The development of the FLASC system, an innovation in hydraulic energy storage for offshore wind farms, arose as an effective response to the need to store the energy generated by the wind. Created by Tonio Sant, Daniel Buhagiar and their team, this hydro-pneumatic system converts excess wind electricity into hydropower, which can be released to generate electricity when needed. This technology represents a cost-effective and scalable solution for offshore wind energy management. offshore wind energy.
In addition, the expansion of offshore wind offshore wind energy is crucial to meeting the goal of the European Green Pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Offshore wind energy, although promising, faces the challenge of wind variability, which makes the implementation of efficient storage systems such as FLASC essential.
Technical explanation of the FLASC system
The FLASC mechanism includes two Pressure Vessel Sets (PVB), connected by an umbilical cable. The PVB located on the seabed uses seawater to compress air and store energy under high pressure, while the upper PVB, located on a floating structure, manages the release of this energy. By reversing this process, the system can meet energy demand during periods of low wind through the generation of electricity. generating electricity through a turbine.
FLASC works with wind turbines, floating photovoltaic, wave and tidal systems. Source: FLASC – Offshore Energy Storage
Benefits of underwater design
A notable advantage of the lower PVB is its ability to regulate temperature which increases with liquid pressurization and decreases with pressure release. Being immersed, the system takes advantage of the ocean as a natural heat sink, avoiding the need for complex thermal management systems.
Inspired by the limited availability of space in his native Malta, Buhagiar conceived FLASC during his PhD at the University of Malta, supervised by Sant. Despite starting as an academic challenge, the potential of the system was quickly recognized by the university, which supported the process to patent the invention.
Impact and potential in energy storage
This system has the capacity to stabilize the energy supply in several offshore wind farms, allowing up to 93% of the stored energy to be recovered. In addition, it significantly reduces the environmental footprint on the seabed and has the potential to displace millions of tons ofCO2 emissions annually.
Sant’s vision of advancement through new ideas reflects the importance of engineering in solving social problems through science. The FLASC system not only optimizes the use of offshore wind energy, but also plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
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Source and photo: ecoinventos
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