Pumped Hydro Storage Calculator

Pumped Hydro Power Equation:

\[ P = \rho \times g \times Q \times H / \eta \]

Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Flow Rate (Q):

m³/s

Head (H):

meters

Efficiency (η):

(0-1)

Power Required (P):

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1. What is Pumped Hydro Storage?

Pumped hydro storage is a method of energy storage that uses two water reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity. During periods of low electricity demand, excess power is used to pump water to the upper reservoir, and during peak demand, the stored water is released to generate power.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pumped hydro power equation:

\[ P = \rho \times g \times Q \times H / \eta \]

Where:

\( P \) — Power (W)
\( \rho \) — Water density (kg/m³, typically 1000)
\( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
\( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/s)
\( H \) — Head height (m)
\( \eta \) — System efficiency (0-1)

Explanation: The equation calculates the power required to pump water to a higher elevation, accounting for the system's efficiency.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is crucial for designing pumped hydro storage systems, estimating energy storage capacity, and determining system efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water density (typically 1000 kg/m³), flow rate in cubic meters per second, head height in meters, and system efficiency as a decimal between 0 and 1 (e.g., 0.85 for 85% efficiency).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical efficiency for pumped hydro systems?
A: Modern systems typically achieve 70-85% round-trip efficiency (pumping and generating combined).

Q2: How does head height affect power requirements?
A: Power requirement increases linearly with head height - doubling the height doubles the power needed.

Q3: What flow rates are typical for large systems?
A: Large pumped hydro facilities might have flow rates of 100-500 m³/s, while smaller systems might be 1-10 m³/s.

Q4: Can this be used for other fluids besides water?
A: Yes, but you must adjust the density value accordingly for the specific fluid being pumped.

Q5: How does this relate to energy storage capacity?
A: Energy storage (in kWh) depends on both power and duration - multiply power (kW) by time (hours) the system can sustain that flow.