CZ310166B6 - A pumped storage with stable reservoirs - Google Patents

Abstract

The pumped storage with stable reservoirs contains a base (10), an intermediate piece (13) located on the base (10), a lower reservoir (12) located on the base (10) or above the base (10) in the space of the intermediate piece (13) and the upper reservoir (14) located on the intermediate piece (13). The pumped storage is preferably created as a module or a system (7) of modules.

Description

The invention relates to a pumped storage power plant with stable tanks.

Current state of the art

There has been a significant mismatch between electricity consumption and production since the beginning.

The consumption of electricity has a very variable course and requires that its production be operatively adapted, the production of electricity, on the other hand, requires the most even consumption possible. When it comes to power generation in thermal power plants, it can adapt to consumption requirements, although often at the cost of large losses from unused energy or from unused production capacity.

Recently, the use of renewable energy sources has been increasing significantly, especially in wind and solar power plants, which are favored in every possible way over fossil fuel power plants, but the production of electricity in them depends on the current climatic conditions, day and time of year, so the electrical output is quite difficult to predict, which, however, has a strong destabilizing effect on the energy network.

The interconnectedness of today's electricity transmission networks allows regions to help each other when overcoming demand peaks or when certain large energy sources fail. However, the persistent technical and political differences of individual countries do not allow solving this problem on a continental scale.

The result is a very tense situation where there is a threat of increasingly frequent and large-scale power outages.

The complete lack of economically and ecologically favorable energy accumulators with high performance, capacity and efficiency prevents the efficient balancing of disproportions between the consumption and production of electricity, the faster development of power plants based on renewable energy sources and the limitation of the operation of fuel power plants in a very fundamental way.

Pumped-storage power plants are by far the most used for these purposes, as they offer the largest capacity, have the longest life, and are the most cost-effective. They are based on accumulating the gravitational potential energy of water by pumping it from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir.

The water level in the upper tank is placed higher than the water level in the lower tank.

The height difference between the water level in the lower reservoir and the water level in the upper reservoir is also called the discharge height or height gradient.

Pumped-storage power plants are most often designed with stable tanks.

However, the implementation of the existing types of these pumped-storage power plants is only feasible under narrowly specific conditions.

In a pumped storage power plant with stable tanks, the distance between the upper tank and the lower tank is constant, both tanks are placed stably on the earth's surface.

- 1 CZ 310166 B6

For stable reservoirs, the height difference between the water level in the lower reservoir and the upper reservoir changes during pumping.

Fluctuations in water levels in natural reservoirs damage their banks and the biology of life.

By pumping huge amounts of water between reservoirs, the specific load of their subsoil changes periodically, which can cause earthquakes or landslides.

Although surface pumping power plants with stable reservoirs usually use a natural or artificial reservoir as the lower reservoir, which was created historically earlier, but for the upper reservoir located outside the floor plan of the lower reservoir, they require additional considerable separate spaces in mountainous terrain, and therefore their further construction is more and more often encountered against the legitimate interests of landscape and nature protection. They cannot be built in flat or densely populated areas.

Underground pumping stations with stable reservoirs are threatened by geological influences and a corrosively aggressive environment.

In existing pumped-storage power plants with stable reservoirs, the height difference between the reservoirs is created by the morphology of the terrain, and the upper reservoir is supported above the lower reservoir by a natural earth massif.

A wave hydroelectric power plant is known, where a foundation is placed in the sea, which serves as a lower reservoir, a plinth is placed on it (the mesium) and an upper reservoir is placed on it. This power station is used to generate electricity from the height difference of water levels caused by the regular natural waves of water in the sea or tides and does not serve as a pumped storage power station to store surplus electricity and use it to compensate for random differences between electricity consumption and electricity generation in the electricity grid .

The energy systems of existing pumping stations often damage the fish populations that are usually kept in the reservoirs and erode by sucking mechanical impurities from the bottom of the lower reservoirs.

Current pumped-storage power plants have an energy efficiency of approximately 75%, i.e. 25% of the converted energy is converted into waste heat, which is discharged useless into the surrounding environment mainly by evaporation of heated pumped water in open water reservoirs and convection of water and air around the walls of the connecting pipe and power plant facilities. In relation to the volume of pumped water, the heat exchange surfaces are large and are not thermally insulated in any way, therefore all waste heat is easily removed from the system during each pumping cycle and the temperature of the pumped water does not therefore increase. The secondary use of this waste heat of the pumped water is unprofitable, firstly because the pumped water has a low temperature that differs only minimally from the ambient temperature, and also because pumped power plant buildings are usually built far from populated areas.

In the Czech utility model CZ 36529 U1, a pumped storage power plant containing a tank is described, which is placed as a float in the base tank or as a stabilizer on stops fixed to a structure that can be anchored on the shore or at the bottom of the base tank. Pumping is carried out between the base tank and the floating tank, while the base tank (e.g. sea, lake) is not structurally part of the pumped-storage power plant. In the case of the design with stops, during the transfer cycle, in order to fully utilize the height drop and thus the capacity, the floating (vertically moving) position and the stabilized position of the floating tank in the base tank alternate regularly.

In the Czech utility model CZ 36530 U1, a pumped storage power plant containing a floating tank located in a base tank is described, while the floating tank contains a lower tank and an upper tank.

-2CZ 310166 B6

Pumping is carried out between the lower reservoir and the upper reservoir, without the intermediary of the base reservoir, which is not part of the pumping station. A floating tank is supported exclusively by hydrostatic buoyancy, which acts on its float part. To make full use of the buoyancy possibilities, the floating tank (its floating part) can theoretically use almost the entire depth of the base tank, and for this purpose the structure of the floating tank can be significantly lightened, so it cannot even be placed or placed on the bottom of the base tank. Therefore, it is not intended for placement on the bottom of the base tank, especially not in connection with pumping, on the contrary, contact with the bottom of the base tank could damage the floating tank.

US patent application US 2013257057 AI describes a pumped storage power plant comprising a lower tank and an upper tank, both of which are located in a base tank, namely a lower tank below the water level in the base tank and an upper tank above the water level in the base tank. The connecting pipes and the power system are arranged in such a way that the pumping mode takes place from the lower to the upper tank and the turbine mode takes place through the base tank, i.e. not directly from the upper to the lower tank. The base tank is not part of the pumped storage plant.

International patent application WO 2016128962 AI describes a pumped storage power plant comprising a stable tank which is located (fully submerged) in a base tank. Pumping can only happen between the stable tank and the base tank. An overpressure air tank floats on the surface, which is connected to the stable tank by a flexible pipe and serves, among other things, to equalize the overpressure of the air above the water level in the stable tank with the hydrostatic pressure of the water in the stable tank. The base tank is not part of the pumped storage plant.

The task of the invention is a pumping power plant with stable reservoirs, which will have a stable, high and efficient structure, will not require large plots of land for each reservoir, will be able to be placed even on the plain and near populated areas, and will allow the use of waste heat generated during pumping.

The essence of the invention

The invention solves the stated task with a pumping power plant for pumping liquid or gas between a lower stable tank and an upper stable tank, where the pumping power plant contains an upper stable tank and a lower stable tank, and also contains a foundation that can be placed in the subsoil and on which an intermediate piece is placed, on which the upper stable tank is placed, and further contains pipelines and energy equipment for pumping liquid or gas between the lower stable tank and the upper stable tank, the essence of which is that the lower stable tank is located on the foundation or above the foundation in the space of the intermediate piece. For purposes of this invention, the terms "upper tank" and "upper stable tank" as well as "lower tank" and "lower stable tank" are used interchangeably.

Pumping takes place in the environment of two fluids with different densities. Due to gravity, the thinner and therefore lighter fluid stays above the surface of the denser and therefore heavier fluid,

Liquids with different densities are preferably liquid as a liquid with a higher density (hereinafter referred to as liquid) and gas as a liquid with a lower density (hereinafter referred to as gas). The liquid is preferably water, the gas is preferably air.

A fluid with a higher density or a fluid with a lower density or both fluids can be pumped simultaneously or separately.

The pumping station can advantageously be filled with fresh water from a river or a lake, thereby better protecting the internal spaces of tanks, connecting pipes and power plants against corrosion.

Tanks can be open to the environment or closed.

-3 CZ 310166 B6

The pumping station according to the invention requires a basis for the necessary area for its location. The base can have different flexibility, strength - from solid loam to mud to liquid.

If solid ground is available as a base, a pumped-storage power plant with stable reservoirs can be built on it. The weight of other parts of the pumping station can be deduced from the bearing capacity of the subsoil. The subsoil must be sufficiently load-bearing so that a powerful power plant can be built on it. If the subsoil is not sufficiently load-bearing, it is necessary to strengthen the subsoil, which increases construction costs.

Tanks contain space for denser and thinner fluid, e.g. liquid space and gas space.

In a pumped-storage power plant with an open design of the liquid space of the tanks, ordinary or partially treated water, preferably treated by filtering, can be used as a liquid, so that there is no danger to the surrounding environment in case of accidental leakage of water from the tanks.

In the closed design of the liquid space of the tanks, the water can advantageously be thickened with soluble or insoluble substances, which can achieve higher transmitted powers, and it can be modified to reduce the erosive or corrosive effect on the components of the pumping station or to reduce the formation of mineral deposits.

A pumped storage power plant with stable tanks is preferably equipped with a collection tank of the necessary volume for possible leakage of treated liquid from some tanks.

Air is available as a gas in a pumped storage power plant with an open design of the gas space of the tanks.

In the closed version of the tanks, the gas space above the liquid level in the tanks is separated from the surrounding atmosphere, and the gas pressure does not have to be equal to the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere. An inert gas can advantageously be used here, preferably nitrogen, which is more expensive, but reduces the corrosion of parts of the pumping station.

The potential energy in the pumping station is in the form of the positional and pressure energy of the fluids in the reservoirs. The proportions of individual types of energy change during pumping.

Pumping one of the fluids can change not only the potential energy of this fluid, but also the potential energy of the other fluid. One or both fluids can be pumped separately or simultaneously.

The operating height difference of the denser liquid levels is formed by the height difference between the level of the denser liquid in the upper tank and the level of the denser liquid in the lower tank.

The lower tank and the upper tank are connected to each other by means of a connecting pipe with an energy system.

The energy system for pumping a denser liquid is connected by means of a connecting pipe with the discharge side to the upper tank and the suction side to the lower tank.

The operating height of the denser fluid in the connecting pipe is preferably higher on the side of the power plant connected to the upper tank than on the side connected to the lower tank.

The height difference is thus processed mainly by the overpressure, discharge side of the power system, not by its underpressure, suction side, which makes it possible to achieve a high operating height difference and not to limit the operating height difference only to the suction height, which is

-4CZ 310166 B6 limited to only a few meters, when cavitation does not yet occur in the energy system or a column of denser fluid breaks in the suction side of the connecting pipe.

The term operating height is used to express the operating situation when the pipeline is filled with a denser liquid and a height difference is created between the levels of the denser liquid in the upper tank and in the lower tank, which can be readily used for pumping.

In this way, the situation that occurs during repairs or in the event of a malfunction is distinguished from the operational situation, when there is an intentional or accidental release of liquid from the upper tank or even from the pipeline and the pumping station is taken out of operation.

However, the mentioned situations are common for every pumped storage power plant and do not contradict its essence.

Preferably, in the following text, the liquid is water, the gas is air.

The tanks and the intermediate piece are placed on the load-bearing element in the pumped-storage power plant.

In a pumped-storage power station with stable reservoirs, the supporting element is the foundation placed on the subsoil.

The foundation is designed to support all other parts of the pumped storage plant.

For the possibility of accumulating the potential energy of the liquid, a liquid space, a liquid tank, is created in the area of the pumping station. If the liquid is water, the names water space, water reservoir, and also just the reservoir are used, with a distinction based on the height of the upper reservoir or lower reservoir.

For the possibility of accumulating the potential energy of the gas, a gas space, a gas tank, is created in the area of the pumping station. A tank filled with compressed gas is then called a pressurized gas tank or also a compressed air tank, if the compressed gas is air.

For the possibility of accumulating the potential energy of liquid and gas at the same time, the tank can be filled with both liquid and gas, preferably compressed gas. Then the water tank is also a compressed air tank.

