Regulating the temperature of a heat regenerator used in an installation for storing energy by adiabatic compression of air

A method of regulating the temperature of a heat regenerator used in an installation for storing energy by adiabatic compression of air, the heat regenerator comprising a layer of refractory material for storing sensible heat, which layer is arranged vertically between a top distribution box and a bottom distribution box, the heat regenerator being subjected to successive operating cycles, each operating cycle comprising a compression stage during which a stream of hot air penetrates into the regenerator via its top distribution box and passes right through the layer of refractory material in order to leave via the bottom distribution box after yielding its heat energy, followed by an expansion stage during which a stream of cold air penetrates into the regenerator via its bottom distribution box and passes right through the layer of refractory material in order to leave via the top distribution box after recovering its heat energy, the method being characterized in that it consists, between two successive operating cycles, in cooling a bottom compartment of the layer of refractory material that is situated in the proximity of the bottom distribution box in order to bring it to a temperature that is compatible with the required temperature range for air leaving the heat regenerator during the compression stages.