International Conference on Hydropower and Dams Development for Water and Energy Security – Under Changing Climate,

7-9 April, 2022, Rishikesh, India

PSP, Modern Technologies and Large Scale

RE Integration- An Overview
R.K. Vishnoi
CMD, THDCIL, Rishikesh, India

L.P.Joshi and Madhwi Kumari

EMD Dept, THDCIL, Rishikesh, India

Abstract
Global concerns towards climate change and commitment for net zero carbon emission in CoP21 and now
in CoP26 has brought a paradigm shift in the energy sector. In past decade world has witnessed a drastic
transition from conventional fossil fuel to renewable resources to meet its energy needs. India alone has seen
a six fold growth in its renewable capacity addition (solar and wind). However, renewable resources have
their own challenges and have set forth the need of energy storage. Storage of abundant renewable energy
available during low demand time for its usage later is the only answer to manage intermittency. Presently
Pumped Storage Technology and Battery Storages are the major commercially viable solutions for long
duration and short duration storage. Among these two options, the latter is still under researches to bring in
cost competitiveness. Altogether PSPs and Battery storage are two viable solutions which go hand in hand
with renewable sources. In this paper PSPs have been discussed with their present status in India, available
technology options and configurations.
Index Terms : Energy Storage, Net Zero Emission, Pumped Storage Plants, Renewable Energy.

I. INTRODUCTION
Pumped storage Plants (PSP) act as an energy storage solution with two reservoirs one at higher elevation and other at lower.
PSPs store and generate energy by moving water between these two reservoirs. When the demand for electricity is low and
there is abundant renewable energy available from wind or solar sources this excess energy is used to pump water to the
upper reservoir. The turbine acts as a pump and generator acts as motor, moving water back to uphill. During periods of high
electricity demand or unavailability of solar / wind sources, the stored water is released through turbines and generators in
the form of electricity. As per International Hydropower Association’s (IHA’s) report [1], PSP currently accounts for over 90
per cent of the world’s grid-scale energy storage applications, with 160 GW of installed capacity.
The IEA’s Net Zero by 2050 report was released in May 2021, modelling how the global energy sector may successfully
decarbonize by 2050. As per the report, in the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario, when solar PV and wind are supposed
to generate substantial share of electricity, hydropower will steadily grow and double by 2050 thus becoming the largest
single source of flexible electricity generation. Further to this, the report also emphasizes that pumped storage hydropower
could play an important role, stating that it “offers an attractive means of providing flexibility over a matter of hours and
days”.[1]
II. STATUS OF PSPS IN INDIA
The global installed capacity of PSPs in major economies is mentioned in Table I [2].

1
 R.K. Vishnoi, et al.

Table I : Installed Capacity of PSP in Major Economies

Country Installed Capacity (GW)

China 30.3
U.S 22.9
Italy 7.7
Germany 6.4
France 5.8
Austria 5.6
Installed capacity of Pumped Storage Plants in India is approximately 4.8 GW. India is bestowed with immense hydro power
potential and country wide identified potential is around 145 GW (excluding small HEPs) [3]. As on 31.01.2022, total
installed capacity of India is 395 GW where share of Hydro is 46 GW [4], which is 11.6% of total installed capacity in the
country. India has many sites suitable for Pumped storage plants as well. Total estimated potential of PSPs is around 96 GW
in the country, out of which 88 GW is of size more than 25 MW [5].
Despite having a huge potential for hydro and PSPs we have seen a very abysmal growth in the sector in past decade. Hydro
sector has witnessed only approx 3 percent growth whereas total installed capacity of PSPs has been only 4745 MW. Status
of PSPs in the country is mentioned in the following Table II in India [5]:
Table II : Status of PSPs in India

Schemes Constructed (Working in Pumping Mode)

