GB2600166A

GB2600166A - Method and system for generating hydro-electric power

Info

Publication number: GB2600166A
Application number: GB2016966.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Siitam Peep; Kruus Martin
Original assignee: Energiasalv Valdus Oue
Current assignee: Energiasalv Valdus Oue
Priority date: 2020-10-26
Filing date: 2020-10-26
Publication date: 2022-04-27
Also published as: GB202016966D0

Abstract

A hydro-electric powerplant is made by excavating earth from a sub-surface geological location 152 adjacent to a natural fluid source 140. One or more channels 108 is constructed from an outer surface 132 of the earth 124 to the sub-surface geological location 152 and a pumped-hydro storage plant 104 is installed comprising one or more reservoirs 168 within a void in the sub-surface geological location 152 created from the excavation. A power generation device 164 is fluidly coupled to a penstock 160 and is fluidly coupled to the reservoirs 168 by a conduit 172. In a generation mode, the turbine 164 receives fluid from the fluid source 140 via the penstock 160 to produce electricity. In an energy storage mode, the turbine / pump 164 is powered to pump fluid from the reservoirs 168 and release it to the natural fluid source 140.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Technical Field

100011 The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for generating hydro-electric power, and, more particularly, relates to combining electricity production with the production of materials from a sub-surface geological location for better utilizing natural resources and enhancing an overall revenue base.

Background

100021 Power plants or power production systems, such as pumped-hydro storage (PHS) plants, generally receive surplus power from electrical power generating systems during low power demand or off-peak periods, store the power, and then recover it for use during peak power demand periods. In this regard, such power systems are generally built in mountainous regions, where a water body is naturally available to serve as an upper reservoir with a needed head. During peak power demand periods, water from the water body is released and transferred into a reservoir located at a lower altitude than the water body. During the transfer, the flowing water runs a power generation device to produce electricity. During low power demand periods, a functionality of the power generation device is commonly reversed such that water stored in the reservoir may be pumped and returned to the water body. While several steps have been contemplated over the years to make such power systems more and more competitive and economically viable, there remains room to make the use of pumped hydropower systems more lucrative and beneficial for entities that install and/or operate them.

[0003] PCT/N02019/050259 application relates to a hydropower system for generating and storing energy is disclosed. The hydropower system comprises an upper and a lower level reservoir, and an electromechanical system arranged in the lower level reservoir and in hydraulic connection with the upper level reservoir.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method for generating hydroelectric power. The method includes identifying a sub-surface geological location adjacent to a natural fluid source for excavation of earth therefrom. The method further includes constructing one or more channels from an outer surface of the earth up to the sub-surface geological location. The channels facilitate access to the sub-surface geological location and a transfer of excavated material from the sub-surface geological location to the outer surface. Furthermore, the method includes installing a pumped-hydro storage plant. Installing the pumped-hydro storage plant includes constructing one or more reservoirs within a void in the subsurface geological location created from the excavation; providing a penstock to receive fluid from a natural fluid source; providing a power generation device fluidly coupled to the penstock to receive fluid from the penstock; and fluidly coupling a conduit between the power generation device and the reservoirs. In a first mode of operation, the power generation device operates in a first functional state in which the power generation device receives fluid from the penstock and is run by a flow of fluid from the penstock to produce electricity. Said fluid is released from the power generation device into the conduit to be transferred to the reservoirs for storage. In a second mode of operation, the power generation device operates in a second functional state in which the power generation device is powered to provide a pumping action to pump and release fluid stored in the reservoirs, such that said fluid is released through the conduit into the penstock to be returned to the natural fluid source.

