Operating Options for Pumped Equalizing Storage

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Abstract
There are two basic ways in which equalizing storage can be used by the operator of a service district with a pumped supply. Either the storage is unregulated and “floats” on the system for an extended period of time, or the storage is replenished, perhaps once each day, by manipulating the pumping schedule. This article discusses a hypothetical system comprised of a single pumped sendout, a distribution network, a single elevated storage site, and a constant‐suction water level. The pump shutoff and design heads, the volume, and the total depth and height of elevated storage have been held constant. Essentially, the pump design capacity was investigated to determine the effect of its quantity on recoverability of equalizing storage. Two operating options were considered: full daily recovery of storage by using higher‐capacity pumps; and, full recovery over about half of the year using a lower‐capacity pump, permitting the storage to float on the system. In the example presented, the annual power cost for the former appears to be 8 per cent higher. The range of pumping rates is greater, and the volume of storage utilized is less, for the daily full‐recovery option.

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