Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space

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closed (20 December 2023)

Manuscript submission deadline

closed (20 February 2024)

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The depletion of energy resources necessitates the development of methods for underground energy storage (UES). The possibility of locating fossil fuels, as well as other gaseous or liquid energy carriers has long been considered both in newly built underground storage facilities and in natural reservoirs. The methods are also known for developing post-mining underground facilities for energy storage, such as abandoned mines, salt caverns, aquifers or depleted gas and oil reservoirs. To a large extent, the possibilities of locating gases and fluids in geological formations are being studied. In addition, the possibility of using underground facilities to generate and/or store energy from renewable sources is also being considered. It should be assumed that energy storage using underground mine space will be implemented in new projects in the future. The rationale for selecting a site for small-scale and large-scale energy storage using underground mine space would provide new opportunities for energy storage.

This topic has been proposed to international journals to further disseminate the results of basic research, laboratory investigations and field testing or implementation in the following areas:

• Fundamental Research on Underground Hydrocarbon Storage;
• Study of Fluids in Porous Media;
• Mechanical stability and seepage stability of the energy storage chamber;
• Feasibility of Hydrogen Storage in Geological Formations;
• Development of Techniques for Capturing Methane in Abandoned Mines;
• Research on Renewable Energy Generation from Flooded Underground Mines;
• Long-term Stability of Underground Excavations in Abandoned Mines for Energy Storage;
• Underground Gasification of Deep Coal Seams, From the Surface or Mine Workings;
• Ventilation of Underground Mine Space Intended for Energy Storage;
• Economic Performance Analysis of Underground Energy Storage;
• Emerging Technologies, Including the Development of Pumped-Storage Power Plants, Pumped Hydro Storage, Gravitational Energy Storage  and Thermal Energy Storage in Abandoned Mines;
• Related Technologies, including UES.

Dr. Dariusz Obracaj
Prof. Dr. Vasyl Lozynskyi
Prof. Dr. Ke Gao
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	17.5 Days	CHF 2600
Minerals minerals	2.2	4.1	2011	18 Days	CHF 2400
Mining mining	-	2.8	2021	19.6 Days	CHF 1000
Processes processes	2.8	5.1	2013	14.4 Days	CHF 2400
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	20 Days	CHF 2400

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Energies Minerals Mining Processes Sustainability

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23 pages, 10974 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study of Impact of Sediment on the Stability of Salt Cavern Underground Gas Storage

by Xiaopeng Liang, Hongling Ma, Rui Cai, Kai Zhao, Xuan Wang, Zhuyan Zheng, Xilin Shi and Chunhe Yang

Energies 2023, 16(23), 7825; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237825 - 28 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1114

Abstract

The utilization of sediment voids for natural gas storage represents the future direction of salt cavern underground gas storage (UGS) in China. In this study, we first analyzed the way in which the sediment interacts with the salt caverns and the equilibrium state [...] Read more.

The utilization of sediment voids for natural gas storage represents the future direction of salt cavern underground gas storage (UGS) in China. In this study, we first analyzed the way in which the sediment interacts with the salt caverns and the equilibrium state of the process. Subsequently, a novel approach employing the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for simulating sediment-filled salt cavern UGS was introduced, successfully modeling the operational process of sediment-filled salt cavern UGS. Moreover, deformation, plastic zone behavior, effective volume shrinkage rate, equivalent strain, and safety factor were employed to assess the impact of sediment on salt cavern stability. The findings indicate a positive influence of sediment on salt cavern stability, particularly in regions directly contacting the sediment. Deformation and effective volume shrinkage of the cavern were effectively mitigated, significantly improving the stress state of rock salt. This effect is more pronounced at lower internal gas pressures. In summary, sediment enhances the stability of salt caverns, providing a long-term and stable environment for natural gas storage within sediment voids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space)

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13 pages, 2412 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Ground Subsidence above Salt Caverns for Energy Storage: A Comparison of Prediction Methods with Emphasis on Convergence and Asymmetry

by Aleksandra Babaryka and Jörg Benndorf

Mining 2023, 3(2), 334-346; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining3020020 - 7 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1912

Abstract

Mining-induced subsidence can have significant environmental and infrastructural impacts, making subsidence engineering a crucial consideration. However, the unique nature of salt caverns and the increasing demand for reliable subsidence prediction models in the context of energy storage require special attention. This study provides [...] Read more.

