摘要 |
Disclosed is a system and method for producing electrical power during peak power demand periods and for, in effect, storing electrical power or energy during low power demand periods. Two or more cavities are provided in an underground salt dome or other thick salt deposit, with a first one of the cavities being located above the level of the second. Oil or other liquid in which salt is substantially insoluble, such as saturated brine, is placed in at least one of the cavities for use as a working liquid to produce electrical power. The power is produced by delivering the liquid from the first cavity to a pump/turbine unit located at a level below the first cavity to thereby drive the unit so that it produces electrical power. Such power would be produced, for example, during peak load demand periods when the need for power was greatest. Liquid discharged from the pump/turbine unit is delivered to the second cavity for temporary storage. During low power demand periods, electrical power is supplied to the pump/turbine unit to cause the unit to pump liquid from the second cavity back up to the first cavity to await repeat of the power producing phase of the cycle.
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