Alatorre-Frenk, Claudio (1994) Cost minimisation in micro-hydro systems using pumps-as-turbines. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

Preview

PDF WRAP_THESIS_Alatorre-Frenk_1994.pdf - Submitted Version - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Download (13Mb)

Abstract

The use of reverse-running pumps as turbines (PATs) is a promising technology for small-scale hydropower. This thesis reviews the published knowledge about PATs and deals with some areas of uncertainty that have hampered their dissemination, especially in 'developing' countries. Two options for accommodating seasonal flow variations using PATs are examined and compared with using conventional turbines (that have flow control devices). This has been done using financial parameters, and it is shown' that, under typical conditions, PATs are more economic. The various published techniques for predicting the turbine-mode performance of a pump without expensive tests are reviewed; a new heuristic one is developed, and it is shown (using the same financial parameters and a large set of test data in both modes of operation) that the cost of prediction inaccuracy is negligible under typical circumstances. The economics of different ways of accommodating water-hammer are explored. Finally, the results of laboratory tests on a PAT are presented, including cavitation tests, and for the latter a theoretical framework is exposed.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	T Technology > TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Pump turbines -- Economic aspects, Water-power -- Economic aspects
Date:	February 1994
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Engineering
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Thomas, Terry
Sponsors:	Universidad Nacional de México ; Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom
Extent:	xi, 202 leaves
Language:	eng
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/36099

Request changes to a record

Actions (login required)

View Item