Today, everything seems to indicate that pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) is experiencing a second, or even third, youth (Fayolle and Lafon, 2008). Main drivers of such reemergence are mostly related with concerns on climate change and depletion of fossil fuels, which have been transposed into international agreements, regional directives, and national and local regulations (UN, 1998; EC, 2009). As a consequence of these concerns and associated regulations, there has been a strong deployment of renewable energy (REN) technologies, which is still ongoing. Amongst all REN sources, wind seems to be at present the one with the largest economically feasible potential (Lu et al., 2009), but also with the highest variability (Wan, 2005; Taulan et al., 2009; Paradinas et al., 2012), and the most difficult to predict (Greaves et al., 2009; Hodge et al., 2012). In this context, PHES “reemerges” as an excellent means to integrate wind power into the electric power system, not only because of its maturity and technically proven flexibility, but also because of its significant remaining potential (EURELECTRIC, 2011; IEA, Technology Roadmap, 2012; Lacal Arántegui et al., 2012). Within this new role, special attention is given to variable speed PHES (Schwery and Kunz, 2009; EPRI, 2013; HEA, 2013) and hydraulic short-circuit operation (Taulan et al., 2009; Lippold et al. 2012). The objective of this report is to describe some current trends and future challenges on PHES in relation with its role in REN integration, with special emphasis on mechanical aspects of hydraulic machinery, power electronics devices used for variable speed operation, and utilities’ operation strategies both in liberalized and centralized markets contexts. The remainder of this document is organized as follows. In Chapter 1, after a brief introduction and historical background, the new generation of PHES is presented with particular focus on those equipped with variable-speed technology. Typical configurations of pumped-storage hydropower plants (PSHPs) are also briefly described, discussing their capability for providing grid support services, such as load-frequency regulation, inertia and short-circuit power. Chapter 2 focuses on reversible pumpturbines, discussing their operating limits and presenting the state-of art of the research on their unstable behavior. In chapter 3, the operating principle and some basic aspects of the electrical machines most widely used in PSPHs are described. In chapter 4, power electronics devices typically used in PSHPs for both start-up in pumping mode and variable speed operation are described in detail, along with some recent developments on variable speed drives. In chapter 5, utilities’ operation strategies are reviewed in detail, and some future challenges to make the best possible use of PHES assets according to their new role are identified.

Technological developments for pumped-hydro energy storage

CAVAZZINI, GIOVANNA;
2014

Abstract

Today, everything seems to indicate that pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) is experiencing a second, or even third, youth (Fayolle and Lafon, 2008). Main drivers of such reemergence are mostly related with concerns on climate change and depletion of fossil fuels, which have been transposed into international agreements, regional directives, and national and local regulations (UN, 1998; EC, 2009). As a consequence of these concerns and associated regulations, there has been a strong deployment of renewable energy (REN) technologies, which is still ongoing. Amongst all REN sources, wind seems to be at present the one with the largest economically feasible potential (Lu et al., 2009), but also with the highest variability (Wan, 2005; Taulan et al., 2009; Paradinas et al., 2012), and the most difficult to predict (Greaves et al., 2009; Hodge et al., 2012). In this context, PHES “reemerges” as an excellent means to integrate wind power into the electric power system, not only because of its maturity and technically proven flexibility, but also because of its significant remaining potential (EURELECTRIC, 2011; IEA, Technology Roadmap, 2012; Lacal Arántegui et al., 2012). Within this new role, special attention is given to variable speed PHES (Schwery and Kunz, 2009; EPRI, 2013; HEA, 2013) and hydraulic short-circuit operation (Taulan et al., 2009; Lippold et al. 2012). The objective of this report is to describe some current trends and future challenges on PHES in relation with its role in REN integration, with special emphasis on mechanical aspects of hydraulic machinery, power electronics devices used for variable speed operation, and utilities’ operation strategies both in liberalized and centralized markets contexts. The remainder of this document is organized as follows. In Chapter 1, after a brief introduction and historical background, the new generation of PHES is presented with particular focus on those equipped with variable-speed technology. Typical configurations of pumped-storage hydropower plants (PSHPs) are also briefly described, discussing their capability for providing grid support services, such as load-frequency regulation, inertia and short-circuit power. Chapter 2 focuses on reversible pumpturbines, discussing their operating limits and presenting the state-of art of the research on their unstable behavior. In chapter 3, the operating principle and some basic aspects of the electrical machines most widely used in PSPHs are described. In chapter 4, power electronics devices typically used in PSHPs for both start-up in pumping mode and variable speed operation are described in detail, along with some recent developments on variable speed drives. In chapter 5, utilities’ operation strategies are reviewed in detail, and some future challenges to make the best possible use of PHES assets according to their new role are identified.
2014
Joint Programme on Energy Storage of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA)
http://www.eera-set.eu/wp-content/uploads/Technological-Developments-for-Pumped-Hydro-Energy-Storage_EERA-report-2014.pdf
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