Compressed gas energy storage formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy stored in compressed gas, specifically non-ideal gases like argon. The relevant formula presented is Energy_{stored} = Energy_{in} - Energy_{lost}, emphasizing that compressors and turbines are not 100% efficient. A net efficiency of 60% is suggested for compression and expansion, which can drop to 20% if the gas is stored for extended periods. The importance of considering thermal energy and storage duration is highlighted for accurate energy calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, particularly energy conservation.
  • Familiarity with compressed air energy storage systems.
  • Knowledge of gas laws and behavior of non-ideal gases.
  • Basic calculations involving pressure, volume, and temperature relationships.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the efficiency metrics of compressors and turbines in compressed gas systems.
  • Study the Joule-Thomson effect and its impact on gas compression.
  • Explore advanced modeling techniques for non-ideal gas behavior under compression.
  • Investigate thermal management strategies for improving energy retention in compressed gas storage.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and energy storage specialists involved in designing and optimizing compressed air energy storage systems.

Petersenwill36
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TL;DR
Compressed gas energy storage formula
Hi,
I’m looking for formula to find the energy stored in a compressed gas for non ideal gases, for example, argon. The formula should also include the thermal energy caused by compression.

Thank you in advance.
 
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Can't you use conservation of energy? If we compress a gas, energy out equals energy in minus energy leaked to the environment. I'm sure you know that, so what is the premise of your question?
 
Compressed air energy storage is the topic.
 
Petersenwill36 said:
Compressed air energy storage is the topic.
OK. In that case you can use this formula $$Energy_{stored} = Energy_{in} - Energy_{lost}$$

But that's probably not much help. Compressors are not 100% efficient when compressing the gas. Turbines are not 100% efficient when re-expanding the gas. But there are no simple formulas for those inefficiencies.

So if there are no simple formulas, the next best thing is to just make a reasonable guess. 60% net efficiency for compression/expansion and conversion to/from electricity. However, if you let the gas sit overnight so that heat leaks to the environment, efficiency might shrink to 20%. Therefore, for how long it remains stored becomes an important parameter.

Are you assigned the task of designing compressed air energy storage?
 
Thank you for your help. I am looking for the amount of energy in joules stored in a pressurized gas. For example, the amount of energy required to compress argon to 1000 psi in a 2L vessel.
 

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