Techno-economic evaluation of a modular compressed air energy storage to support integration of wind generation on El Hierro

In order to reduce the dependence on fuel imports as well as CO2-emissions, islands are switching from diesel to renewable generation. Energy storage systems are used to avoid curtailment of the renewable generation as well as to reduce cycling of the diesel generator. This paper evaluates the operation of a modular, low temperature adiabatic compressed air system (KompEx LTA-CAES ®) on El Hierro using mixed integer linear programming. Optimal dimensions for charging power and storage capacity are determined and a sensitivity analysis concerning fuel prices and storage efficiency is presented. The economic situation is assessed for the KompEx LTA-CAES as well as for the existing pumped hydro storage.