Abstract:
Pumped storage reservoirs are not really means of generating
electric power. They are a way of storing energy so that we can release it
quickly when we need it. Demand of electrical power change throughout
the day.
If the power station does not generate more power immediately,
there will be power cut around the country - traffic lights will go out,
causing accidents, and all sorts of other trouble will occur. The problem is
that most of our power is generated by the fossil fuel power station,
which take half an hour or so to crank them up to full power. Nuclear
power station takes much longer.
We need something that can go from nothing to full power
immediately, and keep us supplied for around half an hour until the other
power station catch up. Pumped storage reservoirs are the answer we
have chosen. Water is pumped up to the top reservoir, when demand for
power across the country is low. When there is a sudden demand for
power the head gates (huge taps) are opened, and water rushes down the
penstock to drive the turbine, which drive the power full generators.
