Wide-Range Operational Approach for Advanced Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage Systems Incorporating Array-Type Heat Exchangers

As an extension of the heat exchanger network, the array-type heat exchangers can effectively enhance the operational capability of advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage (AA-CAES). However, the complexity of the variable-configuration array-type heat exchanger network exerts a significant influence on the operational capability of the AA-CAES system. To address this gap, this paper proposes a wide-range operational strategy for AA-CAES systems that incorporates array-type heat exchangers. First, a model of the array-type heat exchangers array for AA-CAES is established based on the thermal-electrical analogy theory. Subsequently, a wide-range operation method for AA-CAES is proposed, leveraging the operational characteristics of the array-type heat exchangers. This method determines the number of heat exchanger units participating in power regulation according to the required power output, followed by a multi-objective optimization of the array-type heat exchangers using power deviation and residual thermal energy of the thermal oil as objective functions. Finally, a case study based on the parameters of a commercially operational AA-CAES station is conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that, compared to traditional heat exchangers, the modular heat exchanger array can effectively expand the feasible operating region of the AA-CAES discharging system, reduce power tracking deviation, and increase the utilization rate of thermal energy in the thermal oil. The research will provide the theoretical foundation and technical support for flexible regulation of AA-CAES.