This document introduces underwater compressed air energy storage (UW-CAES) as a method for storing renewable energy efficiently by utilizing the storage potential of compressed air at depth underwater. It describes using GIS spatial analysis to identify optimal locations for UW-CAES facilities in the Gulf of Maine by evaluating parameters such as soil structure, electrical connections, storage potential, and impact on stakeholders like fishermen and ship traffic. The goal is to find the most feasible location that maximizes storage potential while minimizing negative impacts.

1. Identifying Optimal Locations and
Evaluating Storage Potential for
Underwater Compressed Air Energy
Storage in the Gulf of Maine
Gabriel E. Colón Reyes, REU Undergraduate Student
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Wednesday, June 24th, 2015

2. Introduction
• What is Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)?
Adiabatic Process (simplified)
4
Air In Air Out

3. Introduction cont.
• What is Underwater Compressed Air Energy Storage (UW – CAES)?
Underwater-CAES System
3

4. Why Study UW – CAES?
• Intermittency of renewable energy sources
• Storing renewable energy efficiently
• Geographic limitations of CAES
• One of the most efficient storage methods:
More depth, more storage potential per cubic
meter
• Potential to complement offshore wind

5. Why Study Locating UW – CAES?
• Not just a matter of saying “there”
• Stakeholders impacted by location (e.g.
fishermen, commercial sea-traffic lanes,
marine life, etc.)

6. Methodology
• Research – Parameters of locations (e.g. soil
structure, electrical connections, storage
potential, etc.)
• Implementation – ArcGIS
• Spatial Analysis
• Results

7. Expectations
• Find the most feasible location for UW – CAES
• Evaluate storage potential with parameters

8. Acknowledgements/References
• Carson Pete, Ph.D. Student, Mentor
• Dr. Jon McGowan, Professor Advisor
• Hydrostor
• http://energystorage.org/compressed-air-
energy-storage-caes
• http://revolution-green.com/hydrostor-
underwater-compressed-air-electrical-
storage/

9. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
ATTENTION!
Questions???????