Hydro-sediment numerical modeling for pumped storage power plants

Pumped storage power plants (PSPPs) play a critical role in enhancing the operational security, stability, and reliability of power systems. Hydro-sediment numerical modeling serves as an essential tool for investigating sedimentation issues in PSPPs. Focusing on the Guanting PSPP as a case study, results from a two-dimensional hydro-sediment numerical model demonstrate that: In the pumping/discharge process, a distinct main current belt forms along the direction of the water intake/outlet structures, transporting incoming sediment with the dominant current, thus influencing sediment concentration in diversion flows and local erosion/deposition distribution. Due to the flow convergence (pumping) or backwater effects (discharge), the main belt generated during the operation converges with the main current belt in the natural state near the intake/outlet transition zone, forming a recirculation. The continuous changes in the flow field will also promote erosion/deposition near the transition zone.