The location of pumped hydroelectric plants significantly influences evaporation losses primarily due to local climate and environmental conditions. Evaporation loss varies with factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall typical of the plant’s site.
- Climatic Influence on Evaporation: In hotter and drier climates, evaporation losses from the reservoirs of pumped hydro plants tend to be higher because of increased solar radiation and lower humidity. Conversely, in cooler or wetter environments, evaporation losses are lower. In some particularly wet locations, the ponds could even experience net water gains from rainfall.
- Scale of Evaporation Losses: Although some water loss through evaporation and seepage is inevitable, it tends to be relatively small in absolute magnitude compared to the volume of water stored and cycled in pumped hydro projects. For example, typical evaporation might be on the order of a couple hundred acre-feet per year, which is minor relative to the storage capacity and the benefits the system provides.
- Reservoir Design and Operation: Seasonal pumped-storage plants with large variations in reservoir water levels show reduced evaporation per unit of stored water because smaller flooded surface areas lead to less exposure for evaporation. This design aspect makes them more suitable for regions where water evaporation significantly impacts water management.
- Water Supply for Refilling: Most pumped hydro plants rely on rainfall or water from existing municipal or local water districts to keep reservoir levels topped up. The local availability of water affects how evaporation losses impact the plant’s operation. In water-scarce regions, evaporation could pose a more critical challenge.
In summary, pumped hydro plants located in hot, dry regions typically face higher evaporation losses than those in cooler, wetter climates. Site selection and reservoir design can help mitigate these losses. Operational strategies accounting for local hydrology and climate conditions are essential to managing evaporation impacts effectively.
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