Sl. No. PSP Installed Capacity (MW)
1 Nagarjuna Sagar, Telangana 705.6
2 Srisailam LBPH, Telangana 900
3 Kadamparai, Tamil Nadu 400
4 Bhira, Maharashtra 150
5 Ghatghar, Maharastra 250
6 Purulia PSS, West Bengal 900
Sub Total 3305.6
Schemes Constructed (Not Working in Pumping Mode)
1 Kadana, Gujarat 240
2 Sardar Sarovar Project 1200
Sub Total 1440
Grand Total 4745.6
The two PSPs Kadana & Sardar Sarovar project are not operating in pump mode due to following reasons [5]:
1. Kadana Station I & II, Gujarat (2X60+2X60 MW) is not operational in pump mode because of abnormal vibration in the
machine. The matter is under examination.
2. Sardar Sarovar Dam, Gujarat (6X200 MW)) is not operating in pump mode because of non operation of lower
reservoir.
In addition to above PSPs, two projects Tehri Stage II, 4 X 250 MW at Tehri, Uttrakhand and Kundah Stage I, II, III & IV,
4 X 125 MW in Tamilnadu are under advance stage of construction and expected to be commissioned by 2022-24. For one
PSP, DPR has been concurred & one is under examination by CEA. 17 PSPs are at various stages of survey & investigation
and 14 projects are under PFR stage.

2
400
Asynchronous Machine with
150 Rotor VSI (Doubly Fed)
250
Based on rotational speed of the machine, PSPs are
PSP, Modern Technologies and Large Scale RE Integration- An Overview
900 mainly classified as fixed speed and variable speed
III. PUMP STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES
3305.6
country is mentioned in PSPs.
the
PSP

mping
ndia Mode)
Fixed Speed PSP:
240 Fixed Speed PSP
ng in Pumping Mode) In fixed speed PSPs, reversible pump-turbine with a fixed
1200 Installed Capacity speed motor-generatorVariable is Speed
used. PSP The pump-turbine is
(MW)
1440 conventional francis type and motor-generator is synchronous
ngana 705.6 type. The machine can operate as turbine-generator or pump-
SM with Stator VSI (Fully Fed)
4745.6
ngana 900 motor for generation & pumping operations respectively.
du 400 Fixed speed PSP technology is most proven technology
Asynchronous Machine with
almost a century old. For fixed speed machines the rotor of
Rotor VSI (Doubly Fed)
ar project150are not motor-generator is supplied with DC excitation. Static
easons [5]: 250 frequency
Based on rotational of the convertors
speedBased on rotational
machine, PSPs arearemainly
usedclassified
speed on
of the stator side
speed for
machine,
as fixed starting
andPSPs arespeedthe
variable PSPs.
gal 900
Fixed Speed PSP: unit inmainly
pump classified
mode. as fixed speed and variable speed
X60+2X60InMW) is SFCs
fixed speed PSPs, are used
reversible for starting
pump-turbine with a fixedofspeed
pump/turbine
motor-generatorsets and
is used. Theprovide
pump-turbine a is conventional
3305.6 PSPs.
abnormal vibration source of adjustable frequency/voltage for starting the pumps. pump-motor for
francis type and motor-generator is synchronous type. The machine can operate as turbine-generator or
generation
king in Pumping Mode) & pumping operations respectively.
ation. Thus Fixed they Speed
act as PSP: source to provide the variable voltage-
Fixed speed PSP technology
240 is most proven technology almost a century old. For fixed speed machines the rotor of motor-
X200 MW)) is not
generator variable
is supplied withInDC frequency.
excitation.
fixed speedStaticSFCs
PSPs, usually
frequency consist
convertors
reversible of on
are used
pump-turbine Convertor
stator side
with forcircuit,
a fixed starting the unit in pump
1200
mode.
operation of lower DC link
speed motor-generator is used. The pump-turbine is load
and inverter units. Inverters used are
SFCs are used forcommutated
1440 startingconventional inverter
of pump/turbine francis types
sets andtype wherein
and
provide source ofcommutation
amotor-generator of thyristor
adjustableisfrequency/voltage
synchronous for starting the pumps.
Thus they act as source to provide
type. The the variable can
machine voltage-variable
operate as frequency. SFCs usually
turbine-generator or consist
pump- of Convertor circuit, DC
bridges is enabled with armature induced voltages. The SFC
4745.6
link and inverter units. Inverters
motor for used are load commutated
generation & pumpinginverter types respectively.
operations wherein commutation of thyristor bridges is
unitsinduced
enabled with armature in fixed speed
voltages. PSPs
The SFC are
units alsospeed
in fixed used PSPsforarebraking.
also used for braking.
ehri Stage II, 4 X Fixed speed PSP technology is most proven technology
almost a century old. For fixed speed machines the rotor of
h Stage
ardar I, II,project
Sarovar III & are not motor-generator is supplied with DC excitation. Static
erfollowing
advance reasons
stage[5]:of frequency convertors are used on stator side for starting the
unit in pump mode.
,ioned
Gujaratby 2022-24.MW) is SFCs are used for starting of pump/turbine sets and provide a
(2X60+2X60
dbecause
& one is undervibration source of adjustable frequency/voltage for starting the pumps.
of abnormal
nder examination.
us stages of survey Thus they act as source to provide the variable voltage-
Gujarat (6X200 MW)) is not variable frequency. SFCs usually consist of Convertor circuit,
FR stage.
use of non operation of lower DC link and inverter units. Inverters used are load
commutated inverter types wherein commutation of thyristor
bridges is enabled with armature induced voltages. The SFC
logieS units in fixed speed PSPs are also used for braking.
o projects Tehri Stage II, 4 X Fig. 1[6] : Diagram of Fixed Speed PSP
and Kundah InStage I, II, III & Figure 1 [6]: Diagram
a conventional, single-speed pump-turbine, the magnetic of Fixed
field of Speed
the statorPSP
and that of the rotor always rotate with the
du are undersame speed stage
advance and the two are coupled [7]. Therefore,
In a conventional, single-speed pump-turbine, the magnetic
of
be commissioned
Stator by
field2022-24.
speedfield
ns = fsof
/ p the stator and that of the rotor always rotate with the
n concurred & onefsis: stator under
same speed and the two are coupled [7]. Therefore,
frequency
are at various stagespof survey
: poles pairs number
are under PFR
Stator field speed ns = fs / p
stage.Rotor field speed n = n . s
fs : stator frequency
ge TechnologieS
p : poles pairs3 number

