Open AccessExperimental analysis of buoyancy battery energy storage system
Author(s) -
Bassett Kyle,
Carriveau Rupp,
Ting David S.K.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
iet renewable power generation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1752-1424
pISSN - 1752-1416
DOI - 10.1049/iet-rpg.2016.0033
Subject(s) - buoyancy , marine engineering , renewable energy , energy storage , environmental science , offshore wind power , drag , inflatable , battery (electricity) , engineering , automotive engineering , wind power , mechanical engineering , power (physics) , electrical engineering , mechanics , aerospace engineering , physics , thermodynamics
Buoyancy battery underwater energy storage is an emerging area of research relating to the storage of energy generated by renewable resources such as offshore wind and solar. This study presents an experimental analysis of a basic buoyancy system. Tests were performed on a container with minimal ambient fluid volume, as well as in a large offshore testing tank. Development and integration of fundamental system components is discussed in terms of experimental apparatus and larger application. Discharge cycling was performed with variables relating to discharge voltage, power, and discharge velocity obtained. Energy losses to kinetic energy and hydrodynamic drag are estimated for completed trails. The effect of pulley friction is evaluated for no‐load discharge testing. Conclusions are drawn as to the observed operation of the system as designed, primary areas for performance improvements, and next steps for system development .