Pumped Storage Research Articles

Comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the hydrogen production and transportation system

Based on the energy development strategy of Russia until 2035, the article substantiates the prospect for the development of nuclear energy, according to which nuclear plants are planned to be forced to unload in the range of up to 50% of the rated power while participating in the regulation of daily unevenness of the electrical load. In addition, nuclear power plants will be involved in primary frequency regulation, which is also associated with the unloading mode of operation of nuclear power plants. All these circumstances force us to look for ways to provide nuclear power plants with base load. Along with pumped storage power plants, the article considers an alternative option in the form of using a hydrogen complex based on the electrolysis production of hydrogen, which satisfies the concept of its carbon-free production. The article presents the global dynamics of the introduction of electrolyzers, and in addition to the increase in the share of electrolysis hydrogen produced at nuclear power plants. The hydrogen complex in this case is a means of providing the nuclear power plant with a base load, which involves the consumption of unclaimed electricity at cost. This allows hydrogen to be produced at a competitive price compared to individual producers on the market. The resulting hydrogen is in great demand as a useful product in a number of industries. The article provides examples of hydrogen consumption in various areas of consumption depending on purity, taking into account the requirements of GOST. A number of consumer industries use hydrogen of a special degree of purity, i.e., more than 99.999% vol. In this regard, additional hydrogen purification on palladium membranes was taken into account. A comprehensive assessment of the efficiency of the hydrogen production system was carried out, taking into account its additional purification and delivery to the consumer in various ways, mastered and in demand in world practice. A comparison has been made of the methods of delivering hydrogen to the consumer in comparison with the production of hydrogen by electrolysis at the point of consumption. A comparison was made using the criterion of net present value for the option of third-party consumers who do not have their own hydrogen production.

Hydrogen storage with gravel and pipes in lakes and reservoirs

Climate change is projected to have substantial economic, social, and environmental impacts worldwide. Currently, the leading solutions for hydrogen storage are in salt caverns, and depleted natural gas reservoirs. However, the required geological formations are limited to certain regions. To increase alternatives for hydrogen storage, this paper proposes storing hydrogen in pipes filled with gravel in lakes, hydropower, and pumped hydro storage reservoirs. Hydrogen is insoluble in water, non-toxic, and does not threaten aquatic life. Results show the levelized cost of hydrogen storage to be 0.17 USD kg−1 at 200 m depth, which is competitive with other large scale hydrogen storage options. Storing hydrogen in lakes, hydropower, and pumped hydro storage reservoirs increases the alternatives for storing hydrogen and might support the development of a hydrogen economy in the future. The global potential for hydrogen storage in reservoirs and lakes is 3 and 12 PWh, respectively. Hydrogen storage in lakes and reservoirs can support the development of a hydrogen economy in the future by providing abundant and cheap hydrogen storage.

Short-Term Optimal Scheduling of Power Grids Containing Pumped-Storage Power Station Based on Security Quantification

In order to improve grid security while pursuing a grid operation economy and new energy consumption rates, this paper proposes a short-term optimal scheduling method based on security quantification for the grid containing a pumped-storage power plant. The method first establishes a grid security evaluation model to evaluate grid security from the perspective of grid resilience. Then, a short-term optimal dispatch model of the grid based on security quantification is constructed with the new energy consumption rate and grid loss as the objectives. In addition, an efficient intelligent optimization algorithm, Dung Beetle Optimization, is introduced to solve the scheduling model, dynamically updating the evaluation intervals during the iterative solution process and evaluating the grid security level and selecting the best result after the iterative solution. Finally, the improvement in the term IEEE 30-bus grid connected to a pumped-storage power plant is used as an example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and model.

Temperature Field Distribution and Thermal Stress Analysis of Pumped Storage Electric Motors

Abstract With the increasingly important role of pumped storage in energy systems, new and higher requirements have been put forward for the operation, safety, and economy of pumped storage power plants. The article takes a three-phase salient pole synchronous pumped storage motor as the research object, by using ANSYS finite element analysis software, a finite element model of a three-phase synchronous generator motor was established to analyze the internal temperature field distribution and thermal stress distribution of the motor. The results show that the higher temperature region of the entire system was concentrated at the winding, followed by the stator and rotor. Therefore, when optimizing the design of the motor in the future, the first step should be to start from the winding. The analysis of the thermal stress situation of the stator shows that the thermal stress and strain were mainly distributed at the inner diameter of the stator core, which was consistent with the distribution of the temperature field at the stator. The results of this study can provide theoretical guidance for the key maintenance areas and maintenance time of pumped storage power generation motors.