Figure 1 [6]: Diagram of Fixed Speed PSP

 speed variation of about +10% around synchronous speed is Doubly Fed Induc
possible. This enables machine operation according to
available head and power can be adjusted in pumping mode.
This provides an overall better efficiency to the machine and
R.K. Vishnoi, et al.
better utilization of larger head variation.
For starting the motor in pump mode, the AC input from grid is converted to DC and is fed to inverters through DC link to
generate variable frequency output to stator of synchronous generator while rotor is fed with DC excitation. The motor starts
in synchronismIn andaatvariable-speed machine,
nominal speed it is connected to grid.stator and rotor magnetic fields
Although this are decoupled.
technology Ahasfrequency
is proven and converter
worked well for between
for years, there the grid
are limitations and
to its performance specially
in pump mode.the stator winding, desouples the stator field from the grid, or
Frequency regulation is not possible in the pump mode with single-speed equipment, though design
enhancements over the years have improved unit efficiency and power output.[7]
a multi-phase rotor winding fed from a frequency converter
Pump-turbines used in almost all the pumped storage plants installed so far in India are based on fixed speed technology.
connected to the rotor decouples the rotor field from the rotor
Variable Speed PSP:
body by. [7]
A variable speed pump-turbine can operate at different speeds within a speed range around synchronous speed. Noramally aFigure 3 [8
speed variation of about +10% around synchronous speed is possible. This enables machine operation according to available
head and power Thus
can bethere
adjustedare two configurations
in pumping mode. This provides anofoverall
variable speed toPSPs-
better efficiency the machine and better
synchronous generator with full convertor and a double-fed
utilization of larger head variation.
The synchronous
induction
In a variable-speed machine, generator
stator and rotorwith converter
magnetic in the rotor
fields are decoupled. circuit.
A frequency converter between the grid and
limitations
as pow
the stator winding, desouples the stator field from the grid, or a multi-phase rotor winding fed from a frequency converter
connected to the rotor decouples the rotor field from the rotor body by. [7] machine is
require
Thus there are two configurations of variable speed PSPs- synchronous generator with full convertor and a(space
double-fedrequiremen
Variable
induction generator speed
with converter in the rotor circuit. Generator – Motor underground powe
Variable speedFull Size–Converter
Generator Motor Full Size(FSCS):
Converter (FSCS):

Therefore, to ove
speed machines
generator is used i
with AC excitatio
reduced size.

