HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM CONSISTING OF AN UNDERGROUND CAVERN WITH TURBINES WITH TUNNELS DRILLED TO A WATER SOURCE AND TO A POWER SUPPLY GRID

摘要

A method of construction of a hydroelectric power generation system in an environment comprising a water source which flows from a first height to a second height, the first height being between 10 metres to 600 metres above the second height. The method comprises constructing an underground power cavern at the second height adjacent a water source at the first height. Directional drilling a first tunnel having a diameter no greater than 6 metres and a flow rate of 1 to 2 m3/s from the underground power cavern to the water source at the first height and installing liner piping in the first tunnel to form a first conduit that conveys water from the water source location to the underground power cavern. Construct a second conduit from the underground power cavern to the water source at or below the second height. Directional drill to construct a second tunnel from the underground power cavern to a power grid and installing at least one electricity generating turbine in the underground power cavern in fluid flow communication with the first tunnel and the second conduit and installing at least one electricity cable in the second tunnel connecting the at least one electricity generating turbine to the power grid.