[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is related to a system for generating hydro-electric power. The system includes one or more channels extending from an outer surface of the earth up to a sub-surface geological location. The subsurface geological location is identified as a location adjacent to a natural fluid source for excavation of earth therefrom. The channels facilitate access to the subsurface geological location and a transfer of excavated material from the subsurface geological location to the outer surface. The system also includes a pumped-hydro storage plant that includes one or more reservoirs in the sub-surface geological location. The reservoirs are constructed within a void created from the excavation. Further, the pumped-hydro storage plant includes a penstock to receive fluid from the natural fluid source, a power generation device fluidly coupled to the penstock to receive fluid from the penstock, and a conduit fluidly coupled between the power generation device and the reservoirs. In a first mode of operation, the power generation device operates in a first functional state in which the power generation device receives fluid from the penstock and is run by a flow of fluid from the penstock to produce electricity. Said fluid is released from the power generation device into the conduit to be transferred to the reservoirs for storage. In a second mode of operation, the power generation device operates in a second functional state in which the power generation device is powered to provide a pumping action to pump and release fluid stored in the reservoirs, such that said fluid is released through the conduit into the penstock to be returned to the natural fluid source.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] FIG. 1 is an exemplary layout of a system for generating hydro-electric power that includes a pumped-hydro storage plant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; [0007] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the layout of the system as illustrated in FIG. I; [0008] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the layout of the system, in accordance with an

aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one or more reservoirs of the pumped-hydro storage plant viewed along a section 4-4 illustrated in FIG. 3, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; [0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one or more caverns housing a power generation device of the pumped-hydro storage plant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and 100111 FIGS. 6 and 7 are various views of an inlet structure coupled to a penstock of the pumped-hydro storage plant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system 100 for generating hydro-electric power is shown. The system 100 includes a pumped-hydro storage plant 104 and a channel 108. As shown, various parts and sub-systems of the system 100 is located within a land mass 120 of the earth 124 or within the earth's crust 128 and is thus disposed under or relatively below an outer surface 132 of the earth 124 (e.g., under various layers of the earth's crust 128). Further, the illustration of FIG. 1 depicts a fluid source 136. The fluid source is present within a region 144 (e.g., within a depressed region 144') of the land mass 120. The fluid source 136 may include a natural fluid source 140, such as a water body 148, and may represent one of a sea, a lake, a river, or the like The fluid of the fluid source 136 may include water.

[0014] One or more aspects of the present disclosure also relates to the presence of materials, such as minerals, iron ore, metals, and the like, within the earth's crust 128 or within the land mass 120 that may be retrieved and commercialized to expand a revenue base of an entity that installs and/or operates the system 100. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the materials may be identified at a location within the earth's crust 128 or within the land mass 120. The location is referred to as a sub-surface geological location 152, as shown in FIG. 1. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sub-surface geological location 152 may be located adjacent to the natural fluid source 140. In one example, the term 'adjacent' may mean 'anywhere within 0 -50 kilometers'. In one example, the sub-surface geological location 152 may be located anywhere between 700-1000 meters below the outer surface 132.

[0015] The channel 108 may be open to an environment 156 outside the land mass 120 of the earth 124 and may extend from the outer surface 132 of the earth 124 into the earth's crust 128 all the way up to the sub-surface geological location 152 (or up to zone in the earth's crust 128 where a presence of materials, such as minerals, iron ore, metals, and the like, for commercialization) is found or identified. The channel 108 may be one or more in number, although aspects of the present disclosure have been explained by way of reference to a single channel (i.e., channel 108). The channel 108 may include a hollow cylindrical shape, although the channel 108 may take a different shape, configuration, and/or cross-section than what is disclosed. Further, although the channel 108 is illustrated to be vertical in FIGS. 1 and 2, the channel 108 may include twists and bends in its profile in actual practice. In one example, the channel 108 may include concretized structure or a metallic structure or may include a combination of a concretized and metallic structure. The channel 108 may also include a lift (e.g., a mechanized lift) to transport personnel and equipment to the sub-surface geological location 152. According to an example, a diameter of the channel 108 may range between 17 -20 meters.

[0016] Aspects related to the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 will now be discussed. The pumped-hydro storage plant 104 includes a penstock 160, a power generation device 164, one or more reservoirs 168, and a conduit 172. The pumped-hydro storage plant 104 also includes a surge tank 176, a first passageway 180, a second passageway 184, a third passageway 188, a fourth passageway 192, and a number of caverns, e.g., a first cavern 196 and a second cavern 200.

