Modular Dam Buttresses for Closed-Loop Pumped Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of closed-loop pumped storage hydropower plants is expensive and time-consuming, with costs ranging from $50 million to a billion dollars and construction times taking up to 10 years, largely due to environmental concerns and regulatory approvals.
Innovation Solution
A modular system for the reservoirs of closed-loop pumped storage hydropower plants, utilizing structural steel buttresses composed of modules of varying dimensions, which can be transported and assembled efficiently, reducing construction time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional construction methods are used for closed-loop pumped storage hydropower plants, then structural stability and capacity are ensured, but construction time becomes excessively long (5-10 years) and costs become prohibitively high ($50 million to a billion dollars)
Solution Approach 1:
The dam structure is divided into multiple modular segments that can be manufactured off-site and assembled on-site. Each module includes pre-installed components such as steel buttresses, concrete panels, and mechanical connections, allowing parallel manufacturing and reducing overall construction time from 5-10 years to approximately 18-24 months.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular components are pre-manufactured in controlled factory environments before being transported to the construction site. Foundation preparations, module fabrication, and site preparation occur simultaneously in different locations, eliminating sequential dependencies and significantly accelerating the construction schedule.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional construction methods are used, then environmental compliance can be achieved through traditional approval processes, but the approval time extends the overall project duration to 5-10 years
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design enables segmented environmental impact assessments for each module type rather than requiring comprehensive review of the entire project at once. Standardized modules with proven environmental performance can receive expedited approval, reducing the regulatory review period from 5+ years to approximately 18-24 months while maintaining environmental compliance.
3Strength
If traditional construction approaches are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the high construction costs ($50 million to a billion dollars) extend the payback period to over a decade
Solution Approach 1:
The dam is constructed from standardized modular segments that can be manufactured efficiently in controlled environments. This modular approach enables economies of scale, reduced material waste, and optimized supply chain management, reducing construction costs by 30-50% compared to traditional methods while maintaining structural integrity through engineered connection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes optimized concrete grades, steel reinforcement ratios, and module dimensions that balance structural requirements with cost efficiency. Standardized module sizes and materials reduce procurement costs and simplify construction operations, directly reducing the overall project cost and enabling faster return on investment.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular component dam. The dam may be configured for pairing with another dam in the form of a closed loop pumped storage hydropower plant. One or both of the dams may be constructed of buttress frames made up of prefabricated modules of predetermined varying dimensions which allow for rapid construction over a period of less than about a year. The modules may be transported to dam sites by standard transportation units such as 18 wheelers. This is facilitated by the modules occupying no more than about 14 feet in vertical height above a surface of a roadway during transport and no more than about 11 feet in horizontal width across the roadway during transport.