Low-head pumped hydro storage: A review of applicable technologies for design, grid integration, control and modelling. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoffstaedt, J.P.; Truijen, D.P.K.; Fahlbeck, J.; Gans, L.H.A.; Qudaih, M.; Laguna, A.J.; De Kooning, J.D.M.; Stockman, K.; Nilsson, H.; Storli, P.-T.; Engel, B.; Marence, M.; Bricker, J.D.
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 158(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: ADRC Active Distribution Rejection Control -- AF-PMSM Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine -- ANN Artificial Neural Network -- AS Ancillary Services -- CAES Compressed Air Energy Storage -- CRPT Counter-Rotating Pump-Turbine -- DSO Distribution System Operator -- DSSR Double-Stator Single-Rotor -- DTC Direct Torque Control -- EIA Energy Information Administration -- ESHA European Small Hydropower Association -- ESOEI Energy Storage On Energy Invested -- ESS Energy Storage System -- FOC Field Oriented Control -- IRES Intermittent Renewable Energy Source -- LCOS Levelised Cost Of Storage -- MEPT Maximum Efficiency Point Tracking -- MMD Modular Machine Drive -- MPC Model Predictive Control -- MPPT Maximum Power Point Tracking -- MTPA Maximum Torque Per Ampere -- PAT Pump As Turbine -- PHS Pumped Hydro Storage -- PLL Phase Locked Loop -- PM Permanent Magnet -- PMSM Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine -- PTO Power Take-Off -- PWM Pulse-Width Modulation -- RPT Reversible Pump-Turbine -- SSDR Single-Stator Double-Rotor -- SSSR Single-Stator Single-Rotor -- SVM Space Vector Modulation -- TSO Transmission System Operator; Low-head pumped hydro storage -- Energy storage -- Grid stability -- Renewables integration -- Energy transition -- Reversible pump-turbine; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: To counteract a potential reduction in grid stability caused by a rapidly growing share of intermittent renewable energy sources within our electrical grids, large scale deployment of energy storage will become indispensable. Pumped hydro storage is widely regarded as the most cost-effective option for this. However, its application is traditionally limited to certain topographic features. Expanding its operating range to low-head scenarios could unlock the potential of widespread deployment in regions where so far it has not yet been feasible. This review aims at giving a multi-disciplinary insight on technologies that are applicable for low-head (2-30 m) pumped hydro storage, in terms of design, grid integration, control, and modelling. A general overview and the historical development of pumped hydro storage are presented and trends for further innovation and a shift towards application in low-head scenarios are identified. Key drivers for future deployment and the technological and economic challenges to do so are discussed. Based on these challenges, technologies in the field of pumped hydro storage are reviewed and specifically analysed regarding their fitness for low-head application. This is done for pump and turbine design and configuration, electric machines and control, as well as modelling. Further aspects regarding grid integration are discussed. Among conventional machines, it is found that, for high-flow low-head application, axial flow pump-turbines with variable speed drives are the most suitable. Machines such as Archimedes screws, counter-rotating and rotary positive displacement reversible pump-turbines have potential to emerge as innovative solutions. Coupled axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motor-generators are the most promising electric machines. To ensure grid stability, grid-forming control alongside bulk energy storage with capabilities of providing synthetic inertia next to other ancillary services are required. Highlights: Challenges and applicable technologies of low head pumped storage are discussed. Extending the operating range to low heads increases the availability of PHS. Variable speed axial-flow pump-turbines are suitable for low head pumped storage. Axial flux PMSM are the most promising electric machines for low head pumped storage.