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Roadmap to Profitability for a Speed-Controlled Micro-Hydro Storage System Using Pumps as Turbines

Author

Listed:
  • Florian Julian Lugauer

    (Energy Technology Department, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
    Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, 94315 Straubing, Germany)

  • Josef Kainz

    (Energy Technology Department, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, 85354 Freising, Germany
    Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, 94315 Straubing, Germany)

  • Elena Gehlich

    (Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, 94315 Straubing, Germany)

  • Matthias Gaderer

    (Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, 94315 Straubing, Germany)

Abstract

Storage technologies are an emerging element in the further expansion of renewable energy generation. A decentralized micro-pumped storage power plant can reduce the load on the grid and contribute to the expansion of renewable energies. This paper establishes favorable boundary conditions for the economic operation of a micro-pump storage (MPS) system. The evaluation is performed by means of a custom-built simulation model based on pump and turbine maps which are either given by the manufacturer, calculated according to rules established in studies, or extended using similarity laws. Among other criteria, the technical and economic characteristics regarding micro-pump storage using 11 pumps as turbines controlled by a frequency converter for various generation and load scenarios are evaluated. The economical concept is based on a small company (e.g., a dairy farmer) reducing its electricity consumption from the grid by storing the electricity generated by a photovoltaic system in an MPS using a pump as a turbine. The results show that due to the high specific costs incurred, systems with a nominal output in excess of around 22 kW and with heads beyond approximately 70 m are the most profitable. In the most economical case, a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 29.2 €cents/kWh and total storage efficiency of 42.0% is achieved by optimizing the system for the highest profitability.

Suggested Citation

  • Florian Julian Lugauer & Josef Kainz & Elena Gehlich & Matthias Gaderer, 2022. "Roadmap to Profitability for a Speed-Controlled Micro-Hydro Storage System Using Pumps as Turbines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:2:p:653-:d:719681
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Małgorzata Jastrzębska, 2022. "Installation’s Conception in the Field of Renewable Energy Sources for the Needs of the Silesian Botanical Garden," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-28, September.
    2. Maio, Marco & Marrasso, Elisa & Roselli, Carlo & Sasso, Maurizio & Fontana, Nicola & Marini, Gustavo, 2024. "An innovative approach for optimal selection of pumped hydro energy storage systems to foster sustainable energy integration," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).

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