ASET Technology Alberta Fall 2022 - 31

capstone
Micro-scale Compressed
Air Energy Storage
ACADEMIC INSTITUTION:
RED DEER POLYTECHNIC
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DISCIPLINE:
ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL
TEAM MEMBERS: KYLE SALAWAY,
TYLER PODGORENKO, MATHIEU
LAPOINTE, KYLE BENNETT
I
ntermittent renewable energy systems such as
solar and wind require energy storage to capture
and store excess power generated above
load requirements. This power is later released
back to persistent loads when solar/wind power generation
is insufficient. This project involves the design, fabrication,
and proving of a micro energy storage system (ESS) that captures
excess electrical energy in the form of compressed air
driven by an electrical prime mover (motor). When electrical
energy is required, compressed air is released to produce
electricity (generator). This ESS system is to be fully automated
to recognize when to store or release compressed
air energy as per the electrical load. Unlike large-scale, industrial
compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems, our
project directly harnesses the stored compressed air as the
prime mover to generate electricity (via an air motor). For better
energy conversion rates, industrial CAES typically utilizes
the compressed air to improve turbine combustion efficiencies
(like a supercharger). However, this still produces hydrocarbon
emissions. Our successful project was to prove an
emissions-free CAES solution, despite being less efficient in
overall energy conversion.
KYLE SALAWAY: I'm a graduate from the electrical engineering
technology program at Red Deer Polytechnic. I'm
currently working at SaskPower. When not working, my hobbies
consist of golf and hockey, spending most of my summers
on the golf course and my winters in hockey rinks. I also
really enjoy watching these sports, as well as football. Being
around my friends and family take up the rest of my time.
TYLER PODGORENKO: I'm from Nelson, BC. I recently completed
my educational endeavours at Red Deer Polytechnic,
graduating with a diploma in both instrumentation and electrical
engineering technology. During my time at school, I was
able to also pursue my athletic passion of hockey and play for
RDP's men's hockey program.
MATHIEU LAPOINTE: I graduated from Red Deer Polytechnic
with a diploma in mechanical engineering technology.
After graduating I started working for the engineering department
of a construction and oil company called OCL GROUP in
Edmonton as an engineering project coordinator, based out
of my hometown Edmonton. I was a student athlete through
my time at RDP. while I was studying, I was part of the school's
hockey team. Sports will always be a big part of me as I continue
to play ball hockey within a league in Edmonton, plus
golf at least once or twice a week. I plan on moving forward
with ASET through my career, as I am very excited to one day
get my C.E.T. designation, and possibly become a P.Tech.
KYLE BENNETT: Growing up in Sylvan Lake, I developed an
appreciation for the charisma and relationships that come
along with a tight-knit community. That is one of the many
reasons Red Deer Polytechnic was the choice for me. With
the small classes and tailored feel of instruction, I deeply valued
the learning experience I obtained within the mechanical
engineering technology program. I am grateful for the start
RDP has given me. Having fostered my love for STEM, I am
happy to be starting my bachelor of science in engineering
degree at the University of Calgary this fall.
TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA | FALL 2022 | 31
ASET Technology Alberta Fall 2022

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