According to the main feature of the invention, the pumped storage power plant contains an intermediate piece that is placed under the upper tank, so it is intended to raise the position and to support the upper tank.

The intermediate piece is built on the foundation and the upper tank is built on the intermediate piece, while the lower tank is also placed on the foundation or above the foundation in the area of the intermediate piece.

The vertical load from the parts placed above is transferred to the parts placed below. The intermediate piece is also the connecting part between the lower tank and the upper tank.

Alternatively, the lower tank is placed in the space in the lower part of the intermediate piece in such a way that the lower tank is connected to the intermediate piece, while the weight of the lower tank and/or the internal excess pressure of the lower tank is partially or fully transferred to the intermediate piece. According to the share of force transfer from the lower tank to the intermediate piece, this intermediate piece is increased, dimensioned, i.e. in this proportion of forces, the intermediate piece is part of the lower tank. The intermediate piece and the lower tank can thus form a statically indeterminate system.

Pumping takes place between the lower and upper reservoirs. During pumping, the height difference between the lower tank and the upper tank changes continuously - when filling the upper tank with water from the lower tank, the height difference in water levels increases, when draining water from the upper tank to the lower tank, the height difference in water levels decreases. At a high height difference, this change in height difference is only a few percent of the average height difference, so it should not put

-5CZ 310166 B6 increased demands on power system performance regulation.

The transfer of fluids between reservoirs must be as uniform as possible to minimize mechanical stress in the structure of the pumped storage plant.

It is also important to pay attention to the even loading of the foundation so that it does not crack.

The uniformity of filling the tanks with water can be ensured by regulating the flow of water with the help of valves in the water pipes, regulating the performance of power systems, operating power systems balanced to the center of gravity of the pumping station and/or regulating the overpressure of gas above the water level in the tanks.

Regulation of water flow or air flow above the water level is carried out by throttling their flow, while the intensity of throttling must be higher for tanks that are closer to the power plant.

Increased water pressures and increased overpressure, possibly the negative air pressure in the tanks place increased demands on the dimensioning of the tanks and pipelines.

Control valves can be installed in the vent line branches to the tanks and/or in the vent line between the tanks.

In the internal space of the pumping station, the increased temperature due to the heating of the pumping station will be waste heat, which will not be a favorable environment for the reliable functioning of water and air seals.

The device for regulating the air flow will preferably be located above the upper tanks, i.e. in the outdoor environment, where the temperatures will probably be much lower and therefore more favorable for reliable operation.

Energy systems can show reduced energy efficiency with high height differences between the lower tank and the upper tank.

The pumped-storage power plant preferably includes an additional tank located between the lower tank and the upper tank and connected to these tanks by means of pipes and power equipment, thereby creating a cascade of tanks.

By using one additional tank, two stages of the pumping cascade of tanks are created in the pumping station. The order of degrees is preferably counted from the bottom. The first stage of the cascade of tanks is therefore made up of a lower tank and an additional tank, the second stage of the cascade of tanks is made up of an additional tank and an upper tank.

An advantageous embodiment of the pumped-storage power plant contains a separate energy system for each stage of the reservoir cascade.

The difference in height of the water levels between the reservoirs during pump and turbine operation is halved in each stage of the cascade, the energy system and connecting pipes are designed for half the hydrostatic pressure. The length of the connecting pipe between the tanks will be reduced and the losses in the energy system will be reduced, but the pumped storage plant requires twice the number of energy systems.

Another advantageous embodiment of the pumped-storage power plant advantageously contains a common energy system for turbine operation, in which water is discharged from the upper tank to the lower tank, the energy system for turbine operation and the connecting pipes must be sized for hydrostatic pressure for the entire height difference.

-6CZ 310166 B6

This further embodiment of the pumped storage power plant contains a separate power plant for pumping operation for each stage of the reservoir cascade.

The disadvantage of using additional tanks is that, with the same bearing capacity of the foundation, the weight of the pumped storage plant increases, so the amount of pumped liquid must be reduced or the height of the intermediate piece must be reduced, and the capacity of the stored energy will be slightly reduced.

It follows from the nature of this advantageous design that the pumped storage power plant can also contain several additional tanks, which can create more stages of a cascade of tanks. Each additional tank therefore increases the number of stages of the tank cascade by one.

During pumping, the main load on the foundation is constant, the main load on other parts is cyclic.

Another, irregular load must be added to the main load, especially the unbalanced load on the foundations and other parts of the pumped-storage power plant due to the effect of wind, the load caused by dynamic surges of water in the pipeline, the overpressure of air in the pipeline and in the tanks, and temperature changes.

The upper tank and the lower tank are pressure vessels that are loaded with internal and/or external overpressure, therefore they are advantageously equipped with a lower and upper arched bottom, which best resists this load.

The ground plan shape of the pumped storage power plant can be regular or irregular, it will have to respect the area of suitable bearing capacity of the subsoil.

The height level of the sub-surface parts of the foundation can advantageously copy the sloping relief of the subsoil on the land on which the pumped-storage power plant will be built, while it is necessary to prevent landslides.

In this pumping station, only tanks with the same height position, i.e. along contour lines to have the same discharge height.

The pumped storage power plant can advantageously be created in the shape of a vertical cylinder, which is a shape advantageous for stabilizing the performance of the power plant.

It is advantageous that the lower tank can hold not only all the water from the upper tank, but also all the water from the water pipe.

The bearing capacity of the subsoil of the pumped-storage power plant is used to support the own weight of the pumped-storage power plant and the weight of the pumped water.

The amount of potential energy of the water pumped in a pumped storage power plant depends on the height difference of the water levels between the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir (i.e. on the head) and on the amount of water pumped.

The weight of the pumping station is proportional to the bearing capacity of the subsoil.

It is advantageous that the weight of the pumping station is used as best as possible in favor of the height of the intermediate piece and thus its discharge height.

If the internal horizontal cross-section of the tank is constant throughout its height, the amount of pumped water is proportional to the change in the height of the water level in this tank.

The capacity and weight of the pumping station, as a result, the investment requirement of the pumping station

-7CZ 310166 B6 of the power plant also depends on the ratio of the weight of pumped water in the reservoirs and the weight of the pumped power plant.

The weight of the pumped-storage power plant is generally understood as the sum of the weight of the pumped-storage power plant structure, incl. possible foundation and weight of additional load.

In general, it is possible to choose the optimal variant among the extreme options of this design:

- lighter and lower pumped power station and larger pumped water load,

- heavier and higher pumped power station and smaller pumped water filling.

If the bearing capacity of the subsoil is the limiting factor, then for optimizing the parameters of a pumped storage power plant with stable reservoirs, the following generally applies:

The sum of the weight of the pumping station and the weight of the pumped water is equal to the bearing capacity of the subsoil.

The product of the weight of the pumping station and the weight of the pumped water is maximum if these weights are equal.

The accumulated energy is proportional to the product of the weight of the pumped water and the discharge head.

The efficient design of the intermediate piece allows the discharge height to reach many times the height of the pumped water.

The product of the pumped water height and the discharge head and thus the accumulated energy can therefore reach high values.

The pumped storage power plant according to the invention can have a center of gravity high above the foundation level and, especially in the case of uneven filling or accidental side loading by strong wind, it can get into an unstable state with an incorrect design solution.

A tall pumping station with a slim shape therefore requires strong supports to ensure stability.

The stability of a tall pumped storage plant against overturning can be advantageously ensured by ensuring that the pumped storage plant has sufficient width.

At a given height of the center of gravity of the pumped storage plant, its width will be derived from the forces that can cause it to tilt.

The height of the center of gravity of the pumped-storage power plant depends mainly on the ratio of the weight of the water filling in the upper tank to the weight of the pumped-storage power plant.

Advantageously dividing the water tank of the pumped storage plant with built-in partitions or creating a connected system of smaller water tanks in the pumped storage plant slows down or prevents the overflow of a large volume of water in the tank and thus further improves the stability of the pumped storage plant.

Internal partitions and/or cavities are advantageously also used as reinforcements of the pumping station to ensure its strength and shape stability and to reduce the wall thickness of structural elements.

-8CZ 310166 B6

The pumping power plant according to the invention with an area of S = 500 mx 500 m, with a bearing capacity of the subsoil of 0.4 MPa and corresponding to the attainable height of water in the tank N = 30 m at an optimal discharge height V = 500 m, will have a theoretical capacity of approximately E = 10.2 GWh, i.e. 40.8 GWh/km ² .

The pumped storage power plant is preferably designed as a module.

The pumped storage plant module is supported on a foundation created in the subsoil and contains a lower tank, an intermediate piece and an upper tank.

When calculating the stability of the module on the subsoil, the relevant part of the foundation must also be considered.

The module is advantageously designed in such a way that the lower tank, upper tank and intermediate piece occupy the same floor plan in the space of the module.

The module preferably has the shape of a vertical cylinder, which is advantageous for stabilizing the performance of the power system.

The vertical cylinder of the module can generally have a different, regular or irregular, horizontal cross-sectional shape.

Since the parts of the module, especially the intermediate piece, the float or the lower tank, are also loaded for buckling, the module for this type of load is preferably made with a circular shape of horizontal cross-section, preferably from sheet metal. This shape of the horizontal section of the module allows the best use of the construction material.

The pumped storage power plant is preferably made up of a system of modules.

The modules are preferably interconnected.

Advantageously, the system of modules is made up of groups of modules.

In a pumped-storage power station, there is an advantage:

- each module built on a separate foundation,

- each group of modules built on a separate foundation,

- the entire system of modules built on a common foundation.

The spacing of the modules is preferably greater than their diameter.

The modules are preferably connected to each other with the help of vertical and horizontal braces.

Advantageously, the parts of the module are also reinforced with internal horizontal and/or vertical reinforcements.

Advantageously, the pumping station is reinforced with horizontal flanges at least at the level of the upper and lower edges of the tanks, which can significantly strengthen the stiffness of the system of modules in bending and limit the horizontal load of the collection connecting pipe.

The tanks and spacers in the modules are pressure vessels. Regarding the main load, tanks are mainly loaded by internal overpressure and axial force, intermediate pieces are mainly loaded by axial force.

The modular design of the pumped storage power plant will simplify its production and assembly.

Modules with vertical external stiffeners can be advantageously made with a diameter of up to 3.6 m, so that their parts can be easily transported from the manufacturer to the assembly site by rail.

-9CZ 310166 B6

The horizontal distance between the modules is then preferably chosen to be 0.4 m, generally in such a way that the area of the module system is used as best as possible for the purposes of the pumping station, but at the same time in such a way as to enable double-sided inspection and maintenance of the module walls and reinforcements.

When repairing the tank of one of the modules, it is sufficient to empty only the tank in question, e.g. by transferring water to another tank in the same module or to tanks in other modules. During the repair, only the tank being repaired will be out of service, while all other modules can continue to operate. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the increase in shear stress between the modules.

The ground plan arrangement of the modules in triangular formations is advantageous, which ensure the optimal solution for the strength and rigidity of the module system, as well as for the accessibility of the control and maintenance of the modules.

The system of modules connected to each other is quite rigid and the individual modules are not movable in height.

Despite the large width of the module system, its flexibility is manifested, and in order to make the best possible use of the load-bearing capacity of the subsoil and foundations and to avoid additional shear and bending stresses in the structure of the system, it is necessary that the pressure of the modules on their supporting elements, i.e. the foundations, is evenly continuously distributed, i.e. to match the bearing capacity of the respective foundation in each module.

However, the bearing capacity of foundations can change over time. E.g. as a result of long-term loading by the module system, compression and compaction of the subsoil may occur.

If the subsoil under the system is not homogeneous, especially in the mined area, then the subsidence of the subsoil and foundations will not be uniform. The structure of the system will not be evenly supported and additional shear and bending stresses will arise in it.

The underpinning of the module system must then be repaired, rectified, by changing the height of the gap between the module structure and the foundations, preferably by inserting or removing washers.

It is therefore advantageous to regularly measure and evaluate the subsidence of foundations and the entire system of modules.

Rectification spaces are preferably created in the modules for rectification of their position on the foundation, preferably so that the lower part of the module under the lower tank is provided with horizontal reinforcement and mounting holes in the walls of the module.

Through the mounting holes, pneumatic lifting bags can be inserted into the rectification space between the horizontal reinforcement and the base, and the module can be lifted by filling the bags with air. A pad with a thickness determined according to the measurement results can be inserted into the resulting gap between the module and the base, and by releasing the air from the bags, the module can be lowered onto the pad again.

