Modular Pumped Storage Hydropower With an Underground Cylindrical Shaft
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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 a reservoir.
Innovation Solution
A modular pumped storage hydropower system with an underground cylindrical structure that includes a shaft with a reservoir at one end and a pump assembly, allowing water transfer between underground and elevated storage tanks using electric motors, enabling energy storage and release through gravity.
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 due to requirement of pre-existing hydraulic reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: above-ground water storage tanks, underground pump-turbine modules, and connecting pipelines. This segmentation allows the system to be assembled in locations without pre-existing reservoirs, as each module can be independently installed and configured to create artificial hydro-storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring natural surface reservoirs to utilizing underground caverns and below-grade storage structures. By moving storage capacity underground, the system eliminates dependence on surface geography while maintaining large-scale energy storage capability, enabling deployment in diverse locations including urban areas and regions without suitable surface topography.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional hydro-storage systems are installed, then energy storage function is improved, but installation complexity increases due to requirement of existing reservoir infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The pump-turbine modules serve dual functions: pumping water to upper storage during charging and generating electricity during discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed compared to conventional systems, simplifying installation while maintaining full energy storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces above-ground storage tanks as intermediary structures that connect to underground pump-turbine modules via pipelines. This intermediary approach allows the system to function without requiring natural surface reservoirs, reducing geological constraints and simplifying site selection and installation procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular design is implemented, then ease of installation is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple compartments and assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges pump and turbine functions into single integrated modules, and combines multiple storage compartments within unified above-ground tank structures. This consolidation reduces the number of separate assemblies required on-site, simplifying installation while maintaining modular scalability for different energy storage capacities.
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 electric energy storage and release at any location with reasonable ground conditions, combining with intermittent energy sources like wind and solar, providing uniform energy supply and peak demand support.
Implementation Method 1
The second compartment has a pump assembly with an inlet in hydro communication with the second compartment
Implementation Method 2
Electric energy storage in the form of gravity potential energy is currently known. 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 3
Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage. It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations that may 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.