Cyclical Processes in Underground Pumped Storage Power Plants
Final Report Abstract
The project covered five work packages (WPs) addressing cyclical hydrodynamic (HD), hydro-mechanical (HM), and geological processes involved in repurposing abandoned coal mines for underground pumped storage power plants (UPSP). In WP1, hydraulic aspects during the filling and emptying of a UPSP were investigated. Experiments conducted in a flume demonstrated that rapid transitions between fill and empty modes influence hydrodynamic processes, with wave interactions and damping observed. WP2 focused on the impact of cyclical pressure fluctuations on rock behavior and support systems in abandoned mines. The research revealed that cyclic wetting and drying significantly affect rock stability leading to deformation mechanisms such as creep and fatigue. In WP3, geological considerations necessary for repurposing abandoned mines for UPSP were examined. A systematic approach for data collection and development of a 3D geological model was established to assess the feasibility of such projects. WP4 analyzed existing mine plans for implementing UPSP. Data from the last German hard coal mine Prosper-Haniel was utilized to perform volume calculations. LiDAR and photogrammetry data were collected to create 3D models of the mine, providing a foundation for future planning efforts. WP5 represents a synthesis of all previous work packages and provides a summary of the results achieved.
Publications
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Cooperative project (CUMT/RWTH) on an Underground Pumped Storage Power Plant (UPSP). International Conference on Energy, Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development (ERESD), May 26-27th, 2022, Xuzhou, China
Kroll, M., Colas, E., Khaledi, K., Klopries, E., Sabarny, C., Schüttrumpf, H. & Tian, D.
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Overview of converting abandoned coal mines to underground pumped storage systems: Focus on the underground reservoir. Journal of Energy Storage, 73, 109153.
Colas, Elisa; Klopries, Elena-Maria; Tian, Deyan; Kroll, Maike; Selzner, Michael; Bruecker, Christoph; Khaledi, Kavan; Kukla, Peter; Preuße, Axel; Sabarny, Carolina; Schüttrumpf, Holger & Amann, Florian
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Experimental and numerical analyses of creep-fatigue behavior in sandstone for energy storage applications. Journal of Energy Storage, 101, 113879.
Tian, Deyan; Song, Zhengyang; Khaledi, Kavan; Yang, Zhen & Amann, Florian
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Experimental Analysis and Creep-Fatigue Damage Modeling of Sandstone Deformation related to Energy Storage Systems. Copernicus GmbH.
Tian, Deyan; Song, Zhengyang; Khaledi, Kavan; Yang, Zhen & Amann, Florian
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Future underground spatial utilization – The role of geological criteria in the repurposing process of former coal mines. Copernicus GmbH.
Colas, Elisa; Back, Stefan & Kukla, Peter
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Geological and mining factors influencing further use of abandoned coal mines – A multi-disciplinary workflow towards sustainable underground storage. Journal of Energy Storage, 108, 115101.
Colas, Elisa; Kukla, Peter A.; Amann, Florian & Back, Stefan
