Pumped Hydro Energy Storage for Hybrid Systems takes a practical approach in its presentation of characteristic features, planning, implementation aspects, and techno-economic issues surrounding PHES. The book discusses the importance of pumped hydro energy storage and its role in load balancing, peak load shaving, grid stability and hybrid energy systems deployment. In addition, it analyzes the architecture and process description of different kinds of PHES, both stablished and upcoming, including technical specificities, performance characteristics, commercial maturity, cost, and relevant information on the typical components of PHES, such as hydraulic system of intakes, bottom outlets, hydraulic turbines, pumps, penstock, and electric generator. The authors look into the existing market structure for PHES and offer a techno-economic assessment according to two different concepts that consider capital costs, annual operations costs and benefits. Case studies of these analysis as well as of the systems themselves are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of different applications are discussed. This book is a unique reference for energy researchers and energy engineers who look to design, develop, up-scale and optimize pumped hydro storage for better electricity generation. Academic and industry researchers specializing in cleaner production, regional sustainability, and sustainable development will also find here a helpful resource.

Electricity from renewable sources of energy is plagued by fluctuations (due to variations in wind strength or the intensity of insolation) resulting in a lack of stability if the energy supplied from such sources is used in 'real time'. An important solution to this problem is to store the energy electrochemically (in a secondary battery or in hydrogen and its derivatives) and to make use of it in a controlled fashion at some time after it has been initially gathered and stored. Electrochemical battery storage systems are the major technologies for decentralized storage systems and hydrogen is the only solution for long-term storage systems to provide energy during extended periods of low wind speeds or solar insolation. Future electricity grid design has to include storage systems as a major component for grid stability and for security of supply. The technology of systems designed to achieve this regulation of the supply of renewable energy, and a survey of the markets that they will serve, is the subject of this book. It includes economic aspects to guide the development of technology in the right direction. - Provides state-of-the-art information on all of the storage systems together with an assessment of competing technologies - Features detailed technical, economic and environmental impact information of different storage systems - Contains information about the challenges that must be faced for batteries and hydrogen-storage to be used in conjunction with a fluctuating (renewable energy) power supply