Energy storage; Mining; Hydroelectricity; Numerical modeling; Groundwater
Abstract :
[en] Underground pumped storage hydroelectricity (UPSH) plants using open-pit or deep mines can be used in flat regions to store the excess of electricity produced during low-demand energy periods. It is essential to consider the interaction between UPSH plants and the surrounding geological media. There has been little work on the assessment of associated groundwater flow impacts. The impacts on groundwater flow are determined numerically using a simplified numerical model which is assumed to be representative of open-pit and deep mines. The main impact consists of oscillation of the piezometric head, and its magnitude depends on the characteristics of the aquifer/geological medium, the mine and the pumping and injection intervals. If an average piezometric head is considered, it drops at early times after the start of the UPSH plant activity and then recovers progressively. The most favorable hydrogeological conditions to minimize impacts are evaluated by comparing several scenarios. The impact magnitude will be lower in geological media with low hydraulic diffusivity; however, the parameter that plays the more important role is the volume of water stored in the mine. Its variation modifies considerably the groundwater flow impacts. Finally, the problem is studied analytically and some solutions are proposed to approximate the impacts, allowing a quick screening of favorable locations for future UPSH plants.
Disciplines :
Geological, petroleum & mining engineering
Author, co-author :
Pujades, Estanislao ; Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Willems, Thibault ; Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Bodeux, Sarah ; Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Orban, Philippe ; Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Dassargues, Alain ; Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydrogéologie & Géologie de l'environnement
Language :
English
Title :
Underground pumped storage hydroelectricity using abandoned works (deep mines or open pits) and the impact on groundwater flow
Publication date :
28 April 2016
Journal title :
Hydrogeology Journal
ISSN :
1431-2174
eISSN :
1435-0157
Publisher :
Springer Science & Business Media B.V., New York, United States - New York
FP7 - 600405 - BEIPD - Be International Post-Doc - Euregio and Greater Region
Funders :
University of Liège and the EU through the Marie Curie BeIPD-COFUND postdoctoral fellowship programme (2014–2016) Public Service of Wallonia – Department of Energy and Sustainable Building - SMARTWATER project CE - Commission Européenne
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