Mining-induced subsidence can have significant environmental and infrastructural impacts, making subsidence engineering a crucial consideration. However, the unique nature of salt caverns and the increasing demand for reliable subsidence prediction models in the context of energy storage require special attention. This study provides a comparative analysis of existing prediction models and highlights their advantages and disadvantages to determine the most appropriate approach. The study primarily focuses on theoretically developing an empirical influence function for asymmetrical subsidence prediction. It significantly contributes to the field by correcting and extending the existing method, providing a generalized solution applicable to any type of asymmetrical distribution around the cavern. Future research directions include implementing the proposed model in relation to real-world data. The insights gained from this study can help advance subsidence prediction models in the field of salt cavern energy storage, addressing a significant need in the industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space)

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18 pages, 6722 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Liquid CO₂ Extraction and Dissolution on Coal Adsorption Characteristics

by Hu Wang, Hu Wen, Zhenbao Li and Wansheng Mi

Minerals 2023, 13(5), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13050650 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400

Abstract

Liquid CO₂ is a non-polar fluid, and the injection of CO₂ fluid into a coal seam causes a strong water–rock interaction between the inorganic minerals and organic matter in the coal and acidic fluid. The minerals in the coal are thereby [...] Read more.

Liquid CO₂ is a non-polar fluid, and the injection of CO₂ fluid into a coal seam causes a strong water–rock interaction between the inorganic minerals and organic matter in the coal and acidic fluid. The minerals in the coal are thereby corroded and precipitated to different degrees, and the organic matter is dissolved and extracted, which further changes the physical and chemical properties of the coal and rock. Three kinds of coal samples with different metamorphic degrees were selected as the research objects, and the research methods of theoretical analysis and experimental testing were used to carry out the related research on the modification of coal by liquid CO₂ extraction and dissolution. After the three kinds of coal samples were extracted by liquid CO₂, the pore specific surface area decreased and the CO₂ adsorption decreased with the increase in extraction pressure. The reduction in anthracite adsorption was greater than that of bituminous coal and lignite; after being corroded by different CO₂ pressures, the adsorption capacity of bituminous coal gradually increased with the increase in corrosion pressure, and the increase in adsorption capacity of bituminous coal was larger than that of anthracite and lignite. After corrosion, bituminous coal was suitable for CO₂ geological storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space)

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16 pages, 3866 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Model for Predicting CO₂ Adsorption in Coal Left in Goaf Based on Backpropagation Neural Network

by Fei Gao, Peng Wang, Dapeng Wang, Yulong Yang, Xun Zhang and Gang Bai

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3760; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093760 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

Injecting power plant flue gas into a goaf stores CO₂ in the flue gas and effectively prevents the spontaneous combustion of the coal remaining in the goaf. Here, we investigated the adsorption behavior of three types of coal at normal temperature and [...] Read more.

Injecting power plant flue gas into a goaf stores CO₂ in the flue gas and effectively prevents the spontaneous combustion of the coal remaining in the goaf. Here, we investigated the adsorption behavior of three types of coal at normal temperature and pressure using a self-developed adsorption experimental device. We used a specific surface area and porosity analyzer to study the effects of pore structure, mineral content, and moisture content on CO₂ adsorption in coal. Based on the experimental data, we designed a multifactor CO₂ adsorption prediction model based on a backpropagation (BP) neural network. The results indicated that the pore size of most micropores in coal was in the range of 0.5–0.7 and 0.8–0.9 nm. The specific surface area and pore volume were positively correlated with the CO₂-saturated adsorption capacity, whereas the mean pore diameter, mineral content, and moisture content were inversely associated with the CO₂-saturated adsorption amount. The accuracy of the multifactor BP neural network prediction model was satisfactory: the determination coefficients (R²) of the training and test sets were both above 0.98, the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of the test set were both less than 0.1, and the prediction results satisfied the requirements. To optimize the prediction performance of the model, we used the random forest algorithm to calculate the importance of each factor. The sum of the importance weights of the specific surface area, moisture content, and pore volume was 91.6%, which was much higher than that of the other two factors. Therefore, we constructed an optimization model with specific surface area, moisture content, and pore volume as input variables. The R² values of the training and test sets in the simplified model were improved compared with those of the multifactor model, the RMSE and MAE were reduced, and the fitting effect was ideal. The prediction model of CO₂ adsorption in coal based on the BP neural network can predict the CO₂ adsorption capacity of coal under different physical and chemical conditions, thereby providing theoretical support for the application of CO₂ storage technology in goafs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space)

