Optimal selection of pumps as turbines for maximizing electrical energy production

Abstract

A Pump as Turbine (PAT) is a renewable energy technology that can be a cost-effective and reliable alternative to hydraulic turbines in micro and small hydropower plants. In order to further favour PAT exploitation, a general procedure that allows the identification of the most suitable turbomachine to install is required. To this purpose, this paper develops a novel methodology aimed at selecting the best PAT that, among several alternatives, maximizes energy production. The methodology comprises two steps, which only require the knowledge of the best efficiency point of the considered pump and the hydraulic parameters of the site. The novel methodology is validated in this paper by calculating the electrical energy production of a simulated water distribution network coupled with several PATs, whose performance curves, both in direct and reverse modes, are taken from the literature. For the sake of generality, the considered turbomachines account for different geometrical characteristics, rotational speeds and operating ranges.