Implementation of energy recovery from excess pressure in a water distribution network pilot study area & investigation using a hydraulic model

In addition to safe and adequate transmission of drinking water to the consumers, sustainability of the networks is also a matter of concern. Sustainability of a drinking water distribution network can be achieved by minimizing water losses to the lowest possible level, increasing energy efficiency and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. Pressure management in water distribution networks is a very important issue. Water pressure in the water distribution network should be kept between certain limits. When the pressure is low, the consumers may face problems in accessing water, whereas excess pressure increases water losses in the networks. One of the most commonly used methods to reduce excess pressure in drinking water distribution networks is the use of PRV (Pressure Reducing Valve). In recent years, there is a widespread interest to use alternative systems instead of PRV systems to break excess pressure in the networks. Pump as Turbine (PAT) systems are examples of alternative and sustainable systems used in place of PRV systems. PAT systems reduce excess pressure in the network and generate energy from excess pressure at the same time. In this way, both excess pressure in the network could be reduced and the energy demand could be eliminated. In this thesis study, the possibility of energy saving from excess pressure was investigated in order to realize sustainable drinking water distribution networks. Moreover, possibility of installing PAT systems was investigated for 18 district meter areas (DMA) in Antalya Konyaaltı drinking water distribution network. The energy recovery potential by the PAT system implemented at ANFAŞ-EXPO drinking water distribution network, located in Aksu district of Antalya province, was investigated. A feasibility study was also carried out for Konyaaltı drinking water distribution network where the possible amount of energy that could be produced in the coming years was calculated for each DMA. By reducing excess pressure in ANFAŞ-EXPO drinking distribution network by installing PAT system; - Energy production of 29258.4 kWh - Carbon dioxide emission reduction of 15631.59 kg CO2 - Water saving of 317462.4 m3 - Energy savings of 212699.81 kWh and carbon dioxide emission reduction of 113637 kg CO2 were estimated due to savings from transmission and distribution of water for the year 2020.