Power Generation :: Pumped Air Storage
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| Huntorf CAES Plant with SSS Clutches |
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| Typical electrical load profile |
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), also known as Pumped Air Storage, is used to store low cost electrical energy as compressed air so that it can be used to produce electrcity at times of peak demand.
The SSS Clutches allow a single motor/generator to be used for both compression and generation to achieve reduced cost and plant footprint with simple changeover between operating modes. The generator can also be used as a synchronous condenser and qualifies for fast response.
As peaks and off-peaks in demand occur every day changeovers between storage mode and generation mode occur frequently involving many clutch engagements/disengagements and loading/unloading of the entire machine. SSS Clutches accept this duty without maintenance.
The highest power automatic clutch operating in the world is an SSS Clutch for CAES. It transmits 300 000 kW at 3000 RPM.
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| Simplified machinery arrangement of a CAES plant with SSS Clutches |