Pumped Hydro Power Storage Calculator

Pumped Hydro Power Equation:

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

Density (ρ):

kg/m³

Flow Rate (Q):

m³/s

Head (H):

meters

Efficiency (η):

(0-1)

Power Output (P):

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1. What is Pumped Hydro Power Storage?

Pumped hydro storage is a method of energy storage that uses two water reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess power is used to pump water to the upper reservoir. When demand is high, water is released back to the lower reservoir through a turbine to generate electricity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pumped hydro power equation:

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

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the theoretical power available from falling water, accounting for system efficiency losses.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for designing pumped hydro storage systems, estimating energy storage capacity, and evaluating project feasibility.

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 (e.g., 0.85 for 85%). All values must be positive.

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 generation combined).

Q2: How does head height affect power output?
A: Power output is directly proportional to head height - doubling the head doubles the power output.

Q3: What are typical flow rates for pumped hydro?
A: Flow rates vary widely but can range from 10 m³/s for small systems to over 500 m³/s for large facilities.

Q4: Why is density important in the calculation?
A: Density affects the mass of water being moved. Seawater (1025 kg/m³) would produce slightly more power than freshwater at the same flow rate.

Q5: How is this different from conventional hydro power?
A: The fundamental physics are the same, but pumped storage specifically refers to systems that can pump water back uphill for energy storage.