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Broader high-efficiency zone of micro-pumped hydro storage enabled by a variable-speed reversible mixed-flow pump: Taking acceleration as an example

Author

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  • Shen, Jiawei
  • Pei, Ji
  • Wang, Wenjie
  • Yuan, Shouqi
  • Pavesi, Giorgio

Abstract

Given the burgeoning renewables-based microgrids, it is crucial for a stable power supply to enable more flexible micro-pumped hydro storage by the reversible mixed-flow pump (RMFP) with a broad high-efficiency zone (HEZ). Variable-speed operation is the most effective method to regulate operating conditions for scenarios of the RMFP without the guide vane. To reveal the effect of variable-speed regulation on the HEZ, we test the energy characteristics of RMFP at four speeds based on a bidirectional hydraulic test bench. The experiment shows that the RMFP receives an HEZ that is expanded by 53.4 % in pump mode and 60.3 % in turbine mode by accelerating from 830 r/min to 980 r/min. Moreover, the transition process of the acceleration regulation under full load is simulated based on a validated CFD numerical scheme. It is indicated that the acceleration regulation not only improves the efficiency and hydraulic dissipation but also alleviates the flow instabilities. The peak-to-peak value and the amplitude of the dominant frequency of the pressure fluctuation in the runner can be reduced by up to 49.4 % and 46.2 %, respectively. This study highlights the broad high-efficiency zone and stable internal flow that variable-speed regulation contributes to the RMFP, aiming at enhancing the flexibility of micro-pumped hydro storage.

Suggested Citation

  • Shen, Jiawei & Pei, Ji & Wang, Wenjie & Yuan, Shouqi & Pavesi, Giorgio, 2025. "Broader high-efficiency zone of micro-pumped hydro storage enabled by a variable-speed reversible mixed-flow pump: Taking acceleration as an example," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:253:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125013047
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123642
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    References listed on IDEAS

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