Some General Basic Planning Characteristics of Pump-Storage Hydro Capacity

This paper first discusses the effect of limited energy hydro capacity, including pump-storage hydro capacity, on system installed capacity requirements, showing that, for a combined thermal and hydro system, the capacity value of the hydro depends primarily on the reduction in the maximum thermal generation requirements that can be effected over the heavier daily peak load hours. Such determinations are inseparable from the load characteristics and the effect of prior installed limited energy capacity. Second, a mathematical basis is presented for the evaluation of the relative economics of alternative potential pump-storage sites based on operating requirements, and for the determination of the most economical size of development for various conditions.