A Performance Prediction Method for Pumps as Turbines (PAT) Using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling Approach

Emma Frosina, Dario Buono and Adolfo Senatore
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Emma Frosina: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio, 21-80125 Naples, Italy
Dario Buono: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio, 21-80125 Naples, Italy
Adolfo Senatore: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio, 21-80125 Naples, Italy

Energies, 2017, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Small and micro hydropower systems represent an attractive solution for generating electricity at low cost and with low environmental impact. The pump-as-turbine (PAT) approach has promise in this application due to its low purchase and maintenance costs. In this paper, a new method to predict the inverse characteristic of industrial centrifugal pumps is presented. This method is based on results of simulations performed with commercial three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Model results have been first validated in pumping mode using data supplied by pump manufacturers. Then, the results have been compared to experimental data for a pump running in reverse. Experimentation has been performed on a dedicated test bench installed in the Department of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering of the University of Naples Federico II. Three different pumps, with different specific speeds, have been analyzed. Using the model results, the inverse characteristic and the best efficiency point have been evaluated. Finally, results have been compared to prediction methods available in the literature.

Keywords: energy saving; PAT; urban hydraulic network; numerical modeling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (24)

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