Investigation of pumped hydro storage application in Isparta province

Scope of this thesis is the investigation of the feasibility of pumped hydro energy storage system in Isparta province for efficiently utilization of energy, contribution to the supply-demand balance of electricity and to provide continuity in energy production from renewable resources. For this aim, first, a detailed literature investigation about PHES systems was made. Then, the status of the PHES system in the world was examined and the PHES potential of Turkey was surveyed. In the analysis part of the study, the suitable locations for construction of PHES plants were examined around Eğirdir Lake and a site was determined which had got the satisfying height and proper physical conditions. A sample PHES analysis was carried out theoretically for the selected site under some assumptions. For the analyses, two scenarios considered. In the first scenario, the electrical energy needed for pumping of the water was assumed to be supplied from the local grid during the night time when the electric prices were low. In the second scenario, the required energy was supposed to be supplied from a photovoltaic solar power plant. For both scenarios, the energy produced from stored pumped hydro during the peak hours when the electric prices were high. From the results, the payback period of the plant was found to be 15 years for the first scenario while it was calculated as 21.5 years for the second scenario. Additionally, it was determined that Turkey's PHES potential was high enough and it was understood that the surroundings of Eğirdir Lake were convenient for PHES applications