Zewail City for Science and Technology

University of Science and Technology

Renewable Energy Engineering Program

”2-unit set pumped hydro storage

technology”

Prepared By:

“Basma Mokhtar ” “202001146”

Supervised By
”[Link] Zobaa”

Spring 2025
Contents

Contents 1

1 Introduction 1

2 The operation principle of PHS 2

2.1 Charging Phase (Energy Storage - Pumping Mode): . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Discharging Phase (Energy Generation - Turbine Mode): . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Transition Between Modes: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Characteristics of the technology 3

3.1 Energy density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.2 Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.3 Speed of Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.4 Lifetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4 Block diagram 5

5 Example projects 7
5.1 Bath County Pumped Storage Station (Virginia, USA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.2 Dinorwig Power Station (Wales, UK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.3 Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station (Hebei, China) . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.4 Grand Maison Dam (France) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.5 Okutataragi Pumped Storage Power Station (Japan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.6 Tumut-3 Power Station (New South Wales, Australia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.7 Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Plant (Missouri, USA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.8 Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant (Lithuania) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

References 9
1 Introduction
In today’s world, energy storage has become a critical component of modern power systems.
As the global energy landscape shifts towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind,
the need for reliable and efficient energy storage solutions has grown significantly. Renewable
energy sources are inherently intermittent.
solar power depends on sunlight, and wind power relies on wind availability. Energy storage
systems bridge the gap between energy supply and demand, ensuring a stable and continuous
power supply even when renewable generation fluctuates.
Energy storage technologies store excess energy produced during periods of low demand or
high generation and release it during periods of high demand or low generation. This capa-
bility is essential for grid stability, peak load management, and the integration of renewable
energy into the grid.
Among the various energy storage technologies available, Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is one
of the oldest, most mature, and widely deployed methods. PHS accounts for over 90% of the
world’s grid-scale energy storage capacity, making it the backbone of large-scale energy stor-
age systems.
PHS works on a simple yet highly effective principle: it stores energy in the form of gravita-
tional potential energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations. During
periods of excess electricity (e.g., when renewable energy generation is high or demand is low),
water is pumped from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. When electricity is needed (e.g.,
during peak demand or low renewable generation), the stored water is released back to the
lower reservoir through turbines, generating electricity.

Figure 1: Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)

1
2 The operation principle of PHS
A 2-unit set pumped hydro storage (PHS) technology refers to a pumped storage hydroelectric
system that consists of two generating units operating together within a single power station.
These units work in tandem to store and generate electricity efficiently by utilizing two key
operational modes:

2.1 Charging Phase (Energy Storage - Pumping Mode):

The charging phase occurs when there is excess electricity available, such as during periods of
low demand or high renewable energy generation. During this phase, the system stores energy
by pumping water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. Excess electricity from the
grid or renewable sources is directed to the PHS system, where the power conversion system en-
sures compatibility with the generator/motor. The reversible pump-turbine operates as a pump,
driven by the generator/motor, which acts as a motor. Water is drawn from the lower reservoir
and pumped through the penstock to the upper reservoir. The pump increases the pressure of
the water, enabling it to overcome the elevation difference between the two reservoirs. The en-
ergy is stored in the form of gravitational potential energy as the water is elevated to the upper
reservoir. The amount of energy stored depends on the volume of water pumped and the height
difference (head) between the reservoirs. However, the pumping process is not 100% efficient
due to energy losses in the pump, motor, and penstock. Typical round-trip efficiency for PHS
systems is 70–85%, meaning that 70–85% of the energy used for pumping is recovered during
generation.

2.2 Discharging Phase (Energy Generation - Turbine Mode):

The discharging phase occurs when electricity is needed, such as during periods of high de-
mand or low renewable energy generation. During this phase, the system generates electricity
by releasing water from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir. Water is released from the
upper reservoir and flows through the penstock to the lower reservoir. The flow of water is
controlled by valves to ensure optimal pressure and flow rate. The reversible pump-turbine op-
erates as a turbine, driven by the flowing water, which converts the kinetic energy of the water
into mechanical energy. The generator/motor acts as a generator, converting the mechanical
energy from the turbine into electrical energy. The electricity is fed into the grid through the
power conversion system. The amount of electricity generated depends on the volume of water
released and the head between the reservoirs. The system can generate electricity continuously
for several hours, depending on the size of the reservoirs.

