354 / 2022-03-23 22:29:36

Cooperative project (CUMT/RWTH) on an Underground Pumped Storage Power Plant (UPSP)

Underground Pump Storage Power Plant (UPSP),Energy Storage,Energy Transition,Cyclical Pump Processes,Subsequent Use of Abandoned Mines,Infrastructural Long-Term Stability

Resource Development and Utilization of Underground Space > 4. Resource Development and Utilization of Abandoned Mines

With the phasing out of the nuclear and the coal energy, Germany is undertaking its energy transition. The development of renewable energy mainly based on alternative energy (e.g. wind and photovoltaic) increases the need to store energy.

A globally proven and commonly used method is Pumped Storage Hydro Power Stations. However, they depend on a suitable topography and are constrained by acceptability issues due to the considerable spacial footprint. Therefore, alternative solution such as Underground Pump Storage Power Plants (UPSP) have to be further developed. In the Ruhr area, abandoned coal mines with depths up to 1000 m are potential targets for the implementation of a UPSP. Identification of effects and potential impacts on structural stability is crucial before implementing and operating a UPSP.

Several international research programs already discussed such possibilities in general. The focus of the DFG-Project by RWTH Aachen and cooperating CUMT partners is to investigate the effects of cyclical filling and emptying of an underground reservoir on the subsurface infrastructure. This interdisciplinary project covers hydrodynamic, aerodynamic, geologic, and hydro-geomechanic aspects. The impacts of relevant processes regarding all these disciplines will be considered in the course of the research project. Exemplary research topics performed by the RWTH research team will be the investigation of wave evolution and propagation in underground reservoirs based on physical experiments in a hydraulic laboratory and geological feasibility considerations for a real focus mine in the Ruhr area. The potential of implementing 3D registration methods and subsequent visualization into a long-term monitoring system for the structural stability will also be examined. During the course of the project, there will be a constant exchange of information and results between the German and Chinese partners.