbophase is essentially a modular air injection system, using a four- or five-stage intercooled centrifugal air compressor to make air-flows more efficient than in a traditional gas turbine and increases output by 10-20%. The system enhances the mass airflow by injecting air into the compressor discharge, which reduces the power needs per pound or air, compared to traditional axial air compressors.
Considering the small footprint of Turbophase unit, the add-on energy storage unit can be configured in a modular way to suit the various needs of utility customers.
Florida-based PowerPHASE has over 100 patent and is striving to use its air-compression technologies to help solve the intermittency challenge of renewable power supply through energy storage. CEO Bob Kraft claims the company’s new Storage Engine comes at less than a tenth of the cost of battery-based energy storage.