2
2.3 Transition Between Modes:
One of the key advantages of PHS systems is their ability to transition quickly between pump-
ing and generating modes. This flexibility is essential for responding to grid demands and in-
tegrating renewable energy. The system can switch from pumping to generating mode (or vice
versa) within 1–2 minutes. The reversible pump-turbine is designed to handle rapid transitions,
ensuring minimal downtime. Advanced control systems monitor grid conditions and optimize
the operation of the PHS system. The system can also operate in synchronous condenser mode
to provide grid stability services, such as voltage regulation, even when not actively pumping
or generating.

3 Characteristics of the technology

3.1 Energy density

Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored per unit volume or mass. While PHS
systems are not known for high energy density compared to some other storage technologies,
they compensate for this with their large-scale capacity. The energy stored in a PHS system is
based on the gravitational potential energy of water, which depends on the height difference
(head) between the upper and lower reservoirs and the volume of water stored. The energy
density of PHS is relatively low, typically in the range of 0.001–0.01 kWh/kg. For example,
a system with a head of 100 meters and a water volume of 1 million cubic meters can store
approximately 0.27 GWh of energy. While this is much lower than the energy density of
batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries have an energy density of 0.1–0.3 kWh/kg), PHS systems
can store massive amounts of energy due to their large-scale infrastructure. This makes them
ideal for grid-scale applications, where the total energy storage capacity is more important than
the energy density.

3.2 Cost
The cost of Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) systems is a critical factor in their deployment and
operation. The overall cost includes capital costs, operational and maintenance (O&M) costs,
and the levelized cost of storage (LCOS).

Capital Costs: The initial investment for PHS systems is high due to the need for significant
infrastructure, such as reservoirs, penstocks, and pump-turbines. Capital costs typically range
from 1,500 to 2,500 per kW of installed capacity. For example, a 1,000 MW PHS plant may
cost $1.5–2.5 billion to construct.

3
 Operational and Maintenance Costs: O&M costs for PHS systems are relatively low com-
pared to other storage technologies, typically around 2–3% of the capital cost per year. This is
due to the long lifespan and durability of the system components.

Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS): Despite the high upfront costs, PHS systems have a
low LCOS due to their long lifespan and high efficiency. The LCOS for PHS is typically in
the range of $150–250 per MWh, making it one of the most cost-effective large-scale energy
storage solutions.

3.3 Speed of Response

The speed of response refers to how quickly a PHS system can transition from energy storage
to energy generation (or vice versa) and begin delivering power to the grid. PHS systems can
transition from pumping to generating mode (or vice versa) within 1–2 minutes. This rapid
response makes them highly effective for balancing supply and demand on the grid. The ability
to respond quickly to fluctuations in electricity demand or renewable energy generation makes
PHS systems ideal for frequency regulation, load balancing, and peak shaving. While batteries
can respond even faster (within milliseconds), PHS systems offer a unique combination of fast
response and large-scale energy storage, making them complementary to battery systems. This
fast response time is crucial for maintaining grid stability, especially in systems with a high
penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

3.4 Lifetime
The lifetime of a PHS system is one of its most significant advantages, as it far exceeds that of
most other energy storage technologies. PHS systems have an operational lifetime of 50–100
years, with proper maintenance. This is significantly longer than batteries, which typically have
lifespans of 10–20 years. The key components of a PHS system, such as the reservoirs and pen-
stocks, are highly durable and require minimal maintenance. The pump-turbines may require
refurbishment after 30–40 years, but this is a relatively minor cost compared to the initial in-
vestment. The long lifespan of PHS systems contributes to their low LCOS, as the high upfront
costs are amortized over many decades of operation. This durability and longevity make PHS
systems a reliable and cost-effective energy storage solution for the long term.

4
4 Block diagram

Figure 2: Pumped Hydro Storage block diagram

To ensure that energy can be stored during periods of low demand and released during periods
of high demand, components are working together to store and generate energy efficiently. Be-
low is a detailed explanation of the main components of a PHS system.
the key components of a PHS system:

Upper Reservoir: The upper reservoir is a large water storage facility located at a higher
elevation. It serves as the primary storage site for water during the energy storage phase. The
reservoir is typically constructed in a natural or artificial basin, such as a valley or a dammed
river. The size of the upper reservoir determines the total energy storage capacity of the system.
During the charging phase, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir,
where it is stored as gravitational potential energy. The upper reservoir must be designed to
withstand the pressure of large volumes of water and ensure minimal leakage or evaporation.

