On Mar 31, 12:47 pm, John Rumm wrote:
On 29/03/2011 06:03, Matty F wrote:

Here in NZ wind can be a good idea. We have vast hydroelectric power
capability, with not enough rainfall to keep them running all the
time.
The power from wind generators means the power from hydro generators
can be reduced quickly, saving the water in the large dams.
Not an option in the UK I agree, but wind power can be economic in
some places so let's not rubbish it completely.

In fact using wind to pump water uphill for use in pumped storage
systems sounds like it could be quite handy. All the flexibility of
pumped storage, while mitigating the nett energy cost of using it a
little when there is wind available.

If the water could be pumped directly by the wind instead of
converting to electricity feeding a pump, surely that would be more
efficient. Unfortunately the pumps would have to be almost at the
level of the lower reservoir.

If anyone is making one of these, please put in a spillway! Unlike at
Taum Sauk where the level monitoring device failed and the dam
collapsed.