Optimization of a cryogenic liquid air energy storage system and its optimal thermodynamic performance

For grid-scale intermittent electricity storage, liquid air energy storage (LAES) is considered to be one of the most promising technologies for storing renewable energy. In this study, a steady-state process model was developed for an LAES, by combining a Linde liquefaction process and an open Rankine power cycle. To investigate the system performance and achieve global optimization, a single-factor analysis approach and multifactor genetic algorithm (GA) optimization model were built using MATLAB software. The effects of the charging pressure, storage pressure, discharging pressure, and isentropic efficiency of the compressor/turbine on the LAES performance parameters, such as the inlet temperature of the Joule–Thomson valve, round-trip efficiency (RTE), liquefaction ratio (LR), and power consumptions in the compressor, cryo-pump, and turbine, were investigated. Subsequently, the optimal conditions were obtained using the GA optimization method to achieve the optimal performance of the LAES. The results showed that the charging pressure, discharging pressure, and isentropic efficiencies of the compressor and turbine had significant effects on the RTE; an increase in the discharging pressure resulted in an improved expansion power output; the GA optimization could achieve RTE, LR, the system energy storage and recovery exergy efficiencies of 53.33%, 86.96%, 81.00%, and 78.16%; the power consumption in the compressor of GA optimization was 10.02% maximum saving. The proposed optimization method can be used to further explore the global optimization of cryogenic energy storage systems, such as different-layout LAES systems and different cryogenic liquefaction media energy storage systems.