Analysis of Falling Block Characteristics in Salt Caverns Energy Storage Space

Shengwei Dong, Taian Fang, Jifang Wan (), Shan Wang, Yanqi Zhao (), Xiaowen Chen, Xiaofeng Yang and Yangqing Sun
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Shengwei Dong: CNPC Engineering Technology R&D Company Limited, Beijing 102206, China
Taian Fang: CNPC Engineering Technology R&D Company Limited, Beijing 102206, China
Jifang Wan: China Energy Digital Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing 100044, China
Shan Wang: China Energy Digital Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing 100044, China
Yanqi Zhao: School of Mechanical Engineering, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
Xiaowen Chen: PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company, Karamay 834000, China
Xiaofeng Yang: PetroChina Xinjiang Oilfield Company, Karamay 834000, China
Yangqing Sun: School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: In the current global energy sector where energy storage technology is highly regarded, the development of storage technology is crucial. Utilizing specific underground space for the storage of oil and gas and other energy sources is the direction of future development, and the space formed by deep-salt-mine water dissolution extraction has gradually become the preferred choice. However, in actual operation, multi-layer salt cavities are prone to collapse of interlayer and bending of pipes, seriously affecting the progress, quality, and safety of the entire energy storage space construction. Therefore, based on relevant principles, a targeted experimental platform was established, by taking photos and measurements of the falling process of specific falling objects, simulating the situation of falling objects in actual energy storage spaces and their impact on related components. In-depth research was conducted on the probability of falling objects hitting the inner pipe and the horizontal impact force under different conditions, and the experimental results were verified by rigorous numerical simulation analysis. The research results show that falling objects impacts can cause related components to bend, with the maximum impact probability reaching 5.1% and the maximum horizontal impact force reaching 24.6 N. In addition, the hydraulic fluctuations caused by the suction and drainage of the cavity pipe column have a relatively small impact on the falling object trajectory. The research findings can provide practical and effective guidance for the safe construction of specific energy storage facilities, ensuring that construction can be carried out safely and efficiently, and contribute to the steady development of the energy storage industry as a whole.

Keywords: storage energy; numerical analysis; similarity principle; falling block; salt caverns (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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