Techno-Economic Analysis of CAES Systems Integrated into Gas-Steam Combined Plants

In the present paper, an energy storage concept based on the integration of a Compressed Air Energy Storage system into a Gas Steam Combined Cycle plants is investigated. The integration of CAES results in a noticeable power augmentation in respect to normal GSCC plant operations. Being such a power increase obtained without using additional fuel, the storage system can be compared to PHS, BES and A-CAES. Two CAES integrated into medium size GSCC plants arranged with Aero Derivative and Heavy Duty Gas Turbines have been investigated. A techno economic analysis aimed at assessing plant performance and investment costs has been performed. Despite the relatively high investment costs and the storage efficiency lesser than those featuring alternative storage approaches, the proposed system may be considered of interest due to the long life duration and the established technologies available for the key plant components.