In the heart of China, a groundbreaking solution to energy storage is emerging from the depths of abandoned mines, offering a promising future for the energy sector. Researchers from the State Key Laboratory for Tunnel Engineering at Shandong University have unveiled a novel approach to compressed air energy storage (CAES) that could revolutionize how we harness and store energy, particularly in regions with a history of mining.
Compressed air energy storage is not new, but its application has been limited by strict site selection conditions. Traditional CAES systems rely on salt caverns or domes, which are not always readily available. However, with the closure of numerous mines worldwide, vast underground spaces lie unused, presenting an opportunity for innovation.
Lead author Hanpeng Wang and his team have proposed a new design concept that transforms abandoned mines into efficient energy storage facilities. Their approach, dubbed “pipeline layout type abandoned mine gas storage,” involves using large-diameter seamless steel pipelines as gas storage spaces. These pipelines are filled with loose filling bodies to bear pressure, creating a robust and flexible storage solution.
The advantages of this new design are manifold. “This scheme greatly reduces the site selection requirements for geological structure, surrounding rock permeability, and stability,” Wang explains. “It increases the site selection range, making it feasible to build CAES power stations in areas previously deemed unsuitable.”
The use of existing pipeline construction processes and technical equipment also reduces the difficulty and cost of constructing these gas storages. Moreover, the design improves the sealing performance, preventing gas leakage, and enhances the stress environment of the surrounding rock, ensuring the stability and durability of the gas storage.
The potential commercial impacts for the energy sector are significant. By repurposing abandoned mines, this technology can provide large-scale energy storage solutions, supporting power grid peak load shifting and large-scale new energy consumption. This is particularly relevant as the world transitions to renewable energy sources, which often require efficient storage solutions to balance supply and demand.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its practical application. The team has already outlined a reconstruction and construction scheme for the Ezhuang abandoned coal mine. Upon completion, the gas storage volume could reach 4.5×105 cubic meters, with a power generation capacity of 400 MW, promising substantial economic benefits.
The implications for the energy sector are far-reaching. This technology could be applied to abandoned mines worldwide, providing a sustainable and economically viable solution for energy storage. It also opens up new avenues for research and development in the field of CAES, potentially leading to further innovations and improvements.
The research was published in Meitan kexue jishu, which translates to “Coal Science and Technology.” This publication is a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, bridging the fields of mining, energy storage, and environmental sustainability.
As the world seeks to decarbonize and transition to renewable energy, innovative solutions like this one will be crucial. By turning abandoned mines into energy storage powerhouses, we can not only address the challenges of energy storage but also repurpose unused resources, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy future. The work of Hanpeng Wang and his team is a shining example of how innovative thinking can drive progress in the energy sector, offering a glimpse into a future where abandoned mines become the backbone of our energy infrastructure.