[0017] The penstock 160 may be configured to receive fluid from the natural fluid source 140. To this end, the penstock 160 may be disposed and routed within the land mass 120 and may define an end (e.g., a first end 204) and an opening 208 at the first end 204 by way of which an interior of the penstock 160 may be accessible (by fluid). The first end 204 or the opening 208 at the first end 204 may be disposed in contact with the fluid in the natural fluid source 140 such that the penstock 160 may receive fluid from the natural fluid source 140 through the first end 204 or the opening 208 at the first end 204. In some embodiments, a gate 212 may be disposed at the first end 204 to selectively open and close the opening 208 at the first end 204 so as to regulate and/or control a passage of fluid through the penstock 160 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0018] The penstock 160 may be formed by combining or assembling multiple pipes or conduits to one another. For example, the penstock 160 may include multiple conduit or pipe based segments that can vary in orientations, alignment, and cross section. For example, the penstock 160 may include multiple vertical and horizontal segments, as shown, although in actual practice, the penstock 160 may also include one or more inclined segments. As has been exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the penstock 160 includes a first segment 216, a second segment 220, a third segment 224, a fourth segment 228, a fifth segment 232, and a sixth segment 236.

[0019] The first segment 216 extends from the opening 208 or the first end 204 of the penstock 160 in horizontal alignment; the second segment 220 extends from the first segment 216 in vertical alignment; the third segment 224 extends from the second segment 220 in horizontal alignment, the fourth segment 228 extends from the third segment 224 in vertical alignment, and the fifth segment 232 extends from the fourth segment 228 in horizontal alignment and defines a second end 240 of the penstock 160. The sixth segment 236 may extend from each of the third segment 224 and the fourth segment 228 (e.g., from a junction 244 where the third segment 224 and the fourth segment 228 may meet). The sixth segment 236 may extend in a vertical alignment An end 248 of the sixth segment 236, remote to the junction 244 may be exposed and/or be revealed at the outer surface 132. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a diameter of each segment of the penstock 160 may be between 5.3 -5.7 meters. Further, elbows or connector segments may also be provided to couple one segment to the other segment.

[0020] The surge tank 176 may be fluidly coupled to the end 248 of the sixth segment 236, such that the end 248 may be open to an environment inside the surge tank 176. The surge tank 176 may be configured to accommodate pressure fluctuations or rises in pressure of fluid occurring in the penstock 160. The surge tank 176 may be disposed on the outer surface 132 of the earth 124, although, it is possible that in some cases the surge tank 176 (along with the end 248 of the sixth segment 236) is positioned under the outer surface 132 (i.e., within the land mass 120). The surge tank 176 may include a concrete or a metallic structure, or may include a combination of a concrete and a metallic structure.

100211 Referring to FIG. 6 and 7, the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 also includes an inlet structure 252. The inlet structure 252 may be disposed at the first end 204 of the penstock 160 that receives fluid from the natural fluid source 140. The inlet structure 252 may be built by building an artificial island 256 in the natural fluid source 140 and may define a fluid receiving portion 260 that includes a converging section 264 (e.g., that converges towards the first end 204 or the opening 208 of the penstock 160). The converging section 264 directs fluid from the natural fluid source 140 into the first end 204 or the opening 208 of the penstock 160 such that fluid may enter or be received into the penstock 160. The inlet structure 252 may include a filtering unit 268 to filter said fluid received by the penstock 160 from materials such as trash, and the like.

100221 The first passageway 180, as with the channel 108, may extend from the outer surface 132 of the earth 124 into the earth 124 (i.e., into the land mass 120 of the earth 124). The first passageway 180 may be formed to transfer equipment and materials (e.g., the power generation device 164, etc.) required to install and build the remainder portions of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 underground (i.e., under the earth 124 or under the outer surface 132 of the earth 124). In this regard, and as shown, the first passageway 180 may define a first passageway end 272 that is open to the environment outside the land mass 120. In some embodiments, the first passageway 180 may also be accessible to the subsurface geological location 152 through a passage 194 (see FIG. 3) where the reservoirs 168 are constructed.

