Air4NRG

Air isothermal compression technology for long term energy storage
Horizon Europe
Approval no 101135736
Start: 2023
End: 2026

Recognizing that current storage solutions are unable to stabilize enough the intermintent renewable energy production, new long term energy storage solutions are becoming mandatory. Current long-term energy storage is mainly provided by Pumped-Storage Hydroelectricity (PSH). Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) has appeared for decades as a credible alternative but its poor energy efficiency, the need of fossil fuels and the use of existing underground cavities as storage reservoirs have limited its development. Variations to CAES have shown low efficiency, losing a big percentage of energy as heat and mechanical losses. 

Since the 2010s, there is a strong revival of scientific and industrial interest on CAES, led by China and the European Union (EU). For the EU, leading the new generation of high-efficient, low climate-impact and long-term energy storage research, is key to increase its energy independency. 

In this context, the main objective of Air4NRG is the development of an innovative, efficient (over 70% RTE), long-term, and sustainable CAES prototype, which can enhance renewable energy availability and offers robustness and safety while increasing cost effectiveness and improving the environmental footprint. 

At the same time, it will promote innovation and competitiveness in the European energy storage industry, while prioritizing the principles of circular economy and environmental sustainability. Another key factor of the solution is the integrability to the electrical grid system and their intelligent EMS, which will be proven by the end of the project through end user integration activities (TRL5). 

Expected outcome

The project will result in a plug and play prototype, fitting into a standard 40ft container with an over ten-hours storage duration. The developed system is a rare material-free solution with simple industrial infrastructure needs, allowing its full development within the EU, strengthening Europe’s position in the energy storage system sector.

Next step

With the completion of the first energy storage pilot unit, the next steps will be to industrialize the process.

Rôle de l'école

The role of IMT Atlantique is to study, design and optimize a heat exchanger inserted in the compression chamber.  Validation measurements will be carried out in the laboratory on a lower-power system.

Les partenaires : 

• ZABALA BRUSSELS - COORDINATOR
• SEGULA ENGINEERING
• ARIZAGA, BASTARRICA Y COMPANIA SA - ABC COMPRESSORS
• CNET CENTRE FOR NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES SA - EDP CNET
• INSTITUT MINES-TELECOM
• LOMARTOV SL  
• FONDAZIONE ICONS
 

Horizon Europe

Key words : compressed air; high efficiency; long term; environmental friendly; economical sustainability; plug and play; robustness; high lifetime;