Solar pumps automation system using programmable logic controller for pumped hydro storage

Solar pumps automation system using programmable logic controller for pumped hydro storage

Optimizing and Exploring Untapped Micro-Hydro Hybrid Systems: a Multi-Objective Approach for Crystal Lake as a Large-Scale Energy Storage Solution

Increasing electricity demand and concerns about climate change and fossil fuel consumption have highlighted the importance of renewable energy resources and storage systems. This paper proposes a method for exploring untapped pumped hydro storage potentials to accommodate intermittent renewable energy generation profiles. Hourly measured data from 2022 in Benzie County, Michigan, United States, were gathered for system sizing and a thorough, realistic analysis. By employing the multi-objective grey wolf optimization algorithm, we formulated optimal sizing and energy-management strategies for three different scenarios. Unlike similar studies, the 3rd with triple objective functions (OFs) scenario aims to maximize both reliability and ecological OFs while minimizing the cost OF. It has shown promising results with multiple solutions, considering economic, environmental, and reliability factors. A case study conducted in Crystal Lake, Michigan, revealed that although Crystal Lake would function only as a micro-hydro power facility, it is a promising and huge storage unit with a substantial storage capacity of around 14.9734GWh. The system investigated is significant in the USA due to its rapid deployment capabilities, minimal construction requirements, and ease of integration with the distribution grid. The fuzzy logic method was employed to identify the best non-dominant solution among the other solutions. These outcomes include a notably low levelized cost of energy at 0.046147$/kWh, a robust index of reliability of 99.705%, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions amounting to 7.9142×103 tons/year, when considering the triple OFs. The paper’s methodology provides valuable insights for regions aiming to utilize renewable energy from untapped storage sources.

Innovative Energy Sustainable Solutions for Urban Infrastructure: Implementing Micro-Pumped Hydro Storage in Singapore’s Multi-Level Carparks

As part of the initiative to achieve Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, we propose to investigate the potential of utilizing micro-pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) systems in multi-level carparks (MLCP: a stacked car park that has multiple levels, may be enclosed, and can be an independent building) as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional battery storage for a surplus of solar energy. This study focuses on an MLCP with a surface area of 3311 m2 and a height of 12 m, considering design constraints such as a floor load capacity of 5 kN/m2 and the requirement for a consistent energy discharge over a 12 h period. The research identifies a Turgo turbine as the optimal choice, providing a power output of 2.9 kW at a flow rate of 0.03 m3/s with an efficiency of 85%. This system, capable of storing 1655.5 m3 of water, can supply power to 289 light bulbs (each consuming 10 W) for 15.3 h, thus having the capacity to support up to three MLCPs. These results underscore the environmental advantages of PHES over conventional batteries, highlighting its potential for integration with solar panels to decrease carbon emissions. This approach not only aligns with Singapore’s green initiatives but also promotes the development of a more sustainable energy infrastructure.

Theory and analytical solutions to wellbore problems with hardening/softening Drucker-Prager models

Recognizing and quantifying the elasto-plastic nature of underground formations is critical for various subsurface operations such as drilling, stimulation, production, injection, and storage. In the case of geological CO2 storage, for instance, it is key to identify storage sites characteristics and pumping parameters that lead to safe and perennial CO2 trapping. In this work, we investigate different rock hardening/softening behaviors with the Drucker-Prager model: cohesion hardening/softening, friction hardening/softening, and their combination, jointed hardening/softening. Our focus is to solve the elasto-plastic deformation analytically in the vicinity of a wellbore. The three hardening/softening formulations predict different mechanical responses and stress-paths for solving the same wellbore problem with excavation. The analytical solutions for 2D axisymmetric problems with different hardening laws are provided in this study and verified with corresponding numerical results. This approach can be used to interpret field observations and calibrate experimental data with more comprehensive models. These new laws are implemented and benchmarked in GEOS, an open-source advanced numerical simulator of subsurface formations. This study enhances our understanding of subsurface rock's elasto-plastic behavior and offer analytical references for interpretating experimental measurements and developing numerical simulations for solving wellbore problems.