To reduce the required lifting force, it is advantageous to lighten the rectified module or adjacent modules for the duration of the rectification, preferably by pumping water into the tanks in the other modules. After the rectification is completed, the module can be loaded again by pumping water into its tanks.

If the pumped storage power plant is assembled from many modules, the probability of accidental leakage of all the liquid is negligible.

A pumped-storage power plant can therefore be built near a populated area without jeopardizing the safety of people and property in that area.

Advantageously, the pumping station is built in the area of an excavated surface mine, which has no drainage. However, the water that flows into this space must be pumped out to prevent

-10 CZ 310166 B6 flooding of the pumping station. Landslides can also be a risk here.

The modular pumped storage power plant is preferably only reinforced with vertical reinforcements. The system of modules is then pliable in the horizontal plane.

In the case of a modular pumped-storage power plant, the entire system of modules deforms like an accordion when the subsoil falls unevenly - the walls of the modules are alternately deformed in such a way that the horizontal circular cross-section of the modules changes to elliptical, flattens or stretches.

The collection pipes under the lower and under the upper tanks must be equipped with compensators so that the stress from the horizontal deformation of the tanks is not transferred to it.

The system of modules will be particularly rigid in the horizontal plane in the area of anchoring of the intermediate pieces to the foundations, in the higher parts of the modules its rigidity will be determined practically only by the arched bottoms in the tanks.

Due to the large diameter of the modules, the deformations of the module walls will be kept within the limits of the elasticity of the material and they will not be damaged in an accident.

In the case of subsidence in a certain area of the subsoil within the area built by the module system, the module system will sag, while it will not deform horizontally at the level of the foundations, and the vast majority of the deformation will take place at the level of the upper tanks - in the area of subsidence of the subsoil and therefore the foundations, the modules will be at the level of the upper tanks compress in a horizontal plane.

If the subsidence of the subsoil occurs at the edge of the module system, the modules will expand here in the plane of the upper reservoirs.

Similarly, during the onslaught of side wind, the deformation of the system of modules will be most pronounced at the level of the upper tanks.

The foundation is preferably made of concrete, preferably reinforced concrete, preferably prestressed concrete.

When the module system is heated by waste heat, it can be expected that the foundations and the steel structure of the modules will have different temperatures and, for that reason, they will exhibit different expansion.

The foundations under individual modules or under groups of modules are therefore advantageously separated from each other by expansion joints.

Tanks, as well as pipelines and energy equipment are exposed to water, so it is advisable to make them from corrosion-resistant material, even if it is more expensive. It is advantageous to protect their surface against the formation of mineral deposits.

Intermediate pieces around the perimeter of the pumping station or at least the peripheral parts of the intermediate pieces are preferably made of corrosion-resistant material. Intermediate pieces in the internal space of the pumping station can then be made of cheaper material.

The modules are loaded variably by the weight of the water during operation and are compressed to different heights when the pumped water is in the upper or lower tank. The connecting pipe is permanently loaded with the same amount of water and is not compressed over its entire height, therefore its height does not correspond to the height of the modules. Therefore, an expansion device must be placed in the connecting pipe to smoothly adapt its height to the height of the modules. The expansion device is preferably bellows compensators, preferably arc compensators located in the connecting pipe.

The upper bottoms of the upper tank and the lower tank are advantageously equipped with a ventilation pipe so that

-11 CZ 310166 B6 internal air space above the water level is preferably freely connected to the surrounding air, which will prevent an increase in internal air overpressure when filling tanks or air underpressure when draining tanks, and internal overpressure in water tanks will be caused only by the hydrostatic pressure of the water filling.

Advantageously, the ventilation pipes of the upper and lower tanks are connected, so that evaporation of the water content in the pumping station is prevented and thus the formation of mineral deposits on the inner walls of the tanks, pipes and power systems is also limited. The filling of water in the tanks does not change its weight, it does not need to be topped up and its purity and chemical composition can be easily stabilized and checked. Preferably, the ventilation pipes of all modules are connected, which facilitates equalization of water levels during uneven filling and emptying of tanks with water.

By using an inert gas to fill the space above the water level in the reservoirs, it is advantageous to prevent the unwanted multiplication of flora and fauna in the pumping station and thereby increase the water density and wear of hydraulic equipment and distribution systems.

For the reasons mentioned, the need to clean tank walls and pipelines from organic and inorganic deposits is reduced.

The space between the tanks as well as the entire space inside and outside the spacers can also be filled with nitrogen or another suitable inert gas, preferably a dried gas, to increase protection against corrosion.

It is advantageous to check the composition and pressure of the protective gas filling in the modules, in their parts and in the space between them, preferably continuously using measuring devices, which makes it possible to detect leaks in the structure in time and to ensure the elimination of the defect in an operative manner.

In the pumping station, it is advantageous to install permanent inert gas distributions for the possibility of operative replenishment or replacement of the gas filling to ensure maximum reliability, safety and service life of the module construction.

Pressure vessels, connecting pipes, and ventilation pipes are preferably equipped with safety valves that prevent exceeding the safe overpressure or underpressure of the inert gas, so that parts of the pumping station cannot be damaged.

The outer surface and/or inner surface of parts of the pumped storage plant is preferably provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

The external surface of the pumped storage power plant is preferably equipped with a casing with increased ballistic resistance.

Advantageously, the intermediate pieces are formed by a lattice structure, which is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant material and is preferably provided with a protective coating. The lattice construction offers less resistance to wind flow.

Advantageously, the lattice structure is provided with a peripheral casing, which allows filling the inner space with an inert gas to limit the corrosion of the lattice structure. The peripheral casing is preferably made of corrosion-resistant material and it is advantageous to provide it with a protective coating. However, the continuous walls of the pumped storage plant increase the resistance to wind flow.

The bearing capacity of the subsoil will probably not be uniform over the entire area of the pumped storage plant.

In order to achieve the greatest possible capacity, it is advantageous to use not only the area of the pumped-storage power station but also the bearing capacity of the subsoil as best as possible for the purposes of the pumped-storage power plant.

-12 CZ 310166 B6

The pumped-storage power plant can advantageously be assembled from modules with a uniform height according to the smallest bearing capacity of the subsoil in the area of the pumped-storage power plant.

All energy systems at this pumping station have the same discharge head and, if they are of the same power, they can, for example, be mutually replaceable when regulating the total power or in the event of a fault.

The pumped-storage power plant can advantageously be assembled from modules with different heights according to the different bearing capacity of the subsoil in the area of the pumped-storage power plant.

In order to increase the capacity of the pumped-storage power plant, the different bearing capacity of the subsoil in the area of the pumped-storage power plant can be better utilized.

This construction allows the center of gravity axis of the pumped storage plant to always be identical to the axis of the center of gravity of the bearing capacity of the subsoil.

This fact, together with the large width of the pumped storage power plant, makes it possible to ensure its stability well even with a large height of the modules.

In terms of stability against overturning, the array of modules in a pumped storage plant with stable tanks does not need to be as wide as in a pumped storage plant with a floating tank because the subsoil is much less flexible than the water.

The width of the pumped storage power plant with stable reservoirs will therefore be chosen primarily according to the required capacity rather than to ensure its stability.

A pumped storage power plant with modules of different heights depending on the bearing capacity of the subsoil can advantageously include:

- upper or even lower tanks of uniform height for all bearing capacities of the subsoil, while the intermediate pieces have different heights, or

- upper or lower tanks of different heights depending on the bearing capacity of the subsoil, while the intermediate pieces have a uniform and/or different height.

For each group of modules with the same height, there is advantageously a corresponding group of energy systems with the same discharge height.

Advantageously, in a pumped-storage power station, the height of the upper tanks or even the lower tanks for modules is the same, but their horizontal cross-section is different, while the ratio of the horizontal cross-section of the upper tanks or even the lower tanks for modules with a certain bearing capacity of the foundation to the horizontal cross-section of the upper tanks or even the lower of the tank for modules with the largest bearing capacity of the foundation is equal to the ratio of a certain bearing capacity of the foundation to the largest bearing capacity of the foundation.

A pumping power plant of this design with modules of different heights depending on the bearing capacity of the subsoil can advantageously contain upper or lower tanks of the same height, while the intermediate pieces are also of the same height and the discharge height is the same for all modules. The modules differ only in the bearing capacity of the foundations and the diameter of the tanks. Therefore, all upper or even lower reservoirs in the entire pumped storage plant can be connected by a common collection pipe.

Pumping can be carried out using any energy system regardless of the diameter of the tank, a uniform type of energy system can be used and demands for coordination and regulation of their operation will be reduced.

Advantageously, the diameter of the intermediate pieces can also be the same as the diameter of the tanks with a reduced diameter,

-13 CZ 310166 B6 which structurally simplifies the load transfer between them.

The disadvantage is that for modules with a lower bearing capacity of the foundation, the average discharge height will decrease as the height of the tanks increases.

Since the diameter of the foundations and the distance between the modules remain the same, the reinforcements between the tanks, or between intermediate pieces of a smaller diameter, must have a greater width and thickness in order to bridge the distance between the modules and to ensure the rigidity of the mutual connection of the modules.

In the module system of the modular pumped storage power plant, the spaces between the tanks are preferably provided with continuous bottoms.

It is advantageous to create a continuous bottom near the tanks by closing the space between the tanks at the level of the lower days, and then use this space for filling with water.

It is advantageous to create a continuous bottom at the tanks also by closing the space between the tanks at the level of the upper days. Then the space above the water level can be filled with a protective atmosphere, similarly to the inside of tanks.

Advantageously, these spaces between the tanks can be equipped with ventilation pipes and further secured like the tanks themselves.

Using the space between the reservoirs for the purpose of pumping water will significantly increase the efficiency of using the bearing capacity of the subsoil on the surface of the pumping station and thus its capacity for accumulating potential energy, without deteriorating its stability.

When using the construction of modules connected to each other by vertical braces, the tanks must also be reinforced with internal vertical braces and the vertical braces between the peripheral tanks must be strengthened to withstand the one-sided load from the internal hydrostatic overpressure of the water.

In addition, it is not possible to operate individual modules or the gaps between them differently from other modules, e.g. in the event of a module failure, because inadmissible mechanical stress would arise in the walls of the modules and in the vertical reinforcements with different loads due to hydrostatic overpressure of water.

The spacing of the modules is preferably equal to their diameter.

The modules are preferably connected to each other directly by their walls. The connection is preferably made using connecting components, preferably using screws or rivets. The connection is preferably made using spot or line welds.

Compared to the connection of modules with vertical braces, the advantage here is better use of the pumped storage plant space for pumping purposes, better use of the bearing capacity of the subsoil on the surface of the pumped storage plant in favor of its capacity, without worsening its stability.

This type of construction will allow for a reduction in specific material costs compared to modular construction with vertical braces and can further simplify part manufacturing and assembly.

However, access to the connections is only possible from the internal space of the modules. The inner surface of the module walls can be checked over the entire area, the outer surface of the module walls can only be checked in part, because the module walls are close to each other in the joint area and the space between the modules is quite difficult to access.

The use of the space between the modules for filling with water and for pumping is possible only at the cost of reinforcing the inner space with vertical reinforcements, as in the case of modules connected by external vertical reinforcements.

The spacing of the modules is preferably smaller than their diameter.

-14 CZ 310166 B6

It is advantageous to build a system of pumped storage power plant modules from vertical modules that are connected and intermingle in plan view, thereby creating a mutual connection, preferably in a triangle, without the need for external or internal vertical reinforcements or any other type of strengthening of the vertical connections between the modules.

The entire space of the pumped-storage power plant is used here for pumping purposes, the bearing capacity of the subsoil on the area of the pumped-storage power plant is fully utilized in favor of its capacity, without impairing its stability.

This type of construction will allow for a reduction in specific material costs compared to modular construction with vertical stiffeners and can further simplify the production of parts and assembly of the tank.

Depending on the ratio of the diameter and spacing of the modules, the connection of the modules has a different shape and different advantages and disadvantages.

If the walls of the modules intersect at one point, the welds of the module walls are concentrated at this one point, which is disadvantageous for ensuring the quality of the welds.

