4 ms·
Would it be practical to integrate pumped hydroelectric energy storage into a canal lock mechanism? Pump water up to lower the water level; harness water flowin
by perihelions 3y ago
Would it be practical to integrate pumped hydroelectric energy storage into a canal lock mechanism? Pump water up to lower the water level; harness water flowing back down for electricity; and arrange the timing partly towards grid supply & demand.
Maybe dig a third reservoir adjacent to the lock mechanism, as a buffer between the two levels, to give you more flexibility with the timings.
[late edit]: Apparently this is in fact a thing, in some cases:
- "The hydraulic cylinders enable the water used by the locks to be pumped back. Up to 48,000 cubic metres of water are displaced in a single lockage operation. In periods of low discharge on the Meuse, the screws can pump back the water lost due to the passage of a ship through the lock to the upper canal reach. In normal periods of enough discharge at the Meuse, the screws are used to to generate green electricity from hydropower."
https://www.inlandnavigation.eu/power-of-water-and-wind/ https://www.inlandnavigation.eu/power-of-water-and-wind/
- jacquesm 3y ago> harness water flowing back down for electricity; Too little head for good efficiency.