By storing this electricity, Solar Pumped Hydropower System facilities can protect the power system from outages for the mining facilities. Paired with advanced power electronics, SPHS systems can also lower harmonic distortions, and avoid voltage sags and surges. SPHS provides alternatives by storing cheaper base load electricity to be used during peak demand.
In addition, SPHS provides very large capacities of power, higher reliability with less cost for maintenance and operations. The cost of storage is also usually lower than other form of storage technologies available in the world today.
There several obstacles to SPHS. Firstly, a significant amount of water resources is required to the project. A suitable site is also sometimes a problem. Finding terrain for the lower and higher reservoir can prove to be challenging.
Secondly, environmental impact is a serious concern. Flooding a previously dry terrain can seriously destroy or disrupt natural movement and habitation of terrestrial animals.
Most pumped hydropower systems have a respectable safety record. However, there have been serious incidents in the past. For instance, the failure of upper reservoir in the united statesâ
Taum Sauk PHS station should be considered as a reminder for potential serious PHS danger. In 2005, the upper reservoir of Taum Sauk PHS station suddenly overfilled, as consequence excess water was released and washed away about one square kilometer of forrest and uprooting all the trees and houses in its path. This incident should therefore serve as a reminder of potential danger and taken into consideration when designing PHS.