In order to reduce the thermal load on the welded area and improve the quality of the welds, it is advantageous to choose the spacing of the modules so that only two walls of the modules intersect at one point. This can be achieved by increasing or decreasing the module spacing.

When increasing the spacing of the modules, the overlap of the walls decreases and the space between them is less accessible for checking the internal walls of the modules, the rigidity of the module system is lower, but the use of the material of the modules per area of the module system is more advantageous.

When the spacing of the modules is reduced, the overlap of the walls increases and the space between them is more accessible for checking the internal walls of the modules, the stiffness of the module system is greater, but the use of the material of the modules per area of the module system is less advantageous.

It is possible to operate individual modules or shut them down in the event of a fault independently of the other modules, without dangerous loads occurring in the walls of the other modules due to the different lateral hydrostatic pressure of the water.

Advantageously, each space created by connecting the modules is connected by a closed branch to the connecting pipe and thus to the energy system. In addition to the connection of the internal space of the tank, it is necessary to create three more connections of the spaces created by connecting the modules. The total number of branches will thus increase significantly.

It is advantageous to connect the spaces between the tanks created by connecting the modules to the spaces inside the modules, preferably with the help of internal flow holes, preferably with the help of an external pipe. These connected spaces can then be connected to the connecting pipe and thus to the energy system with one common branch.

The spaces between the tanks created by connecting the modules can be connected to the spaces inside the modules in different ways.

Due to the circular shape of the tanks, however, when draining or filling the tanks individually, e.g. due to their failure, it is necessary to follow such a procedure for shutting down or filling neighboring tanks, so that all tanks are loaded only by internal overpressure and so that the arched walls of the tanks are not loaded by external overpressure .

The path for conducting the liquid or gas can advantageously be formed by a pipe.

-15 CZ 310166 B6

A pipe for carrying water is a water pipe.

The path for conducting gas or the gas path can also be called an air path, an air pipe, if the gas is compressed air, or a ventilation path, a ventilation pipe, if it connects the air space of the tank freely to the atmosphere or freely between the tanks.

The path for conducting the liquid or gas can advantageously be formed by the walls of the tank.

The pumped storage power plant according to the invention accumulates potential energy mainly in the reservoirs and in the connected energy transmission paths. In particular, for this purpose, each energy transfer path according to the invention is closable, i.e. includes at least one closure that allows for the accumulation of potential energy by blocking the flow of fluid between the tanks.

The liquid or gas path preferably includes a shut-off and/or regulating fitting, preferably a valve, preferably a non-return valve or non-return flap in the case of single-acting energy transmission.

Advantageously, different paths and corresponding closures can be combined to accumulate potential energy. The same or a different cap can be used to release the accumulated energy, or other way than to accumulate energy.

The cap is also used to regulate or operatively stop the flow of the pumped liquid during normal operation or in the event of a malfunction of the power system, as well as due to an unusual situation in the power network or to prevent unwanted flow of the pumped liquid (in particular, leakage of liquid from the upper tank to the lower tank). According to the requirements for operational safety, these shutters can be doubled, either in parallel or in series.

In a pumped-storage power plant, tank spaces with different energy potential are connected by energy transfer paths.

A path for conducting liquid or gas becomes a path for energy transmission if it is connected to an energy system and is closable. The liquid path for energy transfer is connected to the liquid energy system, the gas path for energy transfer is connected to the gas energy system.

In a pumped-storage power plant, the path for energy transmission is preferably a connecting pipe.

Since in the pumped storage power plant according to the invention the lower and upper tanks are located above each other, the connecting pipe that connects them preferably has a rectangular arrangement and thus has a vertical and a horizontal part.

Advantageously, the lower tank and the upper tank are connected to each other by means of a connecting pipe with the energy system within each module.

In this case, only one cap in the connecting pipe for both the lower and upper tank is sufficient.

Advantageously, a pipe branch is connected to the bottom of each tank to the horizontal part of the connecting pipe, i.e. to the collecting pipe, which forms the pipe network under the tanks.

Tanks in a group of adjacent modules are advantageously connected in this way. A group of adjacent modules has one common vertical connecting pipe and energy system available. Here, the pipe branch at each tank must already be equipped with a cap, so that it is possible to reliably regulate the flow and water level in each tank.

Advantageously, all tanks in modules with the same depth are connected by a collecting pipe

-16 CZ 310166 B6 levels, while the given horizontal collection pipe network is connected to the respective vertical connecting pipe preferably located around the pumped-pump power plant's perimeter.

Also here, the pipe branch at each tank must be equipped with a cap, so that it is possible to reliably regulate the flow and water level in each tank.

A vertical connecting pipe can advantageously be located at each circuit module.

Preferably, the horizontal and/or vertical connecting pipe is made of several parallel runs to reduce the diameter, wall thickness and weight of the pipe, which will increase the hydraulic losses but facilitate its production, transport, installation and maintenance.

Each vertical connecting pipe located around the perimeter of the tank is preferably connected to a separate energy system.

The power plant can be common to a group of connecting pipes, thereby increasing the size and performance of the power plants, but reducing their number. For a larger energy system, efficiency can be better addressed.

A vertical connecting pipe can have a wall thickness graded along its height according to static and dynamic water pressure.

In a pumped-storage power plant, the lower parts of the walls between the internal spaces of the tank preferably contain flow openings.

In a pumped-storage power plant, the walls of the tanks between the modules preferably contain flow openings, which is especially advantageous for tanks that have the same height.

The internal spaces of each tank thus form connected containers when filled with water, and a vertical connecting pipe that is connected from the side of the tank is sufficient for pumping, no collecting pipe needs to be installed.

The flow holes are accessible only after the other tanks have been emptied.

Shutters are preferably placed in these openings, preferably regulatory shutters, and the shutters are preferably remotely controllable. The closures have control elements brought out into the space after the tanks so that they can be accessed at any time. This is an advantage in the event of a tank failure, which can be shut down without the need to empty the other tanks.

Due to the resistance of the pumped fluid when flowing between the internal spaces, these spaces will not be filled to the same height at the same time, and due to uneven loading, especially hydrostatic pressure, increased mechanical stresses will arise in the walls between these spaces.

The resistances in the flow openings and thus the uneven filling of the tanks increase with increasing water flow rate.

Uneven filling or emptying of tanks can be reduced or eliminated by throttling the air flow in the vent pipe above the water level in the tanks, thereby increasing the overall overpressure in the tanks. For tanks that are closer to the power plant, the need for throttling is higher. In the design of the system of modules with flow holes, the unevenness will probably be higher and therefore the need for throttling the air flow will also be higher.

For this purpose, it will probably be advantageous to equip the pumping station with equipment, preferably control valves, for regulating the overpressure of the air above the water level in the individual tanks.

- 17 CZ 310166 B6

However, due to the increased hydrostatic water pressure and air overpressure, the tanks must be significantly larger, which increases the cost of the tanks.

When repairing a damaged part of the tank, it is necessary to empty the entire tank, e.g. by pumping water from the lower tank to the upper tank, and the entire pumping station is out of operation for the duration of the repair.

In the case of a pumped-storage power plant with flow openings between the tanks, a damaged tank in a certain module can be repaired by first emptying the tanks in all modules, e.g. by pumping water from the lower tanks to the upper tanks, then the repairmen enter the damaged tank, or even the adjacent tanks, they close the flow openings with closing lids, after which the damaged tank is repaired. Tanks in other modules can be used to pump water during repair.

After the repair, the closing lids can only be removed after emptying the other tanks. Only then can the repaired tank be used again.

In a pumped-storage power plant with closures in the flow openings between the tanks, a damaged tank in a certain module can be repaired by closing the closures in the damaged tank, or even in adjacent tanks, after which the damaged tank is repaired. Tanks in other modules can be used to pump water during repair. After the repair, the caps are opened and the repaired tank can be used again.

In the version where the energy systems are located around the perimeter of the module system, it may be advantageous to lead a branch of the horizontal connecting pipe from each tank to the perimeter of the module system into the space to the vertical connecting pipe and place the cap of the given branch here. Measuring devices from individual tanks can also be brought out to this space with advantage. Although losses due to water flow in the connection pipe will increase, the spaces with closures at the connection pipes at the levels below the lower tanks and below the upper tanks can be more easily conditioned to create favorable conditions for service and maintenance personnel and for the operation and thus the reliability of the closures and measuring devices.

It can be advantageous to branch the horizontal and vertical connecting pipe from each tank incl. of the cap and measuring devices brought up to the energy system. The mentioned devices are centralized in one air-conditioned place, so their operation and maintenance will be significantly simplified. The regulation of tank filling with water seals will be simplified and the need to use air pressure regulation in the tanks will be reduced or eliminated. The reliability and safety of the pumping station will thus be ensured even at an increased temperature of the pumped water.

The pipeline for energy transmission in a pumped-storage power plant is preferably made in such a way that the ends of the pipeline are immersed in the pumped liquid in the lower tank and in the upper tank, the pipeline connects the spaces of the lower tank and the upper tank containing the pumped liquid without interrupting the fluid column by a space with another liquid (i.e. immediately, directly, continuously) so that the fluid flow is continuous.

This minimizes the consumption of electricity and maximizes the production of electricity while overcoming the energy difference between the liquid in the lower tank and the upper tank.

For example, if the pumped liquid is water, then when the water is pumped by the pump, the discharge pipe connects the water spaces of the lower tank and the upper tank continuously, i.e. without interruption of the water column by the air space. Similarly, when water is passed through the turbine, the drop pipe is led from below the water level in the upper tank to below the water level in the lower tank continuously, i.e. without interruption by the air space.

Equalization chambers are advantageously placed in the connecting pipe to dampen hydraulic shocks arising as a result of changes in the water flow rate during regulation or stopping

-18 CZ 310166 B6 of the power system.

Upper tanks with different heights can advantageously be arranged in terms of height so that their upper edges are aligned to the same level.

A large multi-purpose work platform can then be created on the upper tanks.

This will simplify access to all modules and facilitate assembly and maintenance work on the tanks.

Lower tanks of different heights can also advantageously be arranged in terms of height so that their upper edges are aligned to the same level.

If these upper tanks are connected by a common collection pipe, similar to the lower tanks, then the tanks with the highest height, whose bottom is therefore located the lowest and are located closest to the center of gravity of the tanks, are filled first and drained last during pumping, which helps to stabilize the system of modules against tilting. However, with this method of filling the tanks, shear stress will arise between modules with different levels of tank filling.

If the platform on the upper reservoirs is at least partially reinforced, it can also serve as a landing strip for helicopters to transport workers and material.

However, it is necessary to consider that any added load of the pumped power plant must respect the bearing capacity of the foundations and may therefore mean a partial limitation of the storage capacity of the pumped power plant.

In order for the upper edges of the upper tanks to remain aligned to the same level, it is necessary to fill the tanks proportionally during pumping in all modules or groups of modules that will not be structurally connected to each other.

If the tanks in all separate modules or groups of modules are not filled proportionally, these modules or groups of modules will not be loaded proportionally according to their carrying capacity and their total height will differ from each other during pumping. Their total heights will be equalized when the filling of all tanks is equalized so that it is proportional, or when the filling is completely completed.

The pumped storage power plant according to the invention contains a liquid and/or gas energy system in which electrical energy is consumed to accumulate potential energy and electrical energy is produced from the consumed potential energy.

The performance of the energy system is advantageously adjustable. A pumped storage power plant can advantageously contain several energy systems of the same or different output for better regulation and for grading the performance of energy accumulation or production or even to increase the reliability of operation.

If the accumulation of energy in a pumping station takes place during pressure or fluid flow changes during the energy cycle, the demands on the regulation of the energy system increase and its efficiency decreases.

A liquid energy system is used if the pumped liquid is a liquid, it preferably contains a pump, for water a water pump, to convert electrical energy into liquid potential energy and also contains a liquid turbine, for water a water turbine, to convert liquid potential energy into electrical energy . The transfer of liquid by the liquid energy system between the tanks is carried out by means of a liquid pipeline. The turbine and pump may be connected in parallel to a common fluid conduit or they may

-19 CZ 310166 B6 be connected separately, i.e. the turbine to the supply pipe and the pump to the discharge pipe. The power plant can include a reverse turbine that can work in both turbine and pump mode, for example a Francis turbine. A turbine can be connected to a generator, a pump can be connected to a motor, a reverse turbine can be connected to a motor-generator.

