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

3153 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A sound wave has a frequency of 500 Hz. The sound wave has a wavelength of 0.34 m in air. Calculate the speed of the sound wave in air?


What is the wavelength of a wave?


Explain the difference between speed and velocity.


How does a vacuum flask keep a beverage warm for long periods? (6 Marks)


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