Pumped Storage Research Articles

Improved Thermal Behavior of Multi-MW Power Converter Fed Pumped Storage Power Plant During Symmetrical Grid Fault

Improved Thermal Behavior of Multi-MW Power Converter Fed Pumped Storage Power Plant During Symmetrical Grid Fault

A novel multi-excitation transient vibration framework for coupling three- and one-dimensional pumped storage hydropower shafting systems

In vibration models of shafting systems, the hydraulic excitation is difficult to characterize due to the complex and changeable hydraulic factors. Thus, hydropower units are not well understood in terms of their dynamics and stability control under transient processes. A hydraulic–mechanical–electric multi-excitation transient vibration calculation framework is developed for analyzing the relationship between shafting vibration and internal flow regimes. First, the boundary data from penstocks, tailraces, and hydro-turbine are interacted with using one-dimensional and three-dimensional (1D–3D) coupling; Second, user-defined function secondary development is applied to achieve two-stage guide vane closure and the runner's variable speed rotation; Third, based on the computational fluid dynamics results, a multi-excitation vibration model is established to analyze shafting system characteristics. There is less than 1.2% error between the algorithm and the field test in terms of speed peak values. Under braking or reverse pumping modes, various vortice clusters are generated in the blade channel as well as the cascade, blocking the flow passage and leading to the runner's unbalanced force. Three sudden increases in vibration amplitudes of the shafting system have occurred in the radial direction under load rejection, each corresponded to the runner's stall rotations. The change trend in axial vibration amplitudes, however, is closely related to the change in axial hydraulic thrust. Furthermore, in braking and reverse pumping conditions, the axis trajectory is more complex under the action of multiple coupling factors than when only hydraulic factors are considered.

Analysis of safety margin for pump-turbine “S” characteristics of Pumped-storage Power Stations

Abstract The pump-turbine is the “heart” of Pumped-storage Power Stations, and the “S” characteristics is an inherent characteristic of the routine Francis pump-turbine unit, which is an important factor affecting the safe and stable operation of the unit. There are three main methods for conducting research on the “S” characteristics: model testing, on-site testing, and CFD numerical simulation calculation. Based on the theoretical research of CFD numerical simulation calculation, this article compares and analyzes the results of model testing and on-site testing for specific practical cases, studies the differences between these two methods, and provides suggestions for the reasonable value of safety margin in the “S” area of the pump-turbine based on engineering practice, providing reference for the design of new or renovated power stations and the hydraulic optimization of pump-turbines.

Hydropneumatic Storage Methodology Towards a New Era of Hybrid Energy System's Efficiency and Flexibility

This research explores the link between hydropneumatic energy storage capacity and the efficiency and flexibility of hybrid energy systems in water-energy solutions. A new methodology is introduced, featuring mathematical models, experimental data collection, and hydraulic simulations using 1D and 2D CFD models for hydropneumatics modeling. A promised energy storage efficiency of around 30-50% was obtained on a small lab scale. The optimization of hybrid systems through Solver and Python algorithms with various objective functions enables optimal design choices tailored to specific needs such as drinking water supply, irrigation, or industrial processes. Hydropneumatic vessels emerge as an effective storage solution, combining pumped storage and hydropower in one circuit. When integrated with renewable sources, such as solar (PV) and wind energy, they offer a flexible, long-lasting energy management system, applicable across different water-energy sectors to support Sustainable Development Goals. A case study with 4.8 Mm³/year water allocation, producing 1000 MWh of hydropower and 13500 MWh of solar energy, achieved 100% water reliability and a 25-year cash flow of 2.5 million euros.

Flexibility Assessment of Ternary Pumped Storage in Day-Ahead Optimization Scheduling of Power Systems

To explore the advantages in the flexibility of ternary pumped storage units (T-PSUs) compared with fixed-speed pumped storage units (FS-PSUs) and variable-speed pumped storage units (VS-PSUs) in the day-ahead optimal scheduling of power systems, this paper firstly establishes the mathematical model of T-PSUs which is suitable for the target application, and establishes a new hybrid pumped storage model combining both FS-PSUs and T-PSUs for the purpose of improving existing FS-PSUs. Secondly, a day-ahead optimal scheduling model used for a wind-thermal-pumped storage bundled transmission system with the goal of obtaining the lowest operating cost is established. Additionally, various indicators are proposed to comprehensively evaluate the flexibility of different pumped storage unit types on day-ahead optimal scheduling. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted from three aspects: covering the wind power capacity, load rate, and pumped storage capacity. The results indicate that T-PSUs are superior to FS-PSUs and VS-PSUs in maintaining the smooth, economic, and robust operation of thermal power units, as well as in promoting wind power consumption. This provides a significant reference for evaluating the technical and economic benefits of the different types of pumped storage units in applications of future power grids.

