Hydro-power from underground pumped-storage

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7348274

Scott, F M

The development of hydroelectric pumped storage in the United States and the growing need of peaking power are discussed. Energy storage in the form of storing water in a higher reservoir for later release to generate electrical power is a practical and proven concept. In areas where stored energy is needed, but where there are not suitable sites available for conventional pumped storage with both the lower and upper reservoirs above ground, underground pumped storage can be the answer. The feasibility of utilizing underground caverns for the lower reservoir in such areas that have suitable rock formations is examined. Included in these studies are the size and type of underground configurations that are required and that can be developed. The rock characteristics necessary are reviewed, as are the size and depth of the underground caverns that are required to store the water and to house the power plant. Equipment availability and its limitations are also considered. The studies are generally based on a 2,000 MW underground pumped storage project designed for a total head of 3,200 feet and the reversible unit plant with two drops of 1,600 feet each. Anticipated costs of such facilities are presented, as are the factors involved in the overall construction schedule.

• Research Organization: Harza Engineering Co., Chicago
• OSTI ID: 7348274
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States) Journal Volume: 19:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130300 -- Hydro Energy-- Plant Design & Operation
25 ENERGY STORAGE
250300* -- Energy Storage-- Pumped Hydro-- (-1989)
COST
DESIGN
ENERGY STORAGE
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LEVELS
OFF-PEAK ENERGY STORAGE
POWER PLANTS
PUMPED STORAGE POWER PLANTS
PUMPS
STORAGE
UNDERGROUND