Performance of a Centrifugal Pump as a Pico Hydro Scale Turbine

Abstract

Utilization of the potential energy of water scale piko hydro is still very small, one of the challenges is that water turbines are not sold freely on the market, to get it must be ordered in advance to certain shops or workshops so that the price of turbines becomes expensive. The purpose of this experimental research is to analyze the performance of alternative fluid engines that can function as water turbines, namely pumps as turbines (PAT). Tests were carried out on three sizes of centrifugal pumps, namely 1 inch, 1.5 inches and 2 inches. using the same test equipment. The test results found that centrifugal pumps can be used as a good alternative as a water turbine. The larger pump size results in a lower head, power and efficiency. The results of testing at constant rotation and head, PAT 1 inch superior to PAT 1.5 inches, and PAT 2 inches. The maximum power and efficiency of 1 inch PAT is 235 W and 38% occur at a constant head of 15 m, 4.1 L/s discharge and 850 rpm rotation. This data inspired the researchers to create head and discharge standards suitable for each PAT size. Furthermore, many centrifugal pumps are sold in the market, it is necessary to do further research to get the right recommendations about the type, brand and size of the ideal pump used as a pico hydro scale water turbine in accordance with the potential for water and head discharge in the community.

The pump as a turbine: A review on performance prediction, performance improvement, and economic analysis

“…Additionally, when operating in reverse mode, pumps can be utilized to generate electrical power. PAT technology finds application in various fields, including Pico/micro-hydropower projects [ [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] ], water supply/distribution systems [ [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] ], reverse osmosis systems [ 29 , 30 ], pressure-reducing systems [ 31 , 32 ], and power recovery in irrigation and industrial piping networks [ 33 , 34 ].…”