Energy coupling and surge wave superposition of upstream series double surge tanks of pumped storage power station

Pumped storage power station with surge tank is common, and surge wave superposition can cause more dangerous water levels. This paper aims to study the energy coupling and surge wave superposition of upstream series double surge tanks of pumped storage power station. Firstly, the simulation model of pumped storage power station based on method of characteristics is established. Combined operating conditions are illuminated. Then, surge wave control strategies coupling gravitational search algorithm, relative objective proximity and marginal analysis principle are designed. Coupling control domains are determined to perform surge wave superposition analyses under single objective and multi-objective. Finally, the energy coupling and conversion mechanisms are revealed. The results show that the coupling control domains of combined operating conditions with same initial operating condition are the same. Control domains for undamped and damped systems contain two and three sub control domains, respectively. Based on energy conversion mechanisms between discharges and water levels, the number of discharge superposition points of pipelines affects energy coupling strength by changing coupling oscillations of water levels in surge tanks, which is related to the pipeline parameters, surge tank parameters and system damping. Energy coupling affects surge wave superposition by changing the actual control water level.

Heat pump and thermal energy storage: Influences of photovoltaic, the control strategy, and price assumptions on the optimal design

Combining heat pump, thermal energy storage, and photovoltaic is a common option to increase renewable energy usage in building energy systems. While research finds that optimal system design depends on the control, design guidelines neglect an influence of (1) photovoltaic, (2) the supervisory control, and (3) prices assumptions on the design of heat pump and thermal energy storage. We analyze how these influences may impact the optimal design. To analyze possible impacts, a pre-screening approach is used to identify relevant model input combinations with a potentially high influence on the optimal design. Applying a simulation-based design optimization with a detailed building energy system model, we optimize three cases: no photovoltaic, no supervisory control, and a state-of-the-art supervisory control. Results indicate that cost optimal design does not change with photovoltaic or the supervisory control, but heat pump size increases with higher electricity prices. For the storage, maximizing the size achieves high self-sufficiency degrees, but cost optimal design changes only for selected price assumptions. Overall, we find that neglecting photovoltaic and surplus control in the system design is a valid assumption. However, price assumptions should be included to allow simple but optimal design rules in current guidelines.

Conceptual hybrid energy model for different power potential scales: Technical and economic approaches

This research attempts to address the gap between the theoretical fundamentals of hybrid renewable energy systems and their practical implementation at different scales through a new Conceptual Hybrid Energy Model (COHYBEM). The main objective was to develop a multi-variable model to allow a new complete and comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the performance of possible hybrid renewable power systems at different scales. The purpose is to evaluate the influence of critical parameters by changing key parameters in the developed model and identifying their impacts. It covers big data analyses, simulation and optimization of hybrid energy solutions, combining wind, solar and hydropower energy sources with the energy storage technology of pump hydropower storage. The research also denoted the Pareto front with the increasing power installed, for the maximum efficiency and total satisfied demand by Wind + PVSolar and by Hydro converges to a higher percentage, while a minimum waste by Wind + PVSolar is also progressing towards the increasing scales. In terms of investment costs for the 243 analyzed case studies, it varies between 45 k€ to 2.1 M€, resulting in a net present value (NPV) between 18 and 600 k€ and a payback period around 6–17 years depending on the power scale analyzed.

A Methodological Framework for the development of a hybrid renewable energy system with seawater Pumped storage Hydropower system under uncertainty in Karystos, Greece

The need to minimize energy reliance and its repercussions and accretivewater scarcity necessitates research into renewable energy resources. Hybrid renewable energy systems are an apparent solution for areas and countries like Greece, especially when combined with seawater-pumped storage hydropower systems, where wind potential and topography foster such approaches. Moreover, it is essential to understand the uncertainty of the involved natural processes and incorporate their stochasticity in these hybrid systems, moving towards a more realistic approach. This system is simulated under uncertainty and has a total capacity of 31.5 MW and aims to cover the water and energy needs of Karystos, combining 9 wind turbines of 3.5 MW each, a desalination plant of 9,600 m3/day, a desalinated water tank with a capacity of 100,000 m3, a 9 MW pumping station, and a seawater pumped storage hydropower system with a 1.7 hm3 storage tank. Some promising results of this system under study are 99 % reliability for drinking water needs and 63 % and 85 % for irrigation and energy needs respectively, with the wind park contributing 54.4 % and the hydropower system 31.3 %.