100231 Further, the first passageway 180 may be one or more in number, although aspects of the present disclosure have been explained by way of reference to a single first passageway (i.e., the first passageway 180). The first passageway may include a hollow cylindrical shape, although the first passageway 180 may take a different shape, configuration, and/or cross-section. Furthermore, although the first passageway 180 is illustrated to be vertical, the first passageway 180 may include twists and bends in its profile, as well, in actual practice. In one example, the first passageway 180 may include a concretized structure or a metallic structure or may include a combination of a concretized and metallic structure. According to an example, a diameter of the first passageway 180 may range between 17 -20 meters.

[0024] The first cavern 196 and the second cavern 200 may be built underground in the earth 124 (e.g., under the outer surface 132, within the land mass 120 of the earth 124). The first cavern 196 may be accessible to a portion of the first passageway 180. The second passageway 184 may extend from the first cavern 196 to the second cavern 200 and, in that way, the second cavern 200 may be accessible to the second passageway 184.

[0025] The third passageway 188 extends from the outer surface 132 of the earth 124 into the earth 124 (i.e., into the land mass 120 of the earth 124) to the second cavern 200 to access and be connected to the second cavern 200. The third passageway 188 may be formed to route electrical cables of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 from the second cavern 200 up to the outer surface 132 of the earth 124. In this regard, and as shown, the third passageway 188 may define a third passageway end 276 that may be open to the environment 156 outside the land mass 120.

[0026] Further, the third passageway 188 may be one or more in number, although aspects of the present disclosure have been explained by way of reference to a single third passageway (i.e., the third passageway 188). The third passageway 188 may include a hollow cylindrical shape, although the third passageway 188 may take a different shape, configuration, and/or cross-section. Furthermore, although the third passageway 188 is illustrated to be vertical, the third passageway 188 may include twists and bends in its profile, as well, in actual practice. In one example, the third passageway 188 may include a concretized structure or a metallic structure or may include a combination of a concretized and metallic structure. According to an example, a diameter of the third passageway 188 may range between 4.8-5.2 meters.

[0027] Similar to the first passageway 180, the third passageway 188, and the channel 108, the fourth passageway 192 may also extend from the outer surface 132 of the earth 124 into the earth 124 (i.e., into the land mass 120 of the earth 124). The fourth passageway 192 may be fluidly coupled between the outer surface 132 and the reservoirs 168 to provide ventilation for enclosed spaces defined within the reservoirs 168. In this regard, the fourth passageway 192 may define a fourth passageway end 280 that may be open to the environment 156 outside the land mass 120 of the earth 124 to ensure ventilation of the reservoirs 168.

[0028] Further, the fourth passageway 192 may be one or more in number, although aspects of the present disclosure have been explained by way of reference to a single fourth passageway (i.e., fourth passageway 192). The fourth passageway 192 may include a hollow cylindrical shape, although the fourth passageway 192 may take a different shape, configuration, and/or cross-section. Furthermore, although the fourth passageway 192 is illustrated to be vertical, the fourth passageway 192 may include twists and bends in its profile. In one example, the fourth passageway 192 may include a concretized structure or a metallic structure or may include a combination of a concretized and metallic structure. According to an example, a diameter of the fourth passageway 192 may remain similar to the diameter of the first passageway 180 and the channel 108 and may range between 17 -20 meters.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, the power generation device 164 is fluidly coupled to the penstock 160 (e.g., to the second end 240 of the penstock 160) to receive fluid from the penstock 160. The power generation device 164 may be located within the first cavern 196 and may include a turbine 284 configured to be run by the flow of fluid. Further, the power generation device 164 may include a generator unit 288 which may be coupled to the turbine 284 to be driven by the turbine 284 to produce electricity. Power produced by the generator unit 288 may be passed to a transformer unit 312 of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104. The transformer unit 312 may be housed within the second cavern 200 and power from the transformer unit 312 may be further passed through a set of power cables 316 of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104. The set of power cables 316 may be laid out into the third passageway 188 to extend all the way up to the outer surface 132 so that said power from the transformer unit 312 may be further transferred to a switchyard or a grid 320 for distribution and/or use.

[0030] In some embodiments, multiple turbines and correspondingly coupled generator units may be provided as part of the power generation device 164. As an example, and with reference to FIG. 3, the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 may include three assemblies of a turbine and a corresponding generator unit. Nevertheless, such assemblies may be more or less in number. Further, it may be noted that the power generation device 164 includes an outer casing 292. The outer casing 292 may include a fluid inlet portion 296 and a fluid outlet portion 300. The fluid inlet portion 296 may be fluidly coupled to the second end 240 of penstock 160 to receive fluid from the penstock 160. According to an embodiment, the turbine 284 is located below a level of the reservoirs 168.