A gas power plant is used if the pumped liquid is gas, preferably contains a gas compressor, fan or vacuum pump, for air an air compressor, fan or vacuum pump to convert electrical energy into gas pressure energy and further contains a gas engine, for example a gas turbine, for air an air turbine, to convert the pressure energy of the gas into electrical energy, or it contains a reverse gas turbine that can work in both turbine and compression mode. The transfer of gas by the gas power plant between the tanks is carried out by means of gas pipelines. A parallel or serial connection to the gas pipeline can be made analogously to the liquid energy system.

For the possibility of accumulating the pressure energy of the gas in the pumping station by pumping gas between the gas spaces, these gas spaces are connected by means of a closable gas path.

Advantageously, both tanks are high-pressure and the gas can be pumped in both directions between the tanks.

Advantageously, one of the tanks is low-pressure and serves as a reservoir of expanded gas, while the other tank is high-pressure and serves as a tank for accumulating compressed gas.

Both tanks preferably have the same or different volume.

Preferably, the low-pressure tank has a larger volume and the high-pressure tank has a smaller volume.

Advantageously, the gas transfer is carried out between the lower tank and the upper tank.

Advantageously, the air transfer is carried out between the air and the lower tank and/or the upper tank.

Advantageously, the intermediate piece is used as a gas space, preferably as a low-pressure tank. Advantageously, the lower and/or upper tank is a high-pressure tank.

Advantageously, water pumping and gas pumping are carried out simultaneously and/or separately, separately.

Air pressure energy can be created, i.e. increase or decrease the air pressure in one tank above or below the value of atmospheric pressure or the pressure in the other tank, preferably with a compressor or a vacuum pump with a closed liquid path or by pushing or extracting liquid into or out of the compressed air tank with a pump or a reverse turbine .

Accumulation of gas pressure energy in the reservoir is part of an energy cycle that includes polytropic gas compression and expansion, which are thermodynamic changes that are irreversible mainly due to the predominant removal of heat from the gas to its surroundings. Heat losses reduce the efficiency of energy storage.

To improve the thermodynamic efficiency of the compression cycle, it is advantageous to recover the compression heat, in other words, to accumulate the compression heat of the compressed gas and use it during expansion or gas withdrawal, polytropic changes then approach adiabatic changes. The pumped storage power plant according to the invention can advantageously contain a device for recovery of compression heat. Compression heat is also accumulated in the pumped liquid, which is especially advantageous when the liquid is pumped between tanks in a closed cycle. Heat losses accumulated in fluids are also reduced by insulating tanks and pipes.

-20 CZ 310166 B6

When accumulating the pressure energy of gas in a tank with an open liquid level, another disadvantage is that the gas from the space above the liquid level is gradually absorbed in the liquid in proportion to the excess pressure and is carried away by the pumped liquid, as a result of which its density decreases as its volume increases, and the work cycle of the pumped storage power plant with higher pressure, it can be disturbed to the extent that pumping stops after a number of cycles. As the temperature increases, the liquid absorbs the compressed gas less.

In order not to reduce the volumetric efficiency of the pumping cycle by reducing the gas volume in the closed pressure tank, for example by cooling or absorption in the liquid or loss through leaks, the pumping power plant according to the invention advantageously contains a device for replenishing gas from an external source, which preferably consists of a compressor or preferably a pressure a container with compressed gas and a closable gas pipe. However, adding gas also reduces the efficiency of the energy cycle.

The tank can advantageously contain a separate space for the compressed gas, which therefore does not have direct positive pressure contact with the liquid level in the tank and cannot dissolve in the liquid.

Advantageously, in the pressure tank, a separate space for compressed gas is created by a flexible, preferably collapsible membrane, preferably it is formed by a membrane bag, whereby the spaces for liquid and gas are completely separated.

In the pressure tank, a separate space for the compressed gas can be advantageously created by an auxiliary pressure vessel containing an auxiliary gas energy system. During the filling of the pressure tank with liquid, the gas from this tank is forced into the auxiliary pressure vessel by the auxiliary compressor, and when the liquid is exhausted from the pressure tank, the compressed gas is discharged from the auxiliary pressure vessel through the auxiliary gas turbine.

The energy system is preferably located in a system of modules.

The energy system is connected to the system of modules via energy transmission pipes and is always located at or below the level of the water level in the lower tank, i.e. at most at such a height above the water level in the lower tank that there is no rupture of the water column in the power system and in the water pipes.

Advantageously, the power system is fixed on the outside of the module system, so that it is more accessible for maintenance.

Advantageously, the energy system can be located outside the system of modules.

At the same time, the energy system is connected to the system of modules preferably by means of a pipe for transferring water between the tanks, and this pipe is preferably of a flexible, hinged or telescopic design, which makes it possible to compensate for any expansion, especially thermal expansion between the energy system and the system of modules.

Since the energy system is located outside the system of modules, it is generally easier to access for assembly, operation and maintenance, and then its size and thus efficiency can be better optimized. By increasing the power of energy devices, their number could be reduced, of course taking into account the requirements for regulating the electric network.

By placing the energy equipment in the engine room outside the module system, noise insulation can be solved more effectively than in the sheet metal module system.

Additional noise reduction is possible by partially or fully placing the energy system below ground level.

-21 CZ 310166 B6

Advantageously, the energy systems, preferably also with the corresponding vertical connecting pipe, are located in separate, energy modules connected around the perimeter to regular modules with tanks, so that the accessibility of the energy systems for assembly and maintenance can be solved more easily.

A part of the pumped-storage power plant, especially the power system, also includes other usual accessories, such as devices for adjusting the parameters of electric power, e.g. voltage and current, and for its transmission to or from the place of consumption, and devices for dampening hydraulic, mechanical or electromagnetic shocks and oscillations .

The pumped storage power plant preferably contains a machine room in which the energy equipment is located.

The pumping power plant according to the invention advantageously contains security devices, e.g. level sensors and liquid flow and temperature sensors, pressure gauges for measuring the pressure, temperature and flow of the gas filling, dilatation or drop sensors of the pumping power plant.

The pumped storage plant preferably includes at least one access road for the walking of operating and maintenance personnel and for the related transportation of material, as well as for other purposes.

The pumped storage power plant preferably contains access and transport routes, preferably working platforms, for the horizontal transport of people and material for assembly, operation and maintenance to the power plant, to the vertical and collection pipes.

Horizontal working platforms are advantageously formed below and above the lower tanks, below and above the upper tanks.

The pumped storage plant advantageously includes access and transport routes for the vertical transport of people and material for assembly, operation and maintenance to the power plant, to the vertical and collection pipelines and to the working platforms.

For vertical conveying, a rope or rack conveyor is preferably used.

The cable transport device can preferably be a drive with a friction disc or a drum drive.

A friction pulley rope system, single-rope or multi-rope, has minimal power consumption for propulsion because the supporting rope is balanced by a compensating rope, but the ropes are continuously exposed to the elevated temperatures that can prevail in the elevator space.

Single-rope drum sheave rope equipment has a higher power consumption for the drive, because the supporting rope is not balanced by a balancing rope, but the rope is wound on the drum for most of the day and is thus protected against elevated temperatures in the elevator space.

A rope device with two drum sheaves would not be practical because it is more complex and the balance is not much better than a single drum device.

The device for the vertical transport of people and cargo is preferably installed inside and/or outside the perimeter modules, preferably this device is a hanging or climbing mounting platform.

For inspection, cleaning and repair of modules from the inside and outside, it is advantageous to create closable inspection openings in the upper or lower days, possibly in the side walls or in the horizontal reinforcing flanges or platforms of the tanks and intermediate pieces, which will allow the entry of workers and the use of the necessary work tools and devices.

In order to facilitate the work inside the modules, it is advisable to adjust handles for anchoring portable inspection, cleaning, repair and transport equipment at these inspection openings.

-22 CZ 310166 B6

As a pumped-storage power plant can generally have a large area and its structure reaches high above the surrounding terrain, a solar and/or wind power plant can advantageously be placed on the upper platform or even on the vertical perimeter walls. The advantage here is that the average output of both the solar and wind power plants increases with the height of the pumped storage plant - more undisturbed sunlight and faster wind are offered.

The electrical energy produced in this solar or wind power plant can advantageously be accumulated directly in the pumping power plant according to the invention.

Biogas, which will spontaneously form in the pumped water or which will preferably be produced in it in a targeted manner, can be advantageously separated, preferably from the gas that fills the gas space of the tank, preferably using a vent pipe, and stored in a reservoir for further, especially energy use.

The side walls and the upper platform, as well as the internal, i.e. air, spaces of the pumped storage power plant can be advantageously used for other purposes, for example for housing, for sports and recreational activities, such as a lookout tower or for advertising purposes.

In a pumped-storage power plant, during the periodic conversion of electrical energy into potential energy and back, a significant part (about 25%) of electrical and mechanical energy is converted into waste heat, which is reflected in the heating of water, air and structural parts of the pumped-storage power plant, especially when tanks are covered or insulated and piping.

Part of the waste heat is removed to the subsoil through the walls of the modules, which are heated by heat transfer from the supported tanks and pipes. Heating the pumping station can be an advantage in winter, when it reduces the risk of water freezing in the reservoirs and in the surrounding terrain.

Part of the waste heat remains in the pumped storage power plant and can gradually increase the temperature of the pumped storage power plant structure and the pumped water, which also increases the amount of mineral deposits in the tanks, in the connecting pipes and in the energy systems.

Part of the waste heat is removed to the surrounding air through the side and top walls of the pumped storage power plant by the natural flow of the surrounding air.

The removal of waste heat here may not be significant even in winter or in windy weather, especially if the mentioned heat exchange surfaces are thermally insulated.

Conversely, a pumped storage plant can be heated by solar radiation.

A significant part of the waste heat will remain in the pumped storage plant, and the increased temperature of the pumped water could complicate the operation of the pumped storage plant equipment and the working conditions for operation and maintenance.

In order to prevent overheating of the pumped storage power plant, it is necessary to remove the excess waste heat by means of additional cooling.

The pumped power plant preferably contains a cooling device, preferably an air cooling device, for cooling the pumped fluid, modules, pipelines and power equipment.

As an air cooling device, circuit modules of the pumping station, which contain vertical connecting water or even air pipes and serve as a chimney, are advantageously used here.

The connecting pipe is preferably branched in peripheral, energy modules, so that its surface, and thus the heat exchange surface, is larger.

-23 CZ 310166 B6

Advantageously, the branched connecting pipe is arranged in the shape of a heat exchanger.

Advantageously, due to lower material costs, the heat exchanger is created in the low-pressure part of the connecting pipe, which connects the lower tanks with the power plant.

The heat exchanger is preferably located in the lower part of the circuit module.

The heat exchanger is preferably located in the entire height of the vertical connecting pipe.

The connecting pipe is preferably equipped with ribs to increase the heat exchange surface.

Air is preferably supplied to the circuit module from the outside through a side opening in the lower part of the circuit module, it flows around the connecting pipe, or around the energy systems, from which it removes waste heat, as a result of heating, it rises up by natural draft and in the upper part it modulates through the hole removed from module to the outdoor environment.

Vertical spaces between the selected modules in the internal spaces of the pumped storage power plant, which form a chimney, are preferably used as a cooling device, and these spaces between the selected modules are equipped with openings in the horizontal reinforcements between the modules to allow the passage of cooling air. Suitable modules will be selected so that the cooling of the modules in the pumped storage plant is as uniform as possible.

The air is supplied from the outside environment to the lower part of the internal spaces of the pumped storage power plant, preferably through access openings in the circuit modules, it flows horizontally, preferably possibly around the power plant, then around the collection pipe through access corridors at the level below and above the lower tanks, then it flows vertically upwards around the lower tanks and intermediate pieces, from which it removes waste heat, due to heating it rises up by natural draft, and in the upper part of the pumping station it is discharged horizontally through the access corridors around the collection pipes at the level below and above the upper tanks or vertically around the upper tanks to the outside environment.

All the walls of the spaces between the modules designated as cooling devices are preferably made of corrosion-resistant material. The spaces between the other modules are closed and preferably filled with dry inert gas to protect them against corrosion.

The horizontal access corridors themselves at the level below and above the lower tanks, as well as at the level below and above the upper tanks, are advantageously partly used as cooling devices. In windy weather, the walls of the tanks, collection pipes and energy systems that form the heat exchange surfaces in the access corridors are cooled by the draft of air supplied and discharged through the openings in the perimeter modules.

