Efficiency of using the upper reservoir of the Zagorsk pumped-storage station

Operating efficiency depends, among other things, on the useful storage and non-productive water losses from the upper reservoir. This article details analysis of these two factors for the Zagorsk pumped storage hydroelectric power station. The analysis is based on data provided by a sub-system of the plant's automatic control system. The upper reservoir of this plant is characterised by standing waves with a complex frequency spectrum with undamped character. The excess level of the crest of the upper embankment should consider these standing waves. Standard systems for measuring the upper pool level should provide for averaging the measurements. Installation of pre-turbine gates at new pumped storage plants are recommended for the elimination of non-productive water losses.