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16 pages, 7784 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Design Criteria for the Construction of Energy Storage Salt Cavern Considering Economic Benefits and Resource Utilization

by Huiyong Song, Song Zhu, Jinlong Li, Zhuoteng Wang, Qingdong Li and Zexu Ning

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6870; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086870 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2774

Abstract

Underground salt caverns have been widely used for oil and gas storage and have attracted increasing attention. The construction design of salt caverns is directly related to the final storage capacity, economic benefits, and resource utilization. However, due to the numerous combinations of [...] Read more.

Underground salt caverns have been widely used for oil and gas storage and have attracted increasing attention. The construction design of salt caverns is directly related to the final storage capacity, economic benefits, and resource utilization. However, due to the numerous combinations of multi-stage process parameters involved in the construction design, it is difficult to optimize them individually through indoor experiments and numerical simulations. In this regard, this paper attempts to put forward the basic principles of cavern construction design criteria with economic benefits and resource utilization as indicators. Firstly, 1258 groups of cavern construction process parameters were randomly generated under certain basic rules, including inner tube depth, outer tube depth, oil pad depth, duration, and water injection flow rate, for five direct leaching stages. Then, the cavern capacity, economic benefit, and rock salt resource utilization corresponding to these process parameters were obtained through batch processing using single-well salt cavern leaching simulation software (SSCLS). Finally, the influence laws of the distance between the inner tube and oil pad and lifting heights, and the rates of the inner tube and oil pad on the expected economic benefits and salt resource utilization, are discussed. In the actual project, it is recommended to increase the distance between the inner tube and the oil pad, increase the ratio of oil pad lifting height to duration, and use the appropriate lifting height to obtain greater expected revenue and resource utilization. This work will improve the efficiency and scientificity of cavern construction design, which is of great significance in guiding the construction and design for energy storage in salt caverns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space)

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14 pages, 3312 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Automatic Anchoring Preloaded Energy Absorbing Anchor Rods

by Zhi Tang, Wenbo Zuo, Xiaoqiao Cai, Dezhi Chang and Chunye Wu

Processes 2023, 11(4), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11041130 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

In order to enhance the anti-impact mechanical properties of the roadway support system, an automatic anchoring pre-tightening energy absorbing anchor composed of rod body, tray, constant resistance energy absorber, energy-absorbing casing bulging block, pre-tightening force warning washer, and nut and anchorage force warning [...] Read more.

In order to enhance the anti-impact mechanical properties of the roadway support system, an automatic anchoring pre-tightening energy absorbing anchor composed of rod body, tray, constant resistance energy absorber, energy-absorbing casing bulging block, pre-tightening force warning washer, and nut and anchorage force warning stopper was designed and developed for the special requirements of rock burst roadway support. The anchor can automatically judge the anchoring force and pre-tightening force of the anchor, and also has the functions of energy absorption and early warning. The static load tensile test and impact test are used to study the mechanical properties of the energy absorbing anchor, such as the displacement distance, energy absorption, and impact time, and they are then compared with the mechanical properties of the conventional anchor. It is concluded that under static load, the yielding distance of the energy absorbing anchor is 1.67 times that of conventional anchor. The absorbed energy is 1.61 times that of the conventional anchor. Under the impact load, the displacement distance of the energy absorbing anchor is 2.02 times that of the conventional anchor. The absorbed energy is 1.85 times that of the conventional anchor, and the anti-impact time is 1.47 times that of the conventional anchor. The energy absorbing anchor increases the constant resistance deformation stage of the energy absorber during the deformation process, so that the anchor has better deformation ability, energy absorption, and anti-impact ability than the conventional anchor, and it can thus effectively guide and control the release and transformation of surrounding rock deformation energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Storage Using Underground Mine Space)

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