On August 27, 2009
PG&E Pursuing a Grant For Wind Turbine Energy Storage
Pacific Gas & Electric sure does love to keep up its reputation as the first to try out any new technology. Usually it’s just some form of renewable — wave turbines, space-based solar, and so forth. Today they have a new spin: compressed air storage for wind turbines. If that conjures the image of turbines filling up a giant balloon, you’re not too far off, although the particular balloon being used isn’t elastic. Compressed air works best with pre-existing caves that have proven to be well sealed, like those that natural gas is sometimes found in. Whenever there’s excess power coming from the turbines, air is pumped into the cave. When power is needed, heat is applied to make the…
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