Author(s): Kanchan Shrestha; Anders G. Andersson; J. Gunnar I. Hellstrom
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The growing dependency on renewable energy sources has created an urgent need for flexible and rapid-response storage systems capable of stabilizing power grids. Integrating reversible pump-turbine technology into Run-of-River hydropower plants presents a promising and environmentally sustainable approach to enable pumped storage hydropower functionality without building new dams. This study examines the hydraulic behaviour of river reaches under cyclic pumping schemes using a parameterization tool to generate generic but physically realistic river geometries. Simulations were conducted in Delft3D-FM for a 3 km long river reach with varying slopes (0.1%–0.02%) and cross-sectional shapes, where flow was pumped from downstream to upstream. Result reveals that pumping induces unsteady flow characterized by rapid initial oscillations in water level followed by gradual stabilization toward a steady profile. The rate and intensity of transient damping depend strongly on slope and geometry, influencing operational efficiency. These findings enhance understanding of transient hydraulic responses in Run-of-River Pumped Storage Hydropower, supporting safer and more reliable integration of energy storage into existing river systems.
Year: 2026