Synthesis of research and development in mechanical energy storage technologies. Progress report, September 1, 1979-May 31, 1980

The proposed continuation project is restricted to underground energy storage and includes: underground pumped hydro storage (UPH); second generation compressed air energy storage (CAES); and seasonal aquifer thermal energy storage (SATES). In the economic assessment component of the proposed study superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) will also be included for the purposes of economic comparison only. Within the scope of the proposed effort the following specific objectives have been identified: continuation of extensive analysis of technical and economic information in the form of published and unpublished papers, reports and personal communication, synthesis and critical evaluation of the above information; continuation of the comprehensive analysis of Underground Energy Storage Project activities (updating results obtained in the first year of the project); updating and development of information to provide timely input on the progress to TMS staff for planning purposes; identification of major technical, economic and institutional issues having adverse effect on commercialization and advancement of strategy for resolution; and updating of economic analyses of various storage technologies by the modified method developed during the first years. Progress in each of these efforts is discussed