Comprehensive Review for Energy Recovery Technologies Used in Water Distribution Systems Considering Their Performance, Technical Challenges, and Economic Viability

Abstract

Urban water distribution systems (WDSs) exhibit significant energy potential that is currently dissipated in the form of excess pressure, either at brake-pressure tanks (BPTs) or pressure reduction valves (PRVs). Recent research focuses on the implementation of energy harvesting methods within WDSs in order to improve the energy efficiency of such systems. This paper provides a systematic review of the technologies developed for energy exploitation in WDSs, covering both their technical and economic aspects, while considering their reliability in providing water pressure regulation. Drawn from the existing literature and state of the art, a systematic analysis was carried out that specifies and categorizes the most essential parameters that impact the implementation of energy recovery turbines into WDSs. Different turbine types, design parameters, and performance properties, such as generation efficiency and pressure regulation precision, were considered. Finally, practical challenges and consequences emerging from the joint optimization of water and power systems are addressed.

Keywords

• water distribution systems
• energy recovery turbines
• pressure regulation
• hydropower potential
• energy efficiency
• cost models