Yes, pumped hydroelectric storage (PHES) and lithium-ion batteries can be combined in a hybrid energy storage system, and such hybrid systems are indeed being developed and operated with promising advantages.
How Pumped Hydroelectric Storage and Lithium-Ion Batteries Work Together
- Complementary Strengths: Pumped hydro storage provides large-scale, long-duration energy storage by moving water between reservoirs at different elevations. It is highly reliable and offers grid stability and capacity for balancing supply and demand on a large scale. However, it can have slower response times and environmental constraints due to water level changes.
- Role of Lithium-ion Batteries: Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) complement pumped hydro by providing rapid response, high power density, and flexibility for short-term grid balancing, frequency regulation, and peak demand management.
Benefits of Hybrid Systems
- Increased Operational Efficiency and Profitability: Pairing utility-scale batteries with hydropower plants—creating “hydro hybrids”—can improve plant efficiency by better utilizing grid interconnection headroom and smoothing power output. Such hybrids can increase the profitability of hydropower plants by enabling flexible operation and reducing environmental operational costs.
- Grid Stability and Blackstart Capability: The combination enhances grid resilience. Batteries offer fast ramping capabilities and can help restart the grid after blackout events, supporting grid reliability in ways pumped storage alone may not handle quickly.
- Environmental and Operational Benefits: Hybrid systems can reduce the stress on water resources by moderating the intensity of water use during peak flows, potentially improving downstream environmental conditions like aquatic habitat and water quality.
- Business and Market Advantages: Higher revenue potential comes from accessing multiple energy markets, such as frequency regulation and energy arbitrage, made possible by the dual capabilities of BESS and pumped hydro. For example, a hybrid pumped hydro-BESS project in Finland doubled its battery capacity from 85 MW to 170 MW, significantly strengthening its market position and investment appeal.
Examples and Current Developments
- The Pyhäsalmi mine project in Finland is a notable hybrid pumped hydro and lithium-ion battery project. It integrates a 75 MW pumped hydro facility with a lithium-ion BESS that was recently expanded to 170 MW capacity, illustrating the trend and feasibility of such hybrids.
- Research institutions like Idaho National Laboratory are actively exploring and promoting hydro hybrids due to their advantages over stand-alone renewables paired with batteries.
Summary Table: Pumped Hydro vs. Lithium-ion Batteries in Hybrid Systems
| Feature | Pumped Hydroelectric Storage | Lithium-ion Batteries | Hybrid System Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Storage Duration | Long-duration, hours to days | Short-duration, seconds to hours | Flexible durations and rapid response |
| Power Output Flexibility | Moderate ramping speed | Very fast response | Improved grid stability and control |
| Environmental Impact | Water use, potential ecological effects | Minimal landscape impact | Reduced water stress and optimized operation |
| Cost & Maintenance | High initial cost, low energy density | Moderate cost, high energy density | Cost-effectiveness by combining benefits |
| Grid Services | Bulk energy storage, load shifting | Frequency regulation, peak shaving | Expanded services and revenue streams |
Conclusion
Pumped hydroelectric storage and lithium-ion batteries can and are being effectively used together in hybrid energy storage systems. These integrated systems leverage the large capacity and long-duration storage of pumped hydro with the fast, flexible response of batteries, offering enhanced grid stability, environmental benefits, and improved economic returns. Projects like the Finnish Pyhäsalmi hybrid system exemplify this trend, demonstrating the practical viability and growing market interest in such combined solutions.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-pumped-hydroelectric-storage-and-lithium-ion-batteries-be-used-together-in-a-hybrid-energy-storage-system/
