Pressure Management in Water Distribution Networks by Means of Pumps as Turbines: A Case Study in Northern Italy

Pressure control by means of pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) is a possible strategy to reduce water losses in water distribution networks (WDNs). However, PRV replacement with energy-harvesting devices—such as pumps as turbines (PATs)—can lead to a more sustainable management of water systems. This...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Engineering proceedings Vol. 69; no. 1; p. 135
Main Authors: Lucrezia Manservigi, Valentina Marsili, Filippo Mazzoni, Giulia Anna Maria Castorino, Saverio Farsoni, Enzo Losi, Stefano Alvisi, Marcello Bonfè, Marco Franchini, Pier Ruggero Spina, Mauro Venturini
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 01.09.2024
Subjects:
energy recovery
pumps as turbines
sustainability
water distribution networks
ISSN:2673-4591
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Pressure control by means of pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) is a possible strategy to reduce water losses in water distribution networks (WDNs). However, PRV replacement with energy-harvesting devices—such as pumps as turbines (PATs)—can lead to a more sustainable management of water systems. This study analyzes the case study of a WDN located in Northern Italy, of which the layout is supposed to be upgraded by installing a PAT for both pressure reduction and energy recovery. To identify the optimal PAT to install (i.e., the one that maximizes energy recovery), a fleet of forty-five turbomachines is hypothetically employed. The study reveals that the hydraulic regulation of the optimal PAT allows recovering over 50% of the hydraulic energy available in the WDN.
ISSN:2673-4591
DOI:10.3390/engproc2024069135