A DFIM is gener
outputs (higher th
requires lower po
the total output and

Fig. 2[8] : Variable Speed PSP with Full Size Converter In the beginning D
Figure 2 [8]: Variable
In full size converter based variable speed machines, Speed PSP
reversible with
frnacis Full Size
pump-turbine Converter
is coupled with a synchronouus motor- field on th
rotating
generator with DC excitation on rotor. However, the variablity in speed is achieved trhough full size converters connected
on stator side to decouple the stator & rotor fields. Therefore, But Cyclo conver
Stator field speed n = fs / p
s
be compensated b
fs : stator frequency
p : poles pairs number
Rotor field speed nr = fr / p = ns – n
n : rotational speed
A fully fed solution has significant advantages relating to flexibility, start-up and transition times. Start-up in pump operation
and all transitions can be performed in water, thus reducing the required times substantially [9]. However fully fed converter
based variable speed machines can be used upto 100 MW size beyond which size of converter becomes unfeasible. To date,
no fully-fed pump turbine is in operation [9].

4
 unfeasible. To date, no fully-fed pump turbine is in operation
[9].
ferent speeds
Noramally a Variable PSP, Modern speed
Technologies and Generator
Large Scale RE Integration- An–
Overview Motor
nous speed is Doubly Fed Induction Machines (DFIM):
Variable speed Generator – Motor Doubly Fed Induction Machines (DFIM):
according to
mping mode.
machine and

agnetic fields
the grid and
m the grid, or
ncy converter
rom the rotor
Fig. 3 [8] : Variable Speed PSP using DFIM
Figure 3 [8]: Variable Speed PSP using DFIM
The synchronous machine-based variable speed PSP has its limitations as power converter with a rating similar to the
machine is required, which is unfeasible due to the larger size (space requirement) and cost, especially in the case of an
speed PSPs- underground power house.[10]

a double-fed
Therefore, to overcome this limitation doubly fed variable speed machines are used where asynchronous motor-generator
is used in The synchronous
place of synchrnous one andmachine-based variablethrough
rotor is fed with AC excitation speed PSPviahas
slip rings its of reduced
a converter
rcuit. size.
limitations as power converter with a rating similar to the
A DFIM is generally the preferred solution for large unit outputs (higher than 100 MW). Its main advantage is that it requires
machine is required, which is unfeasible due to the larger size
lower power converters that use only a fraction of the total output and hence less converter losses [9].

(space
In the beginning DFIMrequirement) and
used Cyclo converters cost,
to create especially
the rotating inrotorthe
field on the casevariable
to enable of an
speed operations.
Motor
But Cyclo converters absorb reactive power which needs to be compensated by condensers or provided by the generator.
Further, theunderground power
frequency range of these house.[10]
converters is limited and they cannot be used to start the unit in pump mode. Therefore,
an additional static frequency converter needs to be used to start the unit. Altogether Cyclo converters using Thyristors are
a robust technology proven for many years. [11]
Therefore, to overcome this limitation doubly fed variable
Hitachi’s excitation system supplied for adjustable speed pumped storage plant for The Okawachi Power Plant of The
Kansai Electric Power is based on cycloconverters. The thyristor-based cycloconverter used as the exciter can operate in
speed machines are used where asynchronous motor-
torque-producing or regenerative mode. It allows generation at sub-synchronous speed and pumping at super-synchronous
generator is used in place of synchrnous one and rotor is fed
speed. Also, this exciter can supply a current component corresponding to the air-gap flux, which produces internal induced
voltage to control the reactive power. [12]
Goldisthal with
Pumped AC
storage excitation
plant in Germanythrough slip rings
is the first cycloconverter basedvia a speed
variable converter
PSP installedof
in Europe.
reduced
With advancement size.
in semiconductor technologies and improvements in the power ratings of IGBTs and IGCTs, voltage
source inverters (VSI) with high power handling capacity are now available in market. These converters do not absorb
reactive power and can be used to start the motor in pump mode without any additional device. For VSI based strating
A DFIM is generally the preferred solution for large unit
in pump mode the stator is short-circuited and a rotating field of increasing frequency is injected into the rotor. These
converters provide the frequency or speed variation of 5 to 8% in both direction resulting in pump input power variation of
outputs (higher than 100 MW). Its main advantage is that it
approx. 60 to 100 %.[11]
The concept requires lower
of variable speed power
technology converters
is still nascent in India.that useis only
Tehri PSP a fraction
the first project to use VSIof
based excitation
system using a DFIM for variable speed PSP. Advantages of these machines over conventional ones are yet to be practically
realized in the totalOther
the country. output and hence
such installations less converter
are Linthal losses
& Nant de Drance [9].
in Switzerland.

