Uso de bombas funcionando no sentido reverso como uma alternativa para a geração de energia eléctrica em sistemas de abastecimento de água

Abstract

The present work aims, objectively, to study the feasibility of using surplus hydraulic energy in pipelines of water supply systems in which the distribution to the consumer is made by gravity, through the implementation of pumps working as PAT turbines coupled to electric generators. The use of pumps working as a turbine to replace pressure reducing valves (PRV) is an alternative that has been studied all over the world, considering that it reconciles pressure control with the generation of electricity. the turbines are the most appropriate equipment, but PATs have been standing out for their low cost, ease and speed in acquiring and obtaining spare parts, as they are robust equipment and produced on a large scale by the industry. It is a mitigation method to control the aforementioned losses, converging in the field of energy efficiency. This research presents a methodology that details the regulation of pressure in a water supply project for the municipality of Namaacha. The values of the hydraulic variables were obtained using the EPANET 2.00 software, where several hydraulic simulations were performed. Comparisons were made of the behavior of the pressure reducing valves with the pumps operating as a turbine, from the point of view of pressure control of the supply system. The energy produced annually with the installation of two PAT`s was estimated, that resulted in 46,866 kwh/year, and the economic and environmental viability of the project was assessed with NPL de 644 017,1 Mzn. Based on the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that the PAT`s installation project is viable, and finally some recommendations were indicated.