Feasibility analysis of Multi-interlayer CAES salt cavern. A case study in Zhangshu, China

As a large-scale energy storage technology, compressed air energy storage (CAES) has the advantages of high efficiency and high reliability. This paper analyzed the feasibility of CAES cavern constructed in salt mine with multi-interlayer in Zhangshu, Jiangxi Province. Salt mine in Zhangshu is a typical bedded rock salt, and a method for calculating the cavern volume in Zhangshu was proposed. Using the proposed volume calculation method, it is expected that the volume of Zhangshu salt caverns can reach 27,840,000 m3 by 2060. By modelling the geomechanics used to calculate its stability. Based on the results of the simulation, the recommended operating pressure is 8.5-11.5 MPa. Finally, If this volume is used for CAES, the cycle pressure is assumed to be 8.5-11.5 MPa, energy storage efficiency of 50%, the daily effective energy storage is 8.062×1014 J. This study will guide the development of the Zhangshu Salt Mine, provide lessons for similar areas and have a positive impact on the energy transition in Jiangxi.