In the beginning DFIM used Cyclo converters to create the

e Converter
rotating field on the rotor to enable variable speed operations.
But Cyclo converters absorb reactive
5
power which needs to
be compensated by condensers or provided by the generator.
 R.K. Vishnoi, et al.

Comparison of Various PSP Technologies

Table III [13] : Comparison Among Various Technologies for PSP

Fixed speed Variable speed

Requirements Doubly Fed Motor Full Size Convertor
Generator
Machine [9] Synchronous Generator Induction/Asynchronous Synchronous Generator
Generator
Efficiency Lower Pump Turbine eff. Better PT eff. Lower MG Lower overall eff. due to
High Motor Generator eff. eff. due to higher AC exc. convertor losses.
Losses. Overall eff. Almost
similar to fixed speed.
Wide range of operation Limited to a head ratio upto Operate upto a head ratio of
Operate upto a head ratio of
1.3-1.33. 1.45 – 1.5.1.6. Technology limited to
~100MW unit size
Variation in pump power Not possible Power Consumption can Maximum flexibility in
vary between 70%-100% pump mode
Fast transition between ~7 - 15 min. depends Longer mode change times Shortest mode change times.
operating modes upon inertia and transient than FSCS
behaviour
Fixed speed Variable speed
Requirements Doubly Fed Motor Full Size Convertor
Generator
Controllable reactive power High High High
Short circuit stability Low High High
(LVRT)
Grid oscillation damping High High High
(PSS)
Grid inertia High Limited due to wound rotor High
(limited rotor dia.)
Immediate step in grid Not feasible Not feasible Feasible
power
Fast transition in turbine Limited by hydraulic Limited by hydraulic Limited by hydraulic
power transient transient transient
Black start Yes Yes, special requirements - Yes
not fully proven.
Cost $ $$ $$$
Space Requirement Lower High Higher
Ternary Set PSP:
In ternary set a motor-generator can be coupled to a separate turbine or pump to work as generator or motor respectively.
It consists of a motor-generator, a turbine (typically Francis or Pelton) and a pump. As there are two separate hydraulic
machines, the rotational direction in both motor and generator mode can be same resulting in considerable commercial value
for the power plant’s operation. For switching between turbine and pump operation, a clutch operable at standstill, a starting
turbine or a synchronizing tourque converter can be used. Ternary sets can provide very fast grid response, being carried
out with the torque converter which allows fast change over between turbine and pump mode. Full regulating capability
over 0% to 100% of the unit output can be achieved in both, the turbine and the pump mode operation [14]. It is however
more complex and leads to longer shaft arrangements resulting in higher costs, especially if the power station is located in
a cavern [11].

6
 at Glasgow to make its e
emission to net zero b
Generation Capacity b
need of energy storage.
PSP, Modern Technologies and Large Scale RE Integration- An Overview

