Pumped Storage Projects Research Articles

Major Pumped Storage Projects in the United States

Pumped storage hydroelectric projects are assuming an important role in the supply of electric power in the United States. Their operating characteristics are ideally suited for serving peak power loads, and to complement the base load power being derived from today's large efficient fossil and nuclear fueled steam-electric plants. Development of the reversible pump turbine has enhanced the feasibility of pumped storage projects. Six major projects have been placed in operation since 1961; seven are under construction; and applications for 10 projects are pending before the Federal Power Commission. The pumped storage capacity of these installations totals more than 12,000,000 kw. Large amounts of new peaking capacity will be needed in supplying the country's growing electric power loads. Much of this capacity will be provided through development of pumped storage hydroelectric projects at the many favorable sites that are available. Plans for developing a number of new sites are already under way.

Electrical Design and Testing of Cabin Creek Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Project

The design, construction, and testing of one of the world's highest altitude high head pumped-storage projects presented extraordinary challenges to equipment designers, project design and construction engineers, as well as the testing and operating engineers. Considerations are described that lead to the selection of the major equipment, including the demands of high altitude upon the electrical design criterion. The two generator/motors are believed to be the world's largest 360 r/min synchronous machines. Special procedures for separate balancing of the generator/motor before coupling to the pump/turbine, and balancing techniques utilizing a full range of controlled speed balancing steps made possible by the wound rotor induction starting motor, have resulted in completed machines having exceptionally fine balance. The extensive instrumentation has provided not only a sound basis of testing during start-up, but also a complete hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical record of initial plant and system performance.

Economic Analysis of Pumped Storage Project

Pumped storage projects, like all other projects, are analyzed by comparing the total system costs for a system including the pumped storage project and for a system including an alternative. All possible alternatives must be considered. The alternatives must provide capacity such that the level of risk of failure to meet load demands is the same as that of the system including the proposed project. All other factors must be consistent for the proposal and its alternative. The timing of a pumped storage project requires examination, because the percentage of peaking capacity in a given system has a marked effect on the required reservoir size and on the energy penalties associated with pumped storage. Problems of timing are inter-related with changes in the size of the system within which the pumped storage facility will be used, but such changes require recognition of transmission costs and of the competition of other peaking facilities.

揚水発電に関する水撃作用シンポジウム

揚水発電に関する水撃作用シンポジウム

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Discussion of “Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects”

Symposium on Pumped Storage: Foreign Pumped Storage Projects

The great interest in pumped storage power in the United States suggests an examination of the well developed and highly diversified pumped storage technology that has emerged abroad since 1910. Eight-four foreign pumped storage developments are either built or being built as of 1912, and new and larger developments are being planned. Because studies of most new hydroelectric projects include consideration of pumped storage installations, hydroelectric engineers have an interest in the principles and practice that characterize the extensive pumped storage developments abroad. A listing of the possible purposes of pumped storage projects is given. The geographical areas in which pumped storage developments have been realized are given. The effect of geography and power economics on pumped storage developments is examined. A general description of the various equipment used in pumped storage developments is presented, and prevailing ranges of unit capacity and hydraulic heads are given. A complete listing and tabulation of all major foreign pumped storage developments is included. The discussion of foreign pumped storage practice covers the folowing subjects: integration with power systems; plant efficiency and capital cost; pumping heads; upper and lower reservoir structures; powerhouse structures; water conduits; and pumped storage cascade developments. A series of conclusions attempts to relate present and future foreign pumped storage developments to the expanding interconnected power generation systems that are basic to the pumped storage concept.