Application of conversion model for designing hydrodynamic pumps in turbine mode
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Kamýcká 129, CZ16521, Praha 6, Czech Republic
Correspondence: karel@tf.czu.cz
Abstract:
The use of the smallest water resources has been coming again to the centre of interest in recent years. A water engine – turbine, is the heart of these power plants. This is usually the highest expense for the investor, in terms of cost. The effort is therefore to seek investment less demanding alternatives. One of them is the use of hydrodynamic pumps in reverse turbine operation. This paper provides a methodology for conversion of parameters of the smallest power pumps (micro hydro sites) to turbine operation. The conversion model is based on the results of experimental research at the author’s workplace and is suitable for pumps with low specific speeds and outputs. The pump design process for turbine mode is complemented by a practical example for a specific deployment site. This example also serves to verify the accuracy of the conversion model.
Key words:
conversion model, efficiency, pump as turbine (PAT), specific speed