Figure 4 [12]: Ternary Set Unit iv. large Scale r

Global need for grid
Hydraulic short circuit: imperative due to large
in energy mix. The am
at Glasgow to make its
Hydraulic short circuit means two different units one
emission to net zero b
operating in generation & one in pumping mode at the same Generation Capacity b
time using a water conducting system partially common to need of energy storage.
both. One unit in the plant operates as pump, while another
unit at the same time operates in generation mode (which
may or may notFigure be Fig.
on44 a:[12]:
common
[12]: Ternary
Ternary Setpenstock).
Set Unit By using the
Unit
hydraulic short circuit concept almost the full power range of
Hydraulic short circuit:
the plant
Hydraulic
Hydraulic short circuit means can
shortbecircuit:
two different utilized.
units Theinprinciple
one operating generation &ofonehydraulic shortat the same time using
in pumping mode
circuit operation mode is that only the difference between the
a water conducting system partially common to both. One unit in the plant operates as pump, while anotherPSPs
unit at theare
samethe most
time operates in generation mode (which may or may not be on a common penstock). By using the hydraulic short circuit
Hydraulic
constant
concept almost the full power range
short
pump circuit
of theload
means
andbe utilized.
plant can the flexibletwo turbine
different
The principle
units
output,
of hydraulic
one available
shortboth
circuit operation mode for
is storage
operating
rotating
that only the difference betweenon inone
the generation
common
constant &
pump load onethe
shaft,
and inflexible
shouldpumping
turbinemode
come to the at
output, the
grid.
both same
[14]
rotating on oneadvantages
common shaft,for integratio
time[14]using
should come to the grid. a water conducting system partially common to
both. One unit in the plant operates as pump, while another
unit at the same time operates in generation mode (which
may or may not be on a common penstock). By using the
hydraulic short circuit concept almost the full power range of Table IV: Relev
the plant can be utilized. The principle of hydraulic short
circuit operation mode is that only the difference between the application
PSPs are the most
constant pump load and the flexible turbine output, both available for storage
Time shifting/ Sto
rotating on one common shaft, should come to the grid. [14] advantages
storage for integrati
hou
hou
Ramping Qu
Capability MW
Table IV: Relev
Sav
Fig. 5 [12] : Hydraulic Short Circuit the
application
Peak Shaving PSP
Off Stream PSPs:
Time shifting/
Off stream PSPs are defined as the projects where reservoirs are not lying on any river stream or water system. These PSPs
Sto
per
storage
can be open loop and closed loop PSPs. In closed loop PSPs both the reservoirs are away from water stream whereas in hou
Can
Figure
open loop PSP one reservoir can be away from 5 course.
water [12]: Hydraulic Short
Off stream PSPs offer Circuit
advantages in terms of faster and easier hou
execution, less number of clearances required, minimal R&R issues and lower cost. Black
Ramping Start Uti
Qu
Capability in
MW c
IV. LARGE SCALE RE INTEGRATION- NEED OF STORAGE
can
Sav
Global need for grid Off
scale Stream PSPs:
energy storage has become imperative due to large scale integration of VRE technology in energy
mix. The ambitious commitment of GoI in CoP26 at Glasgow to make its energy grid greener and reduce carbon emission of
theb
Frequency
PeakofShaving
to net zero by adding 500 GW of non fossil fuel Generation Capacity by 2030 has further necessitated the need energy Can
PS
storage. Off stream PSPs are defined as the projects where reservoirs Response per
mar
are not lying on any river stream or water system. These PSPs Ca
pow
Figure 5 [12]: Hydraulic Short Circuit
can be open loop and closed loop PSPs. In closed loop PSPs Black Start fluc
Uti
both the reservoirs are away 7from water stream whereas in req
in
open loop PSP one reservoir can be away from water course. Spinning Reserve can
PSP
Off Stream PSPs: of
Off stream PSPs offer advantages in terms of faster and easier stab
Frequency Ca
or
 in energy mix. The ambitious commitment of GoI in CoP26
at Glasgow to make its energy grid greener and reduce carbon
emission to net zero by adding 500 GW of non fossil fuel
Generation Capacity by R.K.
2030 has further necessitated the
Vishnoi, et al.
need of energy storage.
PSPs are the most mature and established technology available for storage as on date. PSPs offer following advantages for
integration of RE into the grid:

