Analysis of a 10 kW mini pumped hydro storage plant with solar integration in Uzbekistan

This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a 10 kW mini pumped hydro storage (PSH) system integrated with solar photovoltaic (PV) energy for rural electrification in Uzbekistan. The system stores excess solar energy during the day and generates 60 kWh electricity during evening hours at a rated power of 10 kW, with an overall efficiency of about 75 %. The optimized design includes a Cross-Flow turbine (200 mm diameter, 600 rpm), a 10 m head, and 58 solar panels of 400 W. The study demonstrates that such small PSH systems can provide a cost-effective, long-lifetime alternative to chemical batteries in rural power applications.