Modular Pumped Storage Hydropower System with Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pumped storage hydroelectric systems face high costs, environmental impact, and long commissioning times due to custom design and construction, as well as risks associated with water hammer events, limiting their adoption and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable pumped storage hydroelectric system with a flow control system that includes a controller to manage pressure surges, utilizing modular reservoir tanks and a penstock with a pump/turbine for energy storage and generation, and incorporating renewable energy sources to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom site-specific design and construction are used for pumped storage hydroelectric installations, then the system can be tailored to specific environmental and operational requirements, but the construction costs become extremely expensive and commissioning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including pre-fabricated reservoir tanks, standardized penstocks, and interchangeable pump-turbine units. Each module can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, reducing construction complexity while maintaining site-specific adaptability through selective module combination.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized universal components are designed to serve multiple functions and be applicable across different site configurations. The modular reservoir tanks and penstocks can be adapted to various terrain types and operational requirements without requiring custom design, thereby reducing both cost and complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If large-scale pumped storage hydroelectric systems are constructed, then energy storage capacity increases, but environmental impact and ecological disruption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into multiple modular reservoir tanks distributed across the site. This allows the total storage capacity to be achieved through aggregation of smaller units, reducing the environmental footprint of individual reservoirs and minimizing disruption to local ecosystems while maintaining overall energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular reservoir unit is designed with site-specific environmental considerations, allowing local adaptation to minimize ecological impact. The modular approach enables placement of tanks in locations that avoid sensitive environmental areas while collectively achieving the required total storage capacity.
3Reliability
If traditional pressure surge protection methods are used, then dedicated surge protection devices are required, but system complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surge protection function is merged with existing system components rather than adding dedicated surge protection devices. The modular reservoir tanks and penstock design incorporate pressure surge absorption capabilities inherently, eliminating the need for separate surge tanks or air chambers while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system components are designed to provide their own surge protection without requiring additional dedicated devices. The modular reservoir and penstock configuration naturally absorbs pressure surges through their design characteristics, making the system self-protecting and reducing overall complexity.
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
The system reduces the need for dedicated surge protection devices, prevents water hammer events, and lowers construction and maintenance costs, while enabling faster installation and increased efficiency, with reduced ecological impact and the ability to utilize renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
the pump/turbine configured to receive water flowing from the upper reservoir system to the lower reservoir system for generating electrical power, and pump water from the lower reservoir system to the upper reservoir system for storing energy
Implementation Method 2
the controller configured to detect a first pressure indicated by a first pressure sensor at a first pressure sensor location of the penstock
Data Source
AI summary
A pumped storage hydroelectric system may include a reservoir system including an upper reservoir system and a lower reservoir system. At least one of the upper reservoir system and the lower reservoir system may include a modular reservoir arrangement. A penstock may be coupled with the upper reservoir system. A pump/turbine may be coupled with the penstock and with the lower reservoir system. The pump/turbine may be configured to receive water flowing from the upper reservoir system to the lower reservoir system for generating electrical power, and to pump water from the lower reservoir system to the upper reservoir system for storing energy.