Compressed gas energy storage system with cooling capability

A process of electricity generation utilizing a compressed gas energy storage system comprising a gas storage area, a compression train for pressurizing a gas to be stored in the gas storage area, and an expansion train for depressurizing high pressure gas released from the gas storage area, said process comprising:

• operating the compression train during off-peak electricity utilization periods to produce a compressed gas;
• cooling the gas during said operating the compression train with a cooling fluid;
• storing the compressed gas in the gas storage area;
• releasing the compressed gas from the gas storage area during peak electricity utilization periods;
• passing the compressed gas released from the gas storage area through the expansion train to generate electricity;
• heating the compressed gas during said releasing by passing the compressed gas through a heat exchanger;
• and
• contacting the cooling fluid with the heat exchanger to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the heat exchanger, to cool the cooling fluid, and to warm the heat exchanger for said heating.

A compressed gas energy storage system comprising:

• a gas storage area for storing compressed gas;
• a compression train for pressurizing a gas to be stored in said gas storage area;
• one or more heat exchangers for cooling the gas as it is pressurized in said compression train, wherein the cooling is achieved by indirect contact with a cooling fluid;
• an expansion train for depressurizing compressed gas released from said gas storage area;
• and
• a heat exchanger for recoverying heat from the cooling fluid, for cooling the cooling fluid, and for warming the compressed gas released from said gas storage area.