POMPA
Pump as turbine solutions that convert the pressure drop in a pipeline into electrical energy with a generator instead of dissipating it across a valve; micro and small hydroelectric generation with the existing pumping and piping infrastructure.
Today, with energy costs rising and sustainability targets coming to the fore, converting the “wasted” pressure and flow in systems into energy is more valuable than ever.
Pumps as Turbines (Pump as Turbine – PaT) are hydraulic machines that generate electrical energy, essentially by running centrifugal pumps in reverse. HydroPaT solutions make micro and small hydroelectric generation possible by using the existing pumping and piping infrastructure, without requiring large additional investments.
With the HydroPaT approach, instead of merely dissipating the pressure drop in the pipeline across a valve, compact systems are designed that convert this potential into electrical energy by means of a generator. Depending on the requirement, a single-stage, multistage or double suction design is used.
Compared with conventional turbines:
For power outputs up to 150 kW, using a hydraulic turbine for energy recovery is expensive. Where using a turbine is too expensive and complex, a pump as turbine is a simpler and cheaper solution.
For power outputs up to 150 kW; payback periods are a general assessment and are calculated separately for each project.Typical HydroPaT installation for off-grid electricity generation in a drinking water network: the pump as turbine is installed on a branch parallel to the main line.
Drinking water and waste water systems distribute water and collect waste water through trunk mains and distribution networks. Adjusting (regulating) the pressure gives very good results in controlling water losses; for this purpose, tanks (break-pressure chambers) or pressure reducing valves (PRV) are used.
While PRVs require additional investment, they also waste the energy they dissipate. Using a pump as turbine where energy has to be dissipated recovers part of this energy; it also plays an important role in reducing water leakage. A pressure regulating valve may optionally be fitted on the main line.
End-to-end solution, from hydraulic analysis to remote monitoring.
Pump as Turbine – HydroPaT aims to determine the most suitable solution for the site by evaluating the hydraulic efficiency – initial investment – payback period triangle together in every project.
A norm, double suction or multistage pump, depending on capacity and head; each is used in pump as turbine applications in horizontal or vertical configuration.
* “Double entry” is another name for the double suction impeller. In pump-as-turbine operation the flow is reversed: water enters through the discharge flange and leaves through both sides of the impeller.
Grid-parallel or island mode (off-grid) operation; automatic control, SCADA integration and remote monitoring.
No adjustable guide vanes. Pumps as turbines have no adjustable guide vanes; in addition to by-passing the excess flow, using several pumps as turbines of larger and smaller sizes is also suitable. Their maintenance and operation are far easier and more economical than those of water turbines.
The annual variation of the water flow rate and head should be roughly known; with this statistical data an optimum PaT system can be designed.
Points to consider when using pumps as turbines:
If your lines have high pressure drops, pressure-reducing valve points or energy potential that you say is “going to waste anyway”, you can convert these into electrical energy with Pump as Turbine – HydroPaT.
For higher capacity, net head and/or electrical power requirements, please contact us.
Let’s talk about your projectEnergy recovery with Pump as Turbine – HydroPaT systems is possible on every line with a suitable elevation difference and pressure drop.
