Evaluation of the economic effectiveness of reconstructing hydroelectric stations for converting them to combined hydroelectric and pumped-storage stations

Abstract

1. Under conditions of intensive construction and operation of nuclear power stations and reduction in the proportion of special flexible power stations the problem of covering the variable part of the load curve, especially its half-peak part, and filling the nighttime off-peak period is becoming rather complex. 2. One of the ways to reconstruct the existing hydroelectric stations in the European USSR is to install at them reversible hydroturbine equipment or pumping stations in order to convert then to HES-PSS. This measure will make it possible to increase the firm power of the HES, to use nighttime power in the system, and will improve the operating regimes of nuclear power stations and possibilities of covering the variable part of the load curve. 3. To estimate the economically permissible capital investments when reconstructing HES to convert them into HES-PSS, a method is proposed which takes into account changes in the structure of the generating capacities of the power system. 4. An analysis of the permissible investments in reconstruction of HES as a function of the influencing factors shows that in the case of charging the HES-PSS from a NPS the permissible specific investment increases with increase of the charging time of the HES-PSS and increase of the firm power and the more so, the greater the expenditures of fuel. 5. It is necessary to begin works to determine such existing HES in the European USSR at which reconstruction can be accomplished to convert them to HES-PSS. The significance of this measure increases especially in the case of a large share of nuclear stations in the power system, since hydroelectric stations and especially pumped-storage stations and their combination increase the operating reliability and “viability” of power systems, and along with this the reliability of supplying power to consumers.