Program Plan for Development of Underground Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Technology

摘要

The Underground Hydroelectric Pumped Storage (UHPS) Program Plan describes in detail the planned activities and expected accomplishments in the conduct of UHPS technology development and validation envisioned in the 1976 to 1990 time frame. This document describes the program objectives, implementation strategy, and management methodology. The concept of underground hydroelectric pumped storage is fully directed to application in the electric utility industry. This technology involves using electrical energy generated by base-load plants during off-peak load periods to drive a high-head pump/turbine which pumps water from a lower reservoir to a substantially elevated (upper) reservoir corresponding to a head of 1000 m or so. The upper reservoir is at ground level and the lower reservoir is below ground. Then, during peak-load periods, water in the upper reservoir is allowed to flow to the lower reservoir which, in turn, drives a hydraulic turbine for power generation. Intermediate reservoirs could be used for head-limited pumps. The underground concept is a variation of the conventional above-ground hydroelectric pumped storage, whereby the lower reservoir is at ground level and the upper reservoir consists of some suitable elevated catch basin as a nearby mountain lake. Many pumped storage plants with upper reservoirs located above ground level have been built and successfully operated in both Europe and the United States. (ERA citation 04:006100)