OUR technology

We develop highly efficient advanced compressed air energy storage (ACAES) systems. ACAES systems are large, mechanical batteries that look like a power plant at surface and are sited over a geologically-based storage cavern, such as one created in a salt dome. ACAES plants offer 100+ MW in power output and 8-24+ hours in storage duration.

Charging the battery

1. Excess power from the grid (including intermittent renewable energy) powers a large electric compressor
2. This takes air straight out of the atmosphere and compresses it to very high pressure
   
3. Pressurized air is sent down into the storage cavern, where it's held until power is needed
4. For higher efficiency, heat generated during compression is stored at surface in a heat retention medium for use during power generation

Discharging the battery

1. Compressed air is let out of the cavern.
2. Heat stored during compression is released to heat the compressed air.
   
3. Heated compressed air runs through a turbine.
4. The turbine powers a generator, returning electricity to the grid.

ACAES uses existing geology so we don’t have to disturb the land or build massive containers. ACAES can scale storage duration and maintain the same power capacity at zero incremental cost due to the nature of certain geologic formations that could serve as the storage medium.

Our deep understanding of subsurface geology and reservoir engineering affords us creative and proprietary insights in the design and deployment of next-generation ACAES systems that maximize the natural characteristics of local geology.