An innovative energy storage bridge

The innovation is to turn bridges into storage energy units in addition to their usual function. Today the methods for mass energy storage are the pumped hydro-electric and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES). Whilst the former requires two reservoirs at different energy levels, the CAES requires only space for storing compressed air. Underground caverns have been used for CAES in power plants in Huntorf of Germany, 1978 and McIntosh of Alabama, USA, 1991 (Crotogino et al. [2]). The CAES of a power plant is to regulate the mismatching supply and demand of the grid power, so that the electricity would not be wasted when it is not needed. It is equally important to save energy as to regenerate it. To store the equivalent energy of a power plant, a sizable container is needed. Suitable underground caverns are difficult to find. Bridge structures are plentiful in many cities and their body space is voluminous. Steel pipes are the most effective structural element in storing compressed air. It can perform as a beam to carry loads. The new bridge form is to replace the girders with steel pipes that can carry loads and compressed air. The pipes provide the space for storing mass of unwanted electricity and the intermittent power output from regenerated energy sources such as wind and solar. The stored compressed air can be released to regenerate power according to the demands. The bridge is designed to operate in three levels of safety measures. With proper implementation, it will substantially reduce the energy wastage in the grid and the carbon footprint of the city, and create new industry and new jobs. This paper gives a description of the new bridge form and its applications.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/15732487
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract used with permission from the publisher
• Authors:
  • Wong, C
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 55-64
• Serial:
  • Bridge Structures - Assessment, Design & Construction
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue Number: 2, 3
  • Publisher: IOS Press
  • ISSN: 1573-2487
  • EISSN: 1744-8999
  • Serial URL: https://content.iospress.com/journals/bridge-structures

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Compressed air; Energy storage systems; Innovation; Solar power generation; Steel pipe; Wind power generation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Energy; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01349896
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 16 2011 1:56PM