Environmental Performance Comparison of LAES and Li-Ion Battery

This research article presents a life cycle assessment-based comparison of the environmental performance of a liquid air energy storage (LAES) system and lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. The study addresses the increasing energy demand and the necessity for reducing carbon emissions through efficient electrical energy storage systems. It outlines the eco-friendliness of LAES, a novel technology, compared to the established Li-ion battery, focusing on various impact categories throughout their life cycles. The findings indicate that while Li-ion batteries outperform LAES in full electric scenarios due to higher round trip efficiency and lower environmental impacts, LAES demonstrates superior performance in cogeneration applications. The article details the operational phases of LAES, including charging, storing, and discharging, and discusses its capability to deliver both electricity and cooling energy. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of LAES in integrating renewable energy sources and its advantages in terms of energy density and capital cost, making it a promising solution for future energy storage needs.