100311 The conduit 172 may be fluidly coupled between the power generation device 164 and the reservoirs 168. In this regard, the conduit 172 may define a main conduit portion 304 and a number of connecting conduit portions 308 (see FIG. 3) that branch out from the main conduit portion 304. As shown, the main conduit portion 304 of the conduit 172 may be fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet portion 300 of the outer casing 292 of the power generation device 164 to receive fluid from the power generation device 164 (i.e., to receive the fluid that runs the turbines (e.g., turbine 284) and which is released through the fluid outlet portion 300 of the outer casing 292 of the power generation device 164). In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the connecting conduit portions 308 are six in number, with a first set of connecting conduit portions 308' (three in number) branching out from a first side of the main conduit portion 304 and a second set of connecting conduit portions 308" (three in number) branching out from a second side of the main conduit portion 304. In some embodiments, valves (not shown) may be provided within the connecting conduit portions 308 to close or open or regulate passage of fluid therethrough.

100321 The reservoirs 168 may be correspondingly fluidly coupled to the connecting conduit portions 308 of the conduit 172. In that manner, the reservoirs 168 may be configured to receive fluid released after the fluid runs the turbines (e.g., turbine 284). The reservoirs 168 may be multiple in number, as shown, although it is possible to have a single reservoir. According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the reservoirs 168 may be exemplarily six in number, with a first set of three reservoirs 168 being disposed on a one side of the conduit 172 and a second set of three reservoirs 168 being disposed on the other side of the conduit 172. The reservoirs 168 disposed on each sides of the conduit 172 may be in turn disposed spaced apart from one another. As an example, a distance between consecutive reservoirs, disposed on one side of the conduit 172, may be between 45 -55 meters.

100331 The reservoirs 168 may each include an arch shaped ceiling and linearly extending side walls and a flat floor that combinedly define an enclosed space within the corresponding reservoirs 168 -such a profile of the reservoirs 168 is exemplary and may be visualized in.FIG. 4. As an example, a height of the reservoirs 168 from the flat floor up to an apex of the arch shaped ceiling may range between 40 -50 meters and a width of the reservoirs 168 defined between the side walls may be 27 -33 meters. Further, exemplarily, a volume defined within each of the reservoirs 168 to hold fluid may be between 450,000 -470,000 cubic meters.

Industrial Applicability

[0034] One or more aspects of the present disclosure relates to a method for generating hydro-electric power by way of the system 100. The method includes identifying the sub-surface geological location 152 adjacent to the natural fluid source 140 for excavation of earth therefrom. The identification of the sub-surface geological location 152 may be performed by methods such as -drilling into the land mass 120 of the earth 124 (e.g., up to a depth of 100 -200 meters) in regions that lie adjacent to the natural fluid source 140, obtaining samples of the soil retrieved from the regions, analyzing the soil for traces/contents of a material that may be commercialized, and identifying the sub-surface geological location 152 based on the traces/contents of the materials. Identifying such regions or locations may include various other processes and steps as may be contemplated by someone skilled in the art.

100351 Once the sub-surface geological location 152 is identified, the method includes constructing the channel 108 from the outer surface 132 of the earth 124 into the land mass 120 of the earth 124, so as to reach up to the sub-surface geological location 152 through the channel 108. After the channel 108 is constructed, the channel 108 may be used (e.g., by personnel) to traverse through (e.g., by way of a mechanized lift) to access and deliver and relevant equipment to the sub-surface geological location 152 to perform excavation at the sub-surface geological location 152. Further, the channel 108 may also facilitate a transfer of excavated material from the sub-surface geological location 152 to the outer surface 132. In process of the excavation, voids may be created and/or formed within the land mass 120 at the sub-surface geological location 152.

