Explain how Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) can store energy.

The system consists of 2 reservoirs at different elevations, where the water can flow between them but through a hydroelectric power station. The higher elevation reservoir releases its water at higher energy demand times, where it flows through turbines generating electricity. When the energy demands are low and the power stations are producing excess energy, a pump is turned on using this excess energy to move the water from the lower reservoir to the higher reservoir string this energy as gravitational energy for later use. This process converts gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy and then to electrical energy and then reverses this conversion process to store energy.

CK
Answered by Chris K. Physics tutor

3221 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the energy transfers taking place when a person is running up a hill


An electric whisk in a bakery has two motors, each with an average power of 1500W. The whisk is used for 4 hours each day, 7 days a week. Electricity costs 18p per kilowatt-hour. Calculate the cost of the electricity used by the whisk in one week.


What led to the Plum Pudding model being replaced by Rutherford's nuclear model of the atom? (6 marks)


a bat emits sound waves with a range of wavelengths. Some of the sound waves will be diffracted by the insect. Complete the following sentences to explain why. [2 marks] Diffraction is caused by the sound waves _______________________________________


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning