A Prototype Model for Pumped Hydro Storage of Off-Grid <10KW Photovoltaic and Wind-Energy

RES;Renewable;Energy;Storage;PHS;PV;Wind;Pumped-Hydro;Solar

Wikman, Jason M.

University:Havard University

Department:Sustainability

关键词: RES;    Renewable;    Energy;    Storage;    PHS;    PV;    Wind;    Pumped-Hydro;    Solar;   

Others  :  https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/37364576/WIKMAN-DOCUMENT-2019.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

美国|英语

来源: Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard

【 摘 要 】

Through hands-on experimentation and spreadsheet modeling, this project examines the potential of pumped-hydro storage of renewable energy sources as potentially being more cost effective than standard lead-acid and lithium-ion battery storage systems. The research question addressed is whether a gravity fed water storage system a feasible, more cost effective and more sustainable storage solution for small (<10kW) photovoltaic and wind renewable off-grid energy hybrid systems in comparison to more traditional battery storage systems? I hypothesize with adequate sizing, an uphill gravity storage system will be more cost effective over a 30-year period, than a lead-acid battery (or other battery) storage system for an off-grid hybrid solar and wind energy production system.After calculating the energy requirements for my 20-acre off-grid homestead in north-east Washington state, experiments were conducted to determine the most cost effective and energy efficient means of solar and wind renewable energy production.Three different renewable energy storage systems including lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery and pumped-hydro storage were also experimented on to changing variables to determine the most cost effective and energy efficient means of energy storage.Through my analysis, I determined that a gravity fed pumped-hydro storage system for renewable energies is more cost effective than traditional battery storage systems as well as more cost-effective than tying into the traditional local utility grid system due to the remoteness of my homestead location.This spreadsheet model has the potential to be used on a situational basis to determine the potential cost-effectiveness of government subsidized renewable energy projects in lieu of standard grid connectedness for remote communities.