ANALYSIS OF ENERGY PARAMETERS OF A CLOSED-CYCLE PUMPED STORAGE HYDROPOWER PLANT

• Дата: 2025
• Автори: Golovko , V., Semenenko, R.
• Формат: Стаття
• Мова: Ukrainian
• Опубліковано: Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2025
• Теми: energy storage; renewable energy sources; solar radiation; photovoltaics; pumped storage; power plant; hydraulic ram.
• Онлайн доступ: https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/561
• Назва журналу: Vidnovluvana energetika

The article explores an innovative concept of a pumped storage power plant (PSPP) with a closed water cycle, which involves the integration of a hydraulic ram and a photovoltaic power station (PVPS) into a unified hybrid energy system. This approach enhances energy-saving efficiency, reduces dependence on external power sources, and enables the potential for autonomous operation of the energy facility. The system operates by combining the gravitational energy of water accumulated in the upper reservoir with solar energy available during daylight hours to power the pumping station.  The study focuses particularly on the analysis of energy flows within the system, considering the impact of the hydraulic ram, which utilizes the energy of water exiting the hydro turbine to re-elevate a portion of its volume back to the upper reservoir without electricity consumption. To describe the interaction between components, the use of the set theory method is proposed, allowing the formalization of the energy balance as a set of dependencies among parameters such as PVPS output, water flow rate, head, equipment efficiency, and system losses.  Mathematical modeling of the plant’s operation was carried out, taking into account the stochastic nature of solar insolation and energy consumption. Models of water accumulation in reservoirs were developed, and the impact of varying PVPS power output on the filling of the upper reservoir, pumping station performance, and the share of water re-elevated by the hydraulic ram were calculated. It was established that under favorable conditions, the hydraulic ram is capable of re-elevating up to 17% of the total water volume.  The research results confirm the feasibility of integrating a hydraulic ram into a closed-loop PSPP combined with photovoltaic installations. The proposed system can ensure a high degree of energy independence, stability, and adaptability to load and weather fluctuations, making it promising for use in autonomous or isolated power networks.