Optimization of a Small-Scale Compressed-Air Hybrid System
Session Number
1
Advisor(s)
Thomas Sebastian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Lincoln Laboratory
Location
A119
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
15-4-2026 10:15 AM
End Date
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
Abstract
Hybrid energy systems integrating compressed air energy storage (CAES) have garnered growing interest for their mechanical simplicity, rapid discharge capability, and compatibility with both electrical and mechanical subsystems. However, the efficiency of such systems is highly sensitive to design choices including pressure regulation, valve timing, and control strategies, factors that can result in significant energy losses if poorly optimized. This paper presents the optimization of a small-scale compressed-air hybrid system, treating it as a collection of interacting subsystems encompassing compressed air storage, mechanical output components, and electronic control elements. Through iterative testing and parametric analysis, key design variables were systematically adjusted to quantify their effects on overall system performance and efficiency. Results identify critical trade-offs between energy efficiency, system complexity, and operational safety, and demonstrate that targeted optimization techniques can meaningfully improve the viability of hybrid mechanical–electrical systems at the small scale. Findings contribute practical insight applicable to broader compressed-air energy applications.
Optimization of a Small-Scale Compressed-Air Hybrid System
A119
Hybrid energy systems integrating compressed air energy storage (CAES) have garnered growing interest for their mechanical simplicity, rapid discharge capability, and compatibility with both electrical and mechanical subsystems. However, the efficiency of such systems is highly sensitive to design choices including pressure regulation, valve timing, and control strategies, factors that can result in significant energy losses if poorly optimized. This paper presents the optimization of a small-scale compressed-air hybrid system, treating it as a collection of interacting subsystems encompassing compressed air storage, mechanical output components, and electronic control elements. Through iterative testing and parametric analysis, key design variables were systematically adjusted to quantify their effects on overall system performance and efficiency. Results identify critical trade-offs between energy efficiency, system complexity, and operational safety, and demonstrate that targeted optimization techniques can meaningfully improve the viability of hybrid mechanical–electrical systems at the small scale. Findings contribute practical insight applicable to broader compressed-air energy applications.