100361 Further, the method includes installing a pumped-hydro storage plant 104 that includes constructing the reservoirs 168 within the void in the sub-surface geological location 152 created or resulting from the excavation. According to some embodiments, the reservoirs 168 may be constructed in stages -e.g., one reservoir may be constructed as and when a void within the sub-surface geological location 152 may become large enough to accommodate the reservoir. Thereafter, as excavation may progress and as a size of the void may further increase, additional reservoirs (i.e., up to all of the reservoirs 168) may be constructed. Given that the reservoirs 168 are being constructed in a region where material for excavation and commercialization may be found (i.e., the sub-surface geological location 152) further excavation may be performed if needed and even further reservoirs, such as reservoirs 168, may be constructed to increase a capacity of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104.

100371 The method further includes providing the penstock 160 as has been discussed above, with the first end 204 of the penstock 160 being in contact with the fluid in the natural fluid source 140 to receive fluid from the natural fluid source 140. The method also includes providing the power generation device 164 fluidly coupled to the penstock 160 (by way of the fluid inlet portion 296) to receive fluid from the penstock 160 and fluidly coupling the conduit 172 between the power generation device 164 and the reservoirs 168. In that manner, fluid may pass in from the natural fluid source 140 all the way to the power generation device 164 and then be transferred to the reservoirs 168 after running the turbine 284.

100381 The method also includes fluidly coupling the surge tank 176 to the penstock 160 (i.e., to the end 248 of the sixth segment 236 of the penstock 160) so as to accommodate pressure fluctuations of fluid in the penstock 160; forming the first passageway 180 extending from the outer surface 132 into the earth 124; and constructing the first cavern 196 in the earth 124 such that the first cavern 196 may be accessible to a portion of the first passageway 180. Additionally, the method includes installing the power generation device 164 within the first cavern 196; forming a second passageway 184 extending from the first cavern 196; constructing a second cavern 200 accessible to the second passageway 184; installing a transformer unit 312 of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 within the second cavern 200; and operably coupling the transformer unit 312 with the power generation device 164 (e.g., through lines extending through the second passageway 184) such that power produced by the power generation device 164 is supplied to the transformer unit 312.

[0039] Furthermore, the method includes connecting the set of power cables 316 to the transformer unit 312; forming a third passageway 188 from the outer surface 132 to connect to and access the second cavern 200; and arranging and laying the set of power cables 316 into the third passageway 188, such that the set of power cables 316 extend from the transformer unit 312 to the outer surface 132 to facilitate a transfer of electrical supply from the transformer unit 312 out to the outer surface 132, and from the outer surface 132 to the switchyard or the grid 320 for use and/or distribution. In some embodiments, an entity installing and/or operating the system 100 may also form the fourth passageway 192 between the outer surface 132 and the reservoirs 168, such that the fourth passageway 192 may be fluidly coupled between the outer surface and the reservoirs 168 and may provide ventilation for enclosed spaces defined within the reservoirs 168.

[0040] It may be noted that pumped-hydro storage plant 104 operates in two phases or in two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the power generation device 164 operates in a first functional state in which the power generation device 164 receives fluid from the penstock 160 and is run by a flow of fluid from the penstock 160 to produce electricity. Said fluid is released from the power generation device 164 into the conduit 172 to be transferred to the reservoirs 168 for storage. In a second mode of operation, the power generation device 164 operates in a second functional state in which the power generation device 164 is powered to provide a pumping action to pump and release fluid stored in the reservoirs 168, such that said fluid in one or more reservoirs 168 is released through the conduit 172 into the penstock 160 to be returned to the natural fluid source 140. Notably, in the second mode of operation, functions of the fluid inlet portion 296 and the fluid outlet portion 300 are reversed, with the fluid outlet portion 300 serving as an inlet to receive the fluid from the reservoirs 168 and the fluid inlet portion 296 serving as an outlet to deliver or release the fluid pumped by the power generation device 164 into the penstock 160, and then further into the natural fluid source 140.

