Multi criteria site selection model for wind-compressed air energy storage power plants in Iran

In this research, a site selection method for wind-compressed air energy storage (wind-CAES) power plants was developed and Iran was selected as a case study for modeling. The parameters delineated criteria for potential wind development localities for wind-CAES power plant sites. One important consequence of this research was the identification of the wind energy potential for wind-CAES sites. The theoretical wind energy potential of Iran of greater than 50 W/m2 was identified from a wind atlas of Iran. The model produced factor maps by considering the boundary conditions of the input data and created geo-databases from the outputs maps. The main factor maps were electrical grids and substations, gas transmission lines, a wind energy atlas, thermal power plants (location and capacity), salt dome locations and extends (for compressed air reservation), slope data, a digital elevation model, cities and residential areas, water bodies and access roads. For every data layer, criteria where developed from existing laws, regulations and scientific studies and normalized for Iran. In the final step of analysis and modeling, the factor maps were integrated by coding using ArcGIS software and the wind-CAES power plants sites were selected. This research showed that 30 sites in 5 major zones have the capability to support installation of wind-CASE power plants in Iran.