Local Hydroelectric Energy Storage: A feasibility study about a small scale energy storage system combining hydropower, gravity power, spring power and air pressure

Renewable energy sources, like wind- and solar power, are expected to generate a greater part of the electricity production in the Netherlands each upcoming year. Besides all the advantages, the energy supply of these renewable energy sources fluctuates heavily as they mainly depend on the amount of wind and sun. Therefore, the electricity market is in need of a solution to mitigate supply fluctuations and deliver sustainable electricity even during dark and low-wind periods. My research focusses on the feasibility of a Local Hydroelectric Energy Storage system which can be applied in the built environment (see figure below). The use of proven technology from Pumped Hydro Storage plants combined with compressed air increases the water pressure and results in an energy dense storage solution which would be well suitable for flat countries such as the Netherlands.