By conducting air for cooling through horizontal access corridors, their ventilation is also ensured to create acceptable climatic conditions for service and maintenance workers.

The openings for air intake and exhaust created in the modules around the pump station are preferably provided with gratings against the entry of unwanted objects or birds.

Heat exchangers, which preferably form a chimney and are located outside the module system, are preferably used as cooling devices. Pumped water is piped from the pumped power plant to the heat exchanger, where it is cooled by air using natural draft caused by the rise of heated air or forced draft caused by a fan, and after cooling it is returned to the pumped power plant.

-24 CZ 310166 B6

If the cooling of the pumping station with cooling devices is effective enough, it will be advantageous to cover the lower bottom of the lower tanks with thermal insulation as well as the connecting pipes in order to reduce the transfer of waste heat to the foundations and subsoil. At the same time, it is necessary to consistently address the differences in the expansion of the system of modules and foundations.

The pumped storage plant will change its volume due to changing temperatures.

Height changes of the pumped storage plant are not a problem.

Large-scale changes in the dimensions of the module system must be compensated for.

The horizontal mobility of foundations to ensure expansion can only be solved with difficulty.

Therefore, it will be advantageous to create a modular pumping station from groups of modules with separate foundations, while these groups will preferably be connected only by expansion elements.

Individual groups of modules can then easily tolerate different subsidence of the subsoil, and mechanical stress will not arise between them for this reason. Due to the uneven settlement of the subsoil, however, the groups of modules will tilt and it is necessary to carry out their rectification in time.

In order for the system of modules to be able to withstand strong side winds at the same time, it is advantageous to make the perimeter modules or perimeter groups of modules stronger and with deeper foundations. The side wind load will be absorbed by the peripheral parts of the module system and will not be transmitted to the internal groups of modules.

The system of interweaving modules is relatively well elastically compressible in the horizontal plane, therefore it will not be necessary to divide it into groups of modules or these groups may contain a larger number of modules. The modules can be fixed to the foundations, and when the temperature increases and the subsequent surface expansion by waste heat, the shape of the modules flexibly adapts to the anchoring in the foundations.

Advantageously, from each separate liquid space, i.e. the tank, or even the space between them, the connecting pipe is led to the perimeter of the pumping station.

Advantageously, from each separate liquid space, the connecting pipe is connected to the energy system separately.

Advantageously, from each separate gas space, i.e. the float and its segment, the tank and intermediate piece and the space between them, the gas pipeline is led to the perimeter of the pumping station.

Advantageously, the gas pipe is equipped with a separate cap from each separate gas space.

This increases the length of the connecting and gas pipes, but the caps can be located in a cooler area, which greatly increases the reliability of the operation of these caps and improves the working conditions for operation and maintenance even when the temperature of the pumped water in the module space is increased by waste heat.

When the temperature of the pumped water increases, the temperature of the gas in the gas spaces of the pumping station will also increase, and if these spaces are closed, the gas pressure will also increase.

So that it is not necessary to dimension gas pressure vessels and gas pipelines for this increased pressure, it is advantageous to equip the pumping station with a compressor station. Here, the excess gas from the gas spaces will be compressed or even liquefied and stored in reservoirs, from which it will be possible to withdraw gas for refilling the gas spaces of the pumping station when the temperature and thus the gas pressure drop.

-25 CZ 310166 B6

The compact design and large dimensions of the pumping station according to the invention, on the one hand, cause the accumulation of waste heat in the pumping station, but on the other hand, enable its secondary use, which increases the overall energy efficiency of pumping.

Advantageously, the waste heat accumulated in the pumped water can be transferred directly or via exchangers.

Heat exchangers can thus be used to transfer heat to generate electricity and/or to heat water in an external heating system.

The pumped storage power plant according to the invention preferably contains a device for producing electrical energy from waste heat, preferably from the heat of heated air.

Advantageously, the device for generating electrical energy consists of the cooling device of the pumped storage power plant, which contains an air motor with a generator, while the spaces of the cooling device form a chimney.

Air from the outside air is freely supplied to the chimney, it is heated by the waste heat of the pumped water, which creates a natural draft in the chimney, part of the waste heat of the water is converted into kinetic and pressure energy of the air, which is converted into electrical energy in the air motor with generator energy, after which the air is discharged from the chimney freely into the surrounding air.

An air engine with a generator changes the kinetic or pressure energy of heated air into mechanical work and converts it into electrical energy, preferably an equal pressure engine changes the kinetic energy of heated air, a positive pressure engine changes the pressure energy of heated air. The air motor can be installed at a height in any part of the chimney. When installing an overpressure air motor in the lower part of the chimney, a negative pressure of heated air is used, when installing an air motor in the upper part of the chimney, an overpressure of heated air is used.

In the peripheral modules and in the designated spaces between the internal modules of the pumped storage power plant, the waste heat from the walls of the modules or the water connecting pipe is transferred to the flowing air gradually over the entire height, so that the air density also decreases gradually with the height, therefore it is not the same throughout the height, thus the achievable difference air pressure in the chimney draft decreases.

The connecting pipes in the perimeter, energy module can be arranged by branching and finning in the shape of a heat exchanger, which will be located in the lower part of the module, so that almost all the waste heat from the water is transferred to the flowing air right at the lower part of the module, and the air density is low throughout the height module. If the heat output of the exchanger is the same as in the previous design, the chimney draft will increase approximately twice as compared to the previous design.

The outer walls of the perimeter, energy modules can be insulated against the removal of waste heat to the surroundings, which will also increase the chimney draft of the heated air. The heat from the motor generators of the power plants can be removed with advantage by cooling them with pumped water, and this will also improve the climatic conditions in the engine rooms.

The thermal insulation of the walls of the pumped storage power station is preferably hinged. When the insulation is folded back, the walls of the power plant will be exposed to the air flowing from the surroundings and the power plant will be cooled. When the insulation is closed, heat will accumulate in the power plant, which can be used further.

The pumped storage power plant according to the invention preferably contains a device for producing electrical energy using a steam cycle from heated water or steam.

Heat exchangers located in peripheral, energy modules can with advantage

-26 CZ 310166 B6 contain tube boxes in which the heat of the heated pumping water is transferred to the water of the outdoor heating system to heat the surrounding buildings.

The heat exchanger is preferably equipped with insulation, which reduces heat loss to the surroundings.

Advantageously, the insulation of the heat exchanger is hinged, the insulation can be closed or opened.

In the heating season, with the insulation closed, the exchanger can transfer heat for heating, and outside the heating season, with the insulation open, the exchanger can be used to heat the air for secondary production of electricity.

When the insulation is closed, the temperature in the space of the connecting pipe will decrease, so it is easier to check its condition and carry out repairs.

Advantageously, the waste heat accumulated in pumped water can be used, especially in winter, to heat residential, industrial, agricultural and recreational buildings in the surrounding municipalities by simple circulation of heating water or by reheating it using heat pumps, biomass, natural gas or electricity.

After the start of operation, the heat in the pumped storage power plant will be accumulated for 4 to 6 months, and as soon as the water temperature reaches the required value, e.g. 50 °C, it will be possible to efficiently remove the waste heat for heating, possibly also for the secondary production of electricity. Depending on the size of the pumped storage power plant and the quality of the thermal insulation, it will be possible to use approximately 90% of the waste heat in this way.

At the same time, this will increase the heat reserve in the pumped storage power plant for situations when it will be necessary to supply an increased amount of heat for heating for several days in a row, e.g. in winter.

The pumped storage power plant preferably contains a control, measurement and control system that will ensure the safe operation of the power plant based on the measurement of important operational parameters and their comparison with the permitted values. Advantageously, the system is automatic and will automatically make the necessary changes in the pumping parameters.

The advantage of the arrangement of the pumped power plant with an intermediate piece according to the invention is that the pumped power plant can have, depending on the strength of the material used, a relatively very light and at the same time high construction. To optimally use the strength of the material, the pumping station must be built with a height of hundreds of meters. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure sufficient width of the pumped storage power plant to ensure the stability of the pumped storage power plant in strong winds. The pumped storage power plant of this design is therefore particularly suitable for large outputs and capacities.

If the subsoil is sufficiently load-bearing, the pumped-storage power plant can be conveniently built with a large discharge height and a large width.

However, a powerful pumped storage plant can also be obtained if several suitable smaller plots of land located close to each other are available. On each plot, a part of the pumping station will be built with an optimal height corresponding to the bearing capacity of the subsoil, while these parts will be connected to each other and form a sufficiently stable structure.

Since pumped storage power plants according to the invention can provide high capacities and outputs concentrated in selected locations, it is advantageous to remember to reinforce the connected electrical distribution network.

The pumped storage power plant can advantageously be assembled by sequential assembly and joining of individual parts of the modules next to each other, i.e. layer by layer.

Additional layers are gradually connected to the lowest layer of module parts so that the whole is pumped

-27 CZ 310166 B6 power plant was balanced on the subsoil during construction and no unnecessary additional mechanical stresses were created in it. First, the foundations are assembled, the lower tanks are layered on them, then the intermediate pieces and finally the upper tanks. Accessories, especially water and air pipes and power systems, are also continuously installed.

At the same time, it is necessary to build a water supply to fill the reservoirs of the pumping station.

The construction of the pumped-storage power plant is particularly resistant to adverse weather conditions and earthquakes when the bearing capacity of the subsoil is greater.

The subsoil load remains constant during pumping, so the pumped-storage power plant does not cause earthquakes.

The production of steel, as well as transport during the construction of the pumped-storage power plant according to the invention, are energy-intensive as with other power plants, but due to the similarly long service life of the pumped-storage power plant, its carbon footprint is relatively insignificant, especially compared to other types of storage power plants, e.g. electrochemical ones, which they have an incomparably shorter lifespan.

Compared to existing solutions, the pumped storage power plant according to the invention shows an all-round improvement in parameters and other useful properties:

- very efficiently uses the area of the land on which it is built, because the lower and upper reservoir are located above each other, in the same floor plan,

- even at a high altitude, it can be located near populated areas and on the plain,

- it can be built with capacity and power according to the needs of the given area, so a short transmission power line and a short pipe for hot water supply are sufficient to connect it to the electrical network.

The use of pumped storage power plants according to the invention makes it possible to solve fundamental problems of energy:

- to multiply the accumulated amount of electrical energy compared to the current state, - by connecting the necessary number of its energy systems, promptly balance the disproportions between the production of electrical energy from nuclear power plants and from fossil fuel power plants, variable consumption in industry, transport and services and highly irregular production from renewable sources,

- to compensate for the power factor in the electrical network by using rotating machines as energy systems, - to reduce the costs of solving disproportions in the electrical network by limiting the uneconomical operation of peak sources and reducing the requirements for regulating the production of electrical energy in existing power plants,

- to increase energy efficiency in the accumulation of electrical energy by using waste heat, - to make more efficient or limit the massive transmission of electrical energy over long distances and between countries, - to significantly expand and make the production of electrical energy cheaper in wind and photovoltaic power plants whose performance is very unstable,

- limit energy production in fossil fuel power plants, especially gas, or in nuclear power plants,

- significantly contribute to the improvement of the environment,

- increase electrification in industry, transport and services,

- develop electromobility,

- to increase the share of electricity in heating either directly or mainly to drive heat pumps,

- connect battery storage more extensively,

- to limit and streamline the massive transmission of electrical energy over long distances between states, - to increase energy self-sufficiency and security for large and small territorial units within states and for their communities.

-28 CZ 310166 B6

The construction of new pumping stations and the subsequent increase in the share of renewable sources in the energy sector can be a new incentive for the development of industry, transport and services, to reduce unemployment and increase the standard of living of the population.

Clarification of drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail on examples of execution according to the attached drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a regular module, Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules, Fig. 3 shows a diagram of variants of tanks in a system of interconnected modules, Fig. 4 shows a diagram of a planar system of interconnected modules, Fig. 5 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules on a corrugated foundation , Fig. 6 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with a three-level system of modules and a three-level upper platform, Fig. 7 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with a three-level system of modules and a leveled upper platform, Fig. 8 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with additional tanks, Fig. 9 shows the diagrams two variants of the pumped storage power plant with a system of modules with different diameters, Fig. 10 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules with a flow connecting pipe, Fig. 11 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules with parallel connection of a connecting pipe, Fig. 12 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules with independent connection of a connecting pipe pipe, Fig. 13 shows the diagram of pumped-pump power plant cooling, Fig. 14 shows the pumped-pump power plant cooling diagram with an exchanger, Fig. 15 shows the pumped-pump power plant diagram with electricity production equipment. energy from waste heat, Fig. 16 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with equipment for heating and for the production of electrical energy from waste heat.

