Pumped Storage Reservoir Research Articles

Condenser Cooling and Pumped Storage Reservoirs

The feasibility of utilizing pumped-storage reservoirs to increase the supplies of cooling water for thermal power plants is investigated. An important parameter in such studies is the determination of the waste heat that can be dissipated by the lake. For illustration purposes a recent thermal site evaluation is described. The proposed impoundment is to serve as the lower reservoir of a 750 Mw pumped-storage facility. In addition, this study showed that this lake can dissipate the waste heat from water-cooled nuclear plants with a total capacity of 2,750 Mw. Equivalently, fossil-fired stations with a total capacity of 4,100 Mw can be accommodated by the lake. The higher thermal efficiency of fossil-fueled plants is the main reason for this difference. Also, the increase in evaporation rate resulting from these plants can be readily made up by natural inflows. Hence, significant amounts of electricity can be safely generated at the site.

BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF RHINE WATER IN THE BERENPLAAT RESERVOIR

Due to increased industrial pollution of the Rhine, a major source of raw water, the Rotterdam Waterworks built the Berenplaat pumped storage reservoir. The authors describe the functional operation of this reservoir and its effectiveness as a water treatment plant. The research covers all phases of pollution treatment by a plant of this nature, especially the chemical and biological aspects.

Water Quality in Pumped Storage Reservoirs

The purpose of this study is to indicate bases for evaluating certain water quality characteristics of large-scale pumped storage reservoir projects to be used for multipurpose water uses, as well as for peak power production. The principal characteristics of concern are temperature and dissolved oxygen. Results of field studies during 1965 and 1966 at the Smith Mountain pumped storage project in Virginia are presented to indicate the apparent mixing effects caused by pumping at that site. Comparisons are made with a nearby conventional reservoir, Philpott Reservoir, to show divergence from natural conditions. The general conclusions support previous information concerning the applicability and benefits of pumped storage for multipurpose water development. Also, the potential of obtaining higher water quality in any large pumped storage reservoir suggests that the designs of future projects be critically reviewed in this regard.