Innovation of a micro-hydropower turbine to recover energy from water distribution networks : exploration of a design and identification of its economic and environmental value

Abstract

Energy consumption in water distribution networks (WDNs) is a widely publicised problem, one which results in the industry contributing high carbon emissions to the environment. Ways in which the carbon emissions of the industry can be mitigated include leakage control and energy recovery in the WDN. In a study conducted in Ireland and Wales, pressure reducing valve (PRV) sites represented approximately half of the total energy recovery potential within the WDN (Gallagher et al., 2015). Nevertheless, technology to realise this potential in practice is not yet fully feasible. This thesis explores the capabilities of pump-as-turbine (PAT) technology to offer a sustainable solution for energy conversion and pressure management in WDNs.