Examples of implementation of the invention

fig. 1 shows a diagram of a common module.

A foundation 10 is built in the subgrade 4, on which an intermediate piece 13 is placed. on the intermediate piece 13 is

-29 CZ 310166 B6 the upper tank 14 is located and the lower tank 12 is located in the lower part of the intermediate piece. The intermediate piece 13 thus serves to support the upper tank 14 and the lower tank 12.

In the diagram according to the figure, water flows from the upper tank 14 to the lower tank 12, the discharge height is the smallest Hv.min. In the diagram according to Fig. 1b, the water is pumped from the lower tank 12 to the upper tank 14, the discharge height is the largest Hv.max. The load on base 10 does not change during pumping.

In the lower part of the intermediate piece 13, a rectification space 44 is created for rectification of the position of the regular module 8 on the base 10, in such a way that the lower part of the intermediate piece 13 under the lower tank 12 is provided with horizontal reinforcement and mounting holes in the walls of the intermediate piece 13.

Through the mounting holes, pneumatic lifting bags 45 are inserted into the rectification space 44 between the horizontal reinforcement and the base 10, and by filling the lifting bags 45 with air, the regular module 8 can be lifted. In the resulting gap between the regular module 8 and the base 10, a pad with a thickness determined according to the measurement results can be inserted, and by releasing the air from the lifting bags 45, the regular module 8 can be lowered again onto the base 10 with the pad.

fig. 2 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules.

The set of modules includes regular modules 8 with a circular horizontal cross-section, which are connected in a triangle, while the spacing A of the regular modules 8 is smaller than their diameter D, therefore they overlap with the overlap B in plan view.

In Fig. 2a, detail C shows that the pitch A of the regular modules 8 is chosen so that the walls of all three regular modules 8 intersect at one point.

In Fig. 2b, detail C shows that the spacing A of the common modules 8 is greater than in variant 1, therefore only two walls of the common modules 8 intersect at one point. The overlap B of the common modules 8 has decreased.

In Fig. 2c, detail C shows that the pitch A of the regular modules 8 is smaller than in variant 1, therefore only two walls of the regular modules 8 intersect at one point. The overlap B of the regular modules 8 has increased.

fig. 3 shows a diagram of tank variants in a system of connected modules.

fig. 3a shows a diagram of the tanks showing all the walls of the tanks.

So that it is not necessary to equip each space between the tanks with a separate branch to the connecting pipe for the purpose of filling or draining the tanks, the spaces between the tanks created by connecting the tanks are connected to selected spaces inside the tanks.

fig. 3b shows a diagram of the tanks showing three connection variants:

- Tanks marked with cross-hatching and numbers: 1, 5, 8, 11, 14 and 15 have a fully circular shape.

- Tanks marked with horizontal hatching and numbers: 4, 7, 10 and 13 have a circular shape with three bulging arches.

- Tanks marked with vertical hatching and numbers: 2, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 16 have a shape with six convex arches.

Due to the circular shape of the tanks, however, when draining or filling the tanks individually, e.g. due to their failure, it is necessary to follow such a procedure for shutting down or filling neighboring tanks, so that all tanks are loaded only by internal overpressure and so that the arched walls of the tanks are not loaded by external overpressure .

-30 CZ 310166 B6

It is not necessary to fill any adjacent tank before individually filling tank No. 8 with cross hatching.

Before individually filling tank No. 4 with horizontal hatching, it is necessary to fill tanks No. 1, 5 and 8 with cross hatching.

Before individually filling tank No. 9 with vertical hatching, it is necessary to fill tanks with cross hatching No. 1, 5, 8, 11, 14 and 15 and then tanks No. 4, 10 and 13 with horizontal hatching.

Before draining the tank individually, it is necessary to follow the inverse procedure.

It is not necessary to drain any adjacent tank before draining tank No. 9 with vertical hatching individually.

Before individually draining tank No. 4 with horizontal hatching, it is necessary to drain tanks No. 2, 3 and 9 with vertical hatching.

Before individually draining tank No. 8 with cross-hatching, tanks No. 2, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 16 must be drained and then tanks No. 4, 7 and 13 with horizontal hatching.

fig. 4 shows a diagram of a planar system of interconnected modules.

Section A-A shows a system of 7 modules interconnected in a pumped-storage power plant, which is built on a flat foundation 4.

Each regular module 8 in the system of 7 modules contains an upper tank 14, an intermediate piece 13 and a lower tank 12. Below and above the lower tanks 12 and under the upper tanks 14 is a space of service platforms.

For a pumped storage power plant with stable tanks 12, 14, the supporting element is the foundation 10, which is supported by the bearing capacity of the subsoil 4.

Section B-B in the lower part of the figure is made in the area of intermediate pieces 13 and it shows the interlacing of common modules 8, the pitch of which is smaller than their diameter.

The tanks 12, 14 and the energy system can be arbitrarily connected by means of the connecting pipe in the system 7 of modules, because all the normal modules 8 have the same height position and thus the discharge height is the same for all the normal modules 8.

fig. 5 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules on a corrugated substrate.

The scheme is essentially the same as in Fig. 3.1, it differs only in the section A-A, from which it is evident that the system of 7 modules connected in the pumped storage power plant is built on the undulating subsoil 4.

In this system of 7 modules, only the tanks 12, 14 and energy systems with the same height position of the regular modules 8 can be connected via the connecting pipe, i.e. along contour lines to have the same discharge height.

fig. 6 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with a three-level system of modules and a three-level upper platform.

The land on which the pumped storage plant is built has three levels of bearing capacity of the subsoil 4. The different bearing capacity of the subsoil 4 is shown by the different height of the foundations 10.

The system 7 of modules contains three groups of ordinary modules 8, which have the same ratio of the height of the lower and upper tanks 12, 14 to the bearing capacity of the foundation 4, so that each group of ordinary modules 8 has a different height of the lower and upper tanks 12, 14, intermediate pieces 13 and foundations 10.

The system of 7 modules fully utilizes the bearing capacity of the subsoil 4 on the entire plot. This pumped-storage power station therefore has a greater capacity of stored energy than a single-level pumped-storage power station, which would be built according to the lowest bearing capacity of the subsoil on the plot.

The pumped storage power plant also contains three groups of energy devices 27 and connecting pipes 25, which connect the lower tanks 12 and the upper tanks 14 of the respective groups of common modules 8.

-31 CZ 310166 B6

Energy devices 27 are built into energy modules 9 attached to regular modules 8 with lower and upper tanks 12, 14 around the perimeter of the system of 7 modules.

In the scheme according to Fig. 6a, water is released from the upper tanks 14 to the lower tanks 12. In the scheme according to Fig. 6b, water is pumped from the lower tanks 12 to the upper tanks 14.

fig. 7 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with a three-level system of common modules and a balanced upper platform.

The land on which the pumped storage plant is built has three levels of bearing capacity of the subsoil 4. The different bearing capacity of the subsoil 4 is shown by the different height of the foundations 10.

The system of modules 7 contains, similarly to Fig. 4, three groups of ordinary modules 8, where each group of ordinary modules 8 has a different height of the lower and upper tanks 12, 14. intermediate pieces 13 and bases 10, but the ratio of the height of the lower and upper tanks 12, 14 to the bearing capacity of the subsoil 4 is adjusted in these groups in such a way that the upper edges of the upper tanks 14 form a continuous plane.

In the scheme according to Fig. 7a, water is released from the upper tanks 14 to the lower tanks 12. In the scheme according to Fig. 7b, water is pumped from the lower tanks 12 to the upper tanks 14.

fig. 8 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with additional tanks.

The system of 7 modules connected by vertical braces is placed on the bases 10, which are placed on the base 4.

The pumped storage power plant includes an additional tank 15 located between the lower tank 12 and the upper tank 14, thereby creating a cascade of tanks 12, 14, 15 with two stages.

The first stage of the cascade of tanks 12, 14, 15 is therefore formed by the lower tank 12 and the additional tank 15, the second stage of the cascade of tanks 12, 14, 15 is formed by the additional tank 15 and the upper tank 14.

The pumped storage power plant in Fig. 8a contains a separate energy assembly 27 for pumping and turbine operation for each stage of the cascade.

The height difference of the water levels between the tanks 12, 14, 15 in each stage of the cascade is half of the total height difference between the upper tank 14 and the lower tank 12 during pumping and turbine operation.

The pumped storage power plant in Fig. 8b contains an energy assembly 27 for turbine operation common to both stages of the cascade.

During turbine operation, water is discharged from the upper tank 14 to the lower tank 12.

The energy assembly 27 and the vertical connecting pipe 25 for turbine operation must be sized for hydrostatic pressure for the entire height difference.

The pumped storage power plant also contains a separate energy assembly 27 for pumping operation on the first and second stages of the cascade.

During pumping operation, water is pumped in the first stage of the cascade from the lower tank 12 to the additional tank 15 and in the second stage of the cascade it is pumped from the additional tank 15 to the upper tank 14.

The energy system 27 and the vertical connecting pipeline 25 for pumping operation must be sized for the hydrostatic pressure for the height difference between the tanks 12, 14, 15 of the given stage of the cascade.

fig. 9 shows schematics of two variants of a pumped storage power plant with a system of modules with different diameters.

In the system of regular modules 8, the regular modules 8 are connected to each other by vertical stiffeners.

The pitch of the regular modules 8 is greater than their diameter.

The system of ordinary modules 8 contains three groups of ordinary modules 8 with different load-bearing capacity of the subsoil. The different bearing capacity of the subsoil 4 is shown by the different height of the foundations 10.

-32 CZ 310166 B6

fig. 9a shows a diagram of a system of common modules 8, in which all common modules 8 have the same diameter, but the heights of the lower tanks 12 and upper tanks 14 are proportional to the bearing capacity of the subsoil 4. The average discharge height is different for each group of common modules 8.

fig. 9b shows a diagram of a system of common modules 8 with different diameters of lower tanks 12 and upper tanks 14.

In all the common modules 8 of this system of common modules 8, the foundations 10 have the same diameter, because they use all the bearing capacity of the subsoil 4 that is available in the given area of the plot.

The height of the upper tanks 14, lower tanks 12 and intermediate pieces 13 is the same in all ordinary modules 8 of all bearing capacity of the subsoil 4, but their horizontal diameter is different, while the ratio of the horizontal cross-section of the upper tanks 14 in ordinary modules 8 of a certain bearing capacity of the subsoil 4 to the horizontal cross-section of the upper tanks 14 for ordinary modules 8 with the greatest bearing capacity of the subgrade 4 is equal to the ratio of a certain bearing capacity of the subgrade 4 to the greatest bearing capacity of the subgrade 4.

The system of common modules 8 contains in all common modules 8 of all bearing capacities of the subsoil 4 upper tanks 14 with a uniform height, lower tanks 12 with a uniform height and intermediate pieces 13 also with a uniform height, and thus also with a uniform discharge height.

Therefore, all the upper tanks 14 in the entire pumped storage power plant can be connected by a common connecting pipe 25 to all the lower tanks 12.

Pumping with proportional filling of all tanks 12. 14, regardless of their diameter, can be done using any power system.

Since the diameter of the floats 11 and the distance between the regular modules 8 remain the same, the reinforcements between the tanks 12, 14. or between the intermediate pieces 13 of a smaller diameter must have a greater width and thickness in order to bridge the distance between the regular modules 8 and to ensure the rigidity of the mutual connection of the regular modules 8.

fig. 10 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules with a flow connection pipe.

The pitch of the regular modules 8 is smaller than their diameter.

The upper diagram is a vertical section A-A of the system of 7 modules according to the lower diagram. The middle scheme is a floor plan of the system of 8 common modules of the upper scheme. The lower diagram is a horizontal section B-B of the system of common modules 8 according to the upper diagram.

In all common modules 8 of this system of common modules 8, the spacers 13 have the same diameter.