[0041] The system 100 utilizes the natural fluid source 140 as an upper reservoir for fluid and utilizes the reservoirs 168 as a lower reservoir for storage of the fluid from the natural fluid source 140. Given that the lower reservoir (i.e., the reservoirs 168) is built down under at the sub-surface geological location 152 within the land mass 120 of the earth 124, a need to identify natural fluid sources in mountainous regions, having varying altitudes, for the installation of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 may be absent or non-required. The natural fluid source 140, as disclosed herein, and in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, may relate to a water body such as a sea or river that may be available generally over terrains that may not differ (much) in altitude. In other words, the system 100, by way of its layout as has been discussed above, negates the need for identifying a natural fluid source to serve as an upper reservoir in mountainous regions with varying terrains, and rather facilitates the installation of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 even on level ground or on zero terrain (or non-mountainous terrain). Such a layout or configuration provides the freedom to choose the suitable location vertically and/or horizontally for the components of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 (e.g., the reservoirs 168, first cavern 196, second cavern 200, etc.) within the land mass 120, thereby easing the construction and installation of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104.

10042] Moreover, with several cities and towns being located relatively closer to water bodies (such as seas and rivers) than to mountainous regions, power/electricity distribution to such cities and towns from a site of the system 100 is more efficient since power losses are relatively low -if the natural fluid source 140 were selected to be such water bodies -thereby improving the pumped-hydro storage plant's overall efficiency. Further, with seas and/or rivers generally possessing water volume much higher than water volume available in any natural fluid source available in any mountainous regions, a capacity of the system 100 is vastly increased over a pumped-hydro storage plant built over mountainous regions. Such an availability much higher water volume in seas and rivers, compounded by the option to further expand the number (and size) of the reservoirs 168, if further excavation were being carried out, further aids in the capacity increase of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104.

[0043] Also, with excavated materials being excavated and having the potential to be commercialized (from the sale of rock or other minerals, as obtained, from the excavation of materials from the sub-surface geological location 152 in to which the reservoirs 168 are subsequently constructed), a revenue base of any entity installing and/or operating the system 100 is further enhanced. Garnering revenue is possible even during the construction phase of the pumped-hydro storage plant 104 if, for example, the channel 108 were already constructed and built and were in place for performing excavation -since excavation may be carried out through the channel 108 In effect, combining electricity storage and production with the production of the excavated materials promotes a secondary use of the earth's crust 128 and improves natural resource utilization, resulting in an increase the overall revenue base of the entity that installs and/or operates the system 100.

