Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is a method of storing energy by using excess electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. The stored potential energy can be released when needed to generate electricity through the reversal of the process.
PHS addresses the intermittency issues faced by renewable energy sources like solar and wind, providing long-duration storage that can balance supply and demand over extended periods.
Energy is stored in the form of gravitational potential energy. During periods of low demand or excess generation, surplus power is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the higher one. When there is a need for more power, the water is released back down through turbines, which generate electricity.
The primary components are reservoirs (natural or artificial), pump-turbines, and associated civil engineering structures. Manufacturing involves constructing dams and pipelines, which require significant earthworks and concrete pouring.
Construction typically includes site selection, environmental impact assessments, dam building, pipeline installation, turbine assembly, and commissioning of the system for operation.
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