Abstract
University of Illinois will conduct a conceptual design study for integrating a 10 MWh Compressed Natural Gas Energy Storage (CNGES) system with the Abbott Combined Heat and Power Plant at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. CNGES technology is analogous to commercial compressed air energy storage except natural gas is compressed during off-peak hours and discharged during peak hours. The project takes advantage of synergies at the Abbott plant where natural gas is its primary fuel. Co-locating energy storage with the plant will improve the short- and long-term reliability of electric power delivery as the use of variable renewable power generation increases. The technology includes control systems and algorithms to reliably adjust the energy generated to maintain a stable grid. This Phase I study will focus on a preliminary technical design that includes (1) identifying potential on-site locations for the CNGES; (2) projected utility requirements for CNGES from the fossil asset; (3) tie-in points; (4) permitting and regulatory considerations; and (5) technical challenges for integration of CNGES with the fossil asset. The impact of integration of CNGES into the campus grid, which already has renewables, will also be examined. Upon successful completion of the project, this new integrated technology would provide CHP plants with improved energy efficiency, reduced fuel and maintenance costs, and reduced emissions (since efficient ramping uses less fuel). Energy storage combined with fossil energy assets offers a suite of benefits to asset owners, the electricity grid, and society. These benefits include more reliable and affordable energy, a cleaner environment, and stronger power infrastructure. These projects will accelerate the development of technology options to manage the energy transition underway to decarbonize and increase the flexibility of fossil power generation and support the grid of the future with increasing variable renewable generation. <br> <br> <strong>Related publications</strong> <ul><li>Illinois. Sustainable Technology Center (2021). <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/2142/111720">Compressed Natural Gas Energy Storage</a>. Champaign, IL : Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (TN21-145).</li></ul>
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| State | Published - 2021 |