The contribution of low-head pumped hydro storage to grid stability in future power systems

Review (2022)

Authors

Mohammed Qudaih Technical University of Braunschweig
Bernd Engel Technical University of Braunschweig
undefined More Authors More Authors External organisation
Daan P.K. Truijen Universiteit Gent
Jeroen D.M. De Kooning Universiteit Gent
Justus Hoffstaedt Offshore and Dredging Engineering - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
A. Jarquin Laguna Offshore and Dredging Engineering - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
L.H. de Vilder Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk - CEG
J.D. Bricker Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk - CEG , University of Michigan
Mehrdad Zangeneh Advanced Design Technology Ltd.
Kristina Terheiden University of Stuttgart
Research Group
Offshore and Dredging Engineering (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2022 Mohammed Qudaih, Bernd Engel, Daan P.K. Truijen, Jeroen D.M. De Kooning, Justus Hoffstaedt, A. Jarquin Laguna, L.H. de Vilder, J.D. Bricker, Mehrdad Zangeneh, Kristina Terheiden, More Authors
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1049/rpg2.12668
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2022

Language

English

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Marine and Transport Technology

Research Group

Offshore and Dredging Engineering

Abstract

The pan-European power grid is experiencing an increasing penetration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE). The fluctuating and non-dispatchable nature of VRE hinders them in providing the Ancillary Service (AS) needed for the reliability and stability of the grid. Therefore, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are needed along the VRE. Among the different ESS, a particularly viable and reliable option is Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), given its cost-effective implementation and considerable lifespan, in comparison to other technologies. Traditional PHS plants with Francis turbines operate at a high head difference. However, not all regions have the necessary topology to make these plants cost-effective and efficient. Therefore, the ALPHEUS project will introduce low-head PHS for regions with a relatively flat topography. In this paper, a grid-forming controlled converter coupled with low-head PHS that can contribute to the grid stability is introduced, emphasising its ability to provide different AS, especially frequency control, through the provision of fast Frequency Containment Reserve (fFCR) as well as synthetic system inertia. This paper is an extended version of the paper “The Contribution of Low-head Pumped Hydro Storage to a successful Energy Transition”, which was presented at the 19th Wind Integration Workshop 2020.