Modular Pumped Hydropower Storage Without Natural Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-scale hydro-storage systems are geographically constrained and require a pre-existing hydraulic reservoir, limiting their installation to specific locations, and there is a need for modular pumped storage hydropower systems that can be set up at any location without such constraints.
Innovation Solution
A modular pumped storage hydropower system with an underground cylindrical structure that includes a shaft with a reservoir and pump assembly, allowing water transfer between underground and elevated storage tanks using electric motors, enabling energy storage and release through gravity, suitable for installation at any site with reasonable ground conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large scale hydro-storage systems are used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but geographic flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hydro-storage facility into modular components: above-ground water storage tanks, underground pump rooms, and connecting pipelines. This segmentation allows the system to be deployed in various geographic locations without requiring existing natural water bodies, thereby maintaining large energy storage capacity while improving geographic flexibility.
2Quantity of substance
If large scale hydro-storage systems are used, then energy storage capacity is improved, but installation location constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as a universal solution that can be installed in various locations including areas without existing hydraulic reservoirs. The above-ground storage tanks replace the need for natural reservoirs, while underground pump rooms can be situated in different ground conditions, making the system universally applicable across diverse geographic locations.
3Reliability
If pre-existing hydraulic reservoir is required, then system reliability is improved, but location flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces above-ground water storage tanks as an intermediary component that replaces the need for pre-existing hydraulic reservoirs. These tanks serve as artificial water sources that feed into the underground pump rooms, maintaining system reliability while eliminating the constraint of requiring natural reservoirs at the installation site.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective energy storage and release, supporting intermittent renewable energy sources by providing a uniform and peak supply to the power grid, with high energy efficiency and flexibility in operation.
Implementation Method 1
Electric energy storage in the form of gravity potential energy... The energy stored by raising the mass and then being released by lowering the mass is a product of the mass, the height lifted and the gravitational acceleration constant.
Implementation Method 2
Electric energy storage in the form of gravity energy... Lifting and lowering a liquid mass by pumping water from a lower to a higher container or vice-versa of a closed container using electrical energy drawn from a power grid or other source
Implementation Method 3
generate power as water moves down from one to the other (discharge), passing through a turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A modular pumped storage hydropower system may include a shaft having a first end located opposite a second end. A reservoir is connected to the first end of the shaft. The second end of the shaft is configured to be located under a surface of ground. The second end of the shaft has a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment retains a pump assembly having an inlet in hydro communication with the second compartment. The second compartment is configured to retain water. A pipe has a first end connected to the pump assembly located opposite a second end extending through a cover of the first end of the shaft. The second end of the pipe is in hydro communication with the reservoir. The pipe of the pump assembly transfers water from the second compartment of the second end of the shaft to the reservoir.