http://www.skynews.com.au/tech/article.aspx?id=803263
- British scientists developing the technology say normal air can be used to store energy by cooling it to -190C, turning it into a liquid.
- When the liquid air is later warmed, it rapidly expands into a gas, creating high pressure that can drive the piston engine of a car, or generate electricity in a turbine.
- At times of low demand for electricity, the plant uses the excess energy from the power station to suck air through refrigerator-style compressors turning it into a liquid, which it then stores in an insulated tank.
- When consumer demand spikes, the energy is returned to the national grid. The tank, which stores 60 tons of liquid air, can power 6,000 homes for one hour.
- ‘With liquid air you have the convenience of the petrol engine in that you can refill it quickly, simply by pouring it into the tank.’