Energy-Efficient Compressed-Air Energy-Storage System Under Development

An innovative new type of compressed-air energy-storage (CAES) system that offers greater energy-efficiencies is now under construction in Norton, Ohio.

By Staff June 18, 2001

An innovative new type of compressed-air energy-storage (CAES) system that offers greater energy-efficiencies is now under construction in Norton, Ohio.

The system, currently being developed by Norton Energy Storage, is unique in that unlike conventional gas-fired generation, which requires that air be simultaneously compressed and heated by burning natural gas to drive a compressor and turbine, the CAES system utilizes stored air that has already been compressed. The system also recycles its own heat through the utilization of a heat exchanger.

The 2,700-megawatt system will ultimately be capable of supplying electricity to 675,000 households.