nit

erent units one

mode at the same
ally common to
p, while another
on mode (which
k). By using the
l power range of
hydraulic short Table IV : Relevance of PSP in RE Integration
ence between the PSPs are the most mature and established technology
Application Particulars
ne output, Time
both available
shifting/ storage for storage
Storage of as onpower
surplus date.
duringPSPs
off-peak offer
hours andfollowing
supply during peak demand
o the grid. [14] advantages for integration of RE into the grid:
hours.
Ramping Capability Quick-start and ramping capability of ~200 MW/ min, taking just a few minutes.
Savings in start-up and shutdown costs of thermal plants and steadier operations.
Peak Shaving PSPs can meet peak demand in a short period due to their high ramping capability.
Can enable supply-demand balancing.
Black Start Table IV: Relevance of PSP in RE Integration
Utilization of PSPs for energizing the Grid in case of cascaded tripping. Power
supply can be made available within few seconds of blackout.
Frequency Response Can follow frequency within the given margins by continuous modulation of
application Particulars
active power and meeting moment-to-moment fluctuations in the system’s power
requirements.
Time
Spinning Reserve shifting/ Storage
PSP can support inof surplusgrid
maintaining power
stabilityduring
in case ofoff-peak
unexpected load changes or
sudden outages or failure of any generator by facilitating stored energy.
storage hours and supply during peak demand
Reactive Power & Voltage Control Can provide voltage control through reactive power balancing. Can also operate in
hours.condenser mode.
synchronous
V.
Ramping
TEHRI PSP- A CASE ANALYSIS
Quick-start and ramping capability of ~200
Capability
Tehri PSP is a constituent MW/Complex
of Tehri Hydro Power min, taking justlocated
(2400 MW) a fewinminutes.
District Tehri, Uttrakhand, India. The
complex comprises of 4X250 MW Tehri Hydro Savings in (THPP),
Power Plant start-up andMW
4X100 shutdown costsElectric
Koteshwar Hydro of Plant (KHEP)
and 4X250MW under construction Tehri Pump Storage Project (TPSP). A 260.5 m high earth & rock fill dam built on the
thermal plants and steadier operations.
confluence of the river Bhagirathi & Bhilangana creates upper reservoir with live storage capacity of 2615MCM. Koteshwar
Dam, located at Peak Shaving
about 22km PSPsDam,
downstream of Tehri cana 97meet
m highpeak
concretedemand in storage
dam with live a shortcapacity of 35MCM,
serves as the lower reservoir for the PSP. Tehri HPP is a conventional plant consisting of four synchronous generators
period due to their high ramping capability.
coupled with Francis turbines whereas Tehri PSP has four variable speed pump-turbines coupled with double fed induction
Can synchronous
motor-generator. KHEP also has four conventional enable supply-demand
generator coupled balancing.
with Francis turbines.
rt Circuit The major characteristics of variable speed pump-turbine of Tehri for Turbine mode are as mentioned in Table V:
Black Start Utilization of PSPs for energizing the Grid
in case of cascaded tripping. Power supply
can be made 8 available within few seconds

of blackout.
Frequency Can follow frequency within the given
 PSP, Modern Technologies and Large Scale RE Integration- An Overview

Table V : Turbine Characteristics

No. Characteristics Value

1 Turbine Axis 568 m
2 Rated Design Head 188m
3 Gross Head Range in Turbine Mode 127m-227m
4 Rated Speed at Rated Power & Rated Head 230.77 rpm
5 Maximum Reservoir Level 830m
6 Minimum Drawdown level of reservoir 740m
7 Maximum Tail Water Level 612.5m
8 Minimum Tail water level in Turbine mode 603m
9 Operating Speed Range in Turbine Mode 206rpm-250rpm
Integrated Operation of Tehri Power Complex
Table VI : Operating Characteristics for Integrated Mode

Characteristics Value
Capacity of balancing Reservoir for Tehri PSP (Operating range EL 612-606= 6 m
606m to 612m)
Capacity of reservoir / mtr 2.6 MCM
Gross Capacity Available 15.6 MCM
Pumping Discharge of Tehri PSP/Machine 110 Cumecs (109.5 Cumecs at nominal net Head)
Generation mode Discharge of Tehri PSP/Machine 150 Cumecs (146.9 Cumecs As per Design)
Discharge of Koteshwar HEP/Machine 155 Cumecs (157.93 Cumecs As per Design)
Discharge of Tehri HPP/Machine 150 Cumecs (146 As per Design)
Case I : Emptying Balancing Reservoir
Time Required for emptying balancing reservoir while 04 Machines of PSP in Pumping mode and 01 unit of KHEP in
Generating mode:
Let the time required is ‘T’
Volume of water pumped back by Tehri PSP
= Tx (4x110x3600)/10^6 =T x 1.584 MCM
Volume of water release by KHEP
= Tx(1x155x3600)/10^6 = Tx 0.558 MCM
Net volume of Water evacuated from balancing reservoir
= Tx(1.584+0.558) MCM = Tx 2.142
Time Required to evacuate the reservoir
Tx2.142=15.6 MCM
T = 7:16:58 hrs
Case II: Refilling Balancing Reservoir
Time Required to refill balancing reservoir while all 08 Machines of Tehri HPP & PSP and 01 unit of KHEP in Generating
Mode :
Let the time required is ‘t’,
Volume of Water Release in t hrs from Tehri HPP and PSP
= t x (8x150x3600)/10^6 = t x 4.32 MCM

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 R.K. Vishnoi, et al.

