Modular adsorption-enhanced compressed air energy storage system with regenerative thermal energy recycling

A method for building a compressed air energy storage system comprising a plurality of compressed air energy storage modules, each compressed air energy storage module including a first regenerative heat exchanger including a first tank filled with a first particulate material that stores thermal energy and adsorbs air, a second regenerative heat exchanger including a second tank filled with an inert second particulate material that stores thermal energy, wherein a first end of the first tank is connected to a first end of the second tank via a first piping system, a second end of the first tank is connected to a second end of the second tank via a second piping system, and the first piping system and the second piping system form a circular path for the air to circulate through the first and second regenerative heat exchangers, the method comprising:

• creating a pair of vertical caissons in the ground;
• lining walls of the pair of vertical caissons with a plurality of flow-inhibiting layers;
• connecting the pair of vertical caissons by a pair of lined tunnels;
• and
• connecting the plurality of compressed air energy storage modules to a central equipment facility.

A method for charging and discharging a compressed air energy storage system comprising at least one compressed air energy storage module, the at least one compressed air energy storage module including a first regenerative heat exchanger including a first tank filled with a first particulate material that stores thermal energy and adsorbs air, a second regenerative heat exchanger including a second tank filled with an inert second particulate material that stores thermal energy, wherein a first end of the first tank is connected to a first end of the second tank via a first piping system, a second end of the first tank is connected to a second end of the second tank via a second piping system, and the first piping system and the second piping system form a circular path for the air to circulate through the first and second regenerative heat exchangers, the method comprising:

• introducing air into the first piping system of the at least one compressed air energy storage module through an opening to charge the compressed air energy storage system, wherein:
• during charging process, the air flows toward the first end of the second tank, through the inert second particulate material in the second tank toward the second end of the second tank, through the second piping system toward the second end of the first tank, and through the first particulate material in the first tank;
• and
• retrieving at least a portion of the air at the opening to discharge the compressed air energy storage system, wherein:
• during discharging process, the air flows through the first piping system toward the first end of the first tank, through the first particulate material in the first tank toward the second of the first tank, through the second piping system toward the second end of the second tank, and through the inert second particulate material in the second tank.