The height of the upper tanks 14 is the same in all common modules 8 of all bearing capacities, but their diameter is different.

The upper tanks 14 are connected to each other by a horizontal flow connection pipe 25 located at the bottom of the upper tanks 14.

Here, the upper tanks 14 are connected to the energy system in series, behind each other, so that they are filled and drained sequentially.

The flow connection pipe 25 is equipped with closures 26 that allow the filling of each upper tank 14 to be regulated by means of closures 26 to the adjacent upper tanks 14.

fig. 11 shows a diagram of a system of connected modules with a parallel connection of a connector

-33 CZ 310166 B6 pipe.

The upper part of the picture shows a vertical section A-A with a system of 7 modules, the lower part of the picture shows a horizontal section B-B with a system of 8 regular modules.

The pitch of the regular modules 8 is smaller than their diameter.

In all common modules 8 of this system of common modules 8, the spacers 13 have the same diameter.

The height of the lower tanks 12 and the upper tanks 14 is the same in all common modules 8 of all bearing capacities of the subsoil, but their diameter is different.

The tanks 12, 14 are connected in parallel by separate branches to the horizontal connecting pipe 25 located under the upper tanks 14.

Tanks 12, 14 are grouped into three groups by a connecting pipe 25, each group of tanks 12, 14 is connected to an energy system 27. Groups of tanks 12, 14 are connected to each other by a closable connecting pipe 25 in case of failure of one of the energy systems 27 or to improve the possibilities regulation of tank filling 12. 14.

The tanks 12, 14 are here connected to the energy system 27 in parallel, so that they can be filled and drained simultaneously.

Each branch of the connecting pipe 25 is equipped with a cap 26, which makes it possible to regulate the filling of the tank 12,14.

fig. 12 shows a diagram of a system of interconnected modules with an independent connection of a connecting pipe.

In the upper part of the picture, a vertical section A-A of a system of 8 common modules is shown, in the lower part of the picture a horizontal section B-B of a system of 8 common modules is shown.

The pitch of the regular modules 8 is smaller than their diameter.

In all common modules 8 of this system of common modules 8, the spacers 13 have the same diameter.

The height of the lower tanks 12 and the upper tanks 14 is the same in all common modules 8 of all bearing capacities of the subsoil, but their diameter is different.

Each tank 12, 14 is connected by a separate connecting pipe 25 leading to the energy system 27.

All the tanks 12, 14 are here connected to the energy system 27 completely independently.

Each separate connecting pipe 25 is equipped with a cap 26, which enables the filling of the lower tank 12 and the upper tank 14 to be regulated and which is located next to the power system 27, so it is easily accessible.

This arrangement is advantageous for increasing the reliability of the closures 26 in the event that the pumped water and all internal spaces of the system of common modules 8 will be heated to an elevated temperature by accumulating waste heat from pumping.

fig. 13 shows the cooling diagram of the pumped storage power plant.

The system of modules 8, 9 contains ordinary modules 8, which are connected to each other vertically

-34 CZ 310166 B6 braces.

In the upper part of the image there is an elevation of the device, in the lower part of the image there is a floor plan of the device.

As an air cooling device here, cooling air paths that serve as a chimney are advantageously used:

- perimeter energy modules 9, which contain vertical connecting pipes 25. which, together with the walls of ordinary modules 8, serve as heat exchange surfaces,

- vertical spaces between regular modules 8, where the walls of regular modules 8 serve as heat exchange surfaces,

- horizontal access corridors at the level below and above the lower tanks 12. as well as at the level below and above the upper tanks 14, where the walls of the tanks 12, 14, the horizontal connecting pipe 25 and the power system 27 form heat exchange surfaces.

The holes in the horizontal reinforcements between the modules 8, 9 and the holes in the lower and upper parts of the peripheral modules 9 allow the passage of cooling air.

Air is supplied to the peripheral energy modules 9 from the outside through a side opening in the lower part of these energy modules 9 and flows:

- around the energy assembly 27 and vertically around the vertical connecting pipe 25 and in the upper part of the energy modules 9,

- horizontally through access corridors at the level below and above the lower tanks 12 around the horizontal connecting pipe 25,

- horizontally through access corridors at the level below and above the upper tanks 14 around the horizontal connecting pipe 25,

- continues to flow vertically upwards around tanks 12, 14 and intermediate pieces 13.

from which it removes waste heat, as a result of heating it rises up by natural draft and in the upper part of the modules 8, 9 it is discharged to the outside environment.

Through the foundation 10, the heat from the pumped storage plant is also transferred to the subsoil 4.

fig. 14 shows the cooling diagram of the pumped storage power plant with an exchanger.

The system of modules 8, 9 contains normal modules 8 and energy modules 9, which are connected to each other by vertical braces.

The connecting pipe 25 is branched in the peripheral energy modules 9, it is arranged in the shape of a heat exchanger 30.

Energy equipment located outside the system of modules 8, 9.

In Fig. 14a, the heat exchanger 30 is located in the lower part of the vertical connecting pipe 25.

In Fig. 14b, the heat exchanger 30 is located in the entire height of the vertical connecting pipe 25.

In Fig. 14a, the power plant of interest is located below ground level 5.

In Fig. 14b, the power plant is located on level 5 of the terrain.

fig. 15 shows a diagram of a pumping station with equipment for electricity production. energy from waste heat.

The pumped storage power plant contains a system of modules 8, 9, which are connected to each other by vertical braces.

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The connecting pipe 25 is preferably branched in the peripheral energy modules 9, it is arranged in the shape of a heat exchanger 30. air motors 31 are located in the upper part of the peripheral energy modules 9.

As a result of the chimney draft, air from the surroundings is drawn into the lower part of the energy module 9 under the heat exchanger 30, is heated in the heat exchanger 30 by waste heat, rises up, is compressed and goes out into the surroundings in the upper part of the energy module 9, passing through the air motor 31 . in which compressed air expands and produces electrical energy.

39 cable lifts with drum drive are available for operation and maintenance.

In Fig. 15a, the heat exchanger 30 is located in the lower part of the vertical connecting pipe 25.

In Fig. 15b, the heat exchanger 30 is located in the entire height of the vertical connecting pipe 25.

fig. 16 shows a diagram of a pumped storage power plant with equipment for heating and for the production of electrical energy from waste heat.

In the upper part of the picture there is a vertical section A-A of the device, in the lower part of the picture there is a plan section B-B of the device.

The pumped storage power plant contains a system of modules 8, 9 which are interconnected.

Common modules 8 contain a lower tank 12, an intermediate piece 13 and an upper tank 14. All modules 8, 9 are placed on concrete foundations.

Under the lower tanks 12 and under the upper tanks 14, a horizontal connecting pipe 25 is placed, which is connected by branches to the tanks 12, 14.

In the lower part of the vertical connecting pipe 25, the power system 27 is located.

The horizontal connecting pipe 25 is branched in the peripheral energy modules 9 and is arranged in the form of heat exchangers 30.

In the upper part of the peripheral, energy modules 9, air motors 31 are located, driven by air heated from the normal modules 8, from the connecting pipe 25 and from the heat exchangers 30.

In the heat exchangers 30, the waste heat from the heated pumped water is transferred to the water of the outdoor heating system for heating the surrounding buildings in the residential zone 40, the industrial zone 41, the agricultural zone 42 and the recreational zone 43.

The panels 46 of the solar power plant are placed on the upper platform and on the side walls of the system of modules 8, 9. Wind turbines 47 are located on the upper platform of the system of modules 8, 9.

Industrial applicability

The pumping station according to the invention has prerequisites for extensive use:

- it is based on the proven simple principle of pumping water, which is an important prerequisite for its reliability,

- makes maximum use of the strength properties and corrosion resistance of the structural material,

- modular construction simplifies production and assembly,

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- maintains stability against overturning even in very strong winds,

- it can be built with high capacity and power according to the needs of the electrical network,

- enables long-term energy storage without loss of capacity,

- has very good energy efficiency when pumping water,

- the waste heat generated during water pumping can be used to heat apartments and non-residential spaces in the surrounding municipalities, and possibly also for the secondary production of electricity,

- the upper platform and side walls of the pumping station can be used for the location of a solar and/or wind power station,

- the excess pressure of the fluid in the energy system fluctuates during the operating cycle in the range of a few percent at most,

- it can be started and stopped with high alertness,

- it can be produced using common, ecological and fully recyclable materials, especially steel, with a long service life of tens to hundreds of thousands of cycles, tens to hundreds of years,

- during development and construction, it is possible to build on experience with the construction of energy equipment and high-rise buildings,

- will make it possible to use land from former industrial areas very efficiently, especially if they have a high bearing capacity of the subsoil,

- the operation of the pumped-storage power plant is ecological, it does not generate harmful waste,

- when water is pumped between the lower and upper reservoirs inside the pumping station, biological life in the vicinity cannot be endangered, there is no risk of sucking in unwanted objects from the lake, the water in the lake is not swirled or polluted, and biological life in the lake cannot be endangered by pumps and turbines,

- by dividing the amount of pumped water into individual modules, the risk of flooding the surroundings with water in the event of damage to one of the tanks is minimized,

- the pumping station, especially in the modular version, is very resistant to earthquakes and adverse weather conditions,

- the reservoirs of the pumping station can also serve as a water reservoir for emergency situations,

- the pumped-storage power plant has low operating costs,

- economic investment and operation similar to that of a classic pumped-storage power plant with two stable tanks.

Claims (20)

1. Pumping station for pumping liquid or gas between the lower stable tank (12) and the upper stable tank (14), wherein the pumping station includes the upper stable tank (14) and the lower stable tank (12), and further includes a base (10) which can be placed in the base (4) and on which the intermediate piece (13) is placed, on which the upper stable tank (14) is located, and further contains pipes (25) and energy equipment (27) for pumping liquid or gas between the lower stable tank (12) and an upper stable tank (14), characterized by the fact that the lower stable tank (12) is located on the base (10) or above the base (10) in the space of the intermediate piece (13). 2. The pumped storage power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains at least one additional tank (15) located between the lower stable tank (12) and the upper stable tank (14) and connected to these tanks (12, 14) via a pipe (25) and power system (27), which creates a cascade of tanks (12, 14, 15). 3. A pumped storage power plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is designed as a module (8, 9) which is supported on a foundation (10). 4. The pumped storage power plant according to claim 3, characterized in that it is formed by a system (7) of modules in which the modules (8, 9) are connected to each other. 5. A pumped storage power plant according to claim 4, characterized in that the system (7) of modules is formed by groups of modules (8, 9), each group of modules (8, 9) having a common energy system (27). 6. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the pitch of the modules (8, 9) with a circular horizontal cross-section is greater or smaller than their diameter. 7. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that each module (8, 9) is built on a separate foundation (10). 8. Pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that each group of modules (8, 9) is built on a separate foundation (10). 9. Pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the system (7) of modules contains modules (8, 9) with different heights of modules (8, 9) or with different heights of tanks (12, 14, 15) according to bearing capacity of the subsoil (4). 10. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that in the system (7) of modules the spaces between the tanks (12, 14, 15) are provided with continuous bottoms, where the continuous bottom is created by closing the space between the tanks (12, 14 , 15) in the level of lower or upper days. 11. A pumped-storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that from each tank (12, 14) a connecting pipe (25) is brought to the perimeter of the pumped-storage power plant, where the perimeter forms an interface between the pumped-storage power plant and its surroundings. 12. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting pipe (25) is led from each tank (12, 14) to the energy system (27) separately. 13. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the walls of the tanks (12, 14, 15) between their internal spaces or between the modules (8, 9) contain flow openings. 14. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the power system (27) is located outside the system (7) of modules. - 38 CZ 310166 B6 15. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it contains a venting connecting pipe (34) by which the lower stable tank (12) and the upper stable tank (14) and/or the additional tank (15) are connected. 16. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it has an upper platform 5 and side walls on which a solar power plant (46) and/or a wind power plant (47) are placed. 17. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it contains a device (30) for removing waste heat generated during pumping. 18. A pumped-storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it contains a device (31) for producing electrical energy from waste heat generated during pumping. 10 19. A pumped-storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it contains a device (30) for using waste heat generated during pumping to heat surrounding objects (40, 41, 42, 43). 20. A pumped storage power plant according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it contains a control, measurement and control system.