Energy Reduction with Application of Shaft in Water Supply Systems

Abstract

A Water Transmission Network (WTN) conveying raw water from a source to the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is often pumped supply. Pumped supply-based networks have more energy consumption, water hammer, and high operation and maintenance compared to gravity systems. The present study reports the application of a Shaft in WTN for improving the efficiency of the pumping system. The Shaft is a hydraulic isolation structure based on a similar hydraulic principle as Break Pressure Tank (BPT). The benefits of using Shaft are quantified based on the two case studies from Maharashtra, India. The impact of Shaft on the WTN is reported using energy grade lines, energy performance indicators, and life cycle energy cost. In addition to the reduction in energy consumption, from the case studies, it is shown that the system’s carrying capacity could be increased by using the Shaft at an appropriate location in WTN. Overall, a Shaft provides operational flexibility to the operators, improving the efficiency of the system.