Combined dam-break modes between upper and lower reservoirs of pumped storage hydropower stations and associated flood risk assessment

ABSTRACT With the increasing construction of pumped storage hydropower projects in China, dam-break risk has become a matter of great concern. Typical pumped storage hydropower stations have relatively small storage capacity but are vulnerable to complicated combinations of dam breaks between their upper and lower reservoirs. This paper provides basic principles for determining different dam-break classes that could initiate at a pumped storage hydropower station and summarizes these in terms of risk source. After idealizing the breach development process, a simple dam-break model and a planar two-dimensional depth-averaged shallow flow model are used to calculate the discharge hydrograph of the dam-break flood and simulate the temporal and spatial characteristics of downstream inundation. Taking a montane rockfill-pumped storage project as an example, 12 dam-break schemes are used to examine different types of combined flow patterns driven by upper and lower dam breaks with modes that are gradual and/or instantaneous. It is found that predicted dam-break discharge hydrographs and downstream inundation indexes under adverse schemes fit common features of dam-break floods in mountain rivers. Downstream disaster losses are evaluated and flood evacuation routes are recommended. The findings of this study should be useful in ensuring the safe management of pumped storage hydropower stations.

Distributionally robust optimization for pumped storage power station capacity expanding based on underwater hydrogen storage introduction

Pumped storage is crucial for maintaining energy balance and smoothing out the fluctuations from renewable sources. Yet, it is limited by its fixed capacity and lack of expandability post-construction, posing challenges to its long-term adaptability in the context of increasing installed renewable sources capacity. Underwater hydrogen storage, however, characterized by its green, low-carbon profile and ability for rapid energy release and long-term storage, complements pumped storage by enhancing the system's overall energy storage capacity and flexibility. Therefore, this paper proposes an innovative way for the pumped storage power station capacity expansion based on the underwater hydrogen storage introduction. On the basis of technical support of underwater hydrogen storage and time-series attribute consideration of uncertainties, a multi-objective distributionally robust optimization model with temporal correlation is constructed for underwater hydrogen storage planning and further scheduling pumped storage power station and underwater hydrogen storage to operate. Firstly, the system structure and operation mode after introducing underwater hydrogen storage into pumped storage power station are designed. Secondly, the temporal covariance conditions are introduced in a moment-based ambiguity set, with the aim of removing those distributions that do not match the temporal correlation of the historical forecasting errors samples. Finally, considering the “worst-case” distribution within the narrowed ambiguity set, an improved multi-objective distributionally robust optimization is constructed, which optimizes the capacity of each equipment in underwater hydrogen storage and the operation strategy of pumped storage power station and underwater hydrogen storage. Simulation mainly verifies: 1) it increases the economic revenue, electric load supply and photovoltaic output accommodation by 3.35 × 108 $, 2033.091 MW and 67584.054 MW, respectively, due to the introduction of underwater hydrogen storage for pumped storage power station expansion. 2) it improves cost savings, load supply reliability and photovoltaic output accommodation by 0.224 %,3.231 % and 2.722 % respectively, due to the introduction of temporal covariance to modify distributionally robust optimization model.

Addressing the limitation of Operational Flexibility in Power Generation with Pumped Hydro Energy Storage System – Indian Perspective

The global climate change scenario has impacted and taken corrective measures in shifting the sourcing of primary energy and efficient end-use pattern with more focus to utilise renewable energy resources to replace the depleting fossil fuels. Electric power generation capacity in the Indian subcontinent has gradually been improved to substantially contribute to intermittent and variable renewable power generation mix up to 40% of grid demand. However, the injection of grid-integrated renewable power as per the availability of generation potential will necessitate limiting the power generation from generating plants running on fossil fuel. But the operational flexibility of fossil fuel power plants is mostly designed to run efficiently with a 55% minimum technical load on the machines. In the above situation, stable grid availability and operation with a desirable spinning reserve may be taken care of suitably with an on-grid energy storage system, and in the Indian context, a pumped hydro energy storage system may play a critical role to take care of grid operational variability with adequate measures on frequency and voltage correction through periodic power generation and power draw. In this paper, the feasibility of a pumped hydro storage system from an Indian power sector perspective has been reviewed about the present national power scenario.

