Study of a solar PV-powered mini-grid pumped hydroelectric storage & its comparison with battery storage

Abstract

Because of the increased demand and unsteady nature of solar power, solar energy storage methods are urgently needed, especially for mini-grid system where PV panels are the only source of energy. This paper intends to find out the more competitive solar energy storage system between two alternatives. They are, solar power system integrated with the pumped storage scheme and solar power system assisted by lead acid battery storage option. Though pumped storage scheme is unprecedented in smaller systems and its potential in a tiny scope is not proven, we incorporated it in a small system & tested its compatibility against the conventional lead acid battery storage system. It is observed that the pumped storage scheme is almost half as efficient yet more expensive than the conventional battery storage option.