Pumps as turbines (PAT) for small hydropower and recovery up to 2 000 kW
Centrifugal pumps running in reverse as turbines (Pumps as Turbines, PAT) with an output of up to 2 000 kW. They are installed at small hydropower plants and in energy recovery systems instead of a classic hydro turbine when low capital costs are required. The efficiency of the unit is up to 87 %.
- Single-stage
- up to 800 l/s, head up to 80 m, up to 250 kW
- Double-flow split-case
- up to 6 000 l/s, head up to 80 m, up to 2 000 kW
- Efficiency
- up to 87 %
- Modes
- constant/variable speed, parallel operation, turbine and pump
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
In forward mode the pump moves the medium, in reverse mode it is rotated by the flow and works as a mini-turbine that generates electricity. A pump-turbine makes sense where high pressure is needed only in one section of a process. Normally the pressure is then dissipated by a reducing or throttle valve, and the energy of the high-pressure flow is simply lost. A PAT captures this energy and returns it to the grid, and purchase and operation of a pump cost less than those of a classic turbine.
According to the manufacturer, PATs are used at small hydropower plants feeding power into the grid, in pressure reduction systems on water mains, at residual flow outlets with power generation, as recovery turbines in the pulp and paper industry, in autonomous power supply of mountain huts and forest bases, and at small pumped-storage plants. The media are river water, drinking water, wastewater and pulp. At the treatment plant of a German paper mill, a pump-turbine with a total shaft power of 127 kW returns 53 kW.
The range consists of three groups. Single-stage centrifugal pumps are designed for a flow of up to 800 l/s, a head of up to 80 m and an output of up to 250 kW. Single-stage double-flow split-case pumps pass up to 6 000 l/s at the same head of up to 80 m and deliver up to 2 000 kW. Multistage versions are available for high heads. Casings are made of grey cast iron or stainless steel.
The impeller is open with a large free passage, so the unit is insensitive to contamination and resistant to wear. Operation at constant or variable speed, parallel operation of several PATs, direct coupling to the machine, and turbine and pump modes are possible. The hydraulic characteristics are confirmed by tests of prototypes in the manufacturer's own hydraulic laboratory. The pumps are series-produced, so delivery times are short and civil works on site are minimal. Maintenance costs are also low.
The manufacturer's automation handles parallel operation with the grid and island mode with black start. Supply from a single source is possible: pump-turbine, generator, low-voltage cabinets and automation with visualization, remote access and SMS notification.
Technical specifications
| Single-stage | up to 800 l/s, head up to 80 m, up to 250 kW |
|---|---|
| Double-flow split-case | up to 6 000 l/s, head up to 80 m, up to 2 000 kW |
| Efficiency | up to 87 % |
| Modes | constant/variable speed, parallel operation, turbine and pump |
| Media | river water, drinking water, wastewater, pulp |
| Materials | grey cast iron, stainless steel |
Request a price and lead time
Pumps as turbines (PAT) for small hydropower and recovery up to 2 000 kW. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Questions and answers
What output can a pump in turbine mode deliver?
Single-stage pumps deliver up to 250 kW at a flow of up to 800 l/s, double-flow split-case pumps up to 2 000 kW at a flow of up to 6 000 l/s. The head in both cases is up to 80 m.
Where is a PAT more advantageous than a classic hydro turbine?
At small hydropower plants, in pressure reduction systems instead of throttle valves, at residual flow outlets and in process circuits of pulp and paper production. Capital costs and the volume of civil works are lower, and the efficiency is up to 87 %.
Can the installation operate without an external grid?
Yes, the automation supports island mode with black start and parallel operation with the grid. This mode is used for autonomous power supply of mountain huts and forest bases.
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