Title:

The Efficiency of a Hydro Pumped Energy Storage System

Energy storage systems play a very important role in shaping the future of our energy grid. An important aspect to this future is hydro pumped energy storage systems, which operate by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate power. In times of low demand or excessive generation, water is pumped to the elevated reservoir, and when energy is needed, the water is released to the lower reservoir, where along the way the moving water spins a turbine attached to a generator, producing energy. These systems are critical for enhancing grid reliability, security, sustainability, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Despite the prevalence of lithium-ion batteries as a popular form of energy storage, known for their high efficiency, there's a growing concern over the environmental pollution they cause at the end of their lifecycle. This project set out with the aim of constructing a hydro pumped energy storage system, to not only test its functionality but also to refine and improve its efficiency. During the course of the project, it was found that the prototype encountered a significant issue, the slip rings. The slip rings, which intended to maintain electrical connectivity throughout the system's rotation, generated excessive friction. This unexpected friction impeded the turbine's capacity to spin at the necessary speed for power generation, thus presenting a challenging yet valuable learning opportunity for further development.

Name

Comment*

Comments are viewable only by submitter

Captcha*