Volume of Water Release in t hrs from Koteshwar HEP

= t x (1x155x3600)10^6 = t x 0.558 MCM
Net Volume = t x (4.32-0.558) = t x 3.762 MCM
Time Required
t x 3.762 = 15.6
t = 4:08:48 hrs
Case III : Refilling Balancing Reservoir
Time required for refilling balancing reservoir while all 08 Machines of Tehri HPP & PSP and 04 unit of KHEP in Generating
Mode:
Let the time required is t’,
Volume of Water Release in t’ hrs from Tehri HPP and PSP
= t’x(8x150x3600)/10^6 = t’ x 4.32MCM
Volume of Water Release in t’ hrs from Koteshwar HEP
= t’x(4x155x3600)10^6 =t’x 2.232 MCM
Net Volume =t’x(4.32-2.232) = t’x2.088MCM
Time Required
t’x2.088 = 15.6
t’ = 7:28:17 hrs
From the above time analysis it is clear that the Tehri PSP can be operated for 1.5 or 2 cycles of reservoir emptying through
pumping and refilling through generation every day depending upon the grid requirements and availability of RE at lean
time. In the above analysis nominal head conditions have been considered. However depending upon the head at upper and
lower reservoirs the time cycles may vary.
VI. WAY AHEAD FOR DEVELOPINMENT OF PSPS FOR BUILDING STORAGE CAPACITY
Major economies globally such as China, U.S, Germany, Japan have adopted various measure to promote the Pumped
Storage Power. Policy push for carbon neutral grid through bundling of RE with storage, identification of legal status of
storage, different Time of Usage (ToU) tariffs, Building ancillary services market, energy arbitrage and strict norms against
curtailment of RE are some special measures granted in different countries.
India still has to go too far in building its storage assets. As per CEA’s report on “Optimal Generation Capacity Mix for
2029-30” India will need storage capacity of 10GW from PSPs and 27 GW from Battery storage by 2030. Considering the
revised RE capacity addition targets set forth in CoP26 we have a long way to go ahead.
Some hand holding for storage technologies is essentially required such as:
(a) Defining legal status of PSP as generation/ transmission/distribution/ grid asset.
(b) Developing Ancillary Services Market.
(c) Regulatory framework for tariff for ancillary services provided by storage.
(d) Differential tariffs for peak and off peak supplies.
(e) Off stream PSPs be defined as separate category with simplified clearance process.
(f) Single window clearance mechanism for storage projects.
Pump Storage plants offer solution for energy storage as cost optimization in battery storage technologies is still in progress.
With aforementioned supporting steps we hope to build a sustainable green grid with RE supplies balanced by storage for
our future generation and reduce the burden of our socio-economic activities on the environment.

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 PSP, Modern Technologies and Large Scale RE Integration- An Overview

REFERENCES
[1] Hydropower Status Report Sector trends and Insights 2021, International Hydropower Association.
[2] Hydropower Status Report Sector trends and Insights 2020, International Hydropower Association.
[3] Status of Large Hydro Electric Potential Development- Basin Wise (In terms of Installed Capacity Above 25MW) As
on 31.01.2022. https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/hepr/2022/01/hydro_potential_basin_1-1.pdf.
[4] All India Installed Capacity (in MW)of Power Stations As on 31.01.2022. https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/
installed/2021/03/installed_capacity.pdf
[5] Status of Pumped Storage Development in India As on 31.01.2022. https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/hepr/2022/01/
pump_storage_1-1.pdf.
[6] Presentation on “PSP Vriable Speed Control Concept” by GE to THDCIL.
[7] https://energystorage.org/why-energy-storage/technologies/variable-speed-pumped-hydroelectric-storage/
[8] Regulation Characteristics and Load Optimization of Pump-Turbine in Variable-Speed Operation https://www.mdpi.
com/1996-1073/14/24/8484/htm.
[9] CONVERTING CONVENTIONAL PUMPED-STORAGE PLANTS TO VARIABLE SPEED https://www.
researchgate.net/publication/329268493
[10] https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/7/10/265/htm
[11] https://www.uniassignment.com/essay-samples/engineering/optimal-operation-of-wind-psp-engineering-essay.php
[12] Hitachi’s Adjustable-speed Pumped-storage System Contributing to Prevention of Global Warming. https://www.
hitachi.com/rev/pdf/2010/r2010_03_107.pdf.
[13] Presentation by / ANDRITZ HYDRO / SUB GROUP - 3, MOP / 20211011
[14] Pumped storage machines Reversible pump turbines, Ternary sets and Motor-generators – Voith. https://voith.com/
corp-en/11_06_Broschuere-Pumped-storage_einzeln.pdf

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