Pumped hydroelectric storage (PHS) significantly contributes to grid stability through several key mechanisms:
Operational Flexibility
- Quick Response: PHS facilities can rapidly switch between generation and pumping modes, allowing them to quickly respond to sudden changes in power demand or supply, thus stabilizing grid frequency.
- Variable-Speed Operations: Variable-speed pumped hydro units offer enhanced flexibility by operating at different speeds, which aids in grid stabilization and provides services like synchronous condenser and static synchronous compensator operation.
Ancillary Services
- Frequency Control: PHS plants can quickly adjust to frequency deviations, helping maintain grid stability by balancing supply and demand in real-time.
- Reactive Power: By varying generator-motor excitation, PHS facilities can stabilize voltage levels, contributing to grid stability.
- Black Start Capability: In the event of a power outage, PHS facilities can restart grid power without external power sources, which is crucial for restoring grid operation.
- Spinning Reserve: These facilities can operate in a standby mode, ready to respond immediately to changing conditions, thus enhancing grid resilience.
Storage Capacity and Balancing
- Energy Storage: PHS acts as a large-scale “water battery,” storing excess energy generated by intermittent sources (like solar and wind) during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak demand periods, thus balancing the grid.
- Grid Inertia: PHS increases grid inertia by stabilizing the rotational energy of generators, which helps maintain a stable frequency.
Overall, pumped hydroelectric storage is vital for enhancing grid stability by offering fast response times, flexible operations, and a range of ancillary services that support reliable power supply.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-pumped-hydroelectric-storage-contribute-to-grid-stability/