Seismic analysis of asphalt concrete core rockfill dams considering the bimodulus effect

In China, with the extensive development of pumped storage power stations, asphalt concrete core rockfill dams have become the preferred dam type because of their good deformation adaptability and impermeability. In seismic-prone western regions of China, the seismic safety of asphalt concrete cores is particularly important. However, asphalt concrete materials used in hydraulic engineering exhibit significant differences in their tensile and compressive moduli under low-temperature conditions, which has not been considered in existing constitutive models. In this study, a dynamic constitutive model considering the bimodulus effect of asphalt concrete was developed on the basis of dynamic tension and compression tests. Using this model, the influence of the bimodulus characteristics on the dynamic response of the core was investigated. The results indicate that a bimodulus constitutive model can effectively simulate the stress‒strain relationship of asphalt concrete materials at low temperatures. Compared with the bimodulus model, the use of the monomodulus model for calculations results in a significant decrease in compressive stress and a substantial increase in tensile stress of the core. Specifically, using the tensile and compressive monomodulus models led to maximum reductions in tensile stress of 42.9 % and an increase by 336.8 %, respectively. Neglecting the bimodulus effect may lead to misjudgment of the damage area, so the bimodulus effect on the seismic safety of dam cores should not be ignored.

Smart feasibility optimization of hybrid renewable water supply systems by digital twin technologies: A multicriteria approach applied to isolated cities

This research presents a multicriteria approach for the best hybrid water supply solution of a multipurpose Pumped-Storage Hydropower (PSH) system, using the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) method in Solver, with the optimization process considering key factors, such as Net Present Value (NPV), the number of energy conversion devices, renewable energy production, source availability, reservoir capacities, topographic constraints, and energy tariffs. The methodology combines a literature review, methodological development, and machine learning applications for hybrid water-energy systems. Results indicate that solar-only solutions are insufficient in high hydropower potential scenarios while integrating wind turbines significantly enhances energy production and profitability by generating surplus energy for grid sales. The timing of energy sales and the incorporation of battery storage also impact NPV, which can exceed 180 million euros. Wind energy contributes to continuous profitability and optimized system performance, particularly in isolated regions. The PSH system can manage 130,000 cubic meters of water daily, storing 25 MWh of energy, and reducing CO2 emissions by over 18,000 tonnes per year. These findings highlight the importance of renewables, such as wind energy, and effective operational management. It enhances the economic viability and environmental sustainability of hybrid water-energy systems.

Stability Study and Strengthening Strategy of Spiral Case-Encased Concrete Structure of Pumped Storage Power Station

With the development of global hydropower, the scale of hydropower stations is increasing, and the operating conditions are becoming more complex, so the stable operation of hydropower stations is very important. The vibration of the turbine unit will cause resonance in the powerhouse, and the structural stability of the powerhouse will be affected. Many scholars pay attention to the stability of the turbine unit operation, and there are few studies on the powerhouse of the hydropower station. Therefore, this paper relies on the Weifang Hydropower Station project to study key issues such as the tensile strength of concrete and how to arrange steel bars to increase the structural stability by changing the material properties through FEA. Three schemes are designed to evaluate the safety of the powerhouse structure when the turbine unit is running through the safety factor. Our findings indicate that the stress variation patterns observed on the inner surface of the powerhouse remain consistent across different operating scenarios. Notably, along the spiral line of the worm section, we observed that the stress levels on the vertical loop line decrease gradually with increasing distance from the inlet. Conversely, stress concentrations arise near the inlet and the tongue. Additionally, it has been noted that the likelihood of concrete cracking increases significantly at the tongue region.

Data integrity cyber-attack mitigation using linear quadratic regulator based load frequency control in hybrid power system

Abstract Hybrid power systems are the contemporary solution to meet the stiff climate change targets and also hold future for implementing distributed generation and microgrids. These systems have renewable sources as their key elements which in turn have high level of intermittency due to weather conditions and other reasons. At the same time, these hybrid power systems are also vulnerable to cyber threats owing to the intense adoption of various IoT Technologies (Internet of Things). Load frequency control (LFC) is a formidable task for the system operators under such scenario and robust control strategies are required to achieve the load frequency within tolerable limits. In this work Linear quadratic controller (LQR) has been proposed to address the challenges of hybrid power systems. Two area interconnected power systems are considered in this work with each one having different configuration with respect to source of power generation. Solar, wind, geo-thermal, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and pumped storage power plant are integrated together with conventional thermal power plant for showcasing the LQR based controller under data integrity cyber-attack scenario. The frequency response of the hybrid power system is demonstrated through MATLAB simulations.

