Modular Precast Hydropower Construction for Remote Pumped Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pumped storage hydropower systems require complex and costly civil construction, which is time-consuming and environmentally damaging, especially in remote mountainous areas.
Innovation Solution
The use of precast segments to construct pumped storage hydropower systems, allowing for faster, more robust, and less environmentally disruptive construction of power generation systems, including precast components for reservoirs, flow paths, and support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional civil construction methods are used for pumped storage hydropower systems, then the structures can be built with conventional materials and techniques, but the construction process becomes time-consuming, costly, and environmentally damaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hydropower system into modular precast segments that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. This includes segmented penstocks, modular intake structures, and divided powerhouse components, allowing parallel manufacturing and reduced on-site construction time while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-manufacturing concrete segments in controlled off-site facilities before delivery to the project location. This allows quality control, curing, and preparation to occur in advance, enabling faster on-site assembly and reducing the overall construction schedule while ensuring consistent material properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional construction methods are used, then conventional building processes can be applied, but environmental damage increases and construction in remote areas becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented precast approach reduces environmental impact by minimizing on-site concrete pouring, which eliminates the need for extensive temporary access roads, reduces dust and noise pollution during construction, and allows for smaller, less intrusive construction camps in remote mountainous areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical construction processes (such as large-scale earthmoving equipment and on-site concrete batching plants) with pre-manufactured segments that can be transported by lighter means and assembled using smaller cranes and lifting equipment, thereby reducing the mechanical footprint and environmental disturbance in sensitive mountain ecosystems.
3Strength
If precast segments are used to construct the system, then construction speed and robustness improve, but the complexity of manufacturing and assembling segments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing standardized precast segments with consistent connection details, reinforcement patterns, and dimensional tolerances that can be reused across different locations in the hydropower system. This modular standardization reduces manufacturing complexity through repetition and simplifies assembly procedures while maintaining high structural robustness through proven connection designs.
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
Facilitates faster construction with more robust components, reducing environmental impact and enabling construction in previously inaccessible areas, while maintaining efficient power generation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a power conversion module configured to convert kinetic energy of fluid released from the impoundment structure and travelling through the flow path into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a power generation module configured to pump fluid from the fluid supply and into the impoundment structure via the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation system may include an impoundment structure at least partially defined by a plurality of precast segments. At least one of the precast segments may include a precast form and at least one precast infill block. The power generation system may include a powerhouse. At the powerhouse, a fluid conduit is coupled to an intake tube and a draft tube in respective transition regions to enable fluid to flow into a power generating module to produce electrical power, and transition collar(s) may be employed to secure connectivity between the fluid conduit and the intake tube and the draft tube. The power generating module may be arranged such that an intake port is elevated with respect to a draft port at the power generating module. Sensors may be employed to monitor integrity of elements of the power generation system.