Pumped-Storage Hydropower

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage that uses two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess electricity from the grid is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. When electricity demand is high, water is released from the upper reservoir back down to the lower reservoir through turbines, generating electricity.

Impact on climate action

Pumped-Storage Hydropower within the Hydropower sector elevates climate action by providing grid stability and energy storage. By storing excess electricity during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak demand, this innovation enhances renewable energy integration, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and supports the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Underlying
Technology

  • Upper and Lower Reservoirs: Two reservoirs are required, with a significant elevation difference between them. The upper reservoir stores water that can be released to generate electricity, while the lower reservoir collects the water after it has passed through the turbines.
  • Pump/Turbines: Reversible pump/turbines can operate as both pumps and turbines. During pumping mode, they use electricity to pump water uphill. During generating mode, they act as turbines, converting the potential energy of the water into electricity.
  • Powerhouse: The powerhouse houses the pump/turbines, generators, and other equipment needed to convert the mechanical energy from the turbines into electricity.
  • Water Conveyance System: A system of tunnels or penstocks connects the upper and lower reservoirs, allowing for the flow of water between them.

TRL : 8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Variable-Speed Pump/Turbines: Variable-speed pump/turbines can adjust their operating speed to match varying grid conditions and optimize energy storage and generation efficiency.
  • Underground PSH: Underground PSH systems utilize underground caverns or mines as reservoirs, reducing the environmental impact and land-use requirements of traditional PSH systems.
  • Seawater PSH: Seawater PSH systems use seawater as the working fluid, offering a potential solution for coastal regions with limited freshwater resources.
  • Hybrid PSH Systems: Combining PSH with other renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, can create hybrid energy storage systems that offer increased flexibility and reliability.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Efficiency Optimization Techniques
  • Advanced Control Systems Development
  • Seawater PSH Advancements
  • Underground PSH Innovations
  • Variable-Speed Pump/Turbine Technology
  • Grid Stability Enhancement Methods
  • Integration with Renewable Energy Sources
  • Land-Use Optimization Approaches
  • Pump/Turbine Design Innovations
  • Reservoir Management Strategies
  • Next-Generation Water Conveyance Systems
  • Innovative Powerhouse Designs

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  1. Voith Hydro:
    • Technology Enhancement: Voith Hydro specializes in providing equipment and services for pumped-storage hydropower plants. They focus on innovations in turbine technology, control systems, and automation solutions to improve the efficiency and reliability of pumped-storage facilities. Voith’s technology enhancements often involve advancements in turbine design, such as adjustable blade angles and optimized runner shapes, to maximize energy conversion and minimize maintenance requirements.
    • Uniqueness: Voith Hydro is known for its comprehensive approach to pumped-storage hydropower, offering tailored solutions that encompass the entire lifecycle of a project, from planning and design to installation and maintenance. Their expertise in turbine design and system integration enables them to optimize performance and minimize environmental impact, making their solutions highly competitive in the market.
    • End-User Segments: Voith Hydro serves utilities, independent power producers, and government agencies involved in hydropower development worldwide. Their solutions are particularly well-suited for regions with high renewable energy penetration, grid stability concerns, or a need for energy storage capacity to support intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
  2. Andritz Hydro:
    • Technology Enhancement: Andritz Hydro is a leading provider of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower plants, including pumped-storage facilities. Their technology enhancements focus on improving the efficiency, flexibility, and reliability of hydropower systems through innovations in turbine design, automation, and control systems. Andritz often integrates advanced materials, such as carbon composites, into turbine components to enhance performance and longevity.
    • Uniqueness: Andritz Hydro distinguishes itself through its emphasis on innovation and research, investing heavily in R&D to develop cutting-edge solutions for the hydropower industry. They collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners to stay at the forefront of technology and address emerging challenges in the sector, such as climate change, grid modernization, and energy transition.
    • End-User Segments: Andritz Hydro serves a global customer base, including utilities, energy developers, and engineering firms involved in hydropower projects of all sizes. Their solutions are in high demand in regions with abundant water resources and a growing need for clean, renewable energy to meet sustainability goals and mitigate climate change.
  3. GE Renewable Energy:
    • Technology Enhancement: GE Renewable Energy offers a wide range of products and services for the hydropower sector, including pumped-storage solutions. Their technology enhancements focus on digitalization, data analytics, and predictive maintenance to optimize the performance and reliability of hydropower plants. GE’s digital solutions enable operators to monitor equipment health in real-time, anticipate maintenance needs, and optimize plant operations for maximum efficiency.
    • Uniqueness: GE Renewable Energy stands out for its integrated approach to hydropower development, combining expertise in turbine technology, grid integration, and digital solutions to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers. They leverage their global presence and extensive experience in the energy industry to tailor solutions to the specific needs of each project, whether it’s optimizing existing assets or developing new pumped-storage facilities.
    • End-User Segments: GE Renewable Energy serves utilities, government agencies, and private developers worldwide, offering a diverse portfolio of hydropower solutions to meet the growing demand for clean, reliable, and flexible energy sources. Their pumped-storage solutions are particularly well-suited for regions experiencing rapid growth in renewable energy generation and a need for grid stability and energy storage capacity.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  1. Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU):
    • Research Focus: NTNU is a pioneer in the field of Pumped-Storage Hydropower, focusing on advanced technologies and system optimization strategies to enhance the efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability of PSH plants.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the development of innovative turbine designs, hydraulic systems, and control algorithms to improve the performance and reliability of PSH operations. They also investigate novel materials, coatings, and maintenance strategies to prolong equipment lifespan and reduce maintenance costs in PSH facilities.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in grid stabilization, renewable energy integration, and peak load management. By advancing Pumped-Storage Hydropower technologies, NTNU’s research contributes to enhancing energy security, mitigating climate change impacts, and promoting the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
  2. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL):
    • Research Focus: EPFL conducts cutting-edge research on Pumped-Storage Hydropower, leveraging its expertise in fluid mechanics, energy systems, and optimization techniques to address technical and environmental challenges associated with PSH deployment.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of computational models, simulation tools, and predictive analytics for assessing the dynamic behavior and performance of PSH plants under varying operating conditions. They also explore innovative storage solutions, underground cavern design, and environmental impact mitigation measures to optimize the integration of PSH into the energy landscape.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work find applications in renewable energy storage, load balancing, and frequency regulation in electricity grids. By advancing Pumped-Storage Hydropower technologies, EPFL’s research supports the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure, enabling higher penetration of intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar.
  3. Technical University of Munich (TUM):
    • Research Focus: TUM is engaged in innovative research on Pumped-Storage Hydropower, focusing on techno-economic analysis, market mechanisms, and policy frameworks to facilitate the deployment and operation of PSH projects.
    • Uniqueness: Their research involves the development of integrated energy models, risk assessment tools, and decision support systems to evaluate the economic viability and investment attractiveness of PSH investments. They also investigate regulatory frameworks, market design, and incentive mechanisms to incentivize private sector participation and accelerate PSH deployment.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in energy market optimization, grid infrastructure planning, and climate change mitigation. By providing insights into the socio-economic aspects of Pumped-Storage Hydropower, TUM’s research informs policymakers, investors, and stakeholders about the role of PSH in achieving energy transition goals and ensuring long-term energy sustainability.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

PSH is a mature and widely implemented technology for grid-scale energy storage. Numerous PSH plants are operating around the world, providing valuable grid services such as frequency regulation, peak shaving, and load balancing. For example, the Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia, USA, is one of the largest PSH facilities in the world, with a capacity of 3,003 MW.



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