Small-Scale Energy Generation for Remote Rural Areas using Solar-Powered Compressed Air Storage System

Abstract

Energy reach in the rural areas is still of major concern today especially in developing nations. Small-scale energy generation with stored compressed air is the focus of this work towards solving the energy deficit in remote rural environments through renewable sources. The method involves an experimental setup that harnessed energy from the sun through solar PV for isothermal compression and expansion of an air storage system to gain the advantages of low cost, longevity, and environmental friendliness of air storage in small scale electrical power generators. Results from a small, scalable, artificial air storage system of 360m³ show that one charge results in approximate temperature loss of 29^oC for compression and 10^oC for expansion (in a single cycle). A pressure charge of about 6bars from a compressor speed of 300rpm was also obtained and was able to maintain a constant alternator speed of 2500rpm on no load to produce electricity at 230Vac during expansion.  When advanced and standardized, the air storage could provide a medium for cheap electrical energy storage for small scale renewable sources and a means for electrical energy availability in remote rural environments.