Lower Reservoir: The lower reservoir is a water storage facility located at a lower eleva-
tion, often at the base of a hill or mountain. It serves as the source of water during the pumping
phase and the destination for water during the generation phase. Like the upper reservoir, the
lower reservoir can be natural or artificial. During the discharging phase, water flows from
the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir, passing through turbines to generate electricity. The
lower reservoir must have sufficient capacity to hold the water released from the upper reservoir
and ensure a continuous supply for pumping.

Penstock:The penstock is a large pipeline or tunnel that connects the upper and lower reser-
voirs. It serves as the conduit for water flow between the two reservoirs. The penstock is de-

5
signed to withstand high pressure and ensure efficient water flow with minimal energy losses.
During the pumping phase, water is forced through the penstock from the lower reservoir to the
upper reservoir. During the generation phase, water flows downhill through the penstock, driv-
ing the turbines to produce electricity. The diameter and length of the penstock are carefully
designed to optimize water flow and minimize friction losses.

Reversible Pump-Turbine:The reversible pump-turbine is the heart of the PHS system. It

is a highly efficient machine that can operate in two modes: as a pump during the charging
phase and as a turbine during the discharging phase. During the pumping phase, the pump-
turbine uses electricity to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. During
the generation phase, the pump-turbine acts as a turbine, converting the kinetic energy of flow-
ing water into mechanical energy. The reversible design of the pump-turbine allows the system
to switch between modes quickly, making it highly flexible and responsive to grid demands.

Generator/Motor: The generator/motor is an electromechanical device that works in con-

junction with the reversible pump-turbine. During the pumping phase, it operates as a motor,
converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the pump. During the generation
phase, it operates as a generator, converting the mechanical energy from the turbine into elec-
trical energy. The generator/motor is connected to the power grid, enabling the system to draw
electricity for pumping and supply electricity during generation. The efficiency of the genera-
tor/motor is critical to the overall performance of the PHS system.

Power Conversion System:The power conversion system is the interface between the PHS
system and the electrical grid. It ensures that the electricity generated by the system is compat-
ible with the grid’s voltage and frequency requirements. During the pumping phase, the power
conversion system supplies electricity to the motor, and during the generation phase, it delivers
electricity from the generator to the grid. The power conversion system also includes control
mechanisms to regulate the operation of the PHS system, ensuring optimal performance and
grid stability.

Control Systems:The control systems are the brains of the PHS system. They monitor and
regulate the operation of all components to ensure efficient and safe performance. Advanced
control systems use real-time data to optimize the switching between pumping and generating
modes, manage water flow, and respond to grid demands. The control systems also provide
safety features, such as emergency shutdowns and fault detection, to prevent damage to the
system. In modern PHS systems, control systems are often automated and integrated with grid
management systems to enhance operational efficiency.

Valves and Gates: Valves and gates are critical for controlling the flow of water within the

6
PHS system. They are installed at various points in the penstock and reservoirs to regulate
water flow, pressure, and direction. During the pumping phase, valves ensure that water flows
only toward the upper reservoir. During the generation phase, they control the release of water
from the upper reservoir to the turbines. Valves and gates are designed to operate under high
pressure and are often automated for precise control.

Surge Shaft (Optional): In some PHS systems, a surge shaft is included to manage pres-
sure fluctuations in the penstock. The surge shaft is a vertical shaft connected to the penstock
that acts as a buffer for water hammer effects, which occur when water flow is suddenly stopped
or started. By absorbing these pressure changes, the surge shaft protects the penstock and other
components from damage.

5 Example projects

5.1 Bath County Pumped Storage Station (Virginia, USA)

Capacity: 3,003 MW (largest in the world).
Location: Bath County, Virginia, USA.
Description: The Bath County Pumped Storage Station is the largest PHS facility in the world.
It consists of an upper and lower reservoir with a height difference of about 380 meters. The
facility has six pump-turbine units, each with a capacity of 500 MW. It serves as a critical
component of the PJM Interconnection grid, providing peak-load energy, grid stability, and
backup power. The project was completed in 1985 and remains a cornerstone of the U.S.
energy storage infrastructure.