Study on the Evolutionary Process and Balancing Mechanism of Net Load in Renewable Energy Power Systems

With the rapid development of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, the net load characteristics of power systems have undergone fundamental changes. This paper defines quantitative analysis indicators for net load characteristics and examines how these characteristics evolve as the proportion of wind and solar energy increases. By identifying inflection points in the system’s adjustment capabilities, we categorize power systems into low, medium, and high renewable energy penetration. We then establish adjustment models that incorporate traditional coal power, hydropower, natural gas generation, adjustable loads, system interconnections, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and new energy storage technologies. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize and balance the net load curves under varying renewable energy proportions, analyzing the mechanism behind net load balance. A case study, based on real operational data from 2023 for a provincial power grid in western China, which is rich in renewable resources, conducts a quantitative analysis of the system’s adjustment capability inflection point and net load balancing strategies. The results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively captures the evolution of the system’s net load and reveals the mechanisms of net load balancing under different renewable energy penetration levels.

A Wide-Range TCSC Based ADN in Mountainous Areas Considering Hydropower-Photovoltaic-ESS Complementarity.

Due to the radial network structures, small cross-sectional lines, and light loads characteristic of existing AC distribution networks in mountainous areas, the development of active distribution networks (ADNs) in these regions has revealed significant issues with integrating distributed generation (DGs) and consuming renewable energy. Focusing on this issue, this paper proposes a wide-range thyristor-controlled series compensation (TCSC)-based ADN and presents a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based optimal operation strategy. This strategy takes into account the complementarity of hydropower, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and energy storage systems (ESSs) to enhance the capacity for consuming renewable energy. In the proposed ADN, a wide-range TCSC connects the sub-networks where PV and hydropower systems are located, with ESSs configured for each renewable energy generation. The designed wide-range TCSC allows for power reversal and improves power delivery efficiency, providing conditions for the optimization operation. The optimal operation issue is formulated as a Markov decision process (MDP) with continuous action space and solved using the twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (TD3) algorithm. The optimal objective is to maximize the consumption of renewable energy sources (RESs) and minimize line losses by coordinating the charging/discharging of ESSs with the operation mode of the TCSC. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Short-term optimal scheduling of wind-photovoltaic-hydropower-thermal-pumped hydro storage coupled system based on a novel multi-objective priority stratification method

In the new power system with high proportion of uncertain renewable energy sources (RES), there is a defect of RES consumption at the expense of other power sources' operational efficiency. This paper proposes a short-term optimal scheduling model of wind-photovoltaic-hydropower-thermal-pumped hydro storage (WPHTPHS) coupled system, which realizes the multiple optimization objectives involving minimizing operation cost of thermal power units, maximizing clean energy power generation, minimizing net load fluctuation and thermal power regulation. First, to overcome the dimension disaster problem in the solution space of high-dimensional random variables, a method for pre-solving integer state variables is proposed. Then, a novel multi-objective solution strategy of priority stratification-coupled feedback combined with improved plant growth simulation algorithm is designed. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model and solution method are demonstrated by case studies, and the numerical results show that the number of startups and shutdowns, standard deviation of output and operating cost of thermal power units are reduced by 90.9 %, 65.34 %, and 14.01 % respectively, compared with traditional wind-photovoltaic-thermal strategy. This study contributes to resolving the relationship between conflicting objectives and highlighting the potential advantages of WPHTPHS coupled system to maximize overall performance from economic and stability perspectives.

Direct quenching and tempering to achieve high strength and toughness of GPa-Grade nano-precipitated steel: The effect of precipitation behavior and variant selectivity

In order to satisfy the application requirements for strength and toughness of hydropower steels for large pumped storage power plants. In this study, based on the synergy of deformation and phase transition, the trade-off between strength and toughness was broken, and the GPa-grade nano-precipitated steel was prepared by direct quenching and tempering. The effects of Nb–V–Ti composite nano-precipitation behavior and martensite variant selectivity on the strengthening and toughening mechanisms were highlighted. The results show that directly quenched steel has the optimal comprehensive mechanical properties after tempering at 550 °C. Combining the contributions of various strengthening mechanisms, the increase in the yield strength relative to off-line quenching and tempering is mainly attributed to additional dislocation strengthening (∼33 MPa) and precipitation strengthening (∼174 MPa). Direct quenching enhances the homogeneous nucleation of finer mono- and binary precipitates and their stable growth during tempering, while the ternary precipitates do not suffer from elemental inhomogeneities due to lack of re-dissolution. Furthermore, the high-frequency variants of the dominant close-packed plane group tend to form high-angle grain boundaries with different orientations and planar alignments, derived from the refinement of Bain groups induced by the self-plasticity modulation of martensite transition due to the accumulation of deformed geometrically necessary dislocations and finite dislocation slip.