Precast Pumped Storage Hydropower for Faster Low-Impact Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pumped storage facilities require complex and costly civil construction, which is time-consuming and environmentally destructive, 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 impactful construction of hydroelectric power generation systems, including reservoirs and flow paths defined by interconnected precast segments, with energy dissipation elements to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional civil construction methods (blasting and excavating) are used to build pumped storage facilities, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the construction time increases and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hydroelectric structure into multiple precast concrete segments that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. This allows parallel production of segments while minimizing on-site construction activities, thereby reducing overall construction time while maintaining structural integrity through controlled assembly of standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by manufacturing concrete segments in advance at a precast facility before transporting them to the construction site. This off-site preparation enables simultaneous segment production and site preparation, significantly reducing on-site construction duration while ensuring quality control and structural strength are achieved during the manufacturing phase
2Strength
If traditional civil construction methods (blasting and excavating) are used to build pumped storage facilities, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but environmental destruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hydroelectric structure into multiple precast concrete segments that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. This allows parallel production of segments while minimizing on-site construction activities, thereby reducing overall construction time while maintaining structural integrity through controlled assembly of standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by manufacturing concrete segments in advance at a precast facility before transporting them to the construction site. This off-site preparation enables simultaneous segment production and site preparation, significantly reducing on-site construction duration while ensuring quality control and structural strength are achieved during the manufacturing phase
3Loss of time
If precast segments are used to construct pumped storage systems, then construction time is reduced and environmental impact is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hydroelectric structure into multiple precast concrete segments that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. This allows parallel production of segments while minimizing on-site construction activities, thereby reducing overall construction time while maintaining structural integrity through controlled assembly of standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing standardized precast concrete segments with universal connection details and reinforcement patterns that can be used across different locations and configurations of the hydroelectric structure. This standardization reduces manufacturing complexity by using repeatable templates and procedures while still achieving the required structural performance
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 versatile and efficient construction of hydroelectric power systems with reduced environmental impact, utilizing precast segments for quicker assembly and improved structural integrity, enabling construction in challenging locations.
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
Implementation Method 3
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
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.