Modeling and simulation of a high-head pumped hydro system

Abstract

Increasing penetration of intermittent renewable generation, such as solar or wind, will lead to the deviation of the power grid frequency from normal due to the randomness of the output renewable energy sources. Pumped storage can be used to balance the renewable output in a manner to regulate the frequency of the grid. This paper presents a feasibility study of a proposed pumped storage system used to regulate the frequency of power grid to meet the NERC CPS2 standard in response to variable renewable energy output. Studies are performed using dynamic electrical and hydraulic models of the pumped hydro system.