Capacity Optimization of Pumped–Hydro–Wind–Photovoltaic Hybrid System Based on Normal Boundary Intersection Method

Introducing pumped storage to retrofit existing cascade hydropower plants into hybrid pumped storage hydropower plants (HPSPs) could increase the regulating capacity of hydropower. From this perspective, a capacity configuration optimization method for a multi-energy complementary power generation system comprising hydro, wind, and photovoltaic power is developed. Firstly, to address the uncertainty of wind and photovoltaic power outputs, the K-means clustering algorithm is applied to deal with historical data on load and photovoltaic, wind, and water inflow within a specific region over the past year. This process helps reduce the number of scenarios, resulting in 12 representative scenarios and their corresponding probabilities. Secondly, with the aim of enhancing outbound transmission channel utilization and decreasing the peak–valley difference for the receiving-end power grid’s load curve, a multi-objective optimization model based on the normal boundary intersection (NBI) algorithm is developed for the capacity optimization of the multi-energy complementary power generation system. The result shows that retrofitting cascade hydropower plants with pumped storage units to construct HPSPs enhances their ability to accommodate wind and photovoltaic power. The optimal capacity of wind and photovoltaic power is increased, the utilization rate of the system’s transmission channel is improved, and the peak-to-valley difference for the residual load of the receiving-end power grid is reduced.

Optimal Scheduling of Island Microgrids with Seawater Pumped Storage Plants for Multi‐Energy Complementarity

The rapid development of new energy sources, such as offshore wind power and photovoltaic power, has provided a new solution to the problem of power supply for islands far from the mainland. Wave energy is a kind of renewable energy originated from the ocean, but the existing island power supply programs seldom consider this favorable natural condition. In addition, seawater variable‐speed pumped storage is a new idea to consume offshore wind power and improve the reliability of coastal and island power systems. In view of the stochastic and intermittent nature of new energy sources, this paper adopts seawater variable‐speed pumped storage power plants as energy storage equipment, and put forward an island power supply scheme with wind power, photovoltaic power generation, wave power generation, pumped storage power plants and diesel generator sets as a multifunctional complementary isolated grid. Firstly, wave energy generators, wind farms, photovoltaic farms, pumped storage power stations and diesel generator sets are modeled separately. Then, considering their respective operating conditions, constraints and load requirements, the optimal scheduling of island microgrids with multi‐energy complementarity is constructed. Finally, based on the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm, the model is solved. According to the wind power photovoltaic and wave power output curves of several typical scenarios in an island far away from the mainland, the cost and benefit of different schemes are compared to verify the effectiveness of the optimal scheduling in this paper. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Multi-Objective Sensitivity Analysis of a Wind Turbine Equipped with a Pumped Hydro Storage System Using a Reversible Hydraulic Machine

A typical wind system captures wind energy and converts it into electricity, which is then converted to DC for battery storage using an AC/DC converter; an inverter then supplies AC electricity at the grid frequency. However, this solution involves losses in electronic components and incurs costs and environmental impacts associated with battery storage. To address these issues, a different wind system layout configuration is considered, where the energy storage duties are assumed by a hydro storage system employing a reversible hydraulic pump (referred to as a Pump as Turbine). This solution utilises an elevated reservoir connected to the Pump as Turbine to compensate for fluctuations in wind and load; this approach offers lower costs, a longer lifespan, reduced maintenance, and a smaller waste management cost. This study focuses on a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the new wind system power layout, considering multiple objectives. Specifically, the analysis targets the net change in the mass of water (potential energy) stored in the pumped hydro system, the captured wind energy, and the torque provided in hydraulic turbine mode. On the other hand, the design variables are represented by the Pump as Turbine-specific speed, the hydraulic system gearbox ratio, and the pump head. To assess how solutions are affected by random changes in wind speed and external load, the sensitivity analysis considers the multi-objective optimisation problem showing for both the wind speed and the external load a stochastic contribution.