5.2 Dinorwig Power Station (Wales, UK)

Capacity: 1,728 MW.
Location: Snowdonia, Wales, UK.
Description: Known as the ”Electric Mountain,” the Dinorwig Power Station is one of the
most famous PHS facilities in the world. It is built inside a mountain and features six reversible
pump-turbine units, each with a capacity of 288 MW. The system can reach full generation
capacity in just 16 seconds, making it one of the fastest-responding PHS systems. Dinorwig
plays a vital role in balancing the UK grid, particularly during sudden spikes in demand or
unexpected power outages. The project was completed in 1984 and is a key asset for the
National Grid.

7
5.3 Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station (Hebei, China)
Capacity: 3,600 MW (under construction, expected to be the largest upon completion).
Location: Hebei Province, China.
Description: The Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station is one of the largest PHS projects
under construction. Once completed, it will surpass the Bath County facility as the largest PHS
system in the world. The project is designed to support the integration of renewable energy
sources in northern China, particularly wind and solar power. It features 12 pump-turbine
units, each with a capacity of 300 MW. The project is expected to be fully operational by 2024.

5.4 Grand Maison Dam (France)

Capacity: 1,800 MW.
Location: Isère, France.
Description: The Grand Maison Dam is one of the largest PHS facilities in Europe. It consists
of an upper reservoir at an elevation of 1,695 meters and a lower reservoir at 1,050 meters,
providing a significant head for energy storage. The system includes four pump-turbine units,
each with a capacity of 150 MW, and four conventional turbine units, each with a capacity of
150 MW. The project was completed in 1988 and plays a critical role in balancing the French
power grid, particularly during peak demand periods.

5.5 Okutataragi Pumped Storage Power Station (Japan)

Capacity: 1,932 MW.
Location: Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
Description: The Okutataragi Pumped Storage Power Station is one of the largest PHS facil-
ities in Japan. It consists of an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir with a height difference
of about 500 meters. The system includes six pump-turbine units, each with a capacity of 322
MW. The project was completed in 1998 and is a key component of Japan’s energy infrastruc-
ture, providing grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.

5.6 Tumut-3 Power Station (New South Wales, Australia)

Capacity: 1,800 MW.
Location: Snowy Mountains, New South Wales, Australia.
Description: The Tumut-3 Power Station is part of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme,
one of the largest hydroelectric systems in the world.
It consists of an upper reservoir (Talbot Reservoir) and a lower reservoir (Jounama Pondage),
with a height difference of about 150 meters. The system includes six pump-turbine units,
each with a capacity of 300 MW. The project was completed in 1973 and plays a vital role in

8
balancing the Australian grid, particularly during peak demand periods.

5.7 Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Plant (Missouri, USA)

Capacity: 450 MW.
Location: Reynolds County, Missouri, USA.
Description: The Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Plant is unique in that it uses two artificial
reservoirs rather than natural water bodies. The upper reservoir is located on top of Proffit
Mountain, and the lower reservoir is at the base of the mountain. The system includes two
pump-turbine units, each with a capacity of 225 MW. The project was completed in 1963 and
is primarily used for peak-load energy and grid stabilization. In 2005, the upper reservoir
suffered a catastrophic failure, but it was rebuilt and resumed operations in 2010.

5.8 Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant (Lithuania)

Capacity: 900 MW.
Location: Kruonis, Lithuania.
Description: The Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant is the largest energy storage facility in the
Baltic region. It consists of an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir with a height difference of
about 100 meters. The system includes four pump-turbine units, each with a capacity of 225
MW. The project was completed in 1998 and plays a critical role in balancing the Baltic power
grid, particularly during periods of high demand or low generation from other sources.

References
[1] U.S. Energy Information Administration, ”Pumped-storage hydroelectricity,” EIA. [On-
line]. Available: [Link] [Accessed: Feb. 28, 2025].

[2] International Hydropower Association, ”Hydropower and pumped storage development,”

IHA. [Online]. Available: [Link] [Accessed: Feb. 28,
2025].

[3] European Commission, ”Energy reports on hydroelectric storage,” European Commis-

sion. [Online]. Available: [Link] [Accessed: Feb. 28,
2025].

[4] Snowy Hydro, ”Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme (Tumut-3),” Snowy Hydro.
[Online]. Available: [Link] [Accessed: Feb. 28,
2025].

[5] Australian Renewable Energy Agency, ”Pumped hydro storage in Australia,” ARENA.
[Online]. Available: [Link] [Accessed: Feb. 28, 2025].