Site selection and integrated scheme development for underground pumped hydro storage in abandoned mines

Vorschau

Leseprobe, PDF (2,8 MB)
Inhaltsverzeichnis, PDF (740 KB)

As the global transition toward clean energy accelerates and variable renewables rapidly expand, large-scale flexible energy storage solutions have become increasingly vital. Underground Pumped Hydro Storage Power Plants in abandoned mines present a transformative pathway to repurpose legacy subterranean infrastructure into sustainable energy storage systems. However, translating complex, abandoned mine networks into viable engineering assets presents significant scientific and technical challenges.

This monograph provides a systematic research methodology and practical framework for developing pumped hydro storage in retired mining facilities, bridging the gap between candidate site selection, mine-specific layout design, and structural stability verification. The author introduces a two-step multi-criteria decision-making model that precisely accounts for qualitative uncertainties and expert hesitation during mine evaluation. Through a case study in Yunnan Province, China, the practical application of this model is demonstrated, identifying the Dahongshan Iron Mine as an optimal candidate.

Furthermore, the book establishes an innovative hybrid operating scheme that combines surface diversion hydropower during the rainy season with underground pumped-storage operations during the dry season. Advanced three-dimensional numerical analyses ultimately verify the mechanical stability and integrity of critical penstock shaft structures under high operational water pressures. Designed for researchers, mining engineers, energy planners, and policy-makers, this work provides essential strategies for converting legacy mining assets into resilient, next-generation energy storage facilities.