[0044] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and/or system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the method and/or system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is: A method for generating hydro-electric power, the method comprising: identifying a sub-surface geological location (152) adjacent to a natural fluid source (140) for excavation of earth therefrom; constructing one or more channels (108) from an outer surface (132) of the earth (124) up to the sub-surface geological location (152), the one or more channels (108) facilitating access to the sub-surface geological location (152) and a transfer of excavated material from the sub-surface geological location (152) to the outer surface (132); installing a pumped-hydro storage plant (104) by: constructing one or more reservoirs (168) within a void in the sub-surface geological location (152) created from the excavation; providing a penstock (160) to receive fluid from the natural fluid source (140); providing a power generation device (164) fluidly coupled to the penstock (160) to receive fluid from the penstock (160) fluidly coupling a conduit (172) between the power generation device (164) and the one or more reservoirs (168), wherein in a first mode of operation, the power generation device (164) operates in a first functional state in which the power generation device (164) receives fluid from the penstock (160) and is run by a flow of fluid from the penstock (160) to produce electricity, said fluid being released from the power generation device (164) into the conduit (172) to be transferred to the one or more reservoirs (168) for storage; and in a second mode of operation, the power generation device (164) operates in a second functional state in which the power generation device (164) is powered to provide a pumping action to pump and release fluid stored in the one or more reservoirs (168), such that said fluid is released through the conduit (172) into the penstock (160) to be returned to the natural fluid source (140).A method of claim 1 further comprising fluidly coupling a surge tank (176) to the penstock (160) to accommodate pressure fluctuations of fluid in the penstock (160).A method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power generation device (164) includes one or more turbines (284) configured to be run by the flow of fluid, and one or more generator units (288) correspondingly coupled to the one or more turbines (284) to be correspondingly driven by the one or more turbines (284) to produce electricity.A method of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising: forming a first passageway (180) extending from the outer surface (132) into the earth (124); constructing a first cavern (196) in the earth (124) accessible to a portion of the first passageway (180); and installing the power generation device (164) within the first cavern (196).A method of claim 4 further comprising: forming a second passageway (184) extending from the first cavern (196); constructing a second cavern (200) accessible to the second passageway (184), installing a transformer unit (312) within the second cavern (200), and operably coupling the transformer unit (312) with the power generation device (164) such that power produced by the power generation device (164) is supplied to the transformer unit (312).A method of claim 5 further comprising: connecting a set of power cables (316) to the transformer unit (312); forming a third passageway (188) from the outer surface (132) to connect to and access the second cavern (200); and arranging and laying the set of power cables (316) into the third passageway (188), such that the set of power cables (316) extend from the transformer unit (312) to the outer surface (132) to facilitate a transfer of electrical supply from the transformer unit (312) to a grid (320) A method of any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising forming a fourth passageway (192) between the outer surface (132) and the one or more reservoirs (168) and be fluidly coupled therebetween to provide ventilation for enclosed spaces defined within the one or more reservoirs (168).A system (100) for generating hydro-electric power, the system (100) comprising: one or more channels (108) extending from an outer surface (132) of the earth (124) up to a sub-surface geological location (152), wherein the subsurface geological location (152) is identified as a location adjacent to a natural fluid source (140) for excavation of earth therefrom, the one or more channels (108) facilitating access to the sub-surface geological location (152) and a transfer of excavated material from the sub-surface geological location (152) to the outer surface (132); a pumped-hydro storage plant (104), including: one or more reservoirs (168) in the sub-surface geological location (152), the one or more reservoirs (168) being constructed within a void created from the excavation; a penstock (160) to receive fluid from the natural fluid source (140), a power generation device (164) fluidly coupled to the penstock (160) to receive fluid from the penstock (160); a conduit (172) fluidly coupled between the power generation device (164) and the one or more reservoirs (168), wherein in a first mode of operation, the power generation device (164) operates in a first functional state in which the power generation device (164) receives fluid from the penstock (160) and is run by a flow of fluid from the penstock (160) to produce electricity, said fluid being released from the power generation device (164) into the conduit (172) to be transferred to the one or more reservoirs (168) for storage; and in a second mode of operation, the power generation device (164) operates in a second functional state in which the power generation device (164) is powered to provide a pumping action to pump and release fluid stored in the one or more reservoirs (168), such that said fluid is released through the conduit (172) into the penstock (160) to be returned to the natural fluid source (140).A system (100) of claim 8 further comprising a surge tank (176) fluidly coupled to the penstock (160) to accommodate pressure fluctuations of fluid in the penstock (160) A system (100) of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the power generation device (164) includes one or more turbines (284) configured to be run by the flow of fluid, and one or more generator units (288) correspondingly coupled to the one or more turbines (284) to be correspondingly driven by the one or more turbines (284) to produce electricity.11, A system (100) of claim 10, wherein the one or more turbines (284) are located below a level of the one or more reservoirs (168) 12 A system (100) of any one of claims 8 to 11 further comprising: a first passageway (180) extending from the outer surface (132) into the earth (124); and a first cavern (196) in the earth (124) accessible to a portion of the first passageway (180), wherein the power generation device (164) is installed within the first cavern (196).13 A system (100) of claim 12 further comprising: a second passageway (184) extending from the first cavern (196); a second cavern (200) accessible to the second passageway (184); a transformer unit (312) installed within the second cavern (200) and being operably coupled with the power generation device (164) such that power produced by the power generation device (164) is supplied to the transformer unit (312).14 A system (100) of claim 13 further comprising: a set of power cables (316) connected to the transformer unit (312); a third passageway (188) extending from the outer surface (132) to the second cavern (200) to access and be connected to the second cavern (200), wherein the set of power cables (316) are arranged and laid into the third passageway (188), such that the set of power cables (316) extend from the transformer unit (312) to the outer surface (132) to facilitate a transfer of electrical supply from the transformer unit (312) to a grid (320) A system (100) of any one of claims 8 to 14 further comprising a fourth passageway (192) fluidly coupled between the one or more reservoirs (168) and the outer surface (132) to provide ventilation for enclosed spaces defined within the one or more reservoirs (168).