Simulation and Optimisation of Utility-Scale PV–Wind Systems with Pumped Hydro Storage

Simulation and Optimisation of Utility-Scale PV–Wind Systems with Pumped Hydro Storage

The development characteristics and prospect of pumped storage power station as the main energy storage facility in China under the background of double Carbon

Abstract Intending to reach the peak of carbon and carbon neutrality, to become a global consensus, and to achieve the goal of “reaching the peak of carbon emissions before 2023 and carbon neutrality before 2060”, China proposed in March 2021 to construct a new power system with new energy as its core. For the realization of the above goals, the construction of a pumped storage power station is quite important, and it is the key to the realization of green and low-carbon energy transformation and has a crucial impact on the achievement of China’s “double carbon” goal. This paper first introduces the related concepts of dual-carbon background and pumped storage power stations. Then the development dynamics of the station in a period are analyzed to obtain its characteristics, such as wide distribution, fast construction, and variety. Finally, this paper puts forward and summarizes the suggestions and prospects of pumped storage power stations for China’s new energy growth.

Numerical Investigation on Hydraulic Performance of Reversible Pump Turbines with Various Wrap Angles in Turbine Mode of Operation

Abstract Reversible Pump Turbines (RPTs) are radial turbines, used in Pumped Storage Hydropower (PHS) plants. They have two modes of operation: generating and pumping. Despite of their uniqueness and importance, RPTs have typical range of operation at both modes and are prone to undesirable instabilities. The shape of the geometry plays a crucial role on reducing these characteristics and even the minor changes to the geometry can have a significant impact on its performance. In this paper, the effect of blade wrap angles on the hydraulic performance of runner was studied in an attempt to mitigate instabilities at turbine mode of operation. For that, two dimensionally similar RPT runners were designed using CFTurbo software by only varying wrap angle. The wrap angle considered for the runners are 150° and 180°. Steady state simulation was done in ANSYS-CFX for both the designs under same boundary conditions. It was found that the hydrodynamic performance of the runner gradually decreases in both cases when the operating condition deviates from normal operating range, causing flow instabilities within the runner. The study also found that varying blade wrap angles had no significant impact on the reduction of instabilities on RPTs, however it is an important parameter that comes into play while designing turbines at different head and flow conditions.

Optimization and design to catalyze sustainable energy in Morocco’s Eastern Sahara: A hybrid energy system of PV/Wind/PHS for rural electrification

This paper conducts a comprehensive assessment of the potential of water, solar, and wind resources for sustainable energy generation. The study is situated in a Moroccan region within eastern Saharan Africa. It presents a detailed comparative analysis between a photovoltaic system (PV) integrated with a pumped hydro storage (PHS), a wind turbine, and a conventional grid, considering both energy production and economic analysis using HOMER software. Moreover, the paper provides an initial social impact assessment of hybrid energy systems integrating locally available water resources, especially during the winter season, alongside photovoltaic and wind technologies. This evaluation delves into aspects of rural electrification and community development. The findings underscore the potential of sustainable energy solutions to drive economic and social progress in the studied area by harnessing the region’s water resources. We proposed this technology because the owners of the area do not greatly benefit from the seasonal groundwater that passes through the valley, despite the presence of a dam. Accordingly, we will exploit this water to generate energy and achieve energy self-sufficiency. By harnessing this underutilized resource, we aim to provide sustainable energy solutions and drive economic and social progress in the region. The results given by HOMER identify the most cost-effective system capable of serving the load at the lowest cost of energy (COE) of about $0.03831 and net present cost (NPC) of about $262,596 under the modeled conditions, and the most satisfactory system chosen by the HOMER optimizer is a PV/Wind/PHS-based hybrid energy system.

Research on grid-related performance laboratory testing for variable speed pumped storage unit

Abstract Variable speed pumped storage unit is an energy storage device with excellent operation and regulation performance. For the grid-related performance laboratory testing of the AC excitation controller of variable speed pumped storage unit integrated into the power grid, this paper studied the methods of grid-related testing of the AC excitation controller based on actual pumped storage power station data, established semi-physical hardware in the loop simulation platform based on RTDS and its function boards, and proposed the key laboratory testing items for the grid-related test. The simulation testing results verified the functions of the platform.

Land-air coupled environmental perception system during the construction phase of pumped storage power stations

Land-air coupled environmental perception system during the construction phase of pumped storage power stations

Maximization of Total Profit for Hybrid Hydro-Thermal-Wind-Solar Power Systems Considering Pumped Storage, Cascaded Systems, and Renewable Energy Uncertainty in a Real Zone, Vietnam

The study maximizes the total profit of a hybrid power system with cascaded hydropower plants, thermal power plants, pumped storage hydropower plants, and wind and solar power plants over one operation day, considering the uncertainty of wind speed and solar radiation. Wind speed and solar radiation in a specific zone in Vietnam are collected using the wind and solar global atlases, and the maximum data are then supposed to be 120% of the collection for uncertainty consideration. The metaheuristic algorithms, including the original Slime mould algorithm (SMA), Equilibrium optimizer, and improved Slime mould algorithm (ISMA), are implemented for the system. ISMA is a developed version of SMA that cancels old methods and proposes new methods of updating new solutions. In the first stage, the cascaded system with four hydropower plants is optimally operated by simulating two cases: simultaneous optimization and individual optimization. ISMA is better than EO and SMA for the two cases, and the results of ISMA from the simultaneous optimization reach greater energy than individual optimization by 154.8 MW, equivalent to 4.11% of the individual optimization. For the whole system, ISMA can reach a greater total profit than EO and SMA over one operating day by USD 6007.5 and USD 650.5, equivalent to 0.12% and 0.013%. The results indicate that the optimization operation of cascaded hydropower plants and hybrid power systems can reach a huge benefit in electricity sales

Study on the stability and ultra-low frequency oscillation suppression method of pumped storage power plant with dual units sharing one pipeline

This paper aims to investigate the stability of the pumped storage power plant (PSPP) with dual units sharing one pipeline (DUSOP) and the method of suppressing the ultra-low frequency oscillation (ULFO) characteristics. Firstly, four nonlinear models of pumped storage regulation system (PSRS) with DUSOP are established under the design scenarios of no surge tank, upstream surge tank (UST), downstream surge tank, and upstream and downstream dual surge tanks. Then the stability of the PSRS under different surge tank arrangements (STAs) in the long diversion system design scenarios (LDSDS) is comparatively analyzed. Finally, based on the concept of stability margin, the influence mechanism of the operating points on the ULFO characteristics is investigated in the LDSDS with UST, and the influence of the governor parameters, hydrodynamic parameters, and mechanical parameters on the damping ratio and frequency of the system is also analyzed. The results show that among STAs, the design scheme of arranging the UST is more reasonable for PSPP with LDSDS from the comprehensive consideration of the economy of the project and the stability of the system. For PSPP with UST, on the line of equal stability margin, increasing the proportional gain, reducing the unit inertia time constant, reducing the water flow inertia time constant, and appropriately increasing the area of the surge tank can increase the frequency and reduce the amplitude, which is conducive to the suppression of ULFO. In the stability domain range, increasing the proportional gain increases the frequency and the system stability increases and then decreases. Increasing the integral gain decreases the frequency and then increases the system stability. At the same time, the frequency of the unit can be changed by adjusting the parameters of the system to avoid resonance between the frequency of the unit and the frequency of the power grid and to ensure the stability and safety of the unit operation.

Solar surge and cost shifts: Heterogenous effects of redistribution in the electricity bills in Japan

This study investigates the impact of daily intermittency in solar energy on retail electricity bills, focusing on the “Duck Curve” and “Peak Shifting” phenomena and their varying effects on different consumer groups. Notably, commercial and industrial users exhibit higher demand around midday, while residential users peak during morning and evening hours. This prompts a crucial question: do peak shifting and redistribution effects differ among consumer groups due to their distinct electricity consumption patterns? Our analysis centers on Japan's power system, which has witnessed significant solar energy penetration, with solar capacity growing from 42 GW in 2016 to 83 GW in 2022. Utilizing monthly electricity consumption data and employing robustness checks through instrumental variable methods, we empirically demonstrate that increased solar penetration leads to higher electricity prices for residential consumers but reduced costs for commercial-industrial users. Additionally, we uncover the mediating role of pumped hydro storage (PHS) stations in stabilizing prices during peak and off-peak periods by managing energy demand variability, thereby mitigating economic impacts across consumer groups. This study highlights the issue of cross-class subsidization, where certain groups bear disproportionately higher electricity costs due to increased renewable energy penetration. It underscores the necessity for carefully crafted policy interventions to uphold market fairness and sustainability alongside large-scale